Fit assessment system and assessment method for hearing-aid product

Abstract

A fit assessment system for a hearing-aid product. The system comprises: a login module; a receiving module, which receives an audiogram; a database module, which stores fit data of a hearing-aid product, an effect prediction and classification mechanism table and a simulated question-answer content string; an establishment and assessment module, which establishes a fit database by using the fit data, and carries out question-answer interaction with a user on the basis of simulated question-answer content, so as to assess the fit to the hearing of the user; a processing unit, which calculates a fit score on the basis of an answering result and compares the audiogram with the effect prediction and classification mechanism table; an effect prediction module, which generates recommendations regarding user requirements on the basis of a comparison result between the audiogram and the effect prediction and classification mechanism table; and an assessment result output module, which outputs effect prediction content of the hearing-aid product on the basis of the comparison result.

Description

Hearing aid product fit evaluation system and evaluation method Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of hearing assessment, and more particularly to a hearing aid product fit assessment system and method thereof to assist users in selecting appropriate hearing aid products. Background Art

[0002] When purchasing hearing aids, such as hearing aids or hearing assistive devices, in addition to considering the functions, prices and hardware conditions, it is more important to consider the user's individual conditions such as hearing strength and life needs. After consultation, testing and evaluation by a professional audiologist, the user can be assisted in selection, evaluation and adjustment to achieve the effect of subsequent rehabilitation. For example, choosing a hearing aid technology product with a shape that suits the user allows the user to wear it for a longer time, so that the auditory nerve (cochlear nerve) can be stimulated for a period of time, thereby achieving the effect of rehabilitation or maintenance. Therefore, before purchasing a hearing aid product, it is a very important step to consult and test with a professional. This ensures that the selection of hearing aid products meets the individual needs of the user and provides the best hearing support effect.

[0003] Hearing aids are defined as hearing devices that have a gain-amplifying effect on sound. The hearing devices referred to in the present invention are audio devices that can help people with hearing difficulties hear more clearly, including the following types: hearing aids, personal sound amplifiers or hearing aids, or other wearable sound devices (hearables). Hearing devices are further defined as two categories: 1. Traditional hearing aids and 2. Personal sound amplifiers (hereinafter referred to as hearing aids). The main difference between the two is that hearing aids can be set up by the user himself and usually do not require the evaluation or support of a trained hearing expert (such as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser). Hearing aids that meet the above definition may also include self-prescribed hearing aids, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, or other terms defined above that are suitable for each country.

[0004] However, hearing aids are typically designed for specific hearing levels, and manufacturers often fail to clearly label their intended hearing ranges. There are also few third-party service platforms that can predict the suitability of various products. Furthermore, there are currently no professional instructional videos or online courses that provide guidance on volume adjustment prescriptions. Therefore, if users rashly choose hearing aids on their own, there is a significant risk of choosing an inappropriate product, which could even cause hearing damage.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a hearing aid product fit evaluation system and evaluation method, so as to provide users with a mechanism to independently evaluate their hearing ability. Through online interactive questions and answers and professional hearing screening calculations, users can understand their needs and applicable hearing range, and then purchase appropriate hearing aid products. The hearing aid product fit evaluation system and evaluation method can help users avoid rashly purchasing unsuitable hearing aid products, thereby ensuring hearing protection and optimal hearing aid results.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hearing aid product fit evaluation system and evaluation method to assist users in comprehensively evaluating hearing aid products that are suitable for them, while also allowing them to seek assistance from hearing experts to select hearing aid products.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hearing aid product fit evaluation system and evaluation method. Through the hearing aid product fit evaluation system and evaluation method, the hearing strength, effectiveness, and functions or usage limitations of various hearing aid products can be pre-evaluated, so that users can have sufficient information to choose a hearing aid product that is suitable for them.

