CROS UNIT FOR A CROS HEARING DEVICE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) unit for a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device system. The CROS unit is configured to detachably connect to a first behind-the-ear (BTE) unit. The CROS unit comprises a CROS identity label and a first electronic circuit. The first electronic circuit is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the first BTE unit.

Claims

1. A contralateral-routing-of-signal (CROS) unit, comprising: an electronic circuit; and a CROS identity label; wherein the CROS unit is configured to couple to a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit; and wherein the electronic circuit of the CROS unit is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the BTE unit.

2. The CROS unit according to claim 1, wherein the CROS identity label is hardcoded in the electronic circuit.

3. The CROS unit according to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a memory for storing the CROS identity label.

4. The CROS unit according to claim 1, wherein the CROS unit is configured to detachably connect to the BTE unit.

5. A hearing device comprising: the CROS unit of claim 1; one or more microphone(s) for reception of acoustic signals and conversion of the received acoustic signals into corresponding electric input signals; a processing unit; an antenna; and a wireless communication unit, the wireless communication unit being configured for wireless communication.

6. The hearing device according to claim 5, further comprising the BTE unit, wherein the BTE unit is configured to receive the CROS identity label from the CROS unit.

7. The hearing device according to claim 5, further comprising the BTE unit, wherein the BTE unit is configured to adjust its operation in accordance with the CROS identity label.

8. A hearing device fitting system configured for fitting the hearing device of claim 5, the hearing device fitting system comprising: a fitting device configured to execute a fitting software; wherein the fitting device and the hearing device are configured to establish a communication link, and wherein the hearing device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the fitting device via the communication link.

9. The hearing device fitting system according to claim 8, wherein the fitting device is a Hearing Care Professional (HCP) fitting device, wherein the hearing device fitting system further comprises a personal device, the personal device being a part of the communication link between the hearing device and the HCP fitting device.

10. The hearing device fitting system according to claim 9, wherein the hearing device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the personal device, and wherein the personal device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the fitting software.

11. The hearing device fitting system according to claim 9, wherein the fitting device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the personal device.

12. The hearing device fitting system according to claim 8, wherein the fitting device is a personal fitting device, and wherein the hearing device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the personal fitting device.

13. A method involving a hearing device and a fitting device that configured to fit the hearing device, the fitting device configured to execute a fitting software, the hearing device comprising a BTE unit and a CROS unit configured to communicate a CROS identity label to the BTE unit, the method comprising: establishing a connection between the hearing device and the fitting device; and receiving, by the fitting device, the CROS identity label from the BTE unit of the hearing device.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fitting device is a Hearing Care Professional (HCP) fitting device, and wherein the connection between the hearing device and the fitting device is established by: establishing a first local connection between the hearing device and a personal device; and establishing a remote connection between the personal device and the HCP fitting device; wherein the CROS identity label from the BTE unit is received by the fitting device via the personal device, and/or wherein the CROS identity label from the fitting device is transmitted to the personal device.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fitting device is a personal fitting device or a Hearing Care Professional (HCP) fitting device.

16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising assigning, by the fitting device, the hearing device as a CROS transmitting device.

17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising initiating, by the fitting device, a CROS fitting session upon receipt of the CROS identity label.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fitting device comprises a display, and wherein the method further comprises outputting a representation of the CROS identity label for presentation on the display.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the representation of the CROS identity label is outputted for presentation on the display together with configuration information of the CROS unit.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fitting device is configured to fit another hearing device, the method further comprising: establishing a connection between the other hearing device and the fitting software; and assigning the other hearing device as a CROS receiving device.

21. The method according to claim 13, further comprising mapping, by the fitting device, the CROS identity label received from the BTE unit of the hearing device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0089] FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a CROS unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the CROS unit in FIG. 1a.

[0091] FIG. 2a schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a CROS hearing device, i.e. the first hearing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 2b schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the CROS hearing device in FIG. 2a.

