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EP2822300B1 - Detection of listening situations with different signal sources - Google Patents

Detection of listening situations with different signal sources Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2822300B1
EP2822300B1 EP14172917.8A EP14172917A EP2822300B1 EP 2822300 B1 EP2822300 B1 EP 2822300B1 EP 14172917 A EP14172917 A EP 14172917A EP 2822300 B1 EP2822300 B1 EP 2822300B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal
electrical
electrical signal
correlation
processing device
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Active
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EP14172917.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2822300A1 (en
Inventor
Roland Barthel
Matthias Müller-Wehlau
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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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
    • H04R25/50—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics
    • 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
    • H04R25/43—Electronic 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
    • 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
    • H04R25/45—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback
    • H04R25/453—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback electronically
    • 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
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/552—Binaural
    • 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
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid, wherein the hearing aid has an acousto-electrical converter for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal and a recording device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal. Furthermore, the hearing aid device has a classification device, wherein the signal estimation device is in signal connection with the acousto-electrical converter and the recording device. The hearing aid device also has a signal processing device, wherein the signal processing device is in signal connection with the acoustoelectric transducer, the recording device and the signal estimation device and is designed to receive the first and the second electrical signal and process it into a third electrical signal. Finally, the hearing aid has an electro-mechanical transducer, which is in signal communication with the signal processing device and is designed to convert the third electrical signal into a sound signal and output.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external handset (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), for example Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC).
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • RIC hearing aid with external handset
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITE Canal hearing aids
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually an acousto-electrical converter, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually as an electro-acoustic transducer, z. B. miniature speaker, or as an electro-mechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing device.
  • a hearing device with a microphone and a receiving device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal has a signal estimation device, which recognizes the signals of the microphone and the receiving device and by evaluating the signals based on the level and / or correlation of a hearing situation and activates a corresponding hearing program such as noise relief or feedback suppression. For example, it is proposed to evaluate the hearing situation solely on the basis of the microphone signal given a high correlation of the signals.
  • the known hearing programs are not designed to detect and reduce problems that arise only after the signal processing in the hearing device in the ear itself as a function of the hearing situation.
  • a hearing aid that has a microphone and an external signal input.
  • the hearing aid further includes a mixer for mixing the two input signals. and a comparison unit to determine if the signal from the microphone is that of the external signal input.
  • a mixing decision unit connected to the comparing unit decides a mixing ratio of microphone signal and signal of the external signal input.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a hearing device that offers the wearer a better hearing in a listening situation with simultaneous acoustic and electrical or electromagnetic transmission of an input signal.
  • this object is achieved by a hearing aid according to claim 1 and a method for operating the hearing aid according to claim 3.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention has an acousto-electrical converter for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal and a recording device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal. Furthermore, the hearing aid has a signal estimation device, wherein the signal estimation device is in signal connection with the acousto-electrical converter and the recording device. In addition, the hearing aid has a signal processing device which is in signal connection with the acousto-electrical converter, the recording device and the signal estimation device and is designed to receive the first and the second electrical signal and to process a third electrical signal. The hearing aid device finally has an electro-mechanical transducer, which is in signal connection with the signal processing device and is designed to convert the third electrical signal into a sound signal and output.
  • the signal estimation device is designed to determine a correlation of the first and the second electrical signal and to transmit the correlation of the signal processing device, wherein the signal processing device is designed, a portion of the first and the second electrical signal to the third electrical signal as a function of the correlation adjust.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention can make the composition of the third signal and thus of the output signal on the listener dependent on whether the electrical / electromagnetic signal transmission and the acoustic signals transmit associated signals and therefore can interfere.
  • the signal processing device in the hearing aid according to the invention is designed to reduce the proportion of the second electrical signal at the third electrical signal with increasing correlation.
  • the phase-shifted and / or delayed electrically transmitted Signal no longer or only to a small extent in interference with the directly on the eardrum or from the Microphone received acoustic signal can occur and thereby less distorted.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention is designed to determine the correlation in a first predetermined frequency range.
  • the signal processing device is designed to set the proportion of the first and the second electrical signal to the third electrical signal in a predetermined second frequency range. It is conceivable that the first and the second frequency range are different.
  • the second frequency range is predetermined in whole or in part below the first frequency range.
  • Fig. 1 shows the basic structure of a hearing aid 110 according to the invention.
  • a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound or acoustic signals from the environment installed.
  • the microphones 2 are acousto-electrical converters 2 for converting the sound into first electrical signals.
  • the hearing aid device 110 has a receiving device 6 for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal.
  • a signal processing device 3 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the first electrical signals and is for this purpose in signal communication with the microphone 2 and the recording device 6.
  • the output signal of the signal processing device 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker 4 emits an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. Also conceivable, in addition to the electro-acoustic and other electro-mechanical transducers, such as bone conduction.
  • the power supply of the hearing device, and in particular that of the signal processing device 3, is effected by a battery 5 likewise integrated in the hearing device housing 1.
  • the hearing aid device 110 also has a signal estimation device 7, which, as in FIG Fig. 1 is shown part of the signal processing device 3, or is also designed as a separate signal estimation device 7 in the hearing aid 110.
  • the further signal processing functions of the signal processing 3 are shown as function block 12.
  • the signal estimation device 7 is in signal connection with the microphone 2 and the recording device 6.
  • the signal estimation device 7 is designed to determine a correlation between the first electrical signal 10 of the microphone 2 and the second electrical signal 11 of the recording device 6. The result of the classification is transmitted by the signal estimating device 7 to the signal processing device 3 via a signal connection.
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention.
  • step S10 a sound signal is picked up via a microphone 2 and converted into a first electrical signal 10.
  • step S20 an electrical or electromagnetic signal is received with acoustic information via the recording device 6 and converted into a second electrical signal 11.
  • step S40 a correlation of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 is determined by the signal estimation device 7 with a method for correlation measurement, as described for example in Wikipedia under the keyword "correlation coefficient”.
  • step S50 the signal processing means 3 receives the first electrical signal 10, the second electrical signal 11, and a signal indicative of the correlation determined in step S40.
  • the signal processing device performs the necessary in a hearing aid 110 to compensate for the hearing loss processing steps such as adjustment of the frequency response, gain or noise suppression.
  • a proportion of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 is set to a third electrical signal as a function of the correlation. Preferred way takes while the proportion of the second electrical signal 11 to the third electrical signal decreases with increasing correlation. But there are also other mixing ratios conceivable.
  • step S70 an output of the third electrical signal via the handset 4, which converts it into sound waves.
  • the Fig. 3 shows a schematic flowchart of another method according to the invention, which is supplemented by the steps S30 and S60, but otherwise the method of Fig. 2 equivalent.
  • step S30 the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 in filter banks 8 are split into signals for individual, separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges.
  • step S40 it is possible to determine the correlation in a first or more of the frequency ranges.
  • step S50 it is possible to set the ratio of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 to the third electrical signal depending on the determined correlation in a second or more frequency ranges.
  • the second frequency range or the plurality of frequency ranges for the adjustment is below the first frequency range.
  • step S60 the frequency ranges of the third electrical signal processed in step S50 are again synthesized in a filter bank into a single third electrical signal comprising a plurality of frequency ranges.
  • Fig. 4 shows an illustration of a hearing aid according to the invention in function blocks for carrying out the method Fig. 4
  • the hearing aid device 110 has a microphone 2 or an acousto-electrical converter 2 for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal and a recording device 6 for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal.
  • the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 are supplied to a signal processing device 3, which is part of the hearing aid device 110.
  • the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 are divided by filter banks 8 into a plurality of first signals 10 and second signals 11 into a plurality of frequency ranges.
  • the filter banks 8 can be effected for example by a fast Fourier transformation in a signal processor of the signal processing device 3. It is possible that only a lower and an upper frequency band are generated, wherein the frequencies of the lower frequency band are below the frequencies of the upper frequency band. It is also conceivable that both frequency bands do not overlap or only on the edge. But it is also possible that a plurality of signals in divergent or only slightly overlapping frequency bands is generated.
  • the first electrical signals 10 and the second electrical signals 11 are supplied to a signal estimation device 7.
  • the signal estimation device 7 preferably determines in a first frequency band a correlation of the first signals 10 and second signals 11 and outputs a signal to the signal processing device 3, which represents a measure of the specific correlation.
  • the correlation for several of the frequency bands or a whole transmitted frequency range is determined.
  • the determination of the correlation can be done, for example, with a method for correlation measurement, as described in Wikipedia under the keyword "correlation coefficient”.
  • the signal estimation device 7 is in signal connection with a function block 12, which represents the further signal processing functions.
  • the function block 12 receives the first electrical signals 10 and the second electrical signals 11 and a signal of the signal estimation device 7, which represents a measure of the correlation of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11.
  • the function block 12 generates a third electrical signal from these signals, the function block 12 setting a portion of the first and second electrical signals 11, 12 on the third electrical signal as a function of the correlation, wherein the functional block 12 with increasing correlation a share of second electrical signal 11 reduced at the third electrical signal.
  • the function block 12 sets the proportion of the first and the second electrical signal 10, 11 to the third electrical signal in a predetermined second frequency range, wherein the second frequency range is predetermined in whole or in part below the first frequency range.
  • the second frequency range is preferably located at the lower end of the audible spectrum, for example below 1000 Hz, 800 Hz, 500 Hz or even 200 Hz.
  • This frequency range is characterized in that its sound waves with the specified frequencies are preferred when the supply is open or through a ventilation bore directly can get to the eardrum and thus can come into interference with the output from the listener sound waves. Therefore, the upper limit frequency of the second frequency range in particular depends on the properties of the hearing aid, for example on the geometry of the ventilation bore.
  • the functional block 12 also performs other signal processing functions commonly required in a hearing aid 110 to improve the hearing of the wearer. This is for example a frequency-dependent Amplification of the third signal to compensate for a reduction in the sensitivity of the hearing of the wearer and to produce a sufficiently high level for outputting the signal as sound via the handset 4.
  • the individual frequency bands are also combined to form a single output signal by means of a synthesis function.
  • noise suppression adaptive filters
  • feedback or echo compensation and others.
  • the hearing aid device 110 can also be part of a binaural hearing aid system, in which case the signal estimation device 7 could, for example, use the first electrical signals of both hearing aid devices 110 and the result of the classification is used in the same way on both hearing aid devices as illustrated.
  • a combination with other binaural functions such as adaptive directional microphones and functions for improving spatial hearing is also conceivable.

