In many wearable devices, wireless connectivity is quickly becoming more commonplace, instead of a feature found only on high-end devices. Wireless technology makes it much easier for users to control their device, ultimately helping to make the user experience more enjoyable and increase adoption. Still today, making control adjustments (e.g., volume control, program selection, etc.) on a hearing aid can be challenging. Users can make adjustments manually by selecting the one or two small buttons on the device. Some may be able to do this while it is still on the ear, but others may have to remove it beforehand. Another option requires using a dedicated manufacturer specific remote control, or a relay device (a larger unit typically worn around the neck), if operations using a smartphone are desired. Most hearing aids available today don’t possess the ability to communicate directly with smartphones, so this additional unit is needed in order to convert the proprietary radio link hearing aids use into a standard Bluetooth[sup]®[/sup] link smartphones can understand.
Since many people today already carry and use smartphones, using it to communicate with and control the user’s hearing aids has by far the most appeal. Adding to its ease-of-use, custom smartphone applications feature intuitive icons and touch controls which are friendly for all levels of technical understanding. For hearing aids, these apps allow users to easily check their devices’ battery levels, and optimize program or volume control settings of left and right hearing aids individually. Other features can include alerts to incoming texts or phone calls, or the use of RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) to help locate a misplaced hearing aid. Using wireless technology, audio can be streamed digitally to the hearing aid from an external source such as a sound system or a television equipped with an ancillary device. This can provide a more immersive entertainment experience for the wearer, with better audio quality. Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) now provide the opportunity to deliver better and more discrete user experiences for hearing-aid wearers. Several hearing aid manufacturers have enabled BLE in their hearing aids by creating a direct radio link between the device and smartphone, eliminating the need for a relay or third-party unit.
Within any hearing aid form factor(from Behind-the-Ear (BTE) to Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)), the designer must arrange the receiver, the battery and associated circuitry, user controls for volume adjustment and program switching, and the audio digital signal processor (DSP) and associated peripherals including memory and now a Bluetooth radio transceiver. One or more microphones are usually needed, to enable background-noise cancellation and directional sound pick-up. The power consumption of the additional radio subsystem must also be considered to minimize any impact on the overall system to avoid demanding a larger, heavier battery to supply more energy.
System-in-Package (SiP) solutions can help overcome the space limitations of miniature devices by integrating several components into a single package.
Designed specifically for hearing aids, Ezairo[sup]®[/sup] 7150 SL is a wireless-enabled audio processing hybrid module which can easily be integrated into a standard BTE shell. Based on the programmable Ezairo 7100 digital signal processing (DSP) platform, the miniature hybrid module features precision quad-core architecture. Ezairo 7150 SL provides multi-protocol wireless support, is optimized for 2.4 GHz license- free radio bands, and is compatible with BLE as well as custom protocol variants to deliver ultra-low-power stereo audio streams. To store important hearing aid parameters, Ezairo 7150 SL provides 2 Mb of non-volatile memory (EEPROM). To further assist with development, ON Semiconductor has produced a complete reference design of an Ezairo 7150-SL based BTE hearing aid, including the hybrid module, required passive components, and 2.4 GHz radio antenna to help designers develop and refine their own device. The reference design is comprised of fully- assembled hardware, a sample Android™ application, and firmware for stereo audio streaming via a remote dongle and Control over BLE.
Multi-protocol wireless support enables advanced hearing aid features such as Control over Bluetooth Low Energy (CoBLE) using a smartphone or tablet, and audio streaming via a remote dongle that plugs into the standard audio output jack of the source equipment. The audio streaming protocol uses a proprietary low-latency radio link that consumes very little power (only about 4-5 mA off a standard Zinc-Air hearing aid battery).
The stereo audio streaming feature allows users to hear audio from any external source like televisions or car radios through the use of a small transmitter dongle. The dongle can also operate in remote microphone mode, further enhancing the user’s listening experience in challenging situations, like noisy environments or class rooms where the speaker might be far away.</p><p> Advanced features, especially wireless connectivity, hold the potential to revolutionise quality of life for hearing aid wearers. Physical space constrains have been a key factor in limiting progress, but sophisticated integration techniques and new radio technologies have now helped to enable wireless connectivity, such as Control over BLE and low-latency audio streaming, without the need for bulky relay devices. These features now set the scene for dramatic improvements to the end-user experience, helping to transform hearing aids from a device someone needs to use into one they’ll want to use.
安森美半导体听力方案及消费者健康高级总监Michel De Mey说:“安森美半导体很高兴获得这项殊荣,它表彰了我们为医疗应用提供精深的使能技术。听力是我们医疗研发团队的一项主要焦点,但同时我们也提供用于医疗成像、便携医疗设备、植体设备及远程病患监测系统的技术。安森美半导体贯彻目标,提供突破性、高性能的技术,帮助我们客户开发领先市场的产品。”
Enabling wireless connectivity in hearing aids, Ezairo® 7160 SL is an open-programmable DSP-based hybrid module that supports Bluetooth® Low Energy and other 2.4 GHz wireless protocols.
What's Included in Ezairo 7160 SL
Ezairo 7100 Digital Signal Processor (DSP): Includes a high precision, quad-core architecture that delivers 375 MIPS without sacrificing power consumption.
RSL10 Radio IC: Industry's lowest power Bluetooth 5 certified wireless transceiver supporting industry's lowest power Bluetooth Low Energy and proprietary 2.4 GHz protocols
EA2M: 2 Mb EEPROM memory for storing important hearing aid parameters and firmware
Development Tools
Ezairo Preconfigured Suite
Open-Programmable Evaluation & Development Kit (EDK)
Artificial intelligence, coupled with advanced sensing devices, is rapidly changing the world around us,” Starkey Hearing Technologies Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering Achin Bhowmik said. “We are proud to introduce these transformational technologies into the world of hearing aids to both optimize the users’ hearing experiences and enable them to continuously monitor and improve their overall health besides treating hearing loss, reducing the associated risks of dementia, anxiety, and social isolation.” The integrated 3D motion sensors inside Livio AI enable the hearing aids to detect movement, track activities, and recognize gestures. The hearing aids communicate with each other and compatible mobile accessories to deliver meaningful, real-time feedback about users’ overall body and cognitive health and fitness. This technology may allow people to take a proactive and personal approach to treating hearing loss, which has been linked to various health issues including dementia, cognitive decline, anxiety, stress, social isolation, and an increased risk of falling. Livio AI is reportedly the first device utilizing the ears to help users better understand not only how to improve their overall health and wellness, but also the deep connection between treating hearing loss and reducing health risks. This helps to improve key areas of wellbeing by reconnecting users to the people, places, and activities they love.