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EP1841286B1 - Hearing aid with adaptive starting values of parameters - Google Patents

Hearing aid with adaptive starting values of parameters Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1841286B1
EP1841286B1 EP07103465.6A EP07103465A EP1841286B1 EP 1841286 B1 EP1841286 B1 EP 1841286B1 EP 07103465 A EP07103465 A EP 07103465A EP 1841286 B1 EP1841286 B1 EP 1841286B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
value
hearing aid
parameter
memory
signal
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Revoked
Application number
EP07103465.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1841286A2 (en
EP1841286A3 (en
Inventor
Arthur Giesner
Volkmar Dr. Hamacher
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Application filed by Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Publication of EP1841286A2 publication Critical patent/EP1841286A2/en
Publication of EP1841286A3 publication Critical patent/EP1841286A3/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method according to claim 1.
  • an input signal is recorded by means of an input transducer and converted into an electrical input signal.
  • an input transducer usually serves as an input transducer at least one microphone which receives an acoustic input signal.
  • Modern hearing aids often comprise a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve a direction dependent on the direction of arrival of acoustic signals reception, a directional characteristic.
  • the input transducers may also include a telecoil or antenna for receiving electromagnetic input signals.
  • the input signals converted by the input transducer into electrical input signals are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification. The further processing and amplification takes place to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer, as a rule, as a function of the signal frequency.
  • the signal processing unit outputs an electrical output signal which is fed via an output transducer to the hearing of the hearing aid wearer, so that the latter perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal.
  • output transducers usually listeners are used, which generate an acoustic output signal.
  • output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known, which directly excite certain parts of the ear, such as the ossicles, to vibrate.
  • output transducers are known which directly stimulate neurons of the ear.
  • parameters relating to signal processing can usually be set by the hearing aid wearer.
  • One such parameter is, for example, the volume setting.
  • the set values of the relevant parameters are usually stored in digital form in a memory. The adjustment is carried out by the user either by directly attached to the hearing aid controls or by means of a remote control for the hearing aid in question.
  • parameters may also be automatically adjusted as a result of signal analysis, e.g. as a result of an analysis of the acoustic input signal for determining the hearing situation in which the hearing aid is currently located.
  • Such hearing situations are for example "quiet environment”, “conversation in noise”, “driving in the car” etc.
  • the central component of the signal processing unit of a modern hearing aid is a digital signal processor (DSP).
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • the values of adjustable parameters which influence the signal processing must first be read from a memory after being switched on and transmitted to the digital signal processor.
  • a hearing aid wearer During the adaptation of a hearing aid to the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer are in addition to parameters that the hearing aid wearer during normal Operation of the hearing aid can not change, also set default settings for the adjustable by the hearing aid wearer parameters. It also determines in which hearing program the hearing aid is operated by default after switching on. Once set in this way standard settings for the respective hearing aid wearer are then automatically set after each turn on the hearing aid, that is, read from a non-volatile memory and transferred to the digital signal processor.
  • One of the most common problems of hearing aid users is an incorrect volume setting of the hearing aid for the individual daily listening situations.
  • the main reason for this is that the hearing aid is adapted to the acoustician in artificial hearing situations that differ in terms of sounds and levels mostly from the relevant individual listening situations.
  • This can be corrected by volume control, which can be located directly on the hearing aid or a remote control.
  • the corrected settings for digital hearing aids with continuous encoders for setting the parameter or parameters after switching off lose their current value and are set to the initial value set during the adaptation when switched on again. If this differs from the preferred value, it must be readjusted. This requires a new walk to the acoustician and is therefore annoying for the hearing aid wearer.
  • the latter must remember the corresponding correction settings, which is problematic in particular if different settings for a specific parameter are offered in a hearing aid device with a plurality of hearing programs for adapting the signal processing to different listening situations in different hearing programs.
  • the hearing aid comprises a first data memory in which audiometric data can be stored, a second data memory in which hearing aid characteristics can be stored, a third data memory in which algorithms can be stored, a signal analysis unit which is dependent on
  • the data processing unit from the data of the data memory and from the control signals of the signal analysis unit provides Höröeinstellarian for the amplifier / transmission part, so that its transmission characteristics automatically from the processed audiometric data, hearing aid characteristics, predeterminable algorithms and the input variables characterizing the respective environmental situation can be determined.
  • EP 0 335 542 A2 is a hearing aid with the possibility of data recording known.
  • the recorded data includes information regarding the frequency of switching between individual programs and the length of time the individual programs are switched to active.
  • the recorded data are read out by a hearing care professional, evaluated and used to readjust the hearing programs.
  • WO 2004/056154 A2 is a method for selecting a suitable hearing program in a multi-program hearing aid known.
  • the selection of a suitable hearing program can also take place taking into account manual user input. For example, the volume setting associated with an audio program is increased by one dB each time the user manually raises the volume by any amount while operating this program.
  • From the EP 1 367 857 A1 is a method for acquiring and storing harvesting signal data in a hearing aid in combination with values for one or more variables that affect signal processing in the hearing aid.
  • the variables may include logical states, states of user-manipulatable controls, or values of parameters of particular signal processing algorithms.
  • Object of the present invention is to simplify the fine adjustment of a hearing aid to the individual listening environments of a user and improve.
  • This object is achieved by a method for operating a hearing aid device which can be worn on or in the ear of a hearing aid wearer with the features according to patent claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a hearing aid wearable on or in the ear of a hearing aid wearer having the features according to claim 17.
  • Starting values are set. These start values are usually set during the programming of the hearing aid and stored in a non-volatile memory of the hearing aid. It is known that after each switching on or switching the hearing aid to these starting values is used. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the values last set before switching off or switching to another operating mode are stored as new starting values, which are then automatically set again when the hearing aid is switched on again or returned to the relevant operating mode.