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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)
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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörhilfegerät, wobei das Hörhilfegerät einen akusto-elektrischen Wandler zur Wandlung eines Schallsignals in ein erstes elektrisches Signal und eine Aufnahmevorrichtung zur Aufnahme eines elektrischen oder elektromagnetischen Signals und Wandlung in ein zweites elektrisches Signal aufweist. Ferner weist das Hörhilfegerät eine Klassifikationseinrichtung auf, wobei die Signalschätzungseinrichtung in Signalverbindung mit dem akusto-elektrischen Wandler und der Aufnahmeeinrichtung steht. Das Hörhilfegerät weist auch eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung auf, wobei die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung in Signalverbindung mit dem akusto-elektrischen Wandler, der Aufnahmeeinrichtung und der Signalschätzungseinrichtung steht und ausgelegt ist, das erste und das zweite elektrische Signal zu empfangen und zu einem dritten elektrischen Signal zu verarbeiten. Schließlich weist das Hörhilfegerät einen elektro-mechanischen Wandler auf, der in Signalverbindung mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung steht und ausgelegt ist, das dritte elektrische Signal in ein Schallsignal zu wandeln und auszugeben.The invention relates to a hearing aid, wherein the hearing aid has an acousto-electrical converter for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal and a recording device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal. Furthermore, the hearing aid device has a classification device, wherein the signal estimation device is in signal connection with the acousto-electrical converter and the recording device. The hearing aid device also has a signal processing device, wherein the signal processing device is in signal connection with the acoustoelectric transducer, the recording device and the signal estimation device and is designed to receive the first and the second electrical signal and process it into a third electrical signal. Finally, the hearing aid has an electro-mechanical transducer, which is in signal communication with the signal processing device and is designed to convert the third electrical signal into a sound signal and output.

Hörhilfegeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörhilfegeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), Hörgerät mit externem Hörer (RIC: receiver in the canal) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (ITE, CIC), bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. To meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external handset (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), for example Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC). The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörhilfegeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein akusto-elektrischer Wandler, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektro-akustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektro-mechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung integriert.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually an acousto-electrical converter, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually as an electro-acoustic transducer, z. B. miniature speaker, or as an electro-mechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing device.

