EP4356626A1

EP4356626A1 - Method for adapting a hearing device

Info

Publication number: EP4356626A1
Application number: EP23726948.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rosa-Linde FISCHER; Tobias Wurzbacher
Original assignee: Sivantos Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Sivantos Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-08
Filing date: 2023-05-12
Publication date: 2024-04-24
Also published as: WO2024051970A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adapting a hearing device (2), having at least one hearing aid (16), a movement sensor (30), and a display unit (34), wherein at least one test measurement is carried out in which an acoustic test signal is generated, the movement sensor (30) detects a movement of the hearing device user (10) in response to the test signal as a test result, and visual feedback (14) is generated on the display unit (34) on the basis of the test result.

Description

Method for adapting a hearing device

The invention relates to a method for adapting a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, as well as a use of the method, a hearing device and software on a data carrier.

Hearing aids are portable hearing devices (hearing aid devices) that are used to provide care for people who are hard of hearing or have hearing impairments. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different designs of hearing devices such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) and hearing aids with an external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) as well as in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE) are available. , for example also Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE: In-The-Ear, CIC: Completely-In-Channel, HC: Invisible-In-The-Channel). The hearing devices listed as examples are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal of a hearing device user. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The damaged hearing is stimulated either mechanically or electrically.

In principle, such hearing devices or hearing aids have an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer as essential components. The input transducer is typically an acousto-electrical transducer, such as a microphone, and/or an electromagnetic receiver, for example an induction coil or a (radio frequency, RF) antenna. The output transducer is usually implemented as an electro-acoustic transducer, for example as a miniature loudspeaker (listener), or as an electromechanical transducer, such as a bone conduction receiver. The amplifier is more common- integrated into a signal processing device. The energy is usually supplied by a battery or a rechargeable accumulator.

The input signals recorded by the input converters are typically multi-channel, which means that the input signals are divided into several individual frequency channels, with each frequency channel covering a frequency band of a certain spectral width. For example, a hearing aid can have 48 (frequency) channels in a frequency range between 0 kHz (kilohertz) and 24 kHz, with the individual signal components of the input signal in the channels being individually processable, in particular individually filterable and/or amplified, by means of the signal processing device.

By cleverly adjusting the time- and frequency-dependent amplification of an acoustic input signal by a hearing device, optimal adaptation to the needs of a hearing device user can be achieved. The problem arises of determining the best possible time- and frequency-dependent amplification for the hearing device user or hearing aid user Z wearer.

The (initial) fitting of a hearing aid is particularly aimed at finding the best amplification and algorithm settings for all individual hearing aid wearers. The most important input is the audiometric data of the hearing aid wearer (bone conduction threshold, level of discomfort). In addition, some fitting procedures also take into account other information about the hearing aid wearer, such as age, gender and experience with hearing aids, to further optimize the initial fitting.

There are people, such as small children or people with cognitive impairments, who are not able to reliably follow the instructions for measuring the hearing threshold. This means that the procedure of verbal cue or key press as soon as a sine tone is just perceptible - if it is understood and can be followed at all - leads to a wide spread of answers and test results. As a result, there is only a small one Data quality of the hearing thresholds is available for the adjustment, which is the most important information for an appropriate hearing aid adjustment.

Currently, this problem is solved by simple behavioral tests in which various sounds are used as test signals to stimulate specific frequency ranges, observing the child/person's response to the test signal. In order to obtain answers at all, a conditional learning process is carried out before the approach behavior when perceiving a sound.

If the child or person is able to actively participate, understand and follow simple rules, conditioned play audiometry can also take place. Here, audiometry is introduced in a playful way in order to maintain the motivation for reactions.

There are also tablet-based solutions in which different frequencies are represented by different animals, for example. The child or person should click on the respective animal as soon as they hear the corresponding sound. Such solutions increase motivation, but still require the ability to understand and reliably follow instructions.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable method for adapting a hearing device. The invention is also based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable use of the method, a particularly suitable hearing device and particularly suitable software on a data carrier.