  • the basic idea of the invention is based on the fact that when switching on the hearing aid or when switching the Hörhil-in a certain operating mode neither the last valid values of the parameter before switching off or before switching to another operating mode nor the value of the parameter transmitted to the hearing aid during programming is set. Rather, from the occurring during operation of the hearing aid changes in the value of the parameter, a new start value is determined and stored, which is then set automatically after switching on or switching.
  • the values of the determined parameters are advantageously stored in a nonvolatile memory which retains the stored values even when the power supply is interrupted, for example when the hearing aid is switched off.
  • the memory is designed as an EEPROM.
  • the current starting values of the parameters can be stored either immediately after each change in the memory.
  • the hearing aid device can also first be transferred to a switch-off mode in which the current values are written to the relevant memory before the voltage supply is interrupted.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention can be determined by programming the hearing aid in question, for which of the hearing aid wearer or automatically adjustable parameters set before switching off values after re-activation should be valid again for which parameters after re-switching a default setting is selected and for which parameters an automatic adjustment of the starting value described above takes place.
  • Fine adjustment of starting values for particular parameters according to the invention can be carried out both in parameters which the user can change during operation by actuation of operating elements, as well as in parameters which are automatically changed on the basis of signal analyzes by the hearing aid device.
  • a new start value for the relevant parameter takes place in accordance with a predetermined function, whereby there are many different possible approaches for this function itself.
  • the function can be used to specify a linear averaging or a recursive averaging of the last values set for the respective parameter.
  • new start values for the relevant parameter are then generated during the operation of the hearing aid device, which are referred to here as "memory values", the last memory value calculated before switching off or switching being stored as a new starting value in the hearing aid.
  • the function for determining new memory values is - in addition to the start value and the duration for which the current memory value Value of the parameter is set - preferably at least one previously set value of the parameter or at least one previously determined memory value.
  • a new memory value and thus ultimately a new start value is determined by means of an averaging procedure.
  • an averaging procedure For example, recursive averaging or linear averaging are possible.
  • a new memory value is determined in each case at fixed time intervals or after each change in the value of the parameter.
  • the current memory value is stored at fixed time intervals in the memory device as a new start value.
  • the current memory value can also be stored as a new start value for the current operating mode immediately before switching to another operating mode or before the hearing aid device is switched off as a new starting value for the current operating mode in the memory device.
  • different values for one parameter can be set and different starting values can be stored for different operating modes.
  • a certain value range is advantageously defined for the value of the parameter, and the value range of the new starting value is restricted to a value range that is smaller than the value range specified for the value of the parameter.
  • Different operating modes can be different Range of values for the starting value of a parameter can be specified.
  • FIG. 1 a hearing aid according to the invention in the block diagram.
  • FIG. 2 shows the timing of new start values for the volume setting.
  • a microphone 1 is present in the hearing aid according to FIG. 1 .
  • the electrical input signal is fed to a signal processing unit 2 for further processing and frequency-dependent amplification.
  • the further processed and amplified signal is finally converted by a receiver 3 into an acoustic signal and fed to the hearing of a hearing aid wearer.
  • a battery 5 is present, which is connected via an on-off switch 6 with the different electronic hearing aid components.
  • the signal processing in the signal processing unit 2 of the hearing aid device can be adapted by means of a control unit 7 to different listening environments and hearing aid wearer preferences.
  • the parameters relating to signal processing can also be automatically determined and set by the control unit 7, for. B. as a result of an analysis of the current hearing situation.
  • parameters relating to the signal processing can also be set manually by actuation of operating elements by the hearing aid wearer.
  • a program selector 8 and a digital volume control 9 are available for this purpose.
  • the hearing aid device comprises a coil 13, by means of which a wireless signal transmission between the hearing aid and another device, such as a remote control or a second hearing aid, is possible.
  • the parameter in question can also be adapted by a signal transmitted wirelessly to the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid according to the embodiment also has an interface 11 to a PC 12, via which the hearing aid can be programmed.
  • the parameters which can be set by the user or automatically by the hearing aid device can also be used to determine whether a value valid before switching off is also valid immediately after switching on, or whether a standard value should be set for this purpose.
  • the hearing aid may be determined by programming whether to activate a predetermined listening program and a predetermined volume setting (default setting) after power on, or to set the listening program or volume setting that was set before turning off or continuous Calculation of a new starting value is to take place.
  • a predetermined listening program and a predetermined volume setting default setting
  • the listening program or volume setting that was set before turning off or continuous Calculation of a new starting value is to take place.
  • the value currently determined as a new starting value (memory value) for the volume setting is stored in a nonvolatile memory 10. This retains the values stored in it, even if the power supply is interrupted by opening the switch 6 in the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid When the hearing aid is switched on by closing the switch 6, the values previously stored in the nonvolatile memory 10 are read out and transferred to the control unit 7, which then sets the signal processing in the signal processing unit 2 with the memory value last determined before switching off as the new start value controls. Therefore, the user does not have to search again for the settings that he found to be pleasant before switching them off. The hearing aid adjusts these automatically.
  • FIG. 2 shows the history of new startup values (memory values) over the volume adjustment time.
  • the calculation of new memory values is carried out in the exemplary embodiment by means of an exponential averaging algorithm, wherein the result of the calculation for two different time constants is shown.
  • the valid before switching off or switching to another hearing program value of the volume setting is stored in the non-volatile memory as a new start value and read when switching on the hearing aid or when re-setting the relevant hearing program from the memory and set as a new starting value.

