Abstract: Electronic devices such as compact portable media players are provided. A housing for an electronic device may be relatively compact. The housing may include a door assembly with an attached spring-loaded clip. The electronic device may include a hold switch. Depending on the state of the hold switch, the electronic device may be in an off mode, a continuous playback mode, or a shuffle playback mode. The electronic device may not have integrated media playback controls such as play, pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. As one example, the electronic device may connect to an accessory that has media playback controls. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessory and user input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using a wired path including audio connectors. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board assembly that is nested together with a battery assembly.

Abstract: The method for operating a hearing system comprising at least one hearing device; at least one signal processing unit; at least one user control by means of which at least one audio processing parameter of said signal processing unit is adjustable; and a sensor unit; comprises the steps of a) obtaining adjustment data (userCorr) representative of adjustments of said at least one parameter carried out by operating said at least one user control; b) obtaining characterizing data (p1;p2) from data outputted from said sensor unit substantially at the time said adjustment data are obtained; c) deriving correction data (learntCorr) from said adjustment data (userCorr); wherein step c) is carried out in dependence of said characterizing data; and d) recognizing an update event; and, upon step d): e) using corrected settings for said at least one audio processing parameter in said signal processing unit, which corrected settings are derived in dependence of said correction data (learntCorr).

Abstract: A hearing assistance device may be a hearing aid worn on a person or a mobile device. The hearing assistance device may perform a hearing assistance algorithm based on signal processing parameters. A set of audiological values for a population may be identified. The set of audiological values has a first number of dimensions. The set of audiological values is converted to a reduced data set. The reduced data has set has a second number of dimensions less than the first number of dimensions. A processor calculates a trajectory for the reduced data set. The trajectory provides signal processing parameters for the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides systems and methods for remotely controlling a hearing assistance device, including using a personal wireless device such as a cellular telephone. One embodiment includes a communication system for controlling a hearing assistance device. The system includes a personal wireless device including a short range radio transmitter. The short range radio transmitter is programmed to transmit instructions to the hearing assistance device by conversion of inputs to the personal wireless device into control signals for the hearing assistance device using on/off keying of the short range radio transmitter.

Abstract: A user interface incorporated onto a hearing aid includes flexible hybrid component integrating a touch sensor into a bendable display. The touch sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, includes one or more sensor elements allowing a user to control operation of the hearing aid by touching. The bendable display presents information related to the operation of the hearing aid to the user.

Abstract: A method of deriving individual gain compensation curves for hearing aid fitting includes providing a system that detects, measures and records head azimuth for sound direction affirmation by a patient and provides a plurality of audio signals through a plurality of test sequences to the ears of the patient, including establishing a comfortable listening level of the patient, establishing binaural balance for right and left ears, establishing loudness discomfort levels of the patient, establishing thresholds-of-hearing levels of the patient and generating a binaurally balanced measurement array of measured equal-loudness levels and measured thresholds-of-hearing levels for both left and right ears.

Abstract: A method for operating a hearing system comprises the steps of: a) replacing the current settings by the former settings upon operation of a reset user control; and one of the steps of: b1) automatically replacing the former settings by new former settings upon receiving a request for adjusting at least one setting of the current settings, provided that no adjustment to the current settings has been carried out for at least a pre-defined time span up to the receiving of that request; or b2) automatically replacing the former settings by new former settings upon receiving a request for adjusting at least one setting of the current settings, provided that a difference between the current settings and the former settings caused by one or more adjustments to the current settings carried out during a pre-defined time span up to the receiving of that request is larger than a pre-defined difference.

Abstract: A method and device for reliably detecting one's own voice being the wearer of a hearing apparatus. A hearing apparatus includes at least two independent analysis facilities, of which each is configured to obtain speech activity data on the basis of an audio signal received by the hearing apparatus, which is dependent on the speaker activity of a wearer of the hearing apparatus. A fusion facility is configured to receive the speech activity data from the analysis facilities and on the basis of the speech activity data then to recognize whether or not the wearer is currently speaking.