With regard to the method, the task is solved according to the invention with the features of claim 1 and with regard to use with the features of claim 7 as well as with regard to the hearing device with the features of claim 8 and with regard to the software with the features of claim 10. The advantages and refinements listed with regard to the process are: correspondingly also transferable to the use and/or the hearing device and/or the software and vice versa.

The conjunction “and/or” is to be understood here and below in such a way that the features linked by this conjunction can be formed both together and as alternatives to one another.

If method steps are described below, advantageous configurations for the hearing device result in particular from the fact that it is designed to carry out one or more of these method steps.

The method according to the invention is intended for adapting a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid device, and is suitable and set up for this purpose. The hearing device has at least one hearing aid (hearing aid, HA) and a motion sensor and a display unit.

The hearing device is used in particular to provide care for a hearing-impaired user (hearing device user). The hearing aid is designed to record sound signals from the environment and output them to the hearing device user. For this purpose, the hearing device has at least one input transducer, in particular an acousto-electrical transducer, such as a microphone.

When the hearing device or hearing aid is in operation, the input transducer picks up sound signals (noises, tones, speech, etc.) from the environment and converts them into an electrical input signal. The input signal is in particular designed to be multi-channel. In other words, the acoustic signals are converted into a multi-channel input signal. The input signal therefore has a plurality of frequency channels, in particular at least two, preferably at least 20, particularly preferably at least 40, for example 48 (frequency) channels, which each cover an assigned frequency band of a frequency range of the hearing device. For example, a frequency range between 0 kHz and 24 kHz is divided into 48 channels, so that input signals with 48 channels are generated. The hearing aid also has an output transducer, in particular an electro-acoustic transducer, such as a receiver or miniature loudspeaker. An electrical (multi-channel) output signal is generated from the electrical (multi-channel) input signal by processing and modifying the input signal, or the individual frequency or signal channels, in a signal processing device (eg amplified, filtered, attenuated). The setting of the signal processing device, in particular with regard to the signal amplification, is carried out in the course of the adaptation according to the invention based on a test result of a test measurement.

According to the method, at least one test measurement is carried out in which an acoustic (test) signal (test stimulus, test tone, test stimuli) is generated. Using the motion sensor, a movement of the hearing device user in response to the signal (or an absence of such a movement) is recorded as a test result, with visual feedback being generated on the display unit depending on the test result.

According to the method, signal amplification or signal processing of the hearing aid, i.e. the signal processing device, is set based on the test result. In other words, the hearing aid settings or hearing aid parameters are changed depending on the test measurement or the test result. The hearing aid device or hearing aid is thus adjusted or adjusted based on the test results or certain hearing thresholds. This results in a particularly suitable method for adapting the hearing device, which is particularly suitable for small children or people with cognitive limitations due to the visual feedback.

In an advantageous development, several test measurements, i.e. at least two test measurements, are carried out in succession. This ensures a more reliable adjustment of the hearing device. In a suitable embodiment, a movement analysis of the recorded motion sensor data is carried out to determine the hearing threshold, with a signal level of the test signal being changed (increased/reduced) depending on the movement analysis. This in particular changes the signal level of a subsequent test measurement, so that successive test measurements build on the previous test results and thus achieve a successively more precise determination of the hearing threshold.

Appropriately, several test measurements are carried out and a measure of the hearing thresholds of the hearing device user is thus determined. The test results can be evaluated by a person/examiner, for example an audiologist, or by software or artificial intelligence, for example a neural network.

This creates a hearing threshold procedure that offers the possibility of an automated, closed hearing threshold test. The hearing device user's reaction is objectified by motion sensor data, which is combined with knowledge of the test signals/test tones presented. In addition, the hearing device user receives visual feedback about his behavior to motivate him. The visual feedback provides the examiner with objective feedback on test performance.