Bei gleichzeitigem Eintreffen von Schallwelle und elektromagnetischem Signal kann es zu Störungen des Hörempfindens kommen, wenn beide Signale einer gemeinsamen Quelle entstammen, beispielsweise ein Fernsehgerät mit Lautsprecher und gleichzeitiger Infrarot- oder Bluetooth-Übertragung, und dabei das direkte akustische und das vom Hörhilfegerät dekodierte elektromagnetische Signal mit unterschiedlicher Zeitverzögerung an das Trommelfell gelangen. Dabei ist es gleichgültig, ob das akustische Signal direkt an das Trommelfell gelangt, beispielsweise durch eine Belüftungsbohrung in einer Otoplastik, durch eine offene Versorgung oder nach einer Verarbeitung über Mikrofon, Signalverarbeitung und elektromechani-schen Wandler. Die Zeitverzögerung führt dann beispielsweise durch Interferenz zu Auslöschung bzw. Verstärkung von Signalen in Abhängigkeit von der Frequenz.With simultaneous arrival of sound wave and electromagnetic signal can interfere with hearing, when both signals from a common source come, such as a TV with speakers and infrared or Bluetooth simultaneous transmission, and thereby the direct acoustic and the hearing aid decoded electromagnetic signal get to the eardrum with different time delay. It does not matter whether the acoustic signal comes directly to the eardrum, for example, by a ventilation hole in an earmold, by an open supply or after processing via microphone, signal processing and electromechanical converter. The time delay then leads, for example by interference to extinction or amplification of signals as a function of frequency.

Das Dokument US 2009/296965 wird als nächstliegender Stand der Technik gesehen und zeigt ein Hörhilfegerät, wobei das Hörhilfegerät aufweist:

  • einen akusto-elektrischen Wandler zur Wandlung eines Schallsignals in ein erstes elektrisches Signal;
  • eine Aufnahmevorrichtung zur Aufnahme eines elektrischen oder elektromagnetischen Signals und Wandlung in ein zweites elektrisches Signal;
  • eine Signalschätzungseinrichtung, wobei die Signalschätzungseinrichtung in Signalverbindung mit dem akusto-elektrischen Wandler und der Aufnahmeeinrichtung steht;
  • eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung, wobei die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung in Signalverbindung mit dem akusto-elektrischen Wandler, der Aufnahmeeinrichtung und der Signalschätzungseinrichtung steht und ausgelegt ist, das erste elektrische Signal und das zweite elektrische Signal zu empfangen und zu einem dritten elektrischen Signal zu verarbeiten;
  • einen elektro-mechanischen Wandler, der in Signalverbindung mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung steht und ausgelegt ist, das dritte elektrische Signal in ein Schallsignal zu wandeln und auszugeben,
  • wobei die Signalschätzungseinrichtung ausgelegt ist, eine Korrelation des ersten elektrischen Signals und des zweiten elektrischen Signals in einem ersten vorbestimmten Frequenzbereich von mehreren getrennten oder teilweise überlappenden Frequenzbereichen zu bestimmen und die Korrelation der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zu übermitteln,
  • wobei die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung ausgelegt ist, einen Anteil des ersten elektrischen Signals und des zweiten elektrischen Signals an dem dritten elektrischen Signal in einem vorbestimmten zweiten Frequenzbereich der mehreren getrennten oder teilweise überlappenden Frequenzbereiche in Abhängigkeit von der Korrelation einzustellen, und wobei der erste und der zweite Frequenzbereich völlig unterschiedlich sind.
The document US 2009/296965 is seen as the closest prior art and shows a hearing aid, wherein the hearing aid has:
  • an acousto-electrical converter for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal;
  • a recording device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal;
  • a signal estimator, the signal estimator being in signal communication with the acousto-electrical converter and the receiver;
  • signal processing means, the signal processing means being in signal communication with the acousto-electrical converter, the receiving means and the signal estimating means, and configured to receive and process the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal into a third electrical signal;
  • an electro-mechanical transducer which is in signal communication with the signal processing device and is adapted to convert the third electrical signal into a sound signal and output,
  • wherein the signal estimation means is adapted to determine a correlation of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal in a first predetermined frequency range of a plurality of separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges and to transmit the correlation of the signal processing means,
  • wherein the signal processing means is adapted to adjust a portion of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal at the third electrical signal in a predetermined second frequency range of the plurality of separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges depending on the correlation, and wherein the first and second frequency ranges are complete are different.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 2182741 A1 ist eine Hörvorrichtung mit einem Mikrofon und einer Empfangseinrichtung zur Aufnahme eines elektrischen oder elektromagnetischen Signals bekannt. Die Hörvorrichtung weist eine Signalschätzungseinrichtung auf, die die Signale des Mikrofons und der Empfangseinrichtung und durch Bewertung der Signale anhand der Pegel und/ oder einer Korrelation eine Hörsituation erkennt und ein entsprechendes Hörprogramm wie Geräuschbefreiung oder Rückkopplungsunterdrückung aktiviert. So wird beispielsweise vorgeschlagen, bei einer hohen Korrelation der Signale die Hörsituation allein anhand des Mikrofonsignals zu bewerten.From the publication EP 2182741 A1 a hearing device with a microphone and a receiving device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal is known. The hearing device has a signal estimation device, which recognizes the signals of the microphone and the receiving device and by evaluating the signals based on the level and / or correlation of a hearing situation and activates a corresponding hearing program such as noise relief or feedback suppression. For example, it is proposed to evaluate the hearing situation solely on the basis of the microphone signal given a high correlation of the signals.

Die bekannten Hörprogramme sind aber nicht dazu ausgelegt, Probleme zu erkennen und zu reduzieren, die erst nach der Signalverarbeitung in der Hörvorrichtung im Ohr selbst in Abhängigkeit von der Hörsituation entstehen.However, the known hearing programs are not designed to detect and reduce problems that arise only after the signal processing in the hearing device in the ear itself as a function of the hearing situation.