Abstract: One variation of a method for augmenting sound includes: at a mobile computing device and a connected audio output device, outputting a tone in a hearing test; based on a response to the tone entered by a user, generating a hearing profile for the user and corresponding to the mobile computing device and the audio output device; receiving an audio signal; qualifying the audio signal as a particular audio type from a set of audio types; selecting, from a set of sound profiles, a particular sound profile corresponding to the particular audio type; at the mobile computing device, transforming the audio signal into a processed audio signal according to the particular sound profile and the hearing profile of the user; and outputting the processed audio signal at the connected audio output device.

Abstract: A hearing aid can be tuned while worn by a user according to a heuristic method, including select an adjustable parameter and an stimulus having audio energy characteristics related to the adjustable parameter. The stimulus is played via a calibrated audio output device and amplified by the hearing aid. After selecting a user perception query associated with the adjustable parameter, feedback is obtained from the user indicating that the stimulus was not perceived neutrally. A perceptual adjustment curve and a threshold curve are determined according to the user feedback, and an estimated perception curve that estimates the user's perception of the stimulus is determined. When at least a portion of the estimated perception curve exceeds a threshold curve, the hearing aid is programmed according to at least one adjustment value determined according to the user feedback value.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inputting audiogram using a touch input are provided. An audiogram input apparatus includes: an input receiver configured to receive a touch input from a user; a data processor configured to generate an audiogram corresponding to the touch input; and a display unit configured to display the generated audiogram.

Abstract: A method for identifying a receiver in a hearing aid of the RITE (Receiver In The Ear) type (1) comprises providing a hearing aid of the RITE-type (1), providing said hearing aid with a receiver (10), measuring the impedance of said receiver (10) using said hearing aid (1), identifying said receiver (10) as one of several predetermined receiver models on basis of said impedance measurement, and issuing a message regarding the result of the identification. The invention also provides a hearing aid and a system for fitting a hearing aid. The hearing aid may comprise the means for measuring receiver impedance.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for determining one or more configuration settings for a first hearing prosthesis based on configuration data associated with a second hearing prosthesis. In some embodiments, determining the one or more configuration settings for the first hearing prosthesis may include determining an acoustic operating range associated with the first hearing prosthesis based on whether a configured gain at one or more frequencies for the second hearing prosthesis meets or exceeds a target gain at the one or more frequencies. Some embodiments may also include storing the determined configuration settings in a tangible computer readable memory associated with the first hearing prosthesis.

Abstract: A classification and, in particular, a time stability thereof are intended to be improved. To this end, a method automatically sets a piece of equipment, in which a classifying is performed with an aid of movable clusters and fixed clusters. This allows the classification to be trained, but also allows a certain basic property of the system to be ensured. This is advantageous in particular for hearing aids and transformers in smart grids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for displaying wireless interference for a wireless hearing assistance device programmer. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method including measuring levels of wireless interference over wireless communication channels using fitting software configured for a wireless hearing assistance device programmer. The levels of measured wireless interference over time are displayed on a graphical display in communication with the wireless programmer. In various embodiments, displaying the measured wireless interference levels includes using a moving line graph with multiple lines, with each of the multiple lines representing one of the wireless communication channels.

Abstract: In a hearing aid (40), a direct-digital H-bridge output driver stage (1) driven by a sigma-delta modulator (2) is configured to operate in a power-saving three-level output mode or a power-consuming two-level output mode. The three-level output mode of the H-bridge output driver stage (1) has low power consumption but suffers the disadvantage of emitting capacitive noise potentially interfering with the reception of radio signals in a radio receiver (17) in the hearing aid (40). By providing a novel method of selecting the two-level output mode whenever the radio receiver (17) is receiving signals, and selecting the three-level output mode whenever the radio receiver (17) is idle, this capacitive interference does not disturb the radio receiver (17) in the hearing aid (40). The invention provides a method and a hearing aid.