Currently, response to a hearing threshold test is assessed through the examiner's subjective interpretation of a test subject's behavior. The proposed technical solution of the method according to the invention provides objective feedback about the reaction to a perceived test signal based on motion sensor data. This reduces the time to train response behavior, increases the reliability of the measurement, and increases motivation for it. The procedure is not only, but particularly suitable for people with limited understanding of the test procedure, e.g. very small children or cognitively impaired people. Additionally, these individuals may benefit from a method with a clear reward to help them stay motivated to complete the measurement protocol. The data from a motion sensor, which is either integrated into the hearing aid, other technical devices or stand-alone motion sensors, is combined with the knowledge about the presentation properties of the test stimuli via the hearing aid or other technical devices. In the background, for example, an algorithm analyzes the presentation time, volume and frequency of the test tones and derives the hearing threshold for several frequencies or frequency channels of the hearing aid from the hit and error rate of the response behavior recorded by the motion sensor.

In a conceivable embodiment, the signal level of the test signal is changed such that a difference between the test signal with the lowest perceptible signal level and the test signal with the highest perceptible signal level reaches or falls below a predetermined threshold value. In other words, the steps for determining the hearing threshold (motion analysis, level reduction or increase) are repeated until the difference between the test signal with the quietest audible level and the test signal with the strongest inaudible level is below a predetermined (e.g. parameterizable) threshold. The threshold values can be, for example, below 6 dB, 3 dB, 1 dB. The hearing threshold of the hearing device user then lies between these signal levels.

In an expedient embodiment, the test signal is output by the hearing aid. In other words, the hearing aid generates the test signal. For this purpose, the hearing aid has, for example, a signal generator which generates an electrical test signal which is output as an acoustic test signal by the output transducer.

The advantage of implementing it in the hearing aid over external speakers or headphones is that it avoids the need for calibration. The option to mute the microphone or input converter means that fewer external noises disrupt the test process. The hearing aid implementation would continue to provide the option of an in-situ hearing threshold test or a To perform a real-ear amplification check. In addition, automation of the process could be used to collect hearing test data over a longer period of time and in daily life (e.g. at home). Typical modern hearing aids have built-in motion sensors, which are a prerequisite for the proposed setup.

An additional or further aspect of the invention provides for the use of the method described above as a gamified hearing threshold test (hearing test). In particular, gamified visual feedback is generated or used. This makes a particularly suitable application with regard to determining hearing thresholds in small children or people with cognitive limitations.

“Gamified” or “gamification” means a gameification or gameification, i.e. an application of game-typical elements in a non-game context. This involves transferring game design principles, game design thinking, and game mechanics to non-game applications and processes to solve problems and engage participants. The aim is to increase the motivation of users to interact more intensively with an application that is otherwise unchallenging, perceived as too monotonous or too complex, or to adopt desired behaviors.

For example, three approaches are conceivable for implementing a gamified hearing test with the collection of objective behavioral data using motion sensors, which are also referred to below as run & jump, sprint competition, and dancing game.

The Run & Jump approach is an implicit procedure based on natural evasive behavior: a manikin (game character) runs across the screen. The subject is instructed to jump and shake his head whenever an obstacle approaches from any direction. For example, previous test tones indicate whether the next obstacle is coming from the left or right. The test subject's reaction to the approaching obstacle is faster if the test tone is perceived. The analysis algorithm calculates the hit and error rate of the behavioral response by comparing the auditory with the purely visual representation of obstacles. The visual feedback to the subject - the manikin on the screen reflects the subject's behavior, e.g. B. Jumps or changes of direction - serves to maintain the subject's motivation.

In the sprint competition approach, the instruction is given to start a “100 m” sprint (or horse riding, car/Formula 1 race, ...) as soon as the test signal is perceived. The tones of the test signal are varied in frequency and volume and presented in unpredictable time patterns (random stimulus intervals). An algorithm calculates the hearing threshold by comparing correct and incorrect starts, which is indicated by the feedback from the motion sensor at the "run start". Visual feedback is used to maintain the subject's motivation.

