Hearing ability diagnostic device, hearing ability diagnostic method, and hearing ability diagnostic program

Abstract

To perform more accurate hearing ability diagnosis.SOLUTION: A hearing ability diagnostic device includes: a measuring unit for measuring volume of external noise; a determination unit for determining a frequency and volume of an output sound for diagnosing hearing ability of a subject on the basis of the volume of the measured external noise and the age of the subject; an acquisition unit for acquiring a result of the determination on whether or not the output sound is heard under the external noise while changing the frequency and volume of the output sound determined by the determination unit; and a diagnosis unit for diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject on the basis of the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the result of the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing diagnostic device, a hearing diagnostic method, and a hearing diagnostic program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the above technical field, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for diagnosing hearing ability using a program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-65734 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technique described in the above document was not able to perform an accurate hearing diagnosis.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for solving the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the device according to the present invention comprises: A measurement unit that measures the volume of external noise; A determination unit that determines a volume of an output sound for each frequency for diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject based on the measured volume of the external noise and the age of the subject; an acquisition unit that acquires a determination result of whether or not the output voice is audible under the external noise; a diagnosis unit that diagnoses the hearing ability of the subject based on the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the judgment result acquired by the acquisition unit; A hearing diagnostic device comprising:

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the method according to the present invention comprises: A measurement step of measuring a volume of external noise using a measurement unit; a determining step of determining, in a determining unit, a volume for each frequency of an output sound for diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject based on the measured volume of the external noise and the age of the subject; an acquisition step of acquiring a determination result of whether or not the output voice is audible under the external noise by an acquisition unit; a diagnosis step of diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject by a diagnosis unit based on the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the judgment result; A hearing diagnostic method comprising:

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the program according to the present invention comprises: A measurement step of measuring a volume of an external noise; A determination step of determining a volume for each frequency of an output sound for diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject based on the measured volume of the external noise and the age of the subject; an acquisition step of acquiring a determination result of whether or not the output voice is audible under the external noise; a diagnostic step of diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject based on the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the judgment result; A hearing diagnostic program that causes a processor to execute the above. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, hearing diagnosis can be performed more accurately. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a hearing diagnostic device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a hearing diagnostic device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a hearing diagnostic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the hearing diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the hearing diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the hearing diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a hearing diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a hearing diagnostic device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [First embodiment] A hearing diagnostic device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the hearing diagnostic device 100 includes a measurement unit 101, a determination unit 102, an acquisition unit 103, and a diagnosis unit 104.

[0013] The measurement unit 101 measures external noise. The determination unit 102 determines the frequency and volume of an output sound for hearing diagnosis based on the measured external noise and the age of the subject.

[0014] The acquisition unit 103 determines whether the output sound is audible under the external noise while changing the frequency and volume of the output sound determined by the determination unit 102. The diagnosis unit 104 diagnoses the hearing ability of the subject based on the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the determination result of the acquisition unit 103.

[0015] According to the above configuration, a hearing test can be performed more accurately taking into account external noise and the age of the test subject.

[0016] [Second embodiment] A hearing diagnostic device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 200 includes a measurement unit 201, a determination unit 202, an acquisition unit 203, a diagnosis unit 204, an input unit 205, and a presentation unit 206.

[0017] The external sound volume measurement unit 201 measures the sound volume of external noise. At this time, as shown in Fig. 3, the timing of measuring the external noise (environmental sound) may be determined using a measurement button 311 on an input screen 301. The measured sound volume of the external noise is displayed on a sound volume display unit 312. The input unit 205 inputs attribute information of the subject. Specifically, age 314 and gender 315 are input. Other information such as workplace and home environment, past hearing images, main complaint, and symptoms may also be input.

[0018] The determination unit 202 determines the volume of each frequency of the output sound for hearing diagnosis based on the volume of the measured external noise and the attribute information of the subject. For example, when 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz are prepared, the determination unit 202 determines 30 dB for 1000 Hz and 40 dB for 4000 Hz. The determination unit 202 determines the output sound based on, for example, the age and sex of the subject. The determination unit 202 further determines the frequency and volume of the output sound according to the type of speaker (including headphones) connected to the hearing diagnosis device. The determination unit 202 may further determine the output sound based on the subject's past hearing test results, disease (high blood pressure makes it difficult to hear), medical history, work environment, drug intake history, or family history. In this case, a database of information on related laws and regulations, the average hearing image of the general population, and the incidence rate of hearing diseases by age and sex is used.