[0093] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a set of hearing devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second hearing device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a hearing device fitting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a hearing device fitting system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a method of initiating a fitting session of a CROS hearing device system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a step of establishing a connection between the first hearing device and the fitting software according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0100] FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) unit 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The CROS unit 2 for a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device system 1 (shown in FIG. 3) comprises a first electronic circuit 4. The CROS unit also comprises a CROS identity label 32, and the first electronic circuit 4 is configured to communicate the CROS identity label 32 to a first behind-the-ear (BTE) unit 8 (shown in FIG. 2a). The CROS unit 2 is configured to detachably connect to the first BTE unit. The CROS unit 2 may be considered as an in-the-ear (ITE) unit, such as a first ITE unit 2. The CROS identity label 32 may be stored at the first BTE unit 8.

[0101] FIG. 1b shows an exemplary embodiment of the CROS unit 2 in FIG. 1a.

[0102] FIG. 2a schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device 6, i.e. a first hearing device 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first hearing device 6 comprises the CROS unit 2 and a first BTE unit 8. The CROS unit 2 is detachably connectable to the first BTE unit 8. The CROS unit 2 may comprise a first connector 10, a first earpiece 12, and a first electrical wire/tube 14 connecting the first earpiece 12 and the first BTE unit 8. The first connector 10 may comprise the first electronic circuit 4. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 2a, the first electronic circuit 4 may be arranged at or in the first earpiece 12. The first electronic circuit 4 may comprise a first memory 35 for storing the CROS identity label 32. The CROS identity label 32 may define a CROS power level, such as zero power or no power, wherein the CROS power level is indicative of the CROS unit either not comprising a first receiver or the CROS unit comprising a deactivated and/or non-working first receiver 43. The CROS identity label 32 may be part of one or more first configuration information 33 stored in the first memory 35 and/or the first electronic circuit 4. The first configuration information 33 may further comprise information of whether the CROS unit 2 is a right CROS unit or a left CROS unit, i.e. configured for being used in a left or right ear of the user, and/or whether the CROS unit 2 is a CROS RIE unit or a CROS MaRIE unit and/or identify the length of the first electrical wire/tube 14 of the CROS unit 2. The first BTE unit 8 comprises one or more first microphones 16 for reception of surrounding sounds, i.e. acoustic signals, and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding primary first electric input signal. The first BTE unit 8 further comprises a first processing unit 18, a first antenna 20 and a first wireless communication unit 22, the first wireless communication unit 22 being configured for wireless communication. FIG. 2a, as well as other figures are presented for illustrative purpose and the arrangement of the components presented can vary. The first earpiece 12 may further comprise one or more first sensors 41, a first MaRIE microphone 42 and/or a first receiver 43. The MaRIE microphone 42 may be configured to and/or arranged to receive surrounding sounds, i.e. acoustic signals from the environment of the user. The one or more first sensors 41 may be a temperature sensor and/or blood pressure sensor and/or fall detection sensor and/or snore detection sensor and/or movement detection sensor and/or acceleration sensor and/or positioning sensor, such as a gyroscope, etc. All information and/or signals obtained by the first sensors and/or the first MaRIE microphone, such as first sensor information and a primary MaRIE electric input signal, may be communicated to the first BTE unit 8, such as to the first processing unit 18 of the first BTE unit 8. The CROS identity label 32 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information and/or the primary MaRIE electric input signal may be communicated to the first BTE unit 8 via the first connector and/or the first electrical wire/tube 14. Communication of the CROS identity label 32 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information and/or the primary MaRIE electric input signal may include transmitting and receiving the CROS identity label 32 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information and/or the primary MaRIE electric input signal. Alternatively, communication of the CROS identity label 32 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information may include giving and obtaining access to read the CROS identity label 32 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information being stored in the first electronic circuit 4 and/or first memory 35. Once the CROS identity label 32 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information are received at the BTE unit 8, the BTE unit 8 may store the CROS identity label 32 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information.

