JP3655148B2 - Hearing aid and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hearing aid worn on the body and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional hearing aid will be described with reference to the drawings. The hearing aid shown in FIG. 8 receives sound from the microphone 101, amplifies the sound signal output from the microphone 101 by the amplifier circuit 102, and outputs the sound from the speaker 103. In such a hearing aid, when the battery 104 is attached to the battery housing portion 104a shown in FIG. 7 and the lid is completely closed, the battery 104 is connected to the battery contact 105 to supply power to the amplifier circuit 102, and the hearing aid operates. (Sound output) was started. The user operates the volume adjustment knob 102a when adjusting the volume while listening to the sound output from the sound output hole 103a shown in FIG. 7, and operates the sound quality adjustment knob 102b when adjusting the sound quality. To do.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional hearing aid, as soon as the battery 104 is inserted, the hearing aid starts to operate, and the sound output from the acoustic output hole 103a wraps around the microphone 101 to form the acoustic loop 103b. There is a problem that howling occurs due to the amplification function, and a howling sound “Poooo” is output with the full power of the hearing aid, and the user is heard this unpleasant howling sound. Therefore, the user first operates the volume adjustment knob 102a to lower the gain before putting the hearing aid on the ear. Next, the hearing aid is worn on the ear. When worn on the ear, the acoustic loop 103b is blocked by the body, so that howling does not occur. Next, the volume adjustment knob 102a is operated again so that an appropriate volume is output. However, in such a method, the volume adjustment knob 102a must be operated and adjusted every time the power is turned on.
[0004]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a hearing aid that does not listen to unpleasant howling sounds.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention comprises a storage means for storing the waiting time necessary to wear the ear after power, and a muting means for muting so as not to output sound until the waiting time from the power-on has elapsed, the acoustic It has a configuration that prevents the formation of a loop . With this configuration, the sound is muted so that no sound is output until the standby time has elapsed, so that it is not necessary to listen to a howling sound when worn on the ear. In addition, since the waiting time can be stored according to individual differences, it is possible to reliably prevent the howling sound from being heard.
[0006]
In addition, the present invention includes pressure detection means for detecting a mounting pressure applied to the case, and mute means for muting so as not to output sound when it is not worn on the ear, thereby preventing the formation of an acoustic loop. It has such a configuration. With this configuration, the sound is muted so that no sound is output when it is not worn on the ear, so that it is not necessary to listen to a howling sound when worn on the ear. Also, it is not necessary to listen to the howling sound when removed from the ear. In addition, since the mounting pressure is detected, it can be compared with a threshold value stored in advance according to individual differences, and the howling sound can be reliably prevented from being heard.
[0007]
In addition, the present invention includes a pressure detection means for detecting a mounting pressure applied to the case, and a control means for turning off the power when removed from the ear , and prevents the formation of an acoustic loop. have. With this configuration, it is not necessary to listen to the howling sound when removed from the ear. In addition, the hearing aid can be stored without operating the power supply when removed from the ear.
[0008]
The present invention also includes a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the ear canal transmitted to the case, and a mute means for muting so as not to output sound when not worn on the ear, so that an acoustic loop is formed. It has a configuration to prevent . With this configuration, the sound is muted so that no sound is output when it is not worn on the ear, so that it is not necessary to listen to a howling sound when worn on the ear. Further, since the temperature is detected, it can be compared with a threshold value stored in advance, and the howling sound can be reliably prevented from being heard.
[0009]
In addition, the present invention stores in advance the standby time required from when the power is turned on until it is worn on the ear, mutes so that no sound is output when the power is turned on, and starts outputting sound when the standby time has elapsed In this way , the acoustic loop is prevented from being formed . With this configuration, the sound is muted so that no sound is output until the standby time has elapsed, so that it is not necessary to listen to a howling sound when worn on the ear. In addition, since the waiting time can be stored according to individual differences, it is possible to reliably prevent the howling sound from being heard.
[0010]
In addition, the present invention mutes the sound so as not to be output when the power is turned on, detects the mounting pressure applied to the case, and starts to output the sound , thereby preventing the formation of an acoustic loop. It has a configuration. With this configuration, sound output starts after being worn on the ear, so that it is not necessary to listen to a howling sound when worn on the ear. In addition, since the mounting pressure is detected, it can be compared with a threshold value stored in advance according to individual differences, and the howling sound can be reliably prevented from being heard.