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  • 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)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1.The invention relates to a method according to claim 1.

Bei einem Hörhilfegerät wird mittels eines Eingangswandlers ein Eingangssignal aufgenommen und in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal überführt. Üblicherweise dient als Eingangswandler wenigstens ein Mikrofon, welches ein akustisches Eingangssignal aufnimmt. Moderne Hörhilfegeräte umfassen häufig ein Mikrofonsystem mit mehreren Mikrofonen, um einen von der Einfallsrichtung akustischer Signale abhängigen Empfang, eine Richtcharakteristik, zu erreichen. Die Eingangswandler können jedoch auch eine Telefonspule oder eine Antenne umfassen zur Aufnahme elektromagnetischer Eingangssignale. Die durch den Eingangswandler in elektrische Eingangssignale gewandelten Eingangssignale werden zur Weiterverarbeitung und Verstärkung einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit zugeführt. Die Weiterverarbeitung und Verstärkung erfolgt zum Ausgleich des individuellen Hörverlustes eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers in der Regel in Abhängigkeit der Signalfrequenz. Die Signalverarbeitungseinheit gibt ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal ab, welches über einen Ausgangswandler dem Gehör des Hörhilfegeräteträgers zugeführt wird, so dass dieser das Ausgangssignal als akustisches Signal wahrnimmt. Als Ausgangswandler werden üblicherweise Hörer verwendet, die ein akustisches Ausgangssignal erzeugen. Es sind jedoch auch Ausgangswandler zur Erzeugung mechanischer Schwingungen bekannt, die direkt bestimmte Teile des Gehörs, wie beispielsweise die Gehörknöchelchen zu Schwingungen anregen. Weiterhin sind Ausgangswandler bekannt, die direkt Nervenzellen des Gehörs stimulieren.In a hearing aid, an input signal is recorded by means of an input transducer and converted into an electrical input signal. Usually serves as an input transducer at least one microphone which receives an acoustic input signal. Modern hearing aids often comprise a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve a direction dependent on the direction of arrival of acoustic signals reception, a directional characteristic. However, the input transducers may also include a telecoil or antenna for receiving electromagnetic input signals. The input signals converted by the input transducer into electrical input signals are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification. The further processing and amplification takes place to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer, as a rule, as a function of the signal frequency. The signal processing unit outputs an electrical output signal which is fed via an output transducer to the hearing of the hearing aid wearer, so that the latter perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal. As output transducers usually listeners are used, which generate an acoustic output signal. However, output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known, which directly excite certain parts of the ear, such as the ossicles, to vibrate. Furthermore, output transducers are known which directly stimulate neurons of the ear.

Bei Hörhilfegeräten können gewöhnlich die Signalverarbeitung betreffende Parameter durch den Hörhilfegeräteträger eingestellt werden. Ein derartiger Parameter ist beispielsweise die Lautstärkeeinstellung. Bei modernen Hörhilfegeräten werden die eingestellten Werte der betreffenden Parameter üblicher Weise in digitaler Form in einem Speicher hinterlegt. Die Einstellung erfolgt dabei durch den Benutzer entweder durch direkt an dem Hörhilfegerät angebrachte Bedienelemente oder mittels einer Fernbedienung für das betreffende Hörhilfegerät. Ferner können Parameter auch infolge einer Signalanalyse automatisch eingestellt werden, z.B. infolge einer Analyse des akustischen Eingangssignals zur Bestimmung der Hörsituation, in der sich das Hörhilfegerät gerade befindet. Derartige Hörsituationen sind beispielsweise "Ruhige Umgebung", "Gespräch in Störlärm", "Fahrt im Auto" etc.In hearing aids, parameters relating to signal processing can usually be set by the hearing aid wearer. One such parameter is, for example, the volume setting. In modern hearing aid devices, the set values of the relevant parameters are usually stored in digital form in a memory. The adjustment is carried out by the user either by directly attached to the hearing aid controls or by means of a remote control for the hearing aid in question. Further, parameters may also be automatically adjusted as a result of signal analysis, e.g. as a result of an analysis of the acoustic input signal for determining the hearing situation in which the hearing aid is currently located. Such hearing situations are for example "quiet environment", "conversation in noise", "driving in the car" etc.

Das zentrale Bauelement der Signalverarbeitungseinheit eines modernen Hörhilfegerätes ist ein digitaler Signalprozessor (DSP). Dieser kann freiprogrammierbar, festverdrahtet oder in einer Mischform ausgeführt sein. Die Werte einstellbarer Parameter, die die Signalverarbeitung beeinflussen, müssen nach dem Einschalten zunächst aus einem Speicher ausgelesen und in den digitalen Signalprozessor übertragen werden.The central component of the signal processing unit of a modern hearing aid is a digital signal processor (DSP). This can be freely programmable, hard-wired or executed in a mixed form. The values of adjustable parameters which influence the signal processing must first be read from a memory after being switched on and transmitted to the digital signal processor.

Während der Anpassung eines Hörhilfegerätes an den individuellen Hörverlust eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers werden neben Parametern, die der Hörhilfegeräteträger während des normalen Betriebs des Hörhilfegerätes nicht mehr verändern kann, auch Standard-Einstellungen für die vom Hörhilfegeräteträger einstellbaren Parameter festgelegt. Weiterhin wird festgelegt, in welchem Hörprogramm das Hörhilfegerät standardmäßig nach dem Einschalten betrieben wird. Die auf diese Weise einmal festgelegten Standard-Einstellungen für den jeweiligen Hörhilfegeräteträger werden dann automatisch nach jedem Einschalten des Hörhilfegerätes eingestellt, das heißt, aus einem nichtflüchtigen Speicher ausgelesen und in den digitalen Signalprozessor übertragen.During the adaptation of a hearing aid to the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer are in addition to parameters that the hearing aid wearer during normal Operation of the hearing aid can not change, also set default settings for the adjustable by the hearing aid wearer parameters. It also determines in which hearing program the hearing aid is operated by default after switching on. Once set in this way standard settings for the respective hearing aid wearer are then automatically set after each turn on the hearing aid, that is, read from a non-volatile memory and transferred to the digital signal processor.

Eines der häufigsten Probleme von Hörhilfegeräteträgern ist eine falsche Lautstärkeeinstellung des Hörhilfegerätes für die individuellen Alltagshörsituationen. Der Hauptgrund hierfür ist, dass das Hörhilfegerät beim Akustiker in künstlichen Hörsituationen angepasst wird, die bzgl. Schallarten und Pegeln meist von den maßgeblichen individuellen Hörsituationen abweichen. Dies lässt sich durch Lautstärkesteller, die direkt am Hörhilfegerät oder einer Fernbedienung angeordnet sein können, korrigieren. Jedoch verlieren die korrigierten Einstellungen bei digitalen Hörhilfegeräten mit Endlosstellern zum Einstellen des oder der Parameter nach dem Ausschalten ihren aktuellen Wert und werden beim erneuten Einschalten auf den bei der Anpassung eingestellten Startwert gesetzt. Weicht dieser von dem bevorzugten Wert ab, so muss er nachgestellt werden. Dies erfordert einen erneuten Gang zum Akustiker und ist daher lästig für den Hörhilfegeräteträger. Zudem muss dieser sich die entsprechenden Korrektur-Einstellungen merken, was vor allem dann problematisch ist, wenn bei einem Hörhilfegerät mit mehreren Hörprogrammen zur Anpassung der Signalverarbeitung an unterschiedliche Hörsituationen in unterschiedlichen Hörprogrammen unterschiedliche Einstellungen für einen bestimmten Parameter angeboten werden.One of the most common problems of hearing aid users is an incorrect volume setting of the hearing aid for the individual daily listening situations. The main reason for this is that the hearing aid is adapted to the acoustician in artificial hearing situations that differ in terms of sounds and levels mostly from the relevant individual listening situations. This can be corrected by volume control, which can be located directly on the hearing aid or a remote control. However, the corrected settings for digital hearing aids with continuous encoders for setting the parameter or parameters after switching off lose their current value and are set to the initial value set during the adaptation when switched on again. If this differs from the preferred value, it must be readjusted. This requires a new walk to the acoustician and is therefore annoying for the hearing aid wearer. In addition, the latter must remember the corresponding correction settings, which is problematic in particular if different settings for a specific parameter are offered in a hearing aid device with a plurality of hearing programs for adapting the signal processing to different listening situations in different hearing programs.