[0019] Upon inputting the personal health information and medical information (age, sex, medical history, educational history, environmental sounds, work environment, and past hearing test results) of the subject, the determination unit 202 may extract diseases to be differentiated from relevant laws and regulations regarding hearing tests and medical information regarding hearing, and determine the test sound to be used by the subject from the extracted information. The determination unit 202 may also determine the output of the test sound to be presented to the subject from information regarding the surrounding environmental sounds. The determination unit 202 may determine whether the test can be performed using a general-purpose device such as a mobile phone, and, if possible, adjust the test sound according to the general-purpose device. The volume determined by the determination unit 202 is displayed on the volume display unit 313 of the input screen 301.

[0020] The acquisition unit 203 outputs the sound at the volume determined for each frequency by the determination unit 202, and acquires a judgment result as to whether or not the output sound is audible under external noise. FIG. 3 shows the measurement screen 302. When a presentation sound is selected in the frequency selection field 321 and a test sound start button 322 is clicked, the test sound is output. The test sound start button 322 changes to display "Test sound being output" while the test sound is being output. The "Can hear" button 323 and "Can't hear" buttons are active only while "Test sound being output" is displayed. In other words, the acquisition unit 203 can acquire a judgment as to whether or not the test sound was audible by the subject.

[0021] The diagnosis unit 204 diagnoses the hearing of the subject based on the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the judgment result acquired by the acquisition unit 203. If the "can't hear" button 324 is not pressed, the diagnosis unit 204 diagnoses the hearing of the subject as "no problem." If the "can't hear" button 324 is pressed even once, the diagnosis unit 204 diagnoses the hearing of the subject as "possibly problematic, and a diagnosis by a doctor should be sought."

[0022] The diagnosis unit 204 may determine the need for a consultation with a specialist based on the subject's personal health and medical information and the results of the hearing test, and may prepare a draft medical report.

[0023] The presentation unit 206 refers to survey data on the performance (output level range) of general-purpose devices and presents general-purpose devices capable of carrying out the necessary tests for the subject. The presentation unit 206 may also extract similar patient information from a database based on the subject's personal health information and medical information and the results of the hearing test, and present candidates for devices capable of hearing compensation.

[0024] According to the above configuration, a hearing test can be performed more accurately taking into account external noise and the age of the test subject.

[0025] Figure 4 shows data disclosed in the literature "Brant LJ, Fozard JL. Age changes in pure-tone hearing thresholds in a longitudinal study of normal human aging. J Acoust Soc Am. 1990 Aug;88(2):813-20. doi: 10.1121 / 1.399731. PMID: 2212307", which evaluated the changes in hearing ability from 1968 to 1987 in 813 adults (aged 20 to 95 years). Figure 4 shows that subjects in their 20s to 80s showed an increase in hearing sound pressure level (SPL) over 20 years (longitudinal change). In addition, when evaluated by age, the hearing sound pressure level increased with age (cross-sectional change).

[0026] Figure 5 is data disclosed in the literature "Wasano K, Kaga K, Ogawa K. Patterns of hearing changes in women and men from denarians to nonagenarians. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2021 Mar 24;9:100131. doi: 10.1016 / j.lanwpc.2021.100131. PMID: 34327440; PMCID: PMC8315603". From the results of approximately 70,000 hearing tests conducted at the National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center Otolaryngology Department from 2000 to 2020, 10,681 people were excluded from those who were thought to be affected by ear diseases other than aging. The average hearing thresholds (the loudest sound that can be heard at each frequency) by age were compiled by gender, and it was confirmed that the hearing threshold increases with age.

[0027] Figure 6 shows experimental data on environmental sounds and hearing thresholds. An experiment was conducted using six ears to see whether the hearing threshold (the loudest sound that can be heard at each frequency) changes with changes in environmental sounds. As shown in Figure 6, test sounds (pure tones) were presented to the subjects from a speaker in a soundproof room. Three types of test sounds were used: 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz, and the hearing threshold (the loudest sound that can be heard at each frequency) was measured.

[0028] For the measurements, the environmental noise was set to three conditions: "soundproof room (maximum ambient noise 30dB or less)," "low noise (average ambient noise 40dB, minimum 33dB, maximum 47dB)," and "loud noise (average ambient noise 50dB, minimum 46dB, maximum 59dB)," and the hearing threshold was measured in each condition. Measurements were performed on six ears, and it was confirmed that the hearing threshold rose as the environmental noise increased, and that the subjects were able to distinguish a test sound (pure tone) that was quieter than the environmental sound.