[0009] In accordance with the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a hearing aid product fit evaluation system, comprising: a login module, which allows a user to log in by entering a password and an account; a receiving module, which receives an audiogram uploaded by a user; a database module, which stores a plurality of fit data corresponding to a plurality of hearing aid products, a plurality of hearing aid product effectiveness prediction classification mechanism tables and simulated question and answer content; a building and evaluation module, which builds a fit database from the plurality of fit data and conducts interactive question and answer with the user based on the simulated question and answer content to evaluate the user's hearing fit; a processing unit, which calculates a fit score based on the user's answer results during the interactive question and answer and compares the score with the audiogram and the effectiveness prediction classification mechanism table; an effectiveness prediction module, which generates user demand recommendations based on the comparison results of the audiogram and the effectiveness prediction classification mechanism table, so that the user can understand the effectiveness prediction of wearing a hearing aid product based on the hearing strength; and an evaluation result output module, which outputs the effectiveness prediction content of at least one hearing aid product based on the comparison results and recommends a suitable hearing aid product to the user.

[0010] The present invention also discloses a method for calculating the adaptability of a hearing aid product, comprising: providing a hearing aid product; setting the volume of the hearing aid product to be tested to the maximum output volume; determining the audio distortion rate of the hearing aid product at the maximum output volume; adjusting the maximum output volume of the hearing aid product until the distortion rate is within the standard specification or the output sound of the hearing aid product is not broken or distorted; confirming that the output volume of the hearing aid product meets the medium volume target value and the light volume target value; comparing the medium volume of the hearing aid product with the medium volume target value of the hearing aid product to obtain a maximum allowable hearing intensity upper limit value; comparing the light volume of the hearing aid product with the light volume target value of the hearing aid product to obtain an optimally adapted hearing intensity upper limit value, thereby obtaining the adaptability of the hearing aid product based on the maximum allowable hearing intensity upper limit value and the optimally adapted hearing intensity upper limit value.

[0011] The present invention also provides an evaluation method for assisting users in determining which hearing aid product is suitable for them, comprising: activating a hearing aid product fit evaluation system; entering a user account and password to log into the hearing aid product fit evaluation system; uploading an audiogram; performing a fit calculation based on the audiogram and the fit data of the hearing aid product to obtain a fit range, a maximum allowable fit degree, and an optimal fit hearing strength of the hearing aid product; and determining the degree of fit between the hearing aid product and the user's hearing ability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for evaluating the fit of a hearing aid product according to the technology disclosed in the present invention.

[0013] FIG2 is a block diagram of a hearing aid product fit evaluation system according to the technology disclosed in the present invention.

[0014] FIG3 is a flow chart showing the steps of calculating the fit of a hearing aid product according to the technology disclosed in the present invention.

[0015] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a curve of a medium volume output frequency of a hearing aid product according to the technology disclosed in the present invention, showing that a target value of a medium volume output frequency matches the target value.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a solid line diagram showing a curve of a low volume output frequency for matching a low volume output frequency target value with a hearing aid product according to the technology disclosed in the present invention.

[0017] FIG6 is a flowchart showing steps of an evaluation method for assisting users in determining suitable hearing aid products for themselves according to the technology disclosed in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] First, refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a step flow chart of a hearing aid product fit evaluation method, and Figure 2 is a block diagram of a hearing aid product fit evaluation system. Step S1: Start the hearing aid product fit evaluation system. In this step, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 can be an application (App, application), so the user can download the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 application from the cloud (not shown in the figure) to the user device (not shown in the figure), and the user device can be, for example, a mobile device, a tablet, a desktop computer, or a laptop. In another preferred embodiment, the user can access a website with the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 through the Internet to execute this hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1.