Aus der Druckschrift US 2012/0114155 A1 ist ein Hörhilfegerät bekannt, das ein Mikrofon und einen externen Signaleingang aufweist. Das Hörhilfegerät weist weiterhin einen Mischer zum Mischen der beiden Eingangssignale auf. sowie eine Vergleichseinheit um festzustellen, ob das Signal des Mikrofons das des externen Signaleingangs ist. Eine mit der Vergleichseinheit verbundene Mischungsentscheidungseinheit entscheidet ein Mischungsverhältnis von Mikrofon Signal und Signal des externen Signaleingangs.From the publication US 2012/0114155 A1 For example, a hearing aid is known that has a microphone and an external signal input. The hearing aid further includes a mixer for mixing the two input signals. and a comparison unit to determine if the signal from the microphone is that of the external signal input. A mixing decision unit connected to the comparing unit decides a mixing ratio of microphone signal and signal of the external signal input.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, eine Hörvorrichtung bereitzustellen, die in einer Hörsituation mit gleichzeitiger akustischer und elektrischer bzw. elektromagnetischer Übertragung eines Eingangssignals dem Träger ein besseres Hörempfinden bietet.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a hearing device that offers the wearer a better hearing in a listening situation with simultaneous acoustic and electrical or electromagnetic transmission of an input signal.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1 sowie ein Verfahren zum Betrieb des Hörhilfegeräts nach Anspruch 3.According to the invention this object is achieved by a hearing aid according to claim 1 and a method for operating the hearing aid according to claim 3.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörhilfegerät weist einen akusto-elektrischen Wandler zur Wandlung eines Schallsignals in ein erstes elektrisches Signal und eine Aufnahmevorrichtung zur Aufnahme eines elektrischen oder elektromagnetischen Signals und Wandlung in ein zweites elektrisches Signal auf. Weiterhin weist das Hörhilfegerät eine Signalschätzungseinrichtung auf, wobei die Signalschätzungseinrichtung in Signalverbindung mit dem akusto-elektrischen Wandler und der Aufnahmeeinrichtung steht. Darüber hinaus weist das Hörhilfegerät eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung auf, die in Signalverbindung mit dem akusto-elektrischen Wandler, der Aufnahmeeinrichtung und der Signalschätzungseinrichtung steht und ausgelegt ist, das erste und das zweite elektrische Signal zu empfangen und zu einem dritten elektrischen Signal zu verarbeiten. Das Hörhilfegerät weist schließlich einen elektro-mechanischen Wandler auf, der in Signalverbindung mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung steht und ausgelegt ist, das dritte elektrische Signal in ein Schallsignal zu wandeln und auszugeben.The hearing aid according to the invention has an acousto-electrical converter for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal and a recording device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal. Furthermore, the hearing aid has a signal estimation device, wherein the signal estimation device is in signal connection with the acousto-electrical converter and the recording device. In addition, the hearing aid has a signal processing device which is in signal connection with the acousto-electrical converter, the recording device and the signal estimation device and is designed to receive the first and the second electrical signal and to process a third electrical signal. The hearing aid device finally has an electro-mechanical transducer, which is in signal connection with the signal processing device and is designed to convert the third electrical signal into a sound signal and output.

Dabei ist die Signalschätzungseinrichtung ausgelegt, eine Korrelation des ersten und des zweiten elektrischen Signals zu bestimmen und die Korrelation der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zu übermitteln, wobei die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung ausgelegt ist, einen Anteil des ersten und des zweiten elektrischen Signals an dem dritten elektrischen Signal in Abhängigkeit von der Korrelation einzustellen.In this case, the signal estimation device is designed to determine a correlation of the first and the second electrical signal and to transmit the correlation of the signal processing device, wherein the signal processing device is designed, a portion of the first and the second electrical signal to the third electrical signal as a function of the correlation adjust.

Auf vorteilhafte Weise kann das erfindungsgemäße Hörhilfegerät die Zusammensetzung des dritten Signals und damit des ausgegebenen Signals am Hörer davon abhängig machen, ob die elektrische/elektromagnetische Signalübertragung und die akustischen Signale zusammengehörige Signale übertragen und daher in Interferenz treten können.In an advantageous manner, the hearing aid according to the invention can make the composition of the third signal and thus of the output signal on the listener dependent on whether the electrical / electromagnetic signal transmission and the acoustic signals transmit associated signals and therefore can interfere.

Insbesondere ist die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung im erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegerät ausgelegt, mit zunehmender Korrelation den Anteil des zweiten elektrischen Signals am dritten elektrischen Signal zu reduzieren.In particular, the signal processing device in the hearing aid according to the invention is designed to reduce the proportion of the second electrical signal at the third electrical signal with increasing correlation.

Indem der Anteil des zweiten elektrischen Signals, das von der elektrischen/elektromagnetischen Aufnahmeeinrichtung stammt, gegenüber dem akustisch empfangenen Mikrofonsignal im Ausgangssignal reduziert wird, ist es insbesondere bei einem Hörhilfegerät mit Belüftungsbohrung oder offener Versorgung von Vorteil, dass das phasenverschobene und/oder verzögerte elektrisch übertragene Signal nicht mehr oder nur in geringem Umfang in Interferenz mit dem direkt am Trommelfell oder vom Mikrofon empfangenen akustischen Signal treten kann und dadurch weniger verfälscht wird.By reducing the proportion of the second electrical signal originating from the electrical / electromagnetic recording device with respect to the acoustically received microphone signal in the output signal, it is advantageous, in particular in the case of a ventilating or hearing aid, that the phase-shifted and / or delayed electrically transmitted Signal no longer or only to a small extent in interference with the directly on the eardrum or from the Microphone received acoustic signal can occur and thereby less distorted.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörhilfegerät ist ausgelegt, die Korrelation in einem ersten vorbestimmten Frequenzbereich zu bestimmen.The hearing aid according to the invention is designed to determine the correlation in a first predetermined frequency range.

Wenn zwei Signale aus einer natürlichen Quelle (z.B. Sprache, Musik) miteinander korreliert sind, so sind sie es üblicherweise über den ganzen Frequenzbereich der Signale. Es ist daher ausreichend, nur einen vorbestimmten Frequenzbereich zu überprüfen, um eine Korrelation festzustellen. Dabei ist es von besonderem Vorteil, dass die Überprüfung einer Korrelation in einem schmaleren Frequenzbereich eine selektivere Korrelationsschätzung ermöglicht und zusätzlich weniger Rechenleistung und Speicher erfordert.When two signals from a natural source (e.g., speech, music) are correlated, they are usually over the entire frequency range of the signals. It is therefore sufficient to check only a predetermined frequency range in order to establish a correlation. In this case, it is of particular advantage that the checking of a correlation in a narrower frequency range allows a more selective correlation estimation and additionally requires less computing power and memory.

