Hearing Aid System and a Method for Operating a Hearing Aid System

Abstract

The disclosed technology relates to a hearing system comprising a first hearing device configured for arrangement in an ear canal of a first ear of a user and a second hearing device configured for arrangement proximate to the first hearing device at the first ear of the user. The first hearing device and the second hearing device may each include a microphone, a signal processing unit, a loudspeaker, and a battery, such that both the first hearing device and the second hearing device are configured to function as a hearing device independently and when combined. In addition, the second hearing device may be configured to charge the battery of the first hearing device.

Claims

1. A hearing system comprising: a first hearing device configured for arrangement in an ear canal of a first ear of a user; and a second hearing device configured for arrangement proximate to the first hearing device at the first ear of the user, wherein: the first hearing device and the second hearing device each include a microphone, a signal processing unit, a loudspeaker, and a battery, such that both the first hearing device and the second hearing device are configured to function as a hearing device independently and when combined; and the second hearing device is configured to charge the battery of the first hearing device.

2. The hearing system of claim 1, wherein the second hearing device is configured to charge the battery of the first hearing device if the second hearing device is at least one of: arranged in a predefined position or at a proximal distance from the first hearing device.

3. The hearing system according to claim 2, wherein the second hearing device is configured to wirelessly charge the battery of the first hearing device.

4. The hearing system of claim 1, wherein the second hearing device is configured to charge the first hearing device while second hearing device is in a coupled state with the first hearing device.

5. The hearing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of: the second hearing device includes more microphones than the first hearing device; or the battery of the second hearing device is configured to store more energy than the battery of the first hearing device.

6. The hearing system of claim 5, wherein the second hearing device further includes an apparatus for wireless reception of audio data.

7. The hearing system of claim 1, further comprising: a control device; and a means for detecting the second hearing device if the second hearing device is at least one of: arranged in a predefined position or near to the first hearing device, wherein the control device is configured to establish a connection between the first hearing device and the second hearing device and to at least partially deactivate the first hearing device if the second hearing device has been detected.

8. The hearing system of claim 7, wherein the control device is configured to activate the second hearing device as soon as the connection is established between the first hearing device and the second hearing device.

9. The hearing system of claim 7, wherein the means for detecting the second hearing device comprises one of a capacitive sensor or a magnetic sensor or is designed to detect a feedback threshold, changed as a result of an arrangement of the second hearing device, between the microphone of the first hearing device and the loudspeaker of the first hearing device.

10. The hearing system of claim 1, wherein: the loudspeaker of the first hearing device is provided in a portion of the first hearing device that is configured to be inserted within the ear canal of the first ear of the user; and the loudspeaker of the second hearing device is provided in a portion of the second hearing device that is configured for arrangement proximate to the ear canal of the first ear of the user when the first hearing device and the second hearing device are combined.

11. The hearing system of claim 10, wherein the first hearing device further includes a first ventilation canal that is configured to serve as a sound canal for the loudspeaker of the second hearing device when the first hearing device and the second hearing device are combined.

12. The hearing system of claim 11, wherein the first ventilation canal of the first hearing device is closed off by the second hearing device if the second hearing device is at least one of: configured in a predefined position or at a proximal distance from the first hearing device.

13. The hearing system of claim 1, wherein: the first hearing device and the second hearing device are each embodied as non-customized devices or as customized devices which are customized to an auditory passage of the user; or one of the first hearing device or the second hearing device is embodied as a non-customized device and a respective other hearing device of the first hearing device and the second hearing device is embodied as a customized device customized to the auditory passage of the user.

14. The hearing system of claim 1, wherein the second hearing device is configured at least one of: for arrangement in an auditory passage or for arrangement in an outer ear.

15. The hearing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first hearing device or the second hearing device is provided with at least one of a magnet or a mechanical connection in order to keep the second hearing device at least one of in a predefined position or at a proximal distance from the first hearing device.

16. A method of operating a hearing system, the method comprising: detecting that a first hearing device and a second hearing device are proximate to each other at a first ear of a user, the first hearing device and the second hearing device each including a microphone, a signal processing unit, a loudspeaker, and a battery; activating, by a control unit, combined functionality of the first hearing device and the second hearing device such that the first hearing device and the second hearing device become a single hearing device at the first ear of the user; deactivating a hearing device function of the first hearing device or the second hearing device such that the hearing device function is not duplicated by the first hearing device and the second hearing device; and charging, by the second hearing device, the battery of the first hearing device while the first hearing device and the second hearing device are proximate to each other.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the charging of the battery of the first hearing device is configured to occur when the second hearing device is at least one of: arranged in a predefined position or at a proximal distance from the first hearing device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the charging of the battery of the first hearing device includes wirelessly charging the battery of the first hearing device.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the charging of the battery of the first hearing device is configured to occur while the first hearing device is in a coupled state with the second hearing device.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the hearing device function is at least one of the following: capturing sound with the microphone of the first hearing device or the second hearing device; providing sound through the loudspeaker of the first hearing device or the second hearing device; controlling the microphone of the first hearing device or the second hearing device with a processor; or controlling the loudspeaker of the first hearing device or the second hearing device with the processor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings, in which:

[0046] FIGS. 1 and 2 each show schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of a hearing aid system,

[0047] FIG. 3 shows schematically a perspective exploded illustration of an embodiment of the hearing aid system according to FIG. 2,

[0048] FIGS. 4A to 4C each show schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of a hearing aid device of the hearing aid system,

[0049] FIGS. 5A to 5C each show schematically a side view of an embodiment of hearing aid devices that are worn in the ear, and

[0050] FIG. 6 shows schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for the arrangement of hearing aid devices.