The “dancing game” approach is an implicit procedure that takes advantage of the intrinsic motivation to tune into a perceived musical rhythm. The test stimuli are tone sequences that are defined by a specific pitch and loudness. These sentences are played at a predefined periodicity (rhythm; beats per minute; optionally embedded in a song). An algorithm analyzes the correlation between the subject's rhythmic movement and the rhythm presented. Their agreement indicates the perception of a specific tone sequence. The hearing threshold (level) for a specific frequency (pitch) is derived from the information about the pitch and level of a crowd. The visual feedback to the test subject serves to maintain motivation. In addition, the parallel representation of the test subject's rhythmic behavior and the rhythm presented can be used to provide the examiner with immediate objective feedback.

In general, all gamified hearing loss assessments could also be carried out by untrained people, e.g. B. from the parents or the Caregiver of a hearing-impaired person. For this purpose, an app implementation, for example for a smartphone or for a tablet computer, could be provided that is able to put the hearing aid into a measurement mode to present test tones and collect motion sensor data. This is particularly advantageous with regard to use with over-the-counter or over-the-counter hearing aids, so-called over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. With OTC hearing aids, the hearing aid wearer is responsible for setting up the hearing aid, including the adjustment and setting the sound. The hearing aid wearer therefore usually has to carry out an initial fitting without audiometric input data and without professional assistance. Self-fitting (SF) is facilitated by the procedure.

The hearing device according to the invention has a hearing aid, in particular an OTC hearing aid. The hearing device further has a motion sensor for detecting a (body) movement of the hearing device user and a display unit for reproducing visual feedback as well as a controller, i.e. a control device, for carrying out the method described above.

The controller is generally set up - in terms of program and/or circuitry - to carry out the method according to the invention described above. The controller is thus specifically set up to carry out a test measurement, to evaluate the recorded movement data of the motion sensor, and subsequently to adjust or adapt the hearing aid.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller is formed at least in the core by a microcontroller with a processor and a data memory, in which the functionality for carrying out the method according to the invention is implemented programmatically in the form of operating software (firmware), so that the method - if necessary in interaction with a device user - is carried out automatically when the operating software is executed in the microcontroller. Within the scope of the invention, the controller can alternatively also be a non-programmable electronic component, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), in which the functionality for carrying out the method according to the invention is implemented using circuit technology means.

In a suitable embodiment, the display unit and the controller are designed as an operating and display device that is coupled to the hearing aid in terms of signals. The particularly mobile operating and display device is, for example, a mobile phone, in particular a mobile phone with a computer function or a smartphone or even a tablet computer

The operating and display device has, for example, stored application software (operating software) by means of which the audio and/or video material is played and by means of which the test results of the hearing device user are recorded. Based on the test results, the application software then adjusts the settings or amplification of the hearing aid. For this purpose, the application software can preferably be installed as a so-called app or mobile app (mobile application, smartphone app) on the operating and display device.

This version is based on the consideration that modern operating and display devices, such as smartphones or tablet computers in particular, are widespread in today's society and are generally available and accessible to a user at any time. In particular, the user of the hearing aid device is very likely to essentially have such an operating and display device in his household.

The surfaces of smartphones or tablet computers, which are typically designed as touchscreens (display, display), continue to allow particularly simple and intuitive operation of the application software of the operating and display device formed thereby. This makes it particularly cost-effective to retrofit a smartphone or tablet computer to adapt the hearing aid device. The operating and display device comprises an internal controller, which is formed at least in the core by a microcontroller with a processor and a data memory, in which the functionality for carrying out the method is implemented programmatically in the form of the application software, so that the method or the determination of the Operating state of the hearing aids - if necessary in interaction with the user - is carried out automatically when the application software is executed in the controller.

An additional or further aspect of the invention provides software on a medium or data carrier for carrying out or executing the method described above. This means that the software is stored on a data carrier and is intended to carry out the method described above and is suitable and designed for this purpose. This results in particularly suitable software for adapting a hearing device, with which the functionality for carrying out the method according to the invention is implemented using program technology. The software is therefore in particular operating software (firmware), with the data carrier being, for example, a data memory of the controller.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. It shows in schematic and simplified representations:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a method according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a hearing device with a hearing aid and with an additional device, and Fig. 3 is three rhythm-volume diagrams.