[0103] FIG. 2b shows an exemplary embodiment of the first CROS hearing device 6, i.e. the first hearing device 6, in FIG. 2a. Shown is an example of a first BTE unit 8 of a first hearing device 6 comprising a first behind-the-ear (BTE) housing 9. If the first BTE unit 8 is provided with two first microphones 16 (shown in FIG. 2a), the first BTE housing 9 may be provided with two first microphone openings 16a. There may be arranged one first microphone 16 at or near each first microphone opening 16a. The microphone openings 16a may be spaced apart to provide improved spatial acoustic output signals to the user. Further is shown an example of a CROS unit 2 of the first hearing device 6 being detachably connected with the first BTE unit 8 via the first connector 10. The CROS unit 2 comprises the first connector 10, a first earpiece 12 and a first electrical wire/tube 14 connecting the first connector 10 with the first earpiece 12. The first earpiece 12 may comprise a first receiver module 15 and a first earmold 13. The first earmold 13 may be a standard earmold or a custom earmold, wherein a custom earmold is shaped after the user's ear canal. Alternatively, the first earpiece 12 may comprise a first earpiece housing shaped after the ear canal of the user (not shown). The first connector 10 and/or the first receiver module 15 and/or the first earpiece housing may comprise the first electronic circuit 4 (shown in FIG. 2a). The first receiver module 15 or the first earpiece housing may or may not comprise a first receiver configured to act as a nonfunctional receiver (a dummy receiver). If the first connector 10 comprises the first electronic circuit 4, the main functionality of the first earpiece 12 may be to keep the first hearing device 6 correctly positioned on/at/in the ear of the user.

[0104] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device system 1 comprising a set of hearing devices 24 for a user comprising a first hearing device 6 and a second hearing device 26. The first hearing device 6 comprises the CROS unit 2 connected to a first BTE unit 8, wherein the first hearing device 6 is a CROS transmitting device configured to be worn at a first ear of the user and wherein the second hearing device 26 is a CROS receiving device configured to be worn at the second ear of the user. The CROS transmitting device 6, i.e. the first BTE unit 8, is configured to transmit acoustic signals obtained and/or received by the one or more first microphones 16 and/or the first MaRIE microphone 42 (shown in FIG. 2a) at the user's first ear to the user's second ear provided with a second hearing device 26. The second hearing device 26 comprises a second behind-the-ear (BTE) unit 50 and a second in-the-ear (ITE) unit 51. The second BTE unit 50 may be similar to the first BTE unit 8. The first and second hearing devices being comprised of detectable connectable units as described above is an advantage as the Hearing Care Professional (HCP) would not need to have dedicated CROS hearing devices in stock, but only the standard hearing device BTE units, standard hearing device ITE units and the new CROS units to accommodate the needs of CROS hearing system users. Wherein the CROS units is a smaller and cheaper part than a dedicated CROS hearing device.

[0105] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second hearing device 26, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second hearing device 26 is a CROS receiving device. The second hearing device 26 comprises a second behind-the-ear (BTE) unit 50 and a second in-the-ear (ITE) unit 51. The second ITE unit 51 may be detachably connectable to the second BTE unit 50. The second ITE unit 51 comprises a second earpiece 53, wherein the second earpiece 53 comprises a second receiver 64. The second ITE unit 51 further comprises a second connector 52 and a second electrical wire/tube 54 connecting the second earpiece 53 and the second BTE unit 50. The second connector 52 may be configured to provide mechanical and electrical connection between the second ITE unit 51 and the second BTE unit 50. The second connector 52 may comprise a second electronic circuit 55. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 4, the second electronic circuit 55 may be arranged at or in the second earpiece 53. The second electronic circuit 55 may comprise a second memory 56 for storing second configuration information 57. The second configuration information may comprise physical properties, electrical properties and/or electroacoustic properties of the second ITE unit. The second configuration information 57 may comprise information of whether the second ITE unit 51 is a right ITE unit or a left ITE unit, i.e. configured for being used in a left or right ear of the user, and/or whether the second ITE unit 51 is a RIE unit or a MaRIE unit and/or identify the length of the second electrical wire/tube 54 of the second ITE unit 51 and/or identify the power level of the second receiver 64, such as whether the second earpiece 53 comprises a low power receiver, a medium power receiver or a high power receiver. The second BTE unit 50 comprises a second processing unit 59, a second antenna 60 and a second wireless communication unit 61, the second wireless communication unit 61 being configured for wireless communication. The second BTE unit 50 may further comprise one or more second microphones 58 for reception of surrounding sound, i.e. acoustic signals, and conversion of the received sound into corresponding secondary first electric input signals. The second processing unit 59 may be configured for compensating a hearing loss of a hearing device user. FIG. 4, as well as other figures are presented for illustrative purpose and the arrangement of the components presented can vary. The second earpiece 53 may further comprise one or more second sensors 62 and/or a second MaRIE microphone 63. The one or more second sensors 62 may be a temperature sensor and/or blood pressure sensor and/or fall detection sensor and/or snore detection sensor and/or movement detection sensor and/or acceleration sensor and/or positioning sensor, such as a gyroscope, etc. All information and/or signals obtained by the second sensors and/or the second MaRIE microphone, such as second sensor information and a secondary MaRIE electric input signal, may be communicated to the second BTE unit 50, such as to the second processing unit 59 of the second BTE unit 50. The second configuration information 57 and/or second sensor information and/or the secondary MaRIE electric input signal may be communicated to the second BTE unit 50 via the second connector 52 and/or the second electrical wire/tube 54. Communication of the second configuration information 57 and/or second sensor information and/or the secondary MaRIE electric input signal may include transmitting and receiving the second configuration information 57 and/or second sensor information and/or the secondary MaRIE electric input signal. Alternatively, communicate of the second configuration information 57 and/or second sensor information may include giving and obtaining access to read second configuration information 57 and/or second sensor information being stored in the second electronic circuit 55 and/or second memory 56.