[0019] Step S2: Enter user account and password. In this step, after the user executes an application equipped with the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 or executes the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 from a website, the login module 10 of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 requires the user to enter the user account and corresponding password. After successful login, the user can start using the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1. Step S3: User uploads the audiogram. In this step, the user uploads the audiogram obtained after the hearing test to the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 using an application on a mobile device, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop computer. After being received by the receiving module 14 of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1, it will be stored in the storage module 11. It should be noted that an audiogram is a graph showing hearing thresholds at different frequencies. The X-axis represents the sound frequency in the hearing test, usually expressed in Hertz (Hz), and the Y-axis represents the hearing threshold measured during the hearing test, expressed in decibel hearing level (dB HL). The higher the number, the louder the sound. Being able to hear sounds with lower numbers means that the user has better hearing ability.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user does not need to enter the user account and corresponding password, and can directly upload the audiogram to the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1, and the user can use the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 to evaluate the user's hearing score.

[0021] Next, step S4: Hearing fit assessment. This step further includes step S41: Building a fit database, step S42: Understanding the user's hearing history, step S43: Assessing the user's lifestyle, and step S44: Assessing the user's ability to operate the hearing aid product. The following describes steps S41-S44.

[0022] Step S41: Establish a suitability database. In this step, the appearance, product performance and specifications of commercially available hearing aids, as well as the range of hearing levels of each hearing aid product after actual measurement, are used as suitability data and stored in the database module 13. In addition, the hearing level range includes the optimal suitable level and the maximum allowed suitable level. The optimal suitable level refers to the level at which, during the actual measurement of the hearing aid product, the user can hear at least 50% of the volume of a soft sound when the volume input to the hearing aid product is a soft sound. This volume is defined as the optimal suitable level. The maximum allowed suitable level refers to the level at which the volume input to the hearing aid product is 50% of the volume of a normal conversation that the user can hear, i.e., the medium volume suitability level. It should be noted that the maximum allowable fit and optimal fit are different for each hearing aid product. Therefore, when evaluating the fit score of a hearing aid product, in addition to fit data such as appearance, product performance and specifications, and the measured hearing range of each hearing aid product, the audiogram uploaded by the user in step S3 is also required for evaluation. Furthermore, while establishing the fit database, a table of prediction and classification mechanisms for the effectiveness of commercially available hearing aid products (as shown in Tables 1 and 2) is also stored in database module 13.

[0023] Step S42: Understand the user's personal hearing history. In this step, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 interacts with the user in a question-and-answer format based on the simulated question-and-answer content through the establishment and evaluation module 15. The simulated question-and-answer content of the establishment and evaluation module 15 has been stored in the database module 13 in advance. The question-and-answer content includes main questions and sub-questions. After the user answers the main question, the establishment and evaluation module 15 will further ask sub-questions. The hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will give corresponding scores based on the user's answers to the main questions and sub-questions. The main questions and sub-questions include: earwax type (wet or dry), earwax amount ( More or less), whether the ears have water or pus discharge (yes or no), whether the hearing often changes dramatically (yes or no), the appearance of the ears (microtia, no ear canal, deformation, previous surgery or abnormal structure), whether wearing headphones for two hours at an appropriate volume will cause discomfort (yes or no), whether there is discomfort or tingling in the ears when listening to loud volume (yes or no). After the user completes a series of questions about his or her personal hearing history, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will store the user's answers in the database module 13, and the processing unit 12 will calculate the fit score based on the user's answers.

[0024] It should be noted that when the user answers questions such as whether the ear discharges water or pus (yes or no), whether the hearing often changes dramatically (yes or no), and the appearance of the ear (microtia, no ear canal, deformation, previous surgery, or abnormal structure), these sub-questions vary from person to person and are not normal assessment judgments. They require further assistance from a hearing aid expert. Therefore, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 on the user's mobile device, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop computer will display a dialog box asking the user whether to continue the evaluation (step S422) or refer the user to a hearing aid expert (step S424). If the user chooses to refer the user to a hearing aid expert (step S424), the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will provide relevant information about the hearing aid expert for the user to seek assistance. At this time, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will terminate the user's hearing aid product fit evaluation.