Fig. 1 shows an overview of a first embodiment of a method according to the invention for adapting a hearing device 2 (Fig. 2). 1 shows in particular the process of a gamified hearing threshold procedure. The procedure is carried out, for example, by an examiner 4 (experimenter, test manager). At least one test measurement is carried out using a display and operating device 6, in which an acoustic (test) signal (test stimulus, test tone, test stimuli) 8 is generated. The signal 8 can be designed as one or more tones, a rhythm, a sweep or the like. The display and operating device 6 can be designed, for example, as a computer or as an app on a smartphone or tablet.

A hearing device user (test person, test subject) 10, for example a child, responds to the signal 8 in particular through a body movement, a distinction being made in particular between movements which take place with the signal 8 and not with the signal 8. The reaction is objectified by motion sensor data 12, which is combined with knowledge of the test signals/test tones presented. The display and operating device 6 analyzes the detected (body) movement with regard to a correlation of the signal 8 and the movements, and subsequently adjusts the stimuli or parameters (volume, frequency, beats/minute, ...) of the signal 8 . In addition, the hearing device user 10 receives visual feedback 14 about his behavior from the display and operating device 6 for motivation. Optionally, the hearing device user 10 can also receive acoustic feedback through tones or the like. The visual feedback 14 gives the examiner (experimenter, test manager) 4 objective feedback about the test performance. The hearing aid device 2 is adjusted or adjusted based on the test results or certain hearing thresholds.

Figure 2 shows the basic structure of a hearing device 2 in a simplified and schematic representation.

The hearing device 2 is designed in particular as a hearing aid device in the form of a hearing system with a hearing aid 16 and with an external additional device in the form of a display and operating device 6. The hearing aid 16 is designed, for example, as a behind-the-ear hearing aid (BTE). The hearing aid 16 can in particular be an OTC hearing aid. The hearing aid 16 and the display and operating device 6 are connected via a wireless communication connection 18 linked to each other in terms of signaling. The communication connection 18 is preferably designed as a radio connection, for example as a Bluetooth or RFID connection.

The hearing aid 16 comprises, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, a device housing 20 in which one or more microphones 22, also referred to as acousto-electric (input) transducers, are installed. The microphones 22 record the sound or acoustic signals in the environment and convert them into an electrical audio signal.

The audio signal is processed by a signal processing device 24, which is also arranged in the device housing 20. Based on the audio signal, the signal processing device 24 generates an output signal which is directed to a loudspeaker or listener 26. The listener 26 is designed as an electro-acoustic (output) converter, which converts the electrical output signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it. In the case of the BTE hearing aid 16, the acoustic signal is optionally transmitted to the eardrum of a hearing aid device user via a sound tube (not shown) or an external listener, which has an otoplastic fitted in the ear canal. But it is also conceivable, for example, an electro-mechanical transducer as a listener 26, such as a bone conduction listener.

The hearing aid 16 and in particular the signal processing device 24 are supplied with energy by means of a battery 28 accommodated in the device housing 20.

The signal processing device 24 is coupled to a motion sensor 30 of the hearing aid 16 in terms of signals. The motion sensor 30 is intended and set up to detect movements of the hearing device user 10. The motion sensor 30 is intended and set up to detect three-dimensional movements, in particular translational and/or rotational movements. The motion sensor 30 is here, for example, as an accelerometer and/or as a gyroscope, i.e. as a gyroscopic one (Position) sensor, trained. The movement sensor 30 can alternatively also be a light sensor for detecting light signals in an environment of the hearing aid 16, or a pulse or blood pressure sensor for detecting changes in the pulse or blood pressure of the hearing device user 10. Also possible is a motion sensor 30, which has a combination of accelerometer and/or gyroscope and/or pulse sensor and/or blood pressure sensor and/or light sensor.

