Hearing aid fitting systems and methods using sound segments representing relevant soundscape

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods enabling hearing aid fitting by a non-expert consumer at home. The method in one embodiment involves delivering a sequence of test audio signals corresponding to natural sound segments to a non-acoustic input of a programmable hearing device m~situ, while allowing the consumer to adjust fitting parameters based perceptual assessment of hearing device output. The sound segments define a fitting soundscape representing a practical range of sounds within the normal human auditory range, with each sound segment corresponding to one or more fitting parameters of the programmable hearing device. The consumer is instructed to listen to the output of the in-situ hearing device and adjust controls related to corresponding fitting parameters. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow home dispensing of hearing devices without requiring specialized instruments or clinical settings.

Description

[0001] Comparison of related applications [0002] The present application is based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 847,007 filed earlier on July 16, 2013 under 35 U.S.C. METHODOFHEARINGAIDFITTINGUSINGAUDIOSEGMENTSWITHINRELEVANTHUMANSOUNDSCAPE)" claims priority, and this case is also based on U.S. non-provisional application No. 14 / 011,604 filed on August 27, 2013, entitled "Hearing Aid Fitting System and Method Using Sound Segments Representing Associated Soundscapes )" asserts priority and is a continuation of the case. The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The examples presented herein relate to methods and systems for hearing aid fitting, and more particularly to methods and systems for hearing aids administered by a non-professional, including self-fitting by a consumer. The present invention is related to U.S. Patent No. 8,467,556, entitled "CANAL HEARING DEVICE WITH DISPOSABLE BATTERY MODULE," an...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The traditional wearing process is too cumbersome and technical for non-professionals

So the cost of professional assistance with hearing aid fitting, including clinical testing and special equipment, can easily run into the thousands of dollars, and almost double that for a pair of hearing aids

The high cost of hearing aids puts off many consumers, and hearing aids can actually cost less than $100 to manufacture

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