Abstract: A field ready, unsupervised-use ready, method and apparatus for audio fitting a hearing aid is described in a hand held configuration having paired comparisons (hearing selections) stored in and derivable from a memory therein. The paired comparisons are presented one at a time to a user and a preferred selection for each paired comparison is made by a select indicator after the user toggles back and forth between the selections for as many times necessary in determining their preferences. A genetic algorithm converges all the preferences upon a single solution. Crossover and mutation genetic algorithm operators operate on a linear range of indexes representative of parametric values of the pairs. A fully integrated hearing aid having all the above described features incorporated therein is also presented.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for determining prescription rules for a hearing prosthesis. A system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a receiver, a transmitter for wirelessly inducing electrical signals in the receiver, and first and second loads coupled to the receiver and associated with first and second applications, respectively. The system also includes a signal generator coupled to the transmitter. The signal generator is configured to energize the transmitter to transfer the electrical signals at a first duty cycle to the receiver for the first application and to energize the transmitter to transfer the electrical signals at a second duty cycle to the receiver for the second application.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for optimizing which sound processing modes are enabled in the sound processing pathway of a hearing prosthesis. A sound processor classifies in the input signal and enables a first sound processing mode based on the classification of the input signal. The sound processor transforms the input signal into a transformed signal based on the enabled sound processing mode. The processor further classifies the transformed signal and identifies a second classification. Based on the second classification, the processor enables a second sound processing mode. Sometimes, the second classification is a classification that is only apparent to the sound processor after the first sound processing mode has been enabled. The second processing mode transforms the transformed signal into an output signal based on the second enabled sound processing mode.

Abstract: An integrated headpiece for a cochlear implant system includes a microphone for outputting an audio signal; signal processing electronics for processing the audio signal; and a transmitter for transmitting a processed audio signal received from the electronics to an implanted receiver. All of the microphone, signal processing electronics, and transmitter are disposed in a common housing of the integrated headpiece. The headpiece may also be one of a set of headpieces that can be alternatively used as needed to suit power consumption requirements or environmental conditions.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a device housing to be worn outside an ear of a user and which co-acts with an in-the-ear part provided with a sound-emitting opening and which is intended and adapted to be received at least substantially in the ear of the user. The in-the-ear part is physically separated from the device housing, wherein at least a microphone and a loudspeaker are accommodated together with the sound-emitting opening in the in-the-ear part. An electronic connection is present between the device housing and the in-the-ear part. A power supply of a hearing aid particularly includes a capacitor (40), more particularly an ultra-capacitor. The functionality of a hearing aid can be expanded with an expansion unit (50). For an accurate fit of the in-the-ear part use is made of a digital representation which has been modified on the basis of fitting data of a fitting body.

Abstract: A method for deploying hearing instrument fitting software wherein the fitting software comprises executable fitting program code (13) configured to process fitting program data (12,14) on a programmable data processor (11), comprises the steps of reading fitting program definition data (3) from data storage means provided in the hearing instrument (1), determining, from the fitting program definition data (3), at least part of least one of the fitting program data (12,14) and the fitting program code (13). The hearing instrument itself comprises the information defining the fitting software—be it the complete fitting software or an update or change to a fitting software residing in an external device.

Abstract: A method of fitting a hearing aid connected to a mobile terminal is provided. The method may include acquiring location information of a location of the mobile terminal, transmitting the location information to a server, receiving, from the server, information about at least one recommended fitting parameter model adapted to hearing conditions of the location and hearing characteristics of a user of the hearing aid, and displaying the information about the at least one recommended fitting parameter model. The method may also include receiving a fitting parameter model selected by the user from among the at least one recommended fitting parameter model, and controlling the hearing aid to function according to the received fitting parameter model.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a signal processing parameter for a first hearing aid and a second hearing aid forming parts of a binaural hearing aid system to be worn by a user is provided. The binaural hearing aid system comprises a user specific model representing a desired asymmetry between a first ear and a second ear of the user. The method includes detecting a request for processing a parameter change at the first hearing aid, adjusting the signal processing parameter in the first hearing aid, and adjusting a processing parameter for the second hearing aid based on the request for processing parameter change and the user specific model.

Abstract: A hearing system with an analogue control element including a selector for precise and reliable user selection of desired predefined settings. The selecting range of the analogue control element is partitioned into segments, each identified by an identification digit. At least two successive segments define a section. Each section represents a particular setting of the hearing system and is identified by a section digit. The hearing system stores the identification digit and the section digit in the non volatile memory according to the position of the selector. The stored identification digit and section digit are controlled by the signal processing unit and are only modified when the position of the selector is moved over at least two successive segments of the selecting range.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a data at a hearing aid during operation of the hearing aid and selectively updating a hearing aid profile in response to receiving the data to produce a modified hearing aid profile. The method further includes applying the modified hearing aid profile using a processor of the hearing aid to shape an audio output.