The signal processing device 24 is also routed to a transceiver 32 of the hearing aid 16 for signaling purposes. The transceiver 32 is used to send and receive wireless signals via the communication connection 18. The transceiver 32 can be designed, for example, as an induction coil.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, a separate, mobile operating and display device 6 is coupled to the hearing aid 16 for signaling purposes by means of the communication connection 18. The operating and display device 6 shown schematically is in particular a smartphone. The smartphone 6 has a touch-sensitive display unit (display) 34, which is also referred to below as a touchscreen. The smartphone 6 also has at least one loudspeaker 36 for emitting acoustic signals.

The signaling coupling between the smartphone 6 and the transceiver 32 of the hearing aid 16 takes place via a corresponding - unspecified - integrated transceiver, for example a radio or radio antenna, of the smartphone 6.

The smartphone 6 has an integrated controller, which is essentially formed by a microcontroller with implemented application software 38. The application software 38 is preferably a mobile app or a smartphone app that is stored in a data memory of the controller. During operation, the controller displays the application software 38 on the touchscreen 34, with the application software 38 using the touch-sensitive surface of the touchscreen 34 can be operated by a hearing device user 10.

A second exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention for adapting the hearing aid device 2 to the hearing needs of the hearing device user 10 is explained below.

The core idea of the method is a motion sensor in the hearing aid 16 (preferred, but can also be integrated, for example, in an additional device such as the smartphone 6), by means of which a rhythm or beat (or the changes in the former) of the reaction of a test person 10 to various test signals or tones (volume & frequency) can be recorded. The test signals are reproduced by an internal test signal or tone generator (receiver 26) of the hearing aid 16 (preferably, but alternatively an additional device for generating sound can also be provided). According to the method, conclusions about the hearing threshold of the test person 10 are drawn from the test signals and the recorded body movements. A visual representation of one's own movement in real time (with a bouncing dot or a computer puppet) on the display unit or the touch display 24 increases the willingness and attention for the test.

A focus group for the application are children and young people, who are easier to motivate for such movement-based audiometry compared to classic audiometry.

The procedure explained below is also suitable for the OTC/SF case for adolescents or adults to determine the hearing threshold. In this case, the test person 10 is also the test leader 4. Here, the hearing device 2 used is the hearing aid 16 with the integrated motion sensor 30 and a sound generator 26 as well as a smartphone/tablet as an operating and display device 6 with a wireless connection 18 to the hearing aid 16. In one embodiment, a professional test leader (e.g. a hearing aid acoustician, ...) could also have the Application software 38 can be connected remotely, or only when necessary in the event of a failure.

The test subject 10 wears the hearing aid 16, which is connected to the smartphone/tablet 6. The examiner 4 starts the movement audiometry via the application software 38. The application software 38 parameters the sound generator 26 in the hearing aid 16 so that it plays sounds in a rhythmic manner. The rhythm itself changes over time in unpredictable ways. Along with the change in rhythm, the volume of the sound also changes. This is shown, for example, in FIG. 3.

Figure 3 shows sets of test tones representing combinations of level and rhythmic pattern. 3 shows three rhythm volume diagrams, where horizontally, i.e. along the abscissa axis (X-axis), the time t is shown, and along the vertical ordinate axis (Y-axis) a volume L is shown, for example in decibels (dB), plotted. The test signals or test stimuli 8 are shown as circles with reference lines to the time axis, the motion sensor data 12 as rectangles, and the hearing threshold HS as a horizontal dashed line. In FIG. 3, the test stimuli 8 and motion sensor data 12 are provided with reference numbers merely as examples.