[0029] In this way, one measurement volume is determined for one frequency. With reference to Fig. 4, the determination unit 204 determines, for example, 15 dB for those in their 30s or younger, 20 dB for those in their 40s to 50s, 25 dB for those in their 60s, 30 dB for those in their 70s, and 40 dB for those in their 80s.

[0030] As for gender, the volume for each age group is determined with reference to Figure 5. For example, at 1000Hz, there is little difference between men and women, so the same volume is determined, but at 4000Hz, differences are made, for example, 30dB for women and 40dB for men in their 70s, and 40dB for women and 50dB for men in their 80s.

[0031] Further, referring to FIG. 6, if the environmental sound is low (e.g., 40 dB), 10 dB is added to the volume determined based on age and gender (volume when measured in a soundproof room), and if the environmental sound is high (e.g., 60 dB), 20 dB is added to determine the sound for hearing diagnosis.

[0032] Based on the data in FIGS. 4 to 6, the determination unit 204 in this embodiment determines the test volume according to the process flows shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and performs a hearing diagnosis for the subject.

[0033] First, in the case of 1000 Hz, age X and gender are input in step S701. Next, environmental sound Z is measured in step S703. Furthermore, it is determined whether age X is greater than 70 in step S705.

[0034] If it is determined in step S705 that age X is greater than 70, the process proceeds to step S709 where volume N is set to N=X / 2+10. If it is determined in step S705 that age X is less than or equal to 70, the process proceeds to step S711 where volume N is set to N=X / 2.

[0035] The process then proceeds to step S713, where if the volume Z of the environmental sound is 40 dB or less, the process ends and the test volume N is determined.

[0036] If it is determined in step S713 that the volume Z of the environmental sound is greater than 40 dB, the process proceeds to step S715, where it is determined whether the volume Z of the environmental sound is greater than 60 dB.

[0037] If the volume Z of the environmental sound is greater than 60 dB, the process proceeds to step S717, where 20 dB is added to the test volume N; if the volume Z of the environmental sound is greater than 40 dB but not greater than 60 dB, the process proceeds to step S719, where 10 dB is added to the test volume N.

[0038] 8, in step S807, it is determined whether or not the gender Y is male, and if it is male, the process proceeds to step S709 where volume N=X / 2+10. If it is female, the process proceeds to step S711 without adding any value.

[0039] As described above, according to this embodiment, a hearing test can be performed at a volume appropriate for the volume of the environmental sound, age, and gender, thereby achieving a more accurate hearing test.

[0040] [Other embodiments] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, systems or devices that combine the separate features included in each embodiment in any way are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0041] The present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to a single device. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to a case where an information processing program for implementing the functions of the embodiments is supplied to a system or device and executed by a built-in processor. In order to implement the functions of the present invention with a computer, a program installed on a computer, a medium storing the program, a server for downloading the program, and a processor for executing the program are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In particular, at least a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps included in the above-mentioned embodiments is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A measurement unit that measures the volume of external noise; A determination unit that determines a volume of an output sound for each frequency for diagnosing the hearing ability of a subject based on the measured volume of the external noise; an acquisition unit that acquires a determination result of whether or not the output voice is audible under the external noise; a diagnosis unit that diagnoses the hearing ability of the subject based on the judgment result acquired by the acquisition unit; A hearing diagnostic device comprising:

2. The hearing diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires a determination as to whether or not the output sound is audible while changing a frequency and a volume of the determined output sound.

3. The hearing diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit further determines the output sound based on a gender of the subject.

4. The hearing diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit further determines a frequency and a volume of the output sound depending on a type of a speaker connected to the hearing diagnostic device.

5. The hearing diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit further determines the output sound based on the subject's past hearing test results, illness, medical history, work environment, drug history, or family history.

6. A measurement step of measuring a volume of external noise using a measurement unit; a determining step of determining, in a determining unit, a volume for each frequency of an output sound for diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject based on the measured volume of the external noise and the age of the subject; an acquisition step of acquiring a determination result of whether or not the output voice is audible under the external noise by an acquisition unit; a diagnosis step of diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject by a diagnosis unit based on the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the judgment result; A hearing diagnostic method comprising:

7. A measurement step of measuring a volume of an external noise; A determination step of determining a volume for each frequency of an output sound for diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject based on the measured volume of the external noise and the age of the subject; an acquisition step of acquiring a determination result of whether or not the output voice is audible under the external noise; a diagnostic step of diagnosing the hearing ability of the subject based on the age of the subject, the measured external noise, and the judgment result; A hearing diagnostic program that causes a processor to execute the above.

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