Abstract: A method of determining an operation mode of a hearing device and the hearing device may include detecting an input signal of the hearing device, determining the operation mode of the hearing device by determining whether the input signal is a designated signal related to a programming mode of the hearing device, and controlling the hearing device according to the operation mode.

Abstract: Acclimatization of a hearing device user to a hearing device is made more acceptable by automatic acclimatization management. The intensity of the hearing device is increased in the long term, e.g. during several months. The speed of the intensity increase depends on user inputs. A user controls an audio processing parameter (APP), such as volume, with a user control. Each time the user switches the hearing device off and on again, the power-on value (POV) of the audio processing parameter (APP) is changed. The amount of the change depends on which settings for the audio processing parameter (APP) have been selected by the hearing device user and how long the settings have been active. An initial power-on value (iPOV) and a target power-on value (tPOV), which is to be reached at the end (H) of the acclimatization phase, may be programmed by an audiologist.

Abstract: The invention relates to system and method for configuring a hearing device (100) with an external configuration unit (101), the method comprising the steps of: a) processing at least two sound recordings in the external processing unit (104?) with different parameter settings (105?a, 105?b), b) combining them into one joint signal, c) feeding the joint signal to the hearing device's output transducer (107), bypassing the rest of the hearing device (100), d) emitting the joint signal, e) letting the user (111) choose one of the sound recordings that fits his/her requirements best, f) repeating steps a) to e) with varying parameter settings, g) transmitting a chosen parameter setting to the hearing device (100), wherein in step a) the sound recordings to be processed are chosen according to the situation the hearing device (100) will be used for or the specific hearing impairment of a user (111) of the hearing device (100).

Abstract: Adaptation of hearing devices is rendered more convenient and more accurate with a method for adapting a hearing device to a hearing device support. The hearing device is selected on the basis of initial data of several hearing devices with respect to the data relating to hearing loss of the hearing device support. The selected hearing device is preset using a target reinforcement curve and, optionally, a setting of the preset hearing device is finely adjusted. At least one of the mentioned steps of selecting and presetting as well as, optionally, the step of fine adjustment is carried out by means of a single perceptive model which individualizes the hearing loss data projected by the hearing loss of the hearing device support.

Abstract: A hearing aid distribution and service plan based on periodic subscription serves a wide range of hearing aid users with various needs for functionality and considerations for financial or value. One or more codes are provided for each hearing aid to allow for fitting by an authorized professional and enablement of one or more specified functions for a specified period. In various examples, the present hearing aid includes hearing assistance circuitry with a programming lock configured to receive an unlocking signal and a locking signal. In various examples, a hearing aid fitting device for communicating with a hearing aid includes a user interface configured to receive a lock code enabling a lock functionality that allows the hearing aid to be unlocked for fitting and locked for preventing from the fitting. The present application includes variations of a method for subscription-based hearing aid distribution.

Abstract: A hearing aid switch utilizes pressure/sound clues from a filtered input signal to enable actuation initiated by a user by a signature hand movement relative to a wearer's ear. The preferred signature hand movement involves patting on the ear meatus at least one time to generate a compression wave commonly thought of as a soft “clap” or “pop”. A digital signal processor analyzes the signal looking for a negative pulse, a positive pulse, and dissipation of the hand generated signal.

Abstract: A method for identifying an output transducer of a hearing instrument is disclosed. The method includes applying a pseudo-random signal to the output transducer, receiving a response signal indicative of the impedance of the output transducer, computing a cross-correlation of the response signal and the pseudo-random signal, computing a Fourier transform of the computed cross-correlation, comparing the computed Fourier transform with one or more reference models, and identifying the output transducer based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system for operating a hearing instrument is disclosed. The system comprises one or more electrodes for measuring the brain wave signals of a user wearing a hearing instrument. The electrodes are placed on the scalp of the user. Based on the measured brain wave signals, a detecting unit is configured to detect a relaxation state of the hearing instrument. A controller sets the hearing instrument to a relaxation mode setting in response to the detection of the relaxation state of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to modify a controllable stimulus generated by a digital audio device in communication with a human user. An input signal is provided to the digital audio device. In turn, the digital audio device sends a stimulus based on that input signal to the human user, who takes an action, usually in the form of an output signal, to characterize the stimulus that the user receives, based on the user's perception. An algorithm, lookup table, or other procedure then determines a difference between the input signal and the output signal, and a perceptual model is constructed based at least in part on the difference. Thereafter, a new value for the parameter of the digital audio device is suggested based at least in part on the perceptual model. This process continues iteratively until the user's optimal device parameters are determined.