[0106] Alternatively, the second hearing device, i.e. the receiving device, may have another form factor than the first hearing device, i.e. the transmitting device. The second hearing device may be a ITE hearing device or a BTE hearing device comprising at least a second antenna and a second wireless communication unit, the second wireless communication unit being configured for wireless communication.

[0107] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a hearing device fitting system 28 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hearing device fitting system 28 is configured for fitting a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device system 1, such as a first hearing device 6 and a second hearing device 26. The hearing device fitting system 28 comprises a fitting device 30. The fitting device 30 executes a fitting software 32. The first hearing device 6 comprises the first BTE unit 8 and the CROS unit 2 configured to detachably connect to the first BTE unit 8. The initiation of a fitting session of the CROS hearing device system 1 starts with interconnecting the CROS unit 2 to the first BTE unit 8. Hereby is provided a first hearing device 6. The CROS unit 2 then communicates the CROS identity label 34 to the first BTE unit 8 by either automatically transmitting the CROS identity label 34 to the first BTE unit 8 or transmitting the CROS identity label 34 to the first BTE unit 8 upon request from the first BTE unit 8 or automatically give the first BTE unit 8 access to read the CROS identity label 34 or give the first BTE unit 8 access to read the CROS identity label 34 upon request from the first BTE unit 8. Then, the fitting software 32 may be started in order to establish a connection/communication link 36 between the first hearing device 6 and the fitting software 32 via the fitting device 30. The connection/communication link 36 between the first hearing device 6 and the fitting device 30 may be a first local, e.g. Bluetooth, connection/communication link. Once the connection/communication link 36 is established, the first BTE unit 8 communicates the CROS identity label 34 to the fitting software 32, so that the fitting software 32 detects or receives or read the CROS identity label 34 automatically. Once the fitting software 32 receives the CROS identity label 34, the fitting software 32 may store the CROS identity label 34 for further use. The CROS hearing device system 1 comprises the second hearing device 26, and the fitting software 32 may also automatically ensure establishing a connection/communication link 38 between the second hearing device 26 and the fitting software 32 via the fitting device 30. The connection/communication link 38 between the second hearing device 6 and the fitting device 30 may be a second local, e.g. Bluetooth, connection/communication link. When the fitting software 32 detects or receives or reads the CROS identity label 34, the fitting software 32 starts a CROS fitting session and assigns the first hearing device 6 as a CROS transmitting device. In a next step the fitting software 32 may automatically assign the second hearing device 26 as a CROS receiving device. The two hearing devices 6 and 26 may also be paired together by/via the fitting software 30 thereby establishing a binaural connection 40. After the initiation of a fitting session of the first hearing device 6 and the second hearing device 26, the HCP may perform further steps in fitting of the first and/or second hearing devices 6 and 26. In some embodiments, the fitting software 32 may automatically assign the first hearing device 6 as a CROS transmitting device. The fitting software 32 may automatically initiate a CROS fitting session upon receipt of the CROS identity label 34. The fitting device 30 may comprise a display 31. A representation of the CROS identity label 34 may be outputted on the display. The representation of the CROS identity label 34 may be outputted on the display together with further configuration information of the first hearing device, such as first configuration information 33 of the CROS unit.