[0011]
In addition, the present invention mutes the sound so that it does not output when the power is turned on, detects the temperature in the ear canal transmitted to the case, and starts outputting the sound so as to prevent the formation of an acoustic loop. It has the structure made into. With this configuration, sound output starts after being worn on the ear, so that it is not necessary to listen to a howling sound when worn on the ear. Further, since the temperature is detected, it can be compared with a threshold value stored in advance, and the howling sound can be reliably prevented from being heard.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a hearing aid according to the present invention. In the hearing aid 100a shown in FIG. 1, the memory 116 (storage means) stores the standby time from when the power is turned on until the output of sound is started, and the CPU 117 (control means) reads the standby time stored in the memory 116. The counter 118 counts the standby time after the power is turned on, and the sound processing circuit 113 (mute means) reduces the gain of the sound signal input from the microphone 101 until the standby time elapses after the power is turned on. The sound signal input from the microphone 101 is amplified and the sound is output to the speaker 103 when the standby time elapses. Thus, unlike the conventional hearing aid shown in FIG. 8, the hearing aid 100a in FIG. 1 waits for a waiting time necessary for the user to put it on the ear after turning on the power (output sound). Since the sound loop 103b shown in FIG. 7 is not formed, the user does not have to listen to an unpleasant howling sound when wearing the ear. In the hearing aid 100a shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 117 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 to start muting, and the counter 118 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 to cancel muting.
[0014]
Further, the hearing aid 100a shown in FIG. 1 receives the standby time from the personal computer 200, and the memory 116 stores the received standby time. Note that power is supplied from the adjustment terminal 220 to the hearing aid 100a. Therefore, the battery 104 can be removed, and the adjustment terminal 220 can be connected instead to transfer the standby time. As described above, the hearing aid 100a of FIG. 1 is configured so that the memory 116 stores the waiting time for each user, so that even if there is a difference in wearing time, the howling sound is not heard reliably. Can be.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a method for controlling a hearing aid according to the present invention, and shows a method for controlling the hearing aid 100a shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, first, the hearing aid 100a receives from the personal computer 200 the standby time from when the power is turned on until the output of sound begins (S11). Specifically, the user removes the battery 104 from the hearing aid 100a, attaches the adjustment terminal 220 instead, and inputs the standby time from the personal computer 200. For example, if the time from when the battery is inserted until it is worn on the ear is about 10 seconds, 15 seconds are input to the personal computer 200 with a margin. Then, the personal computer 200 is operated to transfer the waiting time from the personal computer 200 to the hearing aid 100a. Next, the hearing aid 100a stores the received standby time in the memory 116 (S12). The user removes the adjustment terminal 220 from the hearing aid 100a and inserts the battery 104 instead. When the battery 104 is inserted and the power is turned on, the sound processing circuit 113 is muted so as not to output sound from the speaker 102 (S13). Next, the CPU 117 reads the standby time from the memory 116 and sets it in the counter 118 (S14). And it waits for progress of waiting time (S15). Since the counter 118 notifies the sound processing circuit 113 when the standby time has elapsed, the sound processing circuit 113 starts amplifying the sound signal and starts outputting the sound (S16). Since the user wears the hearing aid 100a on the ear before the waiting time (for example, 15 seconds) elapses (for example, about 10 seconds), the acoustic loop 103b shown in FIG. 7 is not formed and is worn on the ear. You don't have to hear howling when you do. Further, since the standby time is stored in the memory 116 according to individual differences, it is possible to prevent the howling sound from being heard even if there is an individual difference in the wearing time.
[0016]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention. In the hearing aid 100b shown in FIG. 3, the strain sensor 121 (pressure detection means) is mounted on the inside of the case 120 to detect the mounting pressure applied to the case 120, and whether or not the mounting detection circuit 122 is mounted on the ear. Is transmitted to the CPU 117 as a signal, and the CPU 117 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 (mute means) whether or not to mute. Since the case 120 of the hearing aid 100b is made very thin, when the hearing aid 100b is worn on the ear, the case 120 is distorted by the pressure of the ear, and when the hearing aid 100b is removed from the ear, the case 120 returns to its original shape. The strain sensor 121 is made of, for example, a thin ceramic element. The strain sensor 121 is distorted according to the pressure applied to the case 120, and the output potential is displaced. In addition, the sound processing circuit 113 mutes the sound signal input from the microphone 101 when the hearing aid 100b is not attached to the ear so as not to output sound from the speaker 103, and the hearing aid 100b is attached to the ear. The sound signal input from the microphone 101 is amplified and output to the speaker 103. Thus, unlike the conventional hearing aid 100 shown in FIG. 8, the hearing aid 100b shown in FIG. 3 is muted when the hearing aid is not attached to the ear, so that the acoustic loop 103b shown in FIG. 7 is not formed. The user does not have to hear an unpleasant howling sound when worn on the ear. Also, it is not necessary to listen to the howling sound when removed from the ear.