Abstract: A power management system for a digital processing core of a battery-powered hearing aid is adapted for providing power to the hearing aid circuit in a particularly efficient manner. The power management system comprises a first linear voltage regulator, and a second linear voltage regulator in series with a switched-capacitor 2:1 SC converter, a positive bulk biasing voltage supply, and a negative bulk biasing voltage supply, for controlling the switching speed, threshold voltage, and current leak from the semiconductor elements of the digital processing core when the core is operated at the reduced voltage provided by the power management system. The power management system may save between 50% and 70% of the power consumed by the digital processing core of the hearing aid circuit. The invention further provides a method for providing a supply voltage to a digital hearing aid.

Abstract: A listening device processes an electric input sound signal and provides an output stimulus perceivable to a wearer of the listening device as sound, the listening device comprising a signal processing unit for processing an information signal originating from the electric input sound signal and to provide a processed output signal forming the basis for generating said output stimulus. A perception unit establishes a perception measure indicative of the wearer's present ability to perceive said information signal. A signal interface communicates the perception measure to another person or device.

Abstract: In a hearing aid with a signal processor for signal processing in accordance with selected values of a set of parameters ?, a method of automatic adjustment of a set z of the signal processing parameters ?, using a set of learning parameters ? of the signal processing parameters ? is provided, wherein the method includes extracting signal features u of a signal in the hearing aid, recording a measure r of an adjustment e made by the user of the hearing aid, modifying z by the equation z=u ?+r, and absorbing the user adjustment e in ? by the equation ?N=?(u,r)+?P, wherein ?N is the new values of the learning parameter set ?, ?P is the previous values of the learning parameter set ?, and ? is a function of the signal features u and the recorded adjustment measure r.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a headpiece module configured to be affixed to a head of a patient and comprising a primary sound processor configured to generate stimulation parameters used to direct an auditory prosthesis implanted within the patient to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient and 2) a sound processor module separate from the headpiece module and configured to be selectively and communicatively coupled to the headpiece module. The sound processor module includes a secondary sound processor configured to detect a communicative coupling of the sound processor module to the headpiece module and contribute to the generation of one or more of the stimulation parameters while the sound processor module is communicatively coupled to the headpiece module. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone conduction device for enhancing a recipient's hearing. The device may include an input configured to receive sound signals and generate a plurality of signals representative of the sound signals, an electronics module configured to receive the plurality of signals and having a first control setting configured to control a first characteristic of at least one of the plurality of signals and a second control setting configured to control a second characteristic of the at least one of the plurality of signals, a vibrator configured to receive the plurality of signals representative of the sound signals and transmit vibrations to the recipient's bone, and a user interface having a first interface control configured to interface with the first control setting and alter the first characteristic and a second interface control configured to interface with the second control setting and alter the second characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for customizing a hearing assistance device for a wearer. According to various embodiments, data corresponding to the wearer's acoustic environment is logged using the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device is fitted by an adaptive fitting process controlled by the wearer, the adaptive fitting process having access to the data logged by the hearing assistance device to customize settings of the hearing assistance device for the wearer. In an embodiment, data related to fitting the hearing assistance device is sent via a network connection to a location accessible by the wearer's audiologist and/or device manufacturer. The sent data is used to create an interactive database, and the database is used for fitting hearing assistance devices for one or more wearers, in various embodiments.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a firmware-updated programmable hearing device comprising at least one processor and a memory unit in which hearing device firmware is stored, comprises the step of executing an update application in said processor installing an updated version of at least a portion of the hearing device firmware in said memory unit. The system for updating the firmware of a programmable hearing device as described above comprises: an update apparatus comprising a communication interface for communication via a wireless communication link and a storage unit in which an update application is stored, which is designed to be executed in said processor installing an updated version of at least a portion of the hearing device firmware in said memory unit.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance apparatus for performing a Real Ear Measurement (REM), comprises a hearing assistance device housing, a microphone within the housing, an earhook connected to the housing, and a flexible tube. The house has a first opening for guiding sound into the housing to the microphone. The housing and the connected earhook form an interface, where the earhook has a shape to provide a slot near the interface of the housing and the earhook. The tube guides sound, and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible tube and the slot of the earhook cooperate to retain the first end of the flexible tube in the slot of the earhook and flush with the housing to provide a sound-tight connection with the first opening.