In einer möglichen Ausführungsform des Hörhilfegeräts ist die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung ausgelegt, den Anteil des ersten und des zweiten elektrischen Signals an dem dritten elektrischen Signal in einem vorbestimmten zweiten Frequenzbereich einzustellen. Dabei ist es denkbar, dass der erste und der zweite Frequenzbereich unterschiedlich sind.In one possible embodiment of the hearing aid, the signal processing device is designed to set the proportion of the first and the second electrical signal to the third electrical signal in a predetermined second frequency range. It is conceivable that the first and the second frequency range are different.

Wegen der Korrelation von natürlichen Signalen über den ganzen Frequenzbereich ist es auch denkbar, dass die Anteile von Signalen in einem zweiten Frequenzbereich erfindungsgemäß in Abhängigkeit von der Korrelation in einem ersten Frequenzbereich eingestellt werden, wobei die Frequenzbereiche völlig unterschiedlich sind oder nur teilweise überlappen. So ist es auf vorteilhafte Weise möglich, insbesondere Interferenzen in Frequenzbereichen zu vermeiden, in denen sie besonders stark ausfallen oder als besonders störend empfunden werden.Because of the correlation of natural signals over the entire frequency range, it is also conceivable that the proportions of signals in a second frequency range are adjusted according to the invention in dependence on the correlation in a first frequency range, the frequency ranges are completely different or only partially overlap. So it is possible in an advantageous manner, in particular to avoid interference in frequency ranges in which they are particularly strong or are perceived as particularly disturbing.

Im erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegerät ist der zweite Frequenzbereich ganz oder teilweise unterhalb des ersten Frequenzbereichs vorbestimmt.In the hearing aid according to the invention, the second frequency range is predetermined in whole or in part below the first frequency range.

Bei offenen Hörhilfegeräten oder einer Belüftungsbohrung gelangen insbesondere Schallwellen niedriger Frequenzen mit geringer Dämpfung direkt an das Trommelfell und verursachen dort Interferenzen mit den vom Hörhilfegerät aus dem elektrischen/elektromagnetischen Signal erzeugten Schallwellen. Es ist daher von besonderem Vorteil für das Klangempfinden, gerade diesen Frequenzbereich der elektrisch/elektromagnetisch übertragenen Signale aus dem Hörer zu reduzieren.With open hearing aids or a ventilation bore, in particular, sound waves of low frequencies with low attenuation pass directly to the eardrum, where they cause interference with the sound waves generated by the hearing aid from the electrical / electromagnetic signal. It is therefore of particular advantage for the sound perception to reduce precisely this frequency range of the electrically / electromagnetically transmitted signals from the listener.

Weitere vorteilhafte Fortbildungen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.Further advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Die beschriebenen Vorzüge ergeben sich ebenso für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Betrieb des erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts.The described advantages also result for the method according to the invention for operating the hearing aid according to the invention.

Die oben beschriebenen Eigenschaften, Merkmale und Vorteile dieser Erfindung sowie die Art und Weise, wie diese erreicht werden, werden klarer und deutlicher verständlich im Zusammenhang mit der folgenden Beschreibung der Ausführungsbeispiele, die im Zusammenhang mit den Zeichnungen näher erläutert werden.The above-described characteristics, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they will be achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts;
Fig. 2
einen schematischen Ablaufplan eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
Fig. 3
einen schematischen Ablaufplan eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und
Fig. 4
eine Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts in Funktionsblöcken.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic representation of a hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 2
a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention;
Fig. 3
a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention and
Fig. 4
an illustration of a hearing aid according to the invention in functional blocks.

Fig. 1 zeigt den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts 110. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls bzw. akustischer Signale aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Die Mikrofone 2 sind akusto-elektrische Wandler 2 zur Umwandlung des Schalls in erste elektrische Signale. Weiterhin weist das Hörhilfegerät 110 eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung 6 zur Aufnahme eines elektrischen oder elektromagnetischen Signals und Wandlung in ein zweites elektrisches Signal auf. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die ersten elektrischen Signale und steht zu diesem Zweck in Signalverbindung mit dem Mikrofon 2 und der Aufnahmevorrichtung 6. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Denkbar sind auch neben den elektro-akustischen auch andere elektro-mechanische Wandler, wie zum Beispiel Knochenleitungshörer. Die Energieversorgung des Hörgeräts, und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3, erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5. Fig. 1 shows the basic structure of a hearing aid 110 according to the invention. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound or acoustic signals from the environment installed. The microphones 2 are acousto-electrical converters 2 for converting the sound into first electrical signals. Furthermore, the hearing aid device 110 has a receiving device 6 for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal. A signal processing device 3, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the first electrical signals and is for this purpose in signal communication with the microphone 2 and the recording device 6. The output signal of the signal processing device 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker 4 emits an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. Also conceivable, in addition to the electro-acoustic and other electro-mechanical transducers, such as bone conduction. The power supply of the hearing device, and in particular that of the signal processing device 3, is effected by a battery 5 likewise integrated in the hearing device housing 1.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörhilfegerät 110 weist darüber hinaus eine Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 auf, die wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt ein Teil der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 ist, oder aber auch als separate Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 in dem Hörhilfegerät 110 ausgeführt ist. Die weiteren Signalverarbeitungsfunktionen der Signalverarbeitung 3 sind als Funktionsblock 12 dargestellt. Die Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 steht in Signalverbindung mit dem Mikrofon 2 und der Aufnahmevorrichtung 6. Die Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 ist dazu ausgelegt, eine Korrelation zwischen dem ersten elektrischen Signal 10 des Mikrofons 2 und dem zweiten elektrischen Signal 11 der Aufnahmevorrichtung 6 zu bestimmen. Das Ergebnis der Klassifikation übermittelt die Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 über eine Signalverbindung. Dabei kann das Bestimmen der Korrelation zwischen erstem elektrischen Signal 10 und zweitem elektrischen Signal 11 mittels eines Korrelations-Algorithmus erfolgen, wie er zum Beispiel in Wikipedia unter dem Stichwort "Korrelations-Koeffizient" bzw. dem Link http://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Korrelationskoeffiz ient&oldid=119844810 beschrieben ist.The hearing aid device 110 according to the invention also has a signal estimation device 7, which, as in FIG Fig. 1 is shown part of the signal processing device 3, or is also designed as a separate signal estimation device 7 in the hearing aid 110. The further signal processing functions of the signal processing 3 are shown as function block 12. The signal estimation device 7 is in signal connection with the microphone 2 and the recording device 6. The signal estimation device 7 is designed to determine a correlation between the first electrical signal 10 of the microphone 2 and the second electrical signal 11 of the recording device 6. The result of the classification is transmitted by the signal estimating device 7 to the signal processing device 3 via a signal connection. In this case, the determination of the correlation between the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical Signal 11 by means of a correlation algorithm, as described for example in Wikipedia under the keyword "correlation coefficient" or the link http://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Korrelationskoeffiz ient & oldid = 119844810 is.