[0108] The fitting device 30 may either be a HCP fitting device 30a used by a Hearing Care Professional (HCP) or a personal fitting device 30b used by the user using the first hearing device and the second hearing device 6, 26. The fitting software 32 may thus be started by either the HCP or the hearing device user. The HCP may perform professional fitting by use of the HCP fitting device 30a. The hearing device user may perform self-fitting by use of the personal fitting device 30b. Self-fitting is e.g. applied to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices. The personal fitting device 30b may be the user's mobile phone, tablet, computer, etc. The personal fitting device 30b may execute a software application comprising the fitting software, i.e. an app for self-fitting of the first hearing device 6 and/or the second hearing device 26.

[0109] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a hearing device fitting system 28 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the hearing device fitting system 28 comprises a personal device 29, and a fitting device 30, wherein the fitting device 30 may be a HCP fitting device 30a. The HCP fitting device 30a may be the HCP's computer. The personal device 29 may be used by the user using the first hearing device and the second hearing device 6, 26. The personal device 29 may be the user's mobile phone, tablet, computer, etc. The personal device 29 executes a software application 290, i.e. an app for facilitating remote fitting of the first hearing device 6 and/or the second hearing device 26. The first hearing device 6 comprises the first BTE unit 8 and the CROS unit 2 configured to detachably connect to the first BTE unit 8. The initiation of a fitting session of the CROS hearing device system 1 starts with interconnecting the CROS unit 2 to the first BTE unit 8. Hereby is provided a first hearing device 6. The CROS unit 2 then communicates the CROS identity label 34 to the first BTE unit 8 by either automatically transmitting the CROS identity label 34 to the first BTE unit 8 or transmitting the CROS identity label 34 to the first BTE unit 8 upon request from the first BTE unit 8 or automatically give the first BTE unit 8 access to read the CROS identity label 34 or give the first BTE unit 8 access to read the CROS identity label 34 upon request from the first BTE unit 8. The personal device 29 establishes a first local connection/communication link 291 with the first hearing device 6. The personal device 29 also establishes a second local connection/communication link 292 with the second hearing device 26. The first and second local connections 291 and 292 may be Bluetooth connections. The first hearing device 6, or more precisely the first BTE unit 8 communicates the CROS identity label 34 to the personal device, i.e. to the software application/app 290. The CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information may be communicated to the software application 290 from the first hearing device 6, in particular from the first BTE unit 8 via the first local connection 291. The CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information may be communicated to the software application from the first hearing device upon connection between the first hearing device and the personal device. Alternatively, the software application 290 may request, also through the first local connection 291, the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information and/or first sensor information from the first hearing device 6, or the software application 290 may gain access to the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information and/or first sensor information through the first hearing device 6. The software application may store the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information for further use.

[0110] The personal device 29 can establish a remote connection/communication link 236 with the fitting device 30. The remote connection/communication link 236 may be established via Internet. The remote connection/communication link 236 may comprise a virtual fitting room wherethrough the HCP may gain access to the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information stored in the software application or the remote connection/communication link 236 may comprise a cloud database whereto the software application may transmit/upload and wherefrom the fitting software may retrieve/download the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information. The remote connection/communication link 236 may be established upon a request sent from the personal device 29 or upon a request sent from the fitting software 32 to the software application 290. In particular, the fitting software 32 may be started by a HCP in order to establish the remote connection 236 between the software application 290 running on the personal device 29 and the fitting software 32 via the HCP fitting device 30a. Once the software application 290 obtains the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information, and the remote connection 236 is established, the software application 290 may further communicate, via the remote/Internet connection/communication link 236, the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information to the fitting software 31 running on the HCP fitting device 30a. This may be done either via a real-time connection in the virtual fitting room or a non-real-time connection via the cloud database. Thereby, the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information is communicated from the first hearing device 6 to the fitting software 31 via the personal device 29. The fitting software 32 may store the CROS identity label 34 and/or first configuration information 33 and/or first sensor information for further use. The personal device 29 and the first hearing device 6 may be locally connected irrespective of the remote connection 236 between the personal device 29 and the fitting device 30. According to this embodiment, the communication link 36, 38 between the first/second hearing device is established through the first/second local connection 291/292 and the remote connection 236 via the personal device 29.