[0025] When the user selects the step of continuing the evaluation in step S422: Continue the evaluation, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will proceed to step S43: User's personal lifestyle. In this step, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 conducts an interactive Q&A with the user through the establishment and evaluation module 15. The Q&A content includes at least the main question and sub-questions: whether to download the App (yes or no) and whether to use the Bluetooth of the mobile phone to pair with other Bluetooth devices (yes or no). Similarly, after the user answers a series of questions about the user's personal lifestyle, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will store the user's answer results in the database module 13, and at the same time, the processing unit 12 will calculate the adaptation score based on the user's answer results.

[0026] Step S44: User's ability to operate hearing aid products. In this step, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 also uses the establishment and evaluation module 15 to conduct interactive questions and answers with the user. The content of the questions and answers includes at least main questions and sub-questions: whether the user can wear the hearing aid product by himself after watching the teaching video (yes or no), whether the user can learn to use it by himself through the teaching video (yes or no), and the appearance preference of the hearing aid product. In the present invention, the appearance of the hearing aid product includes at least ear-hook type, invisible ear-hook type, in-ear type, ear canal type, deep ear canal type, neck-hook type, handheld type, pocket type, wired type, and true wireless type. Similarly, after the user completes the questions about the ability to operate the hearing aid product, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will store the user's answer results in the database module 13, and the processing unit 12 will calculate the adaptation score based on the user's answer results. In one embodiment of the present invention, the user can select at least one appearance of the hearing aid product.

[0027] Step S5: Recommending hearing aid products suitable for the user. After the user completes the above steps, the processing unit 12 of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will recommend hearing aid products suitable for the user based on the fit scores obtained by the user in steps S42, S43, and S44.

[0028] Step S6: Establish user effectiveness prediction. In this step, the processing unit of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 will compare the aforementioned audiogram uploaded by the user (step S3) with the hearing aid product effectiveness prediction classification mechanism table in the fit database (as shown in Table 1 and Table 2), and generate user demand recommendations through the effectiveness prediction module 16 based on the results of this comparison, so that the user can have a preliminary understanding of the possible effectiveness of wearing hearing aid products based on their personal hearing strength. In the present invention, the effectiveness prediction classification mechanism is to perform effectiveness prediction classification on the average hearing fitting range (average fitting range) of commercially available hearing aid products (hearing aids and hearing aids), and classify them according to the user's hearing strength, wherein Table 1 is a hearing aid / hearing aid applicability analysis table, and Tables 1-2 are listed below.

[0029] Table 1

[0030] When determining the final compatibility result in Table 1, a comprehensive assessment of both ears is required. For example, if the "Compatibility Type" results for the left and right ears differ, the "Hearing Aid Only" result will prevail. For example, if the left ear is classified as H and is suitable for hearing aids, and the right ear is classified as P, both are suitable. The final result of the comprehensive assessment is "Hearing Aid Suitable."

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, screening and evaluation can be performed based on a set of criteria and sequence. For example, classification can be performed based on effectiveness, with appropriate categories A, C, H, and P being compared one by one. For another example, if the recommended hearing aid product is a hearing aid, the hearing strength scores are compared with Table 2 for screening and evaluation. Finally, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 generates an effectiveness prediction for the recommended hearing aid product.

[0032] Table 2 is a classification table of listening strength code.

[0033] Table 2

[0034] Among them, T indicates a sense of occlusion, V indicates the optimal fit range, O indicates a tight range, and X indicates that the fit range has been exceeded.