Fig. 2 zeigt einen schematischen Ablaufplan eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. Fig. 2 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention.

In Schritt S10 wird ein Schallsignal über ein Mikrofon 2 aufgenommen und in ein erstes elektrisches Signal 10 umgewandelt.In step S10, a sound signal is picked up via a microphone 2 and converted into a first electrical signal 10.

In Schritt S20 wird ein elektrisches oder elektromagnetisches Signal mit einer akustischen Information über die Aufnahmeeinrichtung 6 aufgenommen und in ein zweites elektrisches Signal 11 umgewandelt.In step S20, an electrical or electromagnetic signal is received with acoustic information via the recording device 6 and converted into a second electrical signal 11.

In Schritt S40 erfolgt ein Bestimmen einer Korrelation des ersten elektrischen Signals 10 und des zweiten elektrischen Signals 11 durch die Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 mit einem Verfahren zur Korrelationsmessung, wie es beispielsweise in Wikipedia unter dem Stichwort "Korrelationskoeffizient" beschrieben ist.In step S40, a correlation of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 is determined by the signal estimation device 7 with a method for correlation measurement, as described for example in Wikipedia under the keyword "correlation coefficient".

In Schritt S50 empfängt die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 das erste elektrische Signal 10, das zweite elektrische Signal 11 und ein Signal, das die in Schritt S40 bestimmte Korrelation angibt. Die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung führt die in einem Hörhilfegerät 110 zur Kompensation der Hörschwäche notwendigen Verarbeitungsschritte wie z.B. Anpassung des Frequenzgangs, Verstärkung oder auch Störgeräuschunterdrückung. Erfindungsgemäß wird in Schritt S50 ein Anteil des ersten elektrischen Signals 10 und des zweiten elektrischen Signals 11 an einem dritten elektrischen Signal in Abhängigkeit von der Korrelation eingestellt. Bevorzugter Weise nimmt dabei der Anteil des zweiten elektrischen Signals 11 an dem dritten elektrischen Signal mit zunehmender Korrelation ab. Es sind aber auch andere Mischungsverhältnisse denkbar.In step S50, the signal processing means 3 receives the first electrical signal 10, the second electrical signal 11, and a signal indicative of the correlation determined in step S40. The signal processing device performs the necessary in a hearing aid 110 to compensate for the hearing loss processing steps such as adjustment of the frequency response, gain or noise suppression. According to the invention, in step S50, a proportion of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 is set to a third electrical signal as a function of the correlation. Preferred way takes while the proportion of the second electrical signal 11 to the third electrical signal decreases with increasing correlation. But there are also other mixing ratios conceivable.

In Schritt S70 erfolgt eine Ausgabe des dritten elektrischen Signals über den Hörer 4, der es in Schallwellen umwandelt.In step S70, an output of the third electrical signal via the handset 4, which converts it into sound waves.

Die Fig. 3 zeigt einen schematischen Ablaufplan eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, das um die Schritte S30 und S60 ergänzt ist, sonst aber dem Verfahren der Fig. 2 entspricht.
In Schritt S30 werden das erste elektrische Signal 10 und das zweite elektrische Signal 11 in Filterbänken 8 in Signale für einzelne, getrennte oder teilweise überlappende Frequenzbereiche aufgeteilt.The Fig. 3 shows a schematic flowchart of another method according to the invention, which is supplemented by the steps S30 and S60, but otherwise the method of Fig. 2 equivalent.
In step S30, the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 in filter banks 8 are split into signals for individual, separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges.

Somit ist es in Schritt S40 möglich, die Korrelation in einem ersten oder mehreren der Frequenzbereiche zu bestimmen.Thus, in step S40, it is possible to determine the correlation in a first or more of the frequency ranges.

Ebenso ist es in Schritt S50 möglich, den Anteil des ersten elektrischen Signals 10 und des zweiten elektrischen Signals 11 an dem dritten elektrischen Signal in Abhängigkeit von der bestimmten Korrelation in einem zweiten oder mehreren Frequenzbereichen einzustellen. Bevorzugter Weise liegt der zweite Frequenzbereich bzw. die mehreren Frequenzbereiche für das Einstellen unterhalb des ersten Frequenzbereichs.Also, in step S50, it is possible to set the ratio of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 to the third electrical signal depending on the determined correlation in a second or more frequency ranges. Preferably, the second frequency range or the plurality of frequency ranges for the adjustment is below the first frequency range.

In Schritt S60 werden die Frequenzbereiche des in Schritt S50 bearbeiteten dritten elektrischen Signals wieder in einer Filterbank zu einem einzigen dritten elektrischen Signal synthetisiert, das eine Mehrzahl von Frequenzbereichen umfasst.In step S60, the frequency ranges of the third electrical signal processed in step S50 are again synthesized in a filter bank into a single third electrical signal comprising a plurality of frequency ranges.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts in Funktionsblöcken zur Ausführung des Verfahrens aus Fig. 4. Das Hörhilfegerät 110 weist ein Mikrofon 2 bzw. einen akusto-elektrischen Wandler 2 zur Wandlung eines Schallsignals in ein erstes elektrisches Signal und eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung 6 zur Aufnahme eines elektrischen oder elektromagnetischen Signals und Wandlung in ein zweites elektrisches Signal auf. Das erste elektrische Signal 10 und das zweite elektrische Signal 11 werden einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 zugeführt, die Teil des Hörhilfegeräts 110 ist. Fig. 4 shows an illustration of a hearing aid according to the invention in function blocks for carrying out the method Fig. 4 , The hearing aid device 110 has a microphone 2 or an acousto-electrical converter 2 for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal and a recording device 6 for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and conversion into a second electrical signal. The first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 are supplied to a signal processing device 3, which is part of the hearing aid device 110.