In the upper right and lower left representations of FIG. 3, motion sensor data (motion reaction) 12 about the movement of the test subject, which shows the same rhythm as the audible sentence, is shown. The hearing threshold HS can be derived by varying the level of the sets. Test stimuli 8 which correlate with corresponding motion sensor data 12 are classified as audible or perceptible, i.e. as above the hearing threshold HS, whereby test stimuli 8 without assigned or assignable motion sensor data 12 are classified as not audible or perceptible, i.e. as below the hearing threshold HS. By varying the volume L of the test stimuli 8 and evaluating the motion sensor data 12, the position of the hearing threshold HS can be successively determined. The test subject 10 should carry out movements in accordance with the sound reproduction. This can be a simple up-down or rocking motion with the whole body or just the head. The motion sensor 30 tracks the movement of the test subject 10 and sends the data to the connected smartphone 6 or the application software 38 for real-time visualization of one's own movement on the display 34. The motion sensor data 12 is evaluated - specifically the movement frequency, either in the application software 38 or already in the hearing aid 16.

It is not absolutely necessary (but of course helpful for automatic analysis) that movement and sounds are synchronized. It is important that the frequency of movement of the test subject 10 changes with the sound stimuli. Optionally, a short training sequence can be carried out before the test in order to assess the ability of the test subject 10 to react to the changes in the stimulus pattern in terms of regularity and synchrony of the movement pattern as well as the reaction time: "How quickly does the test subject react to changes". This Parameters could be used to tailor the testing procedure and analyzes to the individual test subject 10.

If a change in the movement pattern (e.g. frequency) can be detected, it is concluded that the test subject 10 can still hear the sound at the presented volume and the hearing threshold HS has not been reached. The movement audiometry is continued and the level of the sound stimuli is reduced for the next rhythm change.

If the movement pattern (e.g. the frequency) does not change or no movement can be detected at all, the conclusion is that the test subject 10 is not able to hear the sound at the volume presented and that the hearing threshold is below HS is. The movement audiometry is continued and the level of the sound stimulus is increased for the next rhythm change. These steps (motion analysis, level reduction or increase) are repeated until the difference between the tone with the quietest audible level and the tone with the strongest inaudible level is below a certain (parameterizable) threshold. The threshold values can be, for example, below 6 dB, 3 dB, 1 dB. The subject's hearing threshold lies between these levels.

This process must be repeated for different sound frequencies to determine the hearing threshold. The determined hearing threshold will be saved for further use, e.g. B. for the (initial) adjustment and/or fine-tuning of the HA parameters.

The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by the person skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention.

Reference symbol list

2 hearing aid

4 examiners

6 Operating and display device/smartphone

8 test signal

10 hearing aid users

12 motion sensor data

14 feedback

16 hearing aid

18 communication link

20 device housings

22 microphone

24 signal processing device

26 listeners

28 battery

30 motion sensor

32 transceivers

34 display unit

36 speakers

38 application software t time

L volume

HS hearing threshold

Claims

Claims Method for adapting a hearing device (2), having at least one hearing aid (16) and a motion sensor (30) and a display unit (34),

- wherein at least one test measurement is carried out, in which a) an acoustic test signal (8) is generated, b) a movement of the hearing device user (10) in response to the test signal is recorded with the motion sensor (30) as a test result, and c) in Depending on the test result, visual feedback (14) is generated on the display unit (34),

- wherein a signal processing device (24) of the hearing aid (16) is adjusted based on the test result. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that several test measurements are carried out in succession. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the course of the at least one test measurement, a hearing threshold (HS) of the hearing device user for the acoustic test signal is determined. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that a movement analysis is carried out to determine the hearing threshold, a signal level of the test signal being changed depending on the movement analysis. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the signal level of the test signal (8) is changed such that a difference between the test signal with the lowest perceptible signal level and the test signal with the highest perceptible signal level reaches or falls below a predetermined threshold value. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the test signal (8) is output by the hearing aid (16). Use of a method according to one of claims 1 to 6, as a hearing threshold test for the hearing device user (10), wherein gamified visual feedback is used. Hearing device (2) having at least one hearing aid (16) and a motion sensor (30) as well as a display unit (34) and a controller for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6. Hearing device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the display unit (34) and the controller are designed as an operating and display device coupled to the hearing aid (16) for signaling purposes. Software on a data carrier for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6, if the software runs on a computer.