Aus der Patentschrift US 5,604,812 ist ein programmierbares Hörgerät bekannt, das automatisch an unterschiedliche Hörumgebungen adaptierbar ist. Zur kontinuierlichen, automatischen und selbstständigen Anpassung seiner Übertragungscharakteristika umfasst das Hörgerät neben Mikrofon, Hörer und Verstärker-/Übertragungsteil einen ersten Datenspeicher, in dem audiometrische Daten speicherbar sind, einen zweiten Datenspeicher, in dem Hörgerätekenndaten speicherbar sind, einen dritten Datenspeicher, in dem Algorithmen speicherbar sind, eine Signalanalyseeinheit, die in Abhängigkeit von die jeweilige Umgebungssituation kennzeichnenden Eingangsgrößen Steuersignale bestimmt, sowie eine Datenverarbeitungseinheit, wobei die Datenverarbeitungseinheit aus den Daten der Datenspeicher und aus den Steuersignalen der Signalanalyseeinheit Hörgeräteeinstelldaten für das Verstärker-/Übertragungsteil bereitstellt, so dass dessen Übertragungscharakteristika automatisch aus den bearbeiteten audiometrischen Daten, Hörgerätekenndaten, vorgebbaren Algorithmen und den die jeweilige Umgebungssituation kennzeichnenden Eingangsgrößen bestimmbar sind.From the Patent US 5,604,812 a programmable hearing aid is known that is automatically adaptable to different listening environments. For the continuous, automatic and independent adaptation of its transmission characteristics In addition to the microphone, earpiece and amplifier / transmission part, the hearing aid comprises a first data memory in which audiometric data can be stored, a second data memory in which hearing aid characteristics can be stored, a third data memory in which algorithms can be stored, a signal analysis unit which is dependent on The data processing unit from the data of the data memory and from the control signals of the signal analysis unit provides Hörgeräteeinstelldaten for the amplifier / transmission part, so that its transmission characteristics automatically from the processed audiometric data, hearing aid characteristics, predeterminable algorithms and the input variables characterizing the respective environmental situation can be determined.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 0 335 542 A2 ist ein Hörgerät mit der Möglichkeit zur Datenaufzeichnung bekannt. Die aufgezeichneten Daten umfassen Informationen bzgl. der Häufigkeit, mit der zwischen einzelnen Hörprogrammen umgeschaltet wird, und der Zeitdauer, für die die einzelnen Hörprogramme aktiv geschaltet sind. Die aufgezeichneten Daten werden bei einem Hörgeräte- Akustiker ausgelesen, ausgewertet und zur Neueinstellung der Hörprogramme herangezogen.From the publication EP 0 335 542 A2 is a hearing aid with the possibility of data recording known. The recorded data includes information regarding the frequency of switching between individual programs and the length of time the individual programs are switched to active. The recorded data are read out by a hearing care professional, evaluated and used to readjust the hearing programs.

Aus der Druckschrift WO 2004/056154 A2 ist eine Methode zur Auswahl eines geeigneten Hörprogramms bei einem Multi-Programm-Hörhilfegerät bekannt. Dabei kann die Auswahl eines geeigneten Hörprogramms auch unter Berücksichtigung manueller Benutzereingaben erfolgen. Beispielsweise wird die einem Hörprogramm zugeordnete Lautstärke-Einstellung jedes Mal um ein dB erhöht, wenn der Benutzer beim Betrieb dieses Hörprogramms die Lautstärke manuell um einen beliebigen Wert erhöht.From the publication WO 2004/056154 A2 is a method for selecting a suitable hearing program in a multi-program hearing aid known. The selection of a suitable hearing program can also take place taking into account manual user input. For example, the volume setting associated with an audio program is increased by one dB each time the user manually raises the volume by any amount while operating this program.

Aus der Druckschrift US 2005/0129262 A1 geht ein programmierbares Hörgerät mit trainierbarer automatischer Adaption an unterschiedliche Hörsituationen hervor. Dabei kann in einem bestimmten Betriebsmodus eine automatische Anpassung der für unterschiedliche Hörsituationen vorhandenen Parametersätze erfolgen. Die Anpassung erfolgt in Abhängigkeit der Häufigkeit der für einen bestimmten Parameter von einem Benutzer manuell vorgenommenen Änderungen.From the publication US 2005/0129262 A1 is a programmable hearing aid with trainable automatic adaptation to different listening situations. It can be done in one certain operating mode, an automatic adjustment of existing for different listening situations parameter sets done. The adjustment is made according to the frequency of changes made manually by a user for a particular parameter.