In der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 werden das erste elektrische Signal 10 und das zweite elektrische Signal 11 von Filterbänken 8 in mehrere erste Signale 10 und zweite Signale 11 in mehrere Frequenzbereiche aufgeteilt. Die Filterbänke 8 können beispielsweise durch eine Fast-FourierTransformation in einem Signalprozessor der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 erfolgen. Dabei ist es möglich, dass nur ein unteres und ein oberes Frequenzband erzeugt werden, wobei die Frequenzen des unteren Frequenzbandes unterhalb der Frequenzen des oberen Frequenzbandes liegen. Dabei ist es weiterhin denkbar, dass sich beide Frequenzbänder gar nicht oder nur am Rande überlappen. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass eine Vielzahl von Signalen in divergenten oder nur leicht überlappenden Frequenzbändern erzeugt wird.In the signal processing device 3, the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11 are divided by filter banks 8 into a plurality of first signals 10 and second signals 11 into a plurality of frequency ranges. The filter banks 8 can be effected for example by a fast Fourier transformation in a signal processor of the signal processing device 3. It is possible that only a lower and an upper frequency band are generated, wherein the frequencies of the lower frequency band are below the frequencies of the upper frequency band. It is also conceivable that both frequency bands do not overlap or only on the edge. But it is also possible that a plurality of signals in divergent or only slightly overlapping frequency bands is generated.

Die ersten elektrischen Signale 10 und die zweiten elektrischen Signale 11 werden einer Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 zugeführt. Die Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 bestimmt bevorzugter Weise in einem ersten Frequenzband eine Korrelation der ersten Signale 10 und zweiten Signale 11 und gibt ein Signal an die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 ab, das ein Maß für die bestimmte Korrelation wiedergibt. Es ist aber ebenso denkbar, dass die Korrelation für mehrere der Frequenzbänder oder einen ganzen übertragenen Frequenzbereich bestimmt wird.The first electrical signals 10 and the second electrical signals 11 are supplied to a signal estimation device 7. The signal estimation device 7 preferably determines in a first frequency band a correlation of the first signals 10 and second signals 11 and outputs a signal to the signal processing device 3, which represents a measure of the specific correlation. However, it is also conceivable that the correlation for several of the frequency bands or a whole transmitted frequency range is determined.

Die Bestimmung der Korrelation kann beispielsweise mit einem Verfahren zur Korrelationsmessung erfolgen, wie es in Wikipedia unter dem Stichwort "Korrelationskoeffizient" beschrieben ist.The determination of the correlation can be done, for example, with a method for correlation measurement, as described in Wikipedia under the keyword "correlation coefficient".

Die Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 steht in Signalverbindung mit einem Funktionsblock 12, der die weiteren Signalverarbeitungsfunktionen darstellt. Der Funktionsblock 12 empfängt die ersten elektrischen Signale 10 und die zweiten elektrischen Signale 11 sowie ein Signal der Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7, das ein Maß für die Korrelation des ersten elektrischen Signals 10 und des zweiten elektrischen Signals 11 wiedergibt.The signal estimation device 7 is in signal connection with a function block 12, which represents the further signal processing functions. The function block 12 receives the first electrical signals 10 and the second electrical signals 11 and a signal of the signal estimation device 7, which represents a measure of the correlation of the first electrical signal 10 and the second electrical signal 11.

Der Funktionsblock 12 erzeugt aus diesen Signalen ein drittes elektrisches Signal, wobei der Funktionsblock 12 einen Anteil des ersten und des zweiten elektrischen Signals 11, 12 an dem dritten elektrischen Signal in Abhängigkeit von der Korrelation einstellt, wobei der Funktionsblock 12 mit zunehmender Korrelation einen Anteil des zweiten elektrischen Signals 11 am dritten elektrischen Signal reduziert.The function block 12 generates a third electrical signal from these signals, the function block 12 setting a portion of the first and second electrical signals 11, 12 on the third electrical signal as a function of the correlation, wherein the functional block 12 with increasing correlation a share of second electrical signal 11 reduced at the third electrical signal.

Dabei stellt der Funktionsblock 12 den Anteil des ersten und des zweiten elektrischen Signals 10, 11 an dem dritten elektrischen Signal in einem vorbestimmten zweiten Frequenzbereich ein, wobei der zweite Frequenzbereich ganz oder teilweise unterhalb des ersten Frequenzbereichs vorbestimmt ist. Bevorzugter Weise befindet sich der zweite Frequenzbereich am unteren Ende des Hörspektrums, beispielsweise unterhalb 1000 Hz, 800 Hz, 500 Hz oder auch 200 Hz. Dieser Frequenzbereich ist dadurch ausgezeichnet, dass dessen Schallwellen mit den angegebenen Frequenzen bevorzugt bei offener Versorgung oder durch eine Belüftungsbohrung direkt an das Trommelfell gelangen können und somit in Interferenz mit den vom Hörer ausgegebenen Schallwellen kommen können. Daher ist insbesondere die obere Grenzfrequenz des zweiten Frequenzbereichs von den Eigenschaften des Hörhilfegeräts abhängig, beispielsweise von der Geometrie der Belüftungsbohrung.In this case, the function block 12 sets the proportion of the first and the second electrical signal 10, 11 to the third electrical signal in a predetermined second frequency range, wherein the second frequency range is predetermined in whole or in part below the first frequency range. The second frequency range is preferably located at the lower end of the audible spectrum, for example below 1000 Hz, 800 Hz, 500 Hz or even 200 Hz. This frequency range is characterized in that its sound waves with the specified frequencies are preferred when the supply is open or through a ventilation bore directly can get to the eardrum and thus can come into interference with the output from the listener sound waves. Therefore, the upper limit frequency of the second frequency range in particular depends on the properties of the hearing aid, for example on the geometry of the ventilation bore.