[0051] Parts which correspond to one another are provided with the same reference symbols in all the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a hearing aid system HS which is arranged in an ear 1, for assisting the hearing of a user (not illustrated in more detail). The hearing aid system HS is, for example, a hearing device system. In particular, FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a different embodiment of the hearing aid system HS with generally the same main components, which will be described in more detail below.

[0053] For the sake of simplification of the following description, a coordinate system is depicted in each of the illustrated FIGS. 1 to 6, wherein an X axis corresponds to a longitudinal extent X of the hearing aid system HS, a Y axis corresponds to a transverse extent Y of the hearing aid system HS, and a Z axis corresponds to a vertical extent of the hearing aid system HS. The hearing aid system HS is introduced here, according to the longitudinal extent X, along a length of an ear canal 1.1 of a user, wherein the hearing aid system HS corresponds, according to the transverse extent Y, to a diameter of the ear canal 1.1.

[0054] The hearing aid system HS comprises a first hearing aid device 2, which is designed for arrangement in the ear canal 1.1. Furthermore, the hearing aid system HS comprises a second hearing aid device 3, which is designed for arrangement near to the first hearing aid device 2. In particular, the first hearing aid device 2 is what is referred to as an ITC or IdO hearing aid device 2. The second hearing aid device 3 is what is referred to as an ITE hearing aid device 3. In particular, the first hearing aid device 2 is arranged in the ear canal 1.1, and the second hearing aid device 3 projects partially into the ear canal 1.1, and is arranged between an ear canal opening 1.1.1 and a tragus 1.2.

[0055] For example, the first hearing aid device 2 is made smaller than the second, and therefore larger, hearing aid device 3.

[0056] In FIG. 1, the first hearing aid device 2 has smaller dimensions in the transverse extent Y and/or vertical extent Z. In the longitudinal extent X, the first hearing aid device 2 is made essentially longer than the second hearing aid device 3.

[0057] In FIG. 2, the first hearing aid device 2 has generally the same dimensions in the transvers extent Y, longitudinal extent X and in the vertical extent Z. In this context, the second hearing aid device 3 has a prolongation section 3.1, which protrudes approximately perpendicularly, in particular at an angle, from a main body 3.2 of the hearing aid device 3 and is connected thereto. Therefore, the prolongation section 3.1 has a larger dimension with respect to the vertical extent Z than the first hearing aid device 2.

[0058] Furthermore, the first hearing aid device 2 and the second hearing aid device 3 each comprise a number of functional units F1 to Fn. For example, the functional units F1 to Fn comprise a number of microphones, signal processing units, loudspeakers and batteries which are arranged in the first hearing aid device 2 and the second hearing aid device 3. In particular, the first hearing aid device 2 and the second hearing aid device 3 each comprise at least one microphone, one signal processing unit, one loudspeaker and one battery. The battery of the first hearing aid device 2 and/or the battery of the second hearing aid device 3 are/is rechargeable. In this context, both the first hearing aid device 2 and the second hearing aid device 3 can each function as a hearing aid device 2, 3, independently of the respective other of the hearing aid devices 2, 3.

[0059] For example, the prolongation section 3.1, illustrated in FIG. 2, of the second hearing aid device 3 comprises a plurality of microphones and is made to lead partially out of the ear 1, for example from an outer ear of the ear 1, for the sake of improved signal reception. The battery is arranged, for example, in the main body 3.2 of the second hearing aid device 3. For example, the battery of the second hearing aid device 3 is designed to store a larger amount of energy than the battery of the first hearing aid device 2. For example, the second hearing aid device 3 has more installation space owing to larger dimensions, with the result that a larger battery can be arranged in the main body 3.2. Furthermore, the prolongation section 3.1 can comprise a ventilation canal.

[0060] Furthermore, the functional units F1 to Fn of the second hearing aid device 3 comprise an apparatus for the wireless reception of audio data. Furthermore, the hearing aid system HS comprises, i.e. the first and/or second hearing aid devices 2, 3 each comprise, a number of functional units F1 to Fn, which are embodied as a control device and as means for detecting the second hearing aid device 3. In particular, the control device and/or the detection means are/is configured in such a way that a connection is established between the first hearing aid device 2 and the second hearing aid device 3 if the second hearing aid device 3 is arranged in a predefined position and near to the first hearing aid device 2. In this context, at the same time the first hearing aid device 2 is at least partially deactivated if the second hearing aid device 3 has been detected. Moreover, the control device is designed to activate the second hearing aid device 3 as soon as a connection is established between the first and second hearing aid devices 2 and 3.