[0017]
In addition, the shape and size of the ear vary among individuals, and the wearing pressure varies from user to user. Therefore, the threshold value (reference value) of the mounting pressure is stored in the memory 116 for each user, and the mounting is detected by comparing the threshold value for each user with the output of the strain sensor 121. In addition to a method of transferring this threshold value from a personal computer, there is a method of calculating in advance based on the output of the distortion sensor 121 in a state where the hearing aid 100b is actually worn. As described above, since the hearing aid 100b of FIG. 3 uses the threshold value stored in accordance with the individual difference, it is possible to reliably detect wearing and prevent the howling sound from being heard.
[0018]
In the present embodiment, sound is not output from the speaker 103 when removed from the ear, but the control means 117 may turn off the power when removed from the ear. Specifically, since the signal indicating whether or not the wearing detection circuit 122 is worn on the ear is transmitted to the CPU 117, when the CPU 117 switches from the worn state to the unworn state. The power may be turned off. If the power is automatically turned off when the ear is removed from the ear, the user can store the hearing aid without operating the power when the user removes the ear.
[0019]
In this embodiment, the sound processing circuit 113 is muted. However, the CPU 117 may be muted when the power supply to the sound processing circuit 113 is cut off. Alternatively, the CPU 117 may resume power supply to the sound processing circuit 113 when it is reattached to the ear. Thus, if the power supply to the sound processing circuit 113 is cut off and restarted, power consumption can be suppressed. It should be noted that power supply not only to the sound processing circuit 113 but also to unnecessary parts such as the microphone 101 and the speaker 103 when not attached may be cut off.
[0020]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the method for controlling a hearing aid according to the present invention, and shows a method for controlling the hearing aid 100b shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, when the battery 104 is inserted into the hearing aid 100b and the power is turned on, first, the sound processing circuit 113 is muted so as not to output sound from the speaker 103 according to an instruction from the CPU 117 (S21). Next, the mounting pressure threshold value stored in advance in the memory 116 is read (S22). Next, it waits until the pressure attached to the ear is detected (S23). When the hearing aid 100b is not worn on the ear, the strain sensor 121 does not distort, and the wear detection circuit 122 detects that the device is not worn on the ear by comparing the potential output from the strain sensor 121 with a threshold value. is doing. When the hearing aid 100b is worn on the ear, the case 120 is distorted by the wearing pressure, and the potential output from the strain sensor 121 is displaced. Therefore, the wearing detection circuit 122 compares the potential output from the strain sensor 121 with the threshold value. Then, it is detected that it is attached to the ear (S24). Next, the CPU 117 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 based on the signal output from the mounting detection circuit 122, and the sound processing circuit 113 starts outputting sound (S25). Since sound output starts after being worn on the ear in this way, the user does not have to listen to an unpleasant howling sound when worn on the ear. Moreover, since the threshold value memorize | stored according to the individual difference is used, mounting | wearing can be detected reliably and it can be made not to hear howling sound reliably. Next, when the user removes the hearing aid 100b from the ear, the case 120 returns to its original shape, and the wearing detection circuit 122 is in a state of being removed from the ear by comparing the potential output from the strain sensor 121 with the threshold value. Is detected (S26). Next, the CPU 117 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 based on the signal output from the mounting detection circuit 122 and mutes the sound processing circuit 113 so as not to output sound (S27). Since the mute is performed when the hearing aid 100b is removed from the ear in this manner, the user does not have to listen to the howling sound even when removed from the ear.
[0021]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention. The hearing aid 100c shown in FIG. 5 detects whether the temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection means) is attached to the inside of the case 120 and detects the temperature in the ear canal transmitted to the case, and whether or not the attachment detection circuit 122 is attached to the ear. Is transmitted to the CPU 117 as a signal, and the CPU 117 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 (mute means) whether or not to mute. Since the case 120 of the hearing aid 100c touches the skin firmly in the ear, when the hearing aid 100c is attached to the ear, the temperature in the ear canal is transmitted to the case 120 and approaches the temperature in the ear canal, and when the hearing aid 100c is removed from the ear The temperature of the case 120 returns to room temperature or the like. The temperature sensor 131 is, for example, a small thermostat or a sensor using a shape memory material depending on temperature, and the output potential is displaced according to the temperature of the case 120. In addition, when the hearing aid 100c is not attached to the ear, the sound processing circuit 113 reduces the gain of the sound signal input from the microphone 101 so as not to output the sound from the speaker 103, and the hearing aid 100c is attached to the ear. The sound signal input from the microphone 101 is amplified and output to the speaker 103. In this way, unlike the conventional hearing aid 100 shown in FIG. 8, the hearing aid 100c shown in FIG. 5 is designed to be muted when the hearing aid is not attached to the ear, so that the acoustic loop 103b shown in FIG. 7 is not formed. The user does not have to hear an unpleasant howling sound when worn on the ear.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, sound is not output from the speaker 103 when removed from the ear, but the control means 117 may turn off the power when removed from the ear. Specifically, since the signal indicating whether or not the wearing detection circuit 122 is worn on the ear is transmitted to the CPU 117, when the CPU 117 switches from the worn state to the unworn state. The power may be turned off. If the power is automatically turned off when the ear is removed from the ear, the user can store the hearing aid without operating the power when the user removes the ear.