Aus der EP 1 367 857 A1 ist eine Methode zur Erfassung und Speicherung von Erngangssignaldaten in ein Hörgerät in Kombination mit Werten für eine oder mehrere Variablen, die die Signalverarbeitung im Hörgerät beeinflussen, bekannt. Die Variablen können logische Zustände, Zustände von durch einen Benutzer beeinflussbaren Bedienelementen oder Werte von Parametern bestimmter Signalverarbeitungsalgorithmen umfassen. Durch Auswertung der aufgezeichneten Daten kann das Verhalten des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätes optimiert werden.From the EP 1 367 857 A1 is a method for acquiring and storing harvesting signal data in a hearing aid in combination with values for one or more variables that affect signal processing in the hearing aid. The variables may include logical states, states of user-manipulatable controls, or values of parameters of particular signal processing algorithms. By evaluating the recorded data, the behavior of the hearing aid in question can be optimized.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, die Feinanpassung eines Hörhilfegerätes an die individuellen Hörumgebungen eines Benutzers zu vereinfachen und zu verbessern.Object of the present invention is to simplify the fine adjustment of a hearing aid to the individual listening environments of a user and improve.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines am oder im Ohr eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers tragbares Hörhilfegerät mit den Merkmalen gemäß Patentanspruch 1. Ferner wird die Aufgabe gelöst durch ein am oder im Ohr eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers tragbares Hörhilfegerät mit den Merkmalen gemäß Patentanspruch 17.This object is achieved by a method for operating a hearing aid device which can be worn on or in the ear of a hearing aid wearer with the features according to patent claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a hearing aid wearable on or in the ear of a hearing aid wearer having the features according to claim 17.

Nach dem Einschalten des Hörhilfegerätes oder noch dem Umschalten des Hörhilfegerätes von einem ersten Betriebsmodus (z.B. erstes Hörprogramm) in einen zweiten Betriebsmodus (z.B. zweites Hörprogramm) müssen für die während des Betriebs des Hörhilfegerätes veränderbaren Werte von Parametern, die beispielsweise die Lautstärkeneinstellung oder den Klang betreffen, Startwerte eingestellt werden. Diese Startwerte werden gewöhnlich bei der Programmierung des Hörhilfegerätes eingestellt und in einem nichtflüchtigen Speicher des Hörhilfegerätes gespeichert. Es ist bekannt, dass nach jedem Ein- oder Umschalten des Hörhilfegerätes auf diese Startwerte zurückgegriffen wird. Ferner besteht die Möglichkeit, dass die zuletzt vor dem Ausschalten bzw. vor dem Umschalten in einen anderen Betriebsmodus eingestellten Werte als neue Startwerte gespeichert werden, die dann automatisch wieder eingestellt werden, wenn das Hörhilfegerät wieder eingeschaltet bzw. wieder in den betreffenden Betriebsmodus überführt wird.After switching on the hearing aid device or even switching the hearing aid from a first operating mode (eg first hearing program) in a second operating mode (eg second hearing) must for the variable during operation of the hearing aid device values of parameters that affect, for example, the volume adjustment or the sound , Starting values are set. These start values are usually set during the programming of the hearing aid and stored in a non-volatile memory of the hearing aid. It is known that after each switching on or switching the hearing aid to these starting values is used. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the values last set before switching off or switching to another operating mode are stored as new starting values, which are then automatically set again when the hearing aid is switched on again or returned to the relevant operating mode.

Die Grundidee der Erfindung beruht darauf, dass beim Einschalten des Hörhilfegerätes oder beim Umschalten des Hörhil-in einen bestimmten Betriebsmodus weder der vor dem Ausschalten bzw. vor dem Wechsel in einen anderen Betriebsmodus zuletzt gültige Werte des Parameters noch der Eingangs bei der Programmierung auf das Hörhilfegerät übertragene Wert des Parameters eingestellt wird. Vielmehr wird aus den während des Betriebes des Hörhilfegerätes stattfindenden Veränderungen des Wertes des Parameters ein neuer Startwert ermittelt und gespeichert, der dann nach dem Ein- bzw. Umschalten automatisch eingestellt wird.The basic idea of the invention is based on the fact that when switching on the hearing aid or when switching the Hörhil-in a certain operating mode neither the last valid values of the parameter before switching off or before switching to another operating mode nor the value of the parameter transmitted to the hearing aid during programming is set. Rather, from the occurring during operation of the hearing aid changes in the value of the parameter, a new start value is determined and stored, which is then set automatically after switching on or switching.

Dies hat den Vorteil, dass mit der Zeit eine automatische Feinanpassung des Hörhilfegerätes stattfindet. Die Startwerte des betreffenden Parameters beim Ein- oder Umschalten nähern sich mehr und mehr den Gewohnheiten, Vorlieben und bevorzugten Hörumgebungen des Benutzers an. Zum Beispiel werden Werte, die aus Einstellungen hervorgehen, die der Benutzer während des Betriebes vornimmt, z.B. eine Erhöhung der Lautstärke, nicht direkt als neue "Startwerte" übernommen. Vielmehr werden weitere "Parameter", wie etwa die Höhe der vorgenommenen Veränderung, um von der alten Einstellung zu der neuen zu gelangen, die Zeitdauer, für die die neue Einstellung beibehalten wird, oder die Häufigkeit, mit der der betreffende Parameter verändert wird, bei der Ermittlung eines neuen Startwertes für den betreffenden Parameter mit berücksichtigt.This has the advantage that with time an automatic fine adjustment of the hearing aid takes place. The starting values of the respective parameter when switching on or switching in more and more approximate the habits, preferences and preferred listening environments of the user. For example, values resulting from settings made by the user during operation, e.g. an increase in volume, not directly taken as new "starting values". Rather, other "parameters" such as the amount of change made to move from the old setting to the new one, the length of time that the new setting is maintained, or the number of times the parameter is changed are added the determination of a new starting value for the relevant parameter.