[0061] The means for detecting the second hearing aid device 3 comprises a capacitive sensor or a magnetic sensor or is designed to detect a feedback threshold, changed as a result of the arrangement of the second hearing aid device 3, between the microphone and the loudspeaker of the first hearing aid device 2.

[0062] Furthermore, the functional units F1 to Fn include at least one ventilation canal. The ventilation canal of the first hearing aid device 2 is arranged in such a way that it serves as a sound canal for the loudspeaker of the second hearing aid device 3 and is closed off by it in an acoustically sealed fashion if the second hearing aid device 3 is arranged in the predefined position and/or at a proximal distance from the first hearing aid device 2. The ventilation canal of the first hearing aid device 2 is arranged in such a way that it serves as a prolongation for the ventilation canal of the second hearing aid device 3 if the latter is arranged in the predefined position and/or at a proximal distance from the first hearing aid device 2.

[0063] According to one implementation, a wireless connection of the hearing aid system HS to external and/or mobile devices 4 to 6 can be established by means of the functional units F1 to Fn of the second hearing aid device 3. For example, the device 4 is a music playback device. The device 5 is, for example, a message communicating unit, such as, for example, in the form of a portable clock or a portable mobile phone. The device 6 is, for example, a further mobile terminal, such as for example a smartphone. Audio data, which can be communicated with the mobile and/or portable devices 4 to 6, are passed onto the hearing aid system HS by means of, in particular, a wireless radio link. These audio data are played back to the user by means of loudspeakers of the hearing aid system HS. In this context, further functional units F1 to Fn of the hearing aid system HS can comprise amplifier units for amplifying and/or passing on amplified audio signals and audio data. Moreover, functional units F1 to Fn comprise means for the wireless charging of the battery of the first hearing aid device 2 by means of the second hearing aid device 3 if the latter is arranged in the predefined position and/or at a proximal distance from the first hearing aid device 2.

[0064] Furthermore, the first hearing aid device 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a grip element 2.1, in particular in the form of a flexible grip element 2.1 or gripping clip. The first hearing aid device 2 can easily be removed from the ear canal 1.1 by means of the grip element 2.1. If the two hearing aid devices 2 and 3 are coupled to one another, the first and second hearing aid devices 2, 3 can be removed together from the ear 1 by means of the grip element 2.1. Additionally or alternatively, both hearing aid devices 2 and 3 can be removed from the ear 1 by means of the prolongation section 3.1.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a schematic exploded illustration of the hearing aid system HS according to FIG. 2. In particular, the first hearing aid device 2 and the second hearing aid device 3 have magnets 7 which respectively correspond to one another. In an alternative implementation, instead of the magnets 7, other mechanical connecting elements are provided. In particular, the magnets 7 are embodied in such a way that the second hearing aid device 3 is securely held in the predefined position and/or at a proximal distance from the first hearing aid device 2. Furthermore, ventilation canals can be arranged in connecting regions VB of the first and second hearing aid devices 2 and 3, which ventilation canals can be aligned with one another suitably and in a functionally capable fashion when the two hearing aid devices 2 and 3 are coupled.

[0066] FIGS. 4A to 4C each show the first hearing aid device 2 of the hearing aid system HS. In particular, FIG. 4A shows the first hearing aid device 2 according to FIG. 1. FIGS. 4B and 4C each show the first hearing aid device 2 with a grip element 2.1 according to FIG. 2.

[0067] FIG. 5A shows schematically the first hearing aid device 2 which is arranged in the ear 1, in particular in the ear canal 1.1. FIG. 5B shows schematically the hearing aid system HS, arranged in the ear 1, with coupled hearing aid devices 2 and 3, wherein only the second hearing aid device 3 can be seen from the outside. FIG. 5C shows schematically the first hearing aid device 2, arranged in the ear 1, in particular in the ear canal 1.1, according to the hearing aid system HS in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus 8 for the arrangement of hearing aid devices 2 and/or 3. For example, the apparatus 8 is a container or a storage device for the arrangement of the second hearing aid devices 3 (for the user's left and right ears 1). Furthermore, the apparatus 8 can alternatively or additionally be a charger for charging the second hearing aid devices 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0069] 1 Ear

[0070] 1.1 Ear canal

[0071] 1.1.1 Ear canal opening

[0072] 1.2 Tragus

[0073] 2 (First) hearing aid device

[0074] 2. 1 Grip element

[0075] 3 (Second) hearing aid device

[0076] 3.1 Prolongation section

[0077] 3.2 Main body

[0078] 4 to 6 Devices

[0079] 7 Magnet

[0080] 8 Apparatus

[0081] F1 to Fn Functional units

[0082] HS Hearing aid system

[0083] VB Connecting region

[0084] X Longitudinal extent

[0085] Y Transverse extent

[0086] Z Vertical extent