[0111] Once the CROS identity label 34 and optionally also the first configuration information is received/detected/read at the fitting software 31, the fitting software 31 will automatically assign the first hearing device 6 as a transmitting device and the second hearing device 26 as a receiving device. The first and second hearing device 6 and 26 may also be paired together by/via the fitting software 30 thereby establishing a binaural connection 40. After the initiation of the fitting of the first hearing device 6 and the second hearing device 26, the HCP may perform further steps in fitting of the first and/or second hearing device 6 and 26. The HCP may then adjust fitting parameters in the fitting software 31 and the fitting software 31 may then communicate, via the remote/Internet connection/communication link 236, these fitting parameters to the personal device 29. This may be done either directly via the real-time connection in the virtual fitting room or the non-real-time connection via the cloud database where the new fitting parameters is transmitted/uploaded from the fitting software to the cloud database wherefrom the software application may retrieve/download the fitting parameters. The personal device 29 will then communicate the fitting parameters to the first hearing device 6 and the second hearing device 26 via the local, e.g. Bluetooth, connection 291, 292. Communicating the fitting parameters from the personal device to the first hearing device and/or the second hearing device may or may not require an accept from the user. This embodiment is in particular advantageous for fitting sessions performed remotely, i.e. online. The remote/online fitting is normally performed in scenarios when the hearing device user is not present at the HCP, who normally operates the fitting software.

[0112] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a method 70 of initiating a fitting session of a hearing device fitting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 70 comprises the steps of, interconnecting a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) unit to a first behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, thereby providing a first hearing device 71. Communicating, from the CROS unit, a CROS identity label to the first BTE unit 72. Establishing a connection between the first hearing device and a fitting software 73. Communicating, from the first BTE unit, the CROS identity label to the fitting software 74. The method may further comprise, in the fitting software, automatically assigning the first hearing device as a CROS transmitting device 75 and/or, in the fitting software, automatically initiating a CROS fitting session upon detection and/or receipt and/or reading of the CROS identity label 76 and/or establishing a connection between a second hearing device and the fitting software, wherein the fitting software automatically assigns the second hearing device as a CROS receiving device 77. The connection between the fitting software and one or both of the first and/or second hearing device may be a wired or wireless connection. The connection between the fitting software and one or both of the first and/or second hearing device may be established via the fitting device.

[0113] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a step of establishing a connection between the first hearing device and the fitting software 73 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] In one embodiment the step of establishing a connection between the first hearing device and the fitting software 73 includes establishing a first local connection between the first hearing device and the fitting device 73a. The fitting device may be a HCP fitting device or a personal fitting device. The HCP fitting device may be the HCP's computer. The personal fitting device may be used by the user using the first hearing device. The personal fitting device may be the user's mobile phone, tablet, computer, etc. In this embodiment, the first BTE unit may communicate the CROS identity label to the fitting device via the local connection. The first hearing device then receives, via the local connection, fitting parameters from the fitting device, i.e. the fitting software. This embodiment is in particular advantageous for fitting sessions performed locally, i.e. by means of self-fitting, normally performed if the user has acquired over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices, or at the HCP's clinic, normally performed in scenarios when the hearing device user is present at the HCP, who normally operates the fitting software.

[0115] In another embodiment, the fitting device is a HCP fitting device and the hearing device fitting system further comprises a personal device. The personal device may be used by the user using the first hearing device. The personal device may be the user's mobile phone, tablet, computer, etc. The step of establishing a connection between the first hearing device and the fitting software 73 includes establishing a first local connection between the first hearing device and the personal device 73b, and establishing a remote connection between the personal device and the fitting device 73c. In this embodiment, the first BTE unit may communicate the CROS identity label to the personal device and the personal device may communicate the CROS identity label to the fitting software, such that the fitting software receives the CROS identity label from the first BTE unit via the personal device. The fitting software may additionally communicate the CROS identity label to the personal device, i.e. such that the personal device receives the CROS identity label from the fitting software. The first hearing device then receives, via the remote connection, fitting parameters from the fitting device, i.e. the fitting software. This embodiment is in particular advantageous for fitting sessions performed remotely, i.e. online. The remote/online fitting is normally performed in scenarios when the hearing device user is not present at the HCP, who normally operates the fitting software.