Die Werte der Ermittelten Parameter werden vorteilhaft in einem nichtflüchtigen Speicher hinterlegt, der die gespeicherten Werte auch bei einer Unterbrechung der Spannungsversorgung, beispielsweise in ausgeschaltetem Zustand des Hörhilfegerätes, beibehält. Vorzugsweise ist der Speicher als EEPROM ausgeführt. Dabei können die aktuellen Startwerte der Parameter entweder sofort nach jeder Änderung in dem Speicher hinterlegt werden. Alternativ kann das Hörhilfegerät nach der Betätigung eines Bedienelements zum Ausschalten des Hörhilfegerätes auch zunächst in einen Ausschaltmodus überführt werden, in dem die aktuellen Werte in den betreffenden Speicher geschrieben werden, bevor die Spannungsversorgung unterbrochen wird.The values of the determined parameters are advantageously stored in a nonvolatile memory which retains the stored values even when the power supply is interrupted, for example when the hearing aid is switched off. Preferably, the memory is designed as an EEPROM. The current starting values of the parameters can be stored either immediately after each change in the memory. Alternatively, after the operation of a control element for switching off the hearing aid device, the hearing aid device can also first be transferred to a switch-off mode in which the current values are written to the relevant memory before the voltage supply is interrupted.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung kann durch Programmierung des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätes festgelegt werden, für welche der von dem Hörhilfegeräteträger oder automatisch einstellbaren Parameter die vor dem Ausschalten eingestellten Werte nach dem Wiedereinschalten erneut gültig sein sollen, für welche Parameter nach dem Wiedereinschalten eine Standardeinstellung gewählt wird und für welche Parameter eine oben beschriebene, automatische Anpassung des Startwerts erfolgt. Z. B. kann so bei einem Hörhilfegerät gemäß der Erfindung festgelegt werden, dass dieses nach dem Einschalten zunächst stets in dem Hörprogramm mit der Programmnummer 1 betrieben wird, wobei jedoch bei der Lautstärkeeinstellung automatisch der vor dem Ausschalten als aktueller Startwert berechnete Wert eingestellt wird.In a preferred embodiment of the invention can be determined by programming the hearing aid in question, for which of the hearing aid wearer or automatically adjustable parameters set before switching off values after re-activation should be valid again for which parameters after re-switching a default setting is selected and for which parameters an automatic adjustment of the starting value described above takes place. For example, it can be determined in a hearing aid according to the invention that this is always always operated in the hearing program with the program number 1 after switching on, but in the volume setting automatically calculated before switching off as the current start value.

Eine Feinanpassung von Startwerten für bestimmte Parameter gemäß der Erfindung kann sowohl bei Parametern erfolgen, die der Benutzer während des Betriebs durch Betätigung von Bedienelementen verändern kann, als auch bei Parametern, die automatisch aufgrund von Signalanalysen durch das Hörhilfegerät verändert werden.Fine adjustment of starting values for particular parameters according to the invention can be carried out both in parameters which the user can change during operation by actuation of operating elements, as well as in parameters which are automatically changed on the basis of signal analyzes by the hearing aid device.

Die Berechnung eines neuen Startwertes für den betreffenden Parameter erfolgt gemäß einer vorbestimmten Funktion, wobei es für diese Funktion selbst viele unterschiedliche Ansatzmöglichkeiten gibt. So kann durch die Funktion beispielsweise eine lineare Mittelung oder eine rekursive Mittelung der zuletzt für den jeweiligen Parameter eingestellten Werte festgelegt werden. Gemäß dieser Funktion werden dann während des Betriebs des Hörhilfegerätes neue Startwerte für den betreffenden Parameter generiert, die hier als "Speicherwerte" bezeichnet werden, wobei der zuletzt vor dem Aus- bzw. Umschalten berechnete Speicherwert als neuer Startwert im Hörhilfegerät gespeichert wird.The calculation of a new start value for the relevant parameter takes place in accordance with a predetermined function, whereby there are many different possible approaches for this function itself. For example, the function can be used to specify a linear averaging or a recursive averaging of the last values set for the respective parameter. According to this function, new start values for the relevant parameter are then generated during the operation of the hearing aid device, which are referred to here as "memory values", the last memory value calculated before switching off or switching being stored as a new starting value in the hearing aid.

In die Funktion zur Bestimmung neuer Speicherwerte geht - neben dem Startwert und der Zeitdauer, für die der aktuelle Wert des Parameters eingestellt ist - vorzugsweise noch wenigstens ein zuvor eingestellter Wert des Parameters oder wenigstens ein zuvor bestimmter Speicherwert ein.The function for determining new memory values is - in addition to the start value and the duration for which the current memory value Value of the parameter is set - preferably at least one previously set value of the parameter or at least one previously determined memory value.

Vorzugsweise wird ein neuer Speicherwert und damit letztendlich ein neuer Startwert mittels einer Mittelungsprozedur bestimmt. Beispielsweise kommen eine rekursive Mittelung oder eine lineare Mittelung in Betracht.Preferably, a new memory value and thus ultimately a new start value is determined by means of an averaging procedure. For example, recursive averaging or linear averaging are possible.

Vorteilhaft wird ein neuer Speicherwert jeweils in festgelegten zeitlichen Intervallen oder nach jeder Veränderung des Wertes des Parameters bestimmt.Advantageously, a new memory value is determined in each case at fixed time intervals or after each change in the value of the parameter.

Vorteilhaft wird ferner der aktuelle Speicherwert in festgelegten Zeitintervallen in der Speichereinrichtung als neuer Startwert gespeichert. Der aktuelle Speicherwert kann aber auch für den aktuellen Betriebsmodus unmittelbar vor dem Umschalten in einen anderen Betriebsmodus oder vor dem Ausschalten des Hörhilfegerätes als neuer Startwert für den aktuellen Betriebsmodus in der Speichereinrichtung als neuer Startwert gespeichert werden.Advantageously, the current memory value is stored at fixed time intervals in the memory device as a new start value. However, the current memory value can also be stored as a new start value for the current operating mode immediately before switching to another operating mode or before the hearing aid device is switched off as a new starting value for the current operating mode in the memory device.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform können für unterschiedliche Betriebsmodi unterschiedliche Werte für einen Parameter einstellbar und unterschiedliche Startwerte speicherbar sein.According to a preferred embodiment, different values for one parameter can be set and different starting values can be stored for different operating modes.

Ferner ist es möglich, dass mehrere unterschiedliche Betriebsmodi zu einer Betriebsmodus-Klasse zusammengefasst werden und für unterschiedliche Betriebsmodus-Klassen unterschiedliche Startwerte speicherbar sind.Furthermore, it is possible for a plurality of different operating modes to be combined into one operating mode class and for different operating mode classes different starting values to be storable.

Vorteilhaft ist für den Wert des Parameters ein bestimmter Wertebereich festgelegt und der Wertebereich des neuen Startwertes wird auf einen Wertebereich eingeschränkt, der kleiner als der für den Wert des Parameters festgelegte Wertebereich ist. Dabei können für unterschiedliche Betriebsmodi unterschiedliche Wertebereiche für den Startwert eines Parameters festlegbar sein.A certain value range is advantageously defined for the value of the parameter, and the value range of the new starting value is restricted to a value range that is smaller than the value range specified for the value of the parameter. Different operating modes can be different Range of values for the starting value of a parameter can be specified.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt Figur 1 ein Hörhilfegerät gemäß der Erfindung im Blockschaltbild.The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. It shows FIG. 1 a hearing aid according to the invention in the block diagram.