[0023]
In this embodiment, the sound processing circuit 113 is muted. However, the CPU 117 may be muted when the power supply to the sound processing circuit 113 is cut off. Alternatively, the CPU 117 may resume power supply to the sound processing circuit 113 when it is reattached to the ear. Thus, if the power supply to the sound processing circuit 113 is cut off and restarted, power consumption can be suppressed. It should be noted that power supply not only to the sound processing circuit 113 but also to unnecessary parts such as the microphone 101 and the speaker 103 when not attached may be cut off.
[0024]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the method for controlling a hearing aid according to the present invention, and shows a method for controlling the hearing aid 100c shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, when the battery 104 is inserted into the hearing aid 100c and the power is turned on, first, the sound processing circuit 113 is muted so as not to output sound from the speaker 103 according to an instruction from the CPU 117 (S31). Next, the temperature threshold value stored in advance in the memory 116 is read (S32). Next, it waits until the temperature in the ear canal is detected (S33). When the hearing aid 100c is not worn on the ear, the case 120 is at room temperature, and the wearing detection circuit 122 compares the potential output from the temperature sensor 131 with the threshold value and the hearing aid 100c is not worn on the ear. Is detected. When the hearing aid 100c is worn on the ear, the temperature of the case 120 approaches the temperature in the ear canal, and the potential output from the temperature sensor 131 is displaced. , It is detected that it is in a state of being worn on the ear (S34). Next, the CPU 117 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 based on the signal output from the mounting detection circuit, and the sound processing circuit 113 starts outputting sound (S35). Since sound output starts after being worn on the ear in this way, the user does not have to listen to an unpleasant howling sound when worn on the ear. Moreover, since the threshold value is used, it is possible to reliably detect the wearing and prevent the howling sound from being heard. Next, when the user removes the hearing aid 100c from the ear, the temperature of the case 120 returns to room temperature or the like, and the wearing detection circuit 122 is removed from the ear by comparing the potential output from the temperature sensor 131 with the threshold value. Is detected (S36). Next, the CPU 117 instructs the sound processing circuit 113 based on the signal output from the mounting detection circuit 122 and mutes the sound processing circuit 113 so as not to output sound (S37). Since the mute is performed when the hearing aid 100c is removed from the ear in this way, the user does not have to listen to the howling sound when the user removes the hearing aid 100c from the ear and attaches it to the ear again.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hearing aid that does not listen to unpleasant howling sounds.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a hearing aid according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a control method according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the control method according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a control method according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of a hearing aid. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a conventional hearing aid.
100 hearing aids
101 microphone
102 Amplifier circuit
102a Volume control knob
102b Sound quality adjustment knob
103 Speaker
103a Sound output hole
103b Acoustic loop
104 battery
104a Battery compartment
105 Battery contacts
113 Sound processing circuit (mute means)
116 Memory (memory means)
117 CPU (control means)
118 counter
120 cases
121 Strain sensor (pressure detection means)
131 Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)
122 Wear detection circuit
200 PC
220 Adjustment terminal

Claims (7)

An acoustic loop is formed, comprising storage means for storing a standby time required from when the power is turned on until wearing the ear, and mute means for muting so that no sound is output until the standby time elapses after the power is turned on. Hearing aid characterized by preventing the It is equipped with pressure detection means for detecting the pressure applied to the case, and mute means for muting so as not to output sound when it is not worn on the ear, so as to prevent the formation of an acoustic loop. Hearing aid. A hearing aid comprising pressure detecting means for detecting a mounting pressure applied to a case and control means for turning off a power supply when removed from an ear so as to prevent formation of an acoustic loop . It is equipped with temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the ear canal transmitted to the case, and mute means for muting so as not to output sound when it is not worn on the ear, so that an acoustic loop is prevented from being formed. Hearing aids featured. Turn previously stores the waiting time necessary to wear the ear, mute to not emit sound when the power is turned on, so as to start the output of sound when the waiting time has elapsed, the acoustic A method for controlling a hearing aid, characterized in that a loop is prevented from being formed . When the power is turned on, it is muted so that no sound is output, and the sound output is started by detecting the mounting pressure applied to the case to prevent the formation of an acoustic loop. Hearing aid control method. It is muted so that no sound is output when the power is turned on, detects the temperature in the ear canal transmitted to the case, and starts to output sound, preventing the formation of an acoustic loop. Hearing aid control method.

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