[0116] Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0117] Items [0118] 1. A contralateral routing of signal (CROS) unit (2) for a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device system (1), the CROS unit being configured to detachably connect to a first behind-the-ear (BTE) unit (7), wherein the CROS unit comprises a CROS identity label (32) and a first electronic circuit (4), and the first electronic circuit (4) is configured to communicate the CROS identity label (32) to the first BTE unit. [0119] 2. The CROS unit according to item 1, wherein the CROS identity label is stored on the first electronic circuit. [0120] 3. The CROS unit according to item 1 or 2, wherein the CROS identity label is hardcoded in the first electronic circuit. [0121] 4. The CROS unit according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first electronic circuit comprises a first memory for storing the CROS identity label. [0122] 5. The CROS unit according to any of the preceding items, wherein the CROS unit comprises a first receiver configured to act as a nonfunctional receiver (a dummy receiver). [0123] 6. A first hearing device (6) comprising a first BTE unit (8) and a CROS unit (2) according to any of items 1-5, the hearing device (6) comprising: [0124] one or more first microphone(s) (16) for reception of acoustic signals and conversion of the received acoustic signals into corresponding primary first electrical input signals; [0125] a first processing unit (18), [0126] a first antenna (20) and a first wireless communication unit (22), the first wireless communication unit being configured for wireless communication. [0127] 7. A first hearing device according to item 6, wherein the first BTE unit is configured to detect a CROS identity label of the CROS unit. [0128] 8. A first hearing device according to item 6 or 7, wherein the first BTE unit is configured to adjust its operation in accordance with the CROS identity label. [0129] 9. A first hearing device according to items 6 to 8, wherein the first hearing device is a CROS transmitting device and wherein the first BTE unit is configured to transmit an acoustic signal received at the user's first ear to a second hearing device provided at/or/in the user's second ear. [0130] 10. A set of hearing devices (24) for a user comprising a first hearing device (6) and a second hearing device (26), the first hearing device comprising a CROS unit (2) according to items 1-5 connected to a first BTE unit (7), wherein the first hearing device is a CROS transmitting device according to item 9 configured to be worn at a first ear of the user and wherein the second hearing device is a CROS receiving device configured to be worn at the second ear of the user. [0131] 11. A hearing device fitting system (28) configured for fitting a first hearing device (6) according to items 6-9 or a set of hearing devices according to item 10, the hearing device fitting system comprising a fitting device (30) executing a fitting software (32), wherein the fitting device and the first hearing device are configured to establish a communication link (36) for exchange of information, wherein the first hearing device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label (32) to the fitting software via the communication link. [0132] 12. The hearing device fitting system according to item 11, wherein the fitting device is a Hearing Care Professional (HCP) fitting device and the hearing device fitting system further comprises a personal device, the personal device being a part of the communication link between the first hearing device and the HCP fitting device, wherein the first hearing device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the personal device and the personal device being configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the fitting software. [0133] 13. The hearing device fitting system according to item 11 or 12, wherein the fitting device is a HCP fitting device and the hearing device fitting system further comprises a personal device, the personal device being a part of the communication link between the first hearing device and the HCP fitting device, wherein the fitting software is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the personal device. [0134] 14. The hearing device fitting system according to item 11, wherein the fitting device is a personal fitting device and the first hearing device is configured to communicate the CROS identity label to the personal fitting device. [0135] 15. A method of initiating a fitting session of a hearing device fitting system (28) configured for fitting a first hearing device (6), the hearing device fitting system comprising a fitting software (32) being executed by a fitting device (30), the first hearing device comprising a first BTE unit (8) and a CROS unit (2) configured to detachably connect to the first BTE unit, the method comprising: [0136] interconnecting the CROS unit to the first BTE unit; [0137] communicating, from the CROS unit, a CROS identity label to the first BTE unit; [0138] establishing a connection between the first hearing device and the fitting software, wherein the fitting software receives the CROS identity