Figur 2 zeigt den zeitlichen Verlauf neuer Startwerte für die Lautstärkeeinstellung. FIG. 2 shows the timing of new start values for the volume setting.

Bei dem Hörhilfegerät gemäß Figur 1 ist zur Aufnahme eines akustischen Eingangssignals und Wandlung des akustischen Eingangssignals in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal ein Mikrofon 1 vorhanden. Das elektrische Eingangssignal ist zur Weiterverarbeitung und frequenzabhängigen Verstärkung einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 2 zugeführt. Das weiterverarbeitete und verstärkt Signal wird schließlich durch einen Hörer 3 in ein akustisches Signal gewandelt und dem Gehör eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers zugeführt. Zur Spannungsversorgung des Hörhilfegerätes ist eine Batterie 5 vorhanden, die über einen Ein- und Ausschalter 6 mit den unterschiedlichen elektronischen Hörhilfegeräte-Komponenten verbunden ist.In the hearing aid according to FIG. 1 is to record an acoustic input signal and conversion of the acoustic input signal into an electrical input signal, a microphone 1 is present. The electrical input signal is fed to a signal processing unit 2 for further processing and frequency-dependent amplification. The further processed and amplified signal is finally converted by a receiver 3 into an acoustic signal and fed to the hearing of a hearing aid wearer. To power the hearing aid, a battery 5 is present, which is connected via an on-off switch 6 with the different electronic hearing aid components.

Die Signalverarbeitung in der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 2 des Hörhilfegerätes ist mittels einer Steuereinheit 7 an unterschiedliche Hörumgebungen und Hörhilfegeräteträger-Präferenzen anpassbar. Dabei können die Signalverarbeitung betreffende Parameter auch automatisch durch die Steuereinheit 7 ermittelt und eingestellt werden, z. B. infolge einer Analyse der augenblicklichen Hörsituation. Daneben können die Signalverarbeitung betreffende Parameter auch manuell durch Betätigung von Bedienelementen von dem Hörhilfegeräteträger eingestellt werden. Im Ausführungsbeispiel sind hierfür ein Programmwahltaster 8 sowie ein digitaler Lautstärkesteller 9 vorhanden. Ferner umfasst das Hörhilfegerät eine Spule 13, mittels derer eine drahtlose Signalübertragung zwischen dem Hörhilfegerät und einem weiteren Gerät, z.B. einer Fernbedienung oder einem zweiten Hörhilfegerät, möglich ist. Dadurch kann der betreffende Parameter auch durch ein drahtlos auf das Hörhilfegerät übertragenes Signal angepasst werden.The signal processing in the signal processing unit 2 of the hearing aid device can be adapted by means of a control unit 7 to different listening environments and hearing aid wearer preferences. In this case, the parameters relating to signal processing can also be automatically determined and set by the control unit 7, for. B. as a result of an analysis of the current hearing situation. In addition, parameters relating to the signal processing can also be set manually by actuation of operating elements by the hearing aid wearer. In the embodiment, a program selector 8 and a digital volume control 9 are available for this purpose. Furthermore, the hearing aid device comprises a coil 13, by means of which a wireless signal transmission between the hearing aid and another device, such as a remote control or a second hearing aid, is possible. Thereby The parameter in question can also be adapted by a signal transmitted wirelessly to the hearing aid.

Das Hörhilfegerät gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel verfügt ferner über eine Schnittstelle 11 zu einem PC 12, über den das Hörhilfegerät programmiert werden kann. Bei der Programmierung kann zumindest bei einigen der durch den Benutzer oder automatisch durch das Hörhilfegerät einstellbaren Parametern auch festgelegt werden, ob ein vor dem Ausschalten gültiger Wert auch unmittelbar nach dem Einschalten weiterhin gültig ist oder ob hierfür ein Standardwert eingestellt werden soll.The hearing aid according to the embodiment also has an interface 11 to a PC 12, via which the hearing aid can be programmed. During programming, at least some of the parameters which can be set by the user or automatically by the hearing aid device can also be used to determine whether a value valid before switching off is also valid immediately after switching on, or whether a standard value should be set for this purpose.

Bei dem Hörhilfegerät gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel kann durch Programmierung festgelegt werden, ob nach dem Einschalten ein vorbestimmtes Hörprogramm sowie eine vorbestimmte Lautstärkeeinstellung (Standardeinstellung) aktiviert wird oder ob das Hörprogramm bzw. die Lautstärkeeinstellung eingestellt wird, die vor dem Ausschalten eingestellt war, oder ob eine kontinuierliche Berechnung eines neuen Startwertes erfolgen soll. Zumindest im zuletzt genannten Fall wird beispielsweise der aktuell als neuer Startwert (Speicherwert) für die Lautstärkeeinstellung ermittelte Wert in einem nichtflüchtigen Speicher 10 hinterlegt. Dieser behält die in ihm gespeicherten Werte bei, auch wenn bei dem Hörhilfegerät die Spannungsversorgung durch Öffnen des Schalters 6 unterbrochen ist. Beim Einschalten des Hörhilfegerätes durch Schließen des Schalters 6 werden dann die zuvor in dem nichtflüchtigen Speicher 10 gespeicherten Werte ausgelesen und auf die Steuereinheit 7 übertragen, die dann bezüglich der Lautstärkeeinstellung die Signalverarbeitung in der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 2 mit den vor dem Ausschalten zuletzt ermittelten Speicherwert als neuen Startwert steuert. Der Benutzer muss daher nicht erneut nach den für ihn vor dem Ausschalten als angenehm empfundenen Einstellungen suchen. Das Hörhilfegerät stellt diese automatisch ein.In the hearing aid according to the embodiment, it may be determined by programming whether to activate a predetermined listening program and a predetermined volume setting (default setting) after power on, or to set the listening program or volume setting that was set before turning off or continuous Calculation of a new starting value is to take place. At least in the latter case, for example, the value currently determined as a new starting value (memory value) for the volume setting is stored in a nonvolatile memory 10. This retains the values stored in it, even if the power supply is interrupted by opening the switch 6 in the hearing aid. When the hearing aid is switched on by closing the switch 6, the values previously stored in the nonvolatile memory 10 are read out and transferred to the control unit 7, which then sets the signal processing in the signal processing unit 2 with the memory value last determined before switching off as the new start value controls. Therefore, the user does not have to search again for the settings that he found to be pleasant before switching them off. The hearing aid adjusts these automatically.