Der Funktionsblock 12 führt auch andere Signalverarbeitungsfunktionen aus, wie sie üblicherweise in einem Hörhilfegerät 110 zur Verbesserung des Hörempfindens des Trägers erforderlich sind. Dies ist beispielsweise eine frequenzabhängige Verstärkung des dritten Signals, um eine Minderung der Empfindlichkeit des Gehörs des Trägers auszugleichen und einen ausreichend hohen Pegel für eine Ausgabe des Signals als Schall über den Hörer 4 zu erzeugen. In der dargestellten Ausführungsform mit in Frequenzbändern aufgeteilten Signalen erfolgt auch eine Zusammenführung der einzelnen Frequenzbänder zu einem einzigen Ausgangssignal mittels einer Synthesefunktion. Es sind aber auch andere komplexere Funktionen denkbar, wie Störgeräuschunterdrückung, adaptive Filter, Rückkopplungs- oder Echo-Kompensation und andere.The functional block 12 also performs other signal processing functions commonly required in a hearing aid 110 to improve the hearing of the wearer. This is for example a frequency-dependent Amplification of the third signal to compensate for a reduction in the sensitivity of the hearing of the wearer and to produce a sufficiently high level for outputting the signal as sound via the handset 4. In the illustrated embodiment, with signals divided into frequency bands, the individual frequency bands are also combined to form a single output signal by means of a synthesis function. But there are also other more complex functions conceivable, such as noise suppression, adaptive filters, feedback or echo compensation and others.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörhilfegerät 110 kann auch Teil eines binauralen Hörhilfesystems sein, wobei dann die Signalschätzungseinrichtung 7 beispielsweise die ersten elektrischen Signale beider Hörhilfegeräte 110 verwenden könnte und das Ergebnis der Klassifikation in gleicher Weise auf beiden Hörhilfegeräten wie dargestellt zur Anwendung kommt. Dabei ist auch eine Kombination mit anderen binauralen Funktionen wie adaptive Richtmikrofone und Funktionen zur Verbesserung des räumlichen Hörens denkbar.
Obwohl die Erfindung im Detail durch das bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiel näher illustriert und beschrieben wurde, so ist die Erfindung nicht durch die offenbarten Beispiele eingeschränkt und andere Variationen können vom Fachmann hieraus abgeleitet werden, ohne den Schutzumfang der Erfindung zu verlassen.The hearing aid device 110 according to the invention can also be part of a binaural hearing aid system, in which case the signal estimation device 7 could, for example, use the first electrical signals of both hearing aid devices 110 and the result of the classification is used in the same way on both hearing aid devices as illustrated. A combination with other binaural functions such as adaptive directional microphones and functions for improving spatial hearing is also conceivable.
Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (3)

  1. Hearing aid, comprising:
    an acoustoelectric transducer (2) for converting an acoustic signal into a first electrical signal (10);
    a pickup device (6) for picking up an electrical or electromagnetic signal and converting the electrical or electromagnetic signal into a second electrical signal (11);
    a signal estimation device (7) connected in signal communication with said acoustoelectric transducer (2) and said pickup device (6);
    a signal processing device (3) connected in signal communication with said acoustoelectric transducer (2), with said pickup device (6) and with said signal estimation device (7), said signal processing device (3) being configured to receive the first electrical signal (10) and the second electrical signal (11) and to process the first and second electrical signals into a third electrical signal;
    an electromechanical transducer (4) connected in signal communication with said signal processing device (3) and configured to convert the third electrical signal into an acoustic signal and to output the acoustic signal;
    wherein said signal estimation device (7) is configured to determine a correlation between the first electrical signal (10) and the second electrical signal (11) in a first predetermined frequency range of a plurality of separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges and to communicate the correlation to said signal processing device (3), wherein said signal processing device (3) is configured to adjust a proportion of the first electrical signal (10) and of the second electrical signal (11) in the third electrical signal in a predetermined second frequency range of the plurality of separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges depending on the correlation; and wherein the first and second frequency ranges are completely different or only partially overlapping,
    wherein said signal processing device (3) is configured to reduce the proportion of the second electrical signal (11) in the third electrical signal as the correlation increases.
  2. Hearing aid according to Claim 1, wherein the second frequency range is predetermined to be completely below or partially below the first frequency range.
  3. Method of operating a hearing aid, the hearing aid having:
    an acoustoelectric transducer (2);
    a pickup device (6);
    a signal estimation device (7) connected in signal communication with the acoustoelectric transducer (2) and the pickup device (6);
    a signal processing device (3) connected in signal communication with the acoustoelectric transducer (2), the pickup device (6) and the signal estimation device (7);
    an electromechanical transducer (4) connected in signal communication with the signal processing device (3);
    the method comprising the following steps:
    converting an acoustic signal into a first electrical signal (11) by the acoustoelectric transducer (2);
    receiving and converting an electrical or electromagnetic signal into a second electrical signal by the pickup device (6);
    determining a correlation between the first electrical signal (10) and the second electrical signal (11) in a first predetermined frequency range of a plurality of separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges by the signal estimation device (7) and communicating the correlation to the signal processing device (3);
    adjusting a proportion of the first electrical signal (10) and of the second electrical signal (11) in the third electrical signal in a predetermined second frequency range of the plurality of separate or partially overlapping frequency ranges by the signal processing device (3) in dependence on the determined correlation, wherein the first and second frequency ranges are completely different or only partially overlapping, wherein the proportion of the second electrical signal (11) in the third electrical signal is reduced as the correlation increases.
EP14172917.8A 2013-07-02 2014-06-18 Detection of listening situations with different signal sources Active EP2822300B1 (en)

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US9571941B2 (en) * 2013-08-19 2017-02-14 Knowles Electronics, Llc Dynamic driver in hearing instrument
US10538988B2 (en) * 2016-05-31 2020-01-21 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Expandable downhole seat assembly
DE102017202480A1 (en) * 2017-02-16 2018-08-16 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Method for operating a hearing device and hearing device
EP3373603B1 (en) * 2017-03-09 2020-07-08 Oticon A/s A hearing device comprising a wireless receiver of sound

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JP5256119B2 (en) * 2008-05-27 2013-08-07 パナソニック株式会社 Hearing aid, hearing aid processing method and integrated circuit used for hearing aid
DE102008053458A1 (en) * 2008-10-28 2010-04-29 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing device with special situation recognition unit and method for operating a hearing device
CN102113350B (en) * 2009-06-08 2014-04-02 松下电器产业株式会社 Hearing aid, relay device, hearing assistance system, hearing assistance method, program, and integrated circuit
JP5514698B2 (en) * 2010-11-04 2014-06-04 パナソニック株式会社 hearing aid
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DE102013212853A1 (en) 2015-01-08
DK2822300T3 (en) 2017-08-21
US20150010182A1 (en) 2015-01-08
US9565501B2 (en) 2017-02-07

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