label from the first BTE unit. [0139] 16. The method according to item 15, wherein the fitting device is a HCP fitting device and the hearing device fitting system further comprises a personal device and wherein establishing a connection between the first hearing device and the fitting software includes: [0140] establishing a first local connection between the first hearing device and the personal device, and [0141] establishing a remote connection between the personal device and the HCP fitting device, wherein the fitting software receives the CROS identity label from the first BTE unit via the personal device and/or wherein the personal device receives the CROS identity label from the fitting software. [0142] 17. The method according to item 15, wherein the fitting device is a personal fitting device or a HCP fitting device and wherein establishing a connection between the first hearing device and the fitting software includes: [0143] establishing a first local connection between the first hearing device and respectively the personal fitting device or the HCP fitting device, wherein the fitting software receives the CROS identity label from the first BTE unit. [0144] 18. The method according to items 15 or 17, wherein the fitting software is automatically assigning the first hearing device as a CROS transmitting device. [0145] 19. The method according to items 15-18, wherein the fitting software automatically initiates a CROS fitting session upon receipt of the CROS identity label. [0146] 20. The method according to items 15-19, wherein the fitting device comprises a display and/or the fitting software comprises a graphical user interface (GUI), and wherein a representation of the CROS identity label is outputted on the display and/or graphical user interface. [0147] 21. The method according to item 20, wherein the representation of the CROS identity label is outputted on the display together with further first configuration information of the first CROS unit. [0148] 22. The method according to items 15-21, wherein the hearing device fitting system further is configured for fitting a second hearing device, the method further comprises: establishing a connection between the second hearing device and the fitting software, wherein the fitting software automatically assigns the second hearing device as a CROS receiving device. [0149] 23. The method according to items 15-22, wherein the fitting device comprises a processor configured for mapping the CROS identity label received from the first hearing device. [0150] 24. The method according to items 15-23, wherein the first hearing device is a hearing device according to items 6-9 and/or the hearing device fitting system is a hearing device fitting system according to items 11-14.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0151] 1 contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device system [0152] 2 contralateral routing of signal (CROS) unit, first in-the-ear (ITE) unit [0153] 4 first electronic circuit [0154] 6 first hearing device, first contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device [0155] 8 first behind-the ear (BTE) unit [0156] 9 first behind-the-ear (BTE) housing [0157] 10 first connector [0158] 12 first earpiece [0159] 13 first earmold [0160] 14 first electrical wire/tube [0161] 15 first receiver module [0162] 16 first microphone(s) [0163] 16a first microphone opening(s) [0164] 18 first processing unit [0165] 20 first antenna [0166] 22 first wireless communication unit [0167] 24 set of hearing devices [0168] 26 second hearing device, second contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device, [0169] 28 hearing device fitting system [0170] 29 personal device [0171] 30 fitting device [0172] 30a HCP fitting device [0173] 30b personal fitting device [0174] 31 display [0175] 32 fitting software [0176] 33 first configuration information [0177] 34 CROS identity label [0178] 35 first memory [0179] 36 connection/communication link between first hearing device and fitting software [0180] 38 connection/communication link between second hearing device and fitting software [0181] 40 binaural connection [0182] 41 first sensor(s) [0183] 42 first MaRIE microphone [0184] 43 first receiver [0185] 50 second behind-the-ear (BTE) unit [0186] 51 second in-the-ear (ITE) unit [0187] 52 second connector [0188] 53 second earpiece [0189] 54 second electrical wire/tube [0190] 55 second electronic circuit [0191] 56 second memory [0192] 57 second configuration information [0193] 58 second microphone(s) [0194] 59 second processing unit [0195] 60 second antenna [0196] 61 second wireless communication unit [0197] 62 second sensor(s) [0198] 63 second MaRIE microphone [0199] 64 second receiver [0200] 70 method of initiating a fitting session of a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing device system comprising steps 71 to 77. [0201] 236 remote connection/communication link between the personal device and fitting software [0202] 290 software application [0203] 291 first local connection/communication link between first hearing device and personal device [0204] 292 second local connection/communication link between second hearing device and personal device