Figur 2 zeigt den Verlauf neuer Startwerte (Speicherwerte) über der Zeit für die Lautstärkeeinstellung. Dabei wird die Lautstärkeeinstellung durch den Benutzer sprunghaft verändert. Die Berechnung neuer Speicherwerte erfolgt im Ausführungsbeispiel mittels eines exponentiellen Mittelungsalgorithmus, wobei das Ergebnis der Berechnung für zwei unterschiedliche Zeitkonstanten aufgezeigt ist. FIG. 2 shows the history of new startup values (memory values) over the volume adjustment time. Here is the Volume setting changed suddenly by the user. The calculation of new memory values is carried out in the exemplary embodiment by means of an exponential averaging algorithm, wherein the result of the calculation for two different time constants is shown.

Der jeweils vor dem Ausschalten bzw. Umschalten in ein anderes Hörprogramm gültige Wert der Lautstärkeeinstellung wird in dem nichtflüchtigen Speicher als neuer Startwert hinterlegt und beim Wiedereinschalten des Hörhilfegerätes bzw. beim erneuten Einstellen des betreffenden Hörprogramms aus dem Speicher ausgelesen und als neuer Startwert eingestellt.The valid before switching off or switching to another hearing program value of the volume setting is stored in the non-volatile memory as a new start value and read when switching on the hearing aid or when re-setting the relevant hearing program from the memory and set as a new starting value.

Claims (20)

  1. Method for operating a hearing aid which can be worn on or in the ear of a hearing aid wearer with an input converter for reception of an input signal and conversion into an electrical input signal, a signal processing unit for processing and amplifying the electrical input signal, an output converter for converting the processed and amplified electrical input signal into an output signal which can be perceived by the hearing aid wearer as an acoustic signal, and a memory facility for storing at least one value for a parameter influencing the signal processing by means of the signal processing unit as a start value prior to turning off or switching the mode of the hearing aid, wherein the value of the parameter during operation of the hearing aid can be set by means of an operating facility which can be actuated by a user or automatically by means of a signal analysis and control unit present in the hearing aid, comprising the following steps:
    - automatic setting of the value of the parameter to the start value after turning on the hearing aid or after the hearing aid has been switched from a first to a second operating mode,
    - generation of a current value for the parameter by changing the start value through actuation of the operating facility by the user or automatically by the signal analysis and control unit,
    - automatic determination of a memory value different from the start value and the current value of the parameter in such a manner that the memory value, based on the start value, the current value of the parameter depending on the period of time for which the current value of the parameter is set, is approximated,
    - storage of the memory value in the memory facility in such a manner that the value of the parameter is then automatically set to the memory value as the new start value after turning on or switching the mode of the hearing aid.
  2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the automatic determination of the memory value takes place depending on at least one value for the parameter set prior to the current value.
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the automatic determination of the memory value takes place depending on at least one valid value for the memory value prior to the current value.
  4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the memory value is determined by means of an averaging procedure.
  5. Method according to claim 4, wherein a linear averaging is performed.
  6. Method according to claim 4, wherein a recursive averaging is performed.
  7. Method according to claim 4, wherein an exponential averaging is performed.
  8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the memory value is determined at specified time intervals.
  9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the memory value is determined after each change in the value of the parameter.
  10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the memory value is stored as a new start value at specified time intervals in the memory facility.
  11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the memory value for the current operating mode is stored as a new start value for the current operating mode in the memory facility prior to switching to a different operating mode or prior to turning off the hearing aid.
  12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein for different operating modes different values can be set for a parameter and different start values can be stored.
  13. Method according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of different operating modes can be combined to form an operating mode class and wherein different start values can be stored for different operating mode classes.
  14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a certain value range is defined for the value of the parameter and the value range for the start value is restricted to a value range which is smaller than the value range defined for the value of the parameter.
  15. Method according to claim 14, wherein different value ranges can be defined for the start value of a parameter for different operating modes.
  16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the parameter relates to the volume setting.
  17. Hearing aid which can be worn on or in the ear of a hearing aid wearer for performing a method according to one of claims 1 to 16 with an input converter for reception of an input signal and conversion into an electrical input signal, a signal processing unit for processing and amplifying the electrical input signal, an output converter for converting the processed and amplified electrical input signal into an output signal which can be perceived by the hearing aid wearer as an acoustic signal, and a memory facility for storing at least one value for a parameter influencing the signal processing by means of the signal processing unit as a start value prior to turning off or switching the mode of the hearing aid, wherein the value of the parameter during operation of the hearing aid can be set by means of an operating facility which can be actuated by a user or automatically by means of a signal analysis and control unit present in the hearing aid, comprising:
    - means for automatic setting of the value of the parameter to the start value after turning on the hearing aid or after the hearing aid has been switched to a certain operating mode,
    - an operating facility for changing the value of the parameter by the user or a signal analysis and control unit for automatically setting the value as the result of a signal analysis,
    - means for automatic determination of a memory value different from the start value and the current value of the parameter, wherein the memory value, based on the start value, the current value of the parameter depending on a period of time for which the current value of the parameter is retained, can be approximated,
    - a memory facility for storage of the memory value in such a manner that the value of the parameter can then be automatically set to the memory value as the new start value after turning on or switching the mode of the hearing aid.
  18. Hearing aid according to claim 17, including a non-volatile memory for storing the value of the parameter.
  19. Hearing aid according to claim 18, wherein the non-volatile memory is implemented as an EEPROM.
  20. Hearing aid according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein through programming the hearing aid it is possible to define whether the memory value determined prior to turning off or a default setting is set for the parameter after turning on.
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US20070230726A1 (en) 2007-10-04
EP1841286A2 (en) 2007-10-03
EP1841286A3 (en) 2010-12-22
DK1841286T3 (en) 2014-10-06
US8111851B2 (en) 2012-02-07

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