Abstract: An exemplary method of acoustically controlling a cochlear implant system includes acoustically transmitting, by a remote control subsystem, a control signal comprising one or more control parameters, detecting, by a sound processing subsystem communicatively coupled to a stimulation subsystem implanted within a patient, the control signal, extracting, by the sound processing subsystem, the one or more control parameters from the control signal, and performing, by the sound processing subsystem, at least one operation in accordance with the one or more control parameters. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: A method of using a remote control application for controlling a hearing assistance device may include displaying a user interface layout on a display of a mobile device, the user interface layout including at least one user input element associated with controlling an audio feature of a hearing assistance device; receiving a selection of the at least one user input element; translating the selection of the at least one user input element into a remote signal for controlling the feature of the hearing assistance device; and transmitting the remote signal to the hearing assistance device via a transmitter attachment coupled to the mobile device.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor (104) included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) a clock facility (406) configured to detect an elapsing of a predetermined amount of time and 2) a fitting facility (408) communicatively coupled to the clock facility and configured to automatically perform, in response to the elapsing of the predetermined amount of time, one or more fitting operations with respect to the auditory prosthesis system. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In digital hearing devices, it is common to reduce the preamplifier gain when very loud signals are received in order to avoid clipping. It is known to temporarily reduce the preamplifier gain with fast attack and release times when a clipping of the input signal in the digitizer is expected. Perceived signal quality of the audible signal provided to the user of the hearing device is herein improved by simultaneously providing relatively fast and relatively slow temporary reductions of the amplifier gain such that the slow gain reductions reduce the occurrences of fast gain reductions. This allows the hearing device to provide a high quality sound to the user where clipping is reduced due to the fast gain reductions and where signal artifacts, such as pumping and switching noise, produced by the fast gain reductions is reduced due to the slow gain reductions.

Abstract: An ear-level hearing device and a handheld computer with a graphical user interface determines a subject's own hearing threshold. Hardware includes the smartphone, viewing screen of the smartphone, smartphone software, ear level hearing device, transmitter on the smartphone and receiver on the ear level device (ELD) communicating with the graphical user interface on the smartphone to the ear level hearing device. The interface on the smartphone may include an automatic routine or buttons to vary frequency and amplitude of a frequency dependent sound presentation to the earpiece. Software installed on the hand-held smartphone system sends wireless signals to the ELD changing acoustic parameters in the listening device. The ELD stores frequency/amplitude parameters of the thresholds and wirelessly delivers them to the smartphone. The smartphone uses the threshold data to derive the appropriate amplified acoustical signal (relative to the thresholds) to the subject.

Abstract: The inventor has found that a considerable portion of hearing system users have a considerable lack of understanding the effect of adjusting adjustable audio processing parameters of the hearing system. Therefore, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of a) playing a first test sound to a user of a hearing system; r) receiving user input from said user in reaction to step a); s) interpreting said user input as a request for selecting and/or adjusting at least one audio processing parameter of a signal processing unit; h) calculating—based on said request obtained in step s), and in dependence of said first test sound played to said user—at least one value, which is related to said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. This method can be used for improving said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. A corresponding arrangement is disclosed, too.

Abstract: A call other than a conversion partner call and various sounds are detected by input audio signals from plural microphones without deteriorating a voice recognition precision. A hearing aid apparatus according to the present invention corrects a frequency characteristic of the call voice other than the conversation partner voice based on an arrival direction of the call voice other than the conversation partner voice, which is estimated based on the audio signal converted by the plural microphones, checks a call word standard pattern representing features of a phoneme and a syllabic sound based on other voice data picked up by using the microphones having one characteristic against a call voice other than the conversation partner voice in which the frequency characteristic is corrected by the frequency characteristic correction processing unit to determine whether the call voice is a call word, and forms a directivity in the direction other than the arrival direction of the voice of the conversation partner.