[0035] Step S7: Explain to the user the effectiveness prediction content of the hearing aid product recommended by the hearing aid product fit evaluation system. In this step, the evaluation result output module 17 of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 explains to the user the effectiveness prediction content of at least one recommended hearing aid product based on the above-mentioned effectiveness prediction and evaluation results. In the present invention, the contents of the descriptions of various hearing aid products have been established in advance through the establishment and evaluation module 15 in the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 and stored in the database module 13, wherein the simulated question and answer content in the establishment and evaluation module 15 can also include questions presented based on academic or information organization, weight calculations of hearing strength and professional questions, and professional information obtained based on user customized answers. Through this step S7, users can understand the effectiveness of wearing hearing aid products based on their personal hearing strength to evaluate the hearing aid products that suit them, thereby assisting users in making choices.

[0036] Step S8: The user self-evaluates whether to purchase hearing aids online. In this step, the hearing aid fit evaluation system 1 recommends suitable hearing aids to the user based on the results obtained from steps S1 to S7. Based on this, the user can self-evaluate and choose hearing aids online or with the assistance of a hearing aid expert.

[0037] Next, the present invention also discloses a method for calculating the fitness of a hearing aid product. Please refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the steps of calculating the fitness of a hearing aid product according to the technology disclosed in the present invention. While explaining Figure 3, reference is also made to the block diagram of the hearing aid product fitness evaluation system disclosed in Figure 2. In Figure 3, step S100: setting the volume of the hearing aid product to be tested to the maximum output volume. In this step, the maximum output volume is set in the following ways: when the hearing aid product to be tested has a built-in full-on-gain (FOG), it is set to the maximum gain mode; when the hearing aid product to be tested does not have a built-in maximum gain mode, the user manually adjusts the highest hearing input level of the hearing aid product, or inputs the severe hearing mode with the highest hearing level, and adjusts the volume of the hearing aid product to the maximum value.

[0038] Step S101: Determine the audio distortion rate of the hearing aid product. In this step, the hearing aid product is placed in an acoustic and electrical analysis device (not shown in the figure) to test the audio distortion rate, and the test results are stored in the storage module 11 (as shown in Figure 1). For example, the hearing aid product to be tested is placed in a test box (not shown in the figure), and then a coupling device (Coupler) is used to perform the electroacoustic performance specification test of the hearing aid product to test the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the hearing aid product. When the total harmonic distortion is lower, it means that the hearing aid product is more accurate. Conversely, when the total harmonic distortion is higher, it means that the hearing aid product is not accurate. In addition, lower total harmonic distortion means that its peak current, heat generation, energy consumption and motor iron loss are lower, and the service life of the hearing aid product is also longer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a built-in intermodulation distortion (IMD) test is performed on the hearing aid product, wherein the IMD test is used to measure the severity of the distortion. IMD testing, also known as CCIF, two-tone, CCITT, or IHF intermodulation distortion testing, is a standardized method for evaluating the performance of audio devices, particularly hearing aids. In embodiments of the present invention, IMD testing uses fixed frequencies, such as 13kHz and 14kHz or 19kHz and 20kHz, although other frequency ranges can be used. To ensure accurate IMD test results, the international IEC standard recommends setting the difference between the two input frequencies to 125Hz, spanning 350Hz to 5,000Hz, at 64dB SPL (decibel sound pressure level). This ensures that the two frequencies within the hearing aid remain consistent.

[0039] Step S102: Use unaided listening to determine whether the sound quality of the hearing aid's output volume exhibits clipping or distortion. During this step, two people can listen to a "counting from 1 to 10" or a sentence, allowing the users to subjectively assess whether the sound quality of the hearing aid's output volume exhibits clipping or distortion. Note that step S102 is optional.

[0040] Step S103: Adjusting the sound quality distortion rate of the hearing aid product's output volume to within standard specifications or without distortion. In this step, if the hearing aid product's output sound quality exhibits distortion during testing in step S101 or step S102, the processing unit 12 of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 adjusts the hearing aid product's output volume to bring the distortion rate within standard specifications or to ensure that the sound quality exhibits no distortion.

[0041] Confirm that the output volume of the hearing aid product meets the target values ​​for the soft volume and the medium volume. The purpose of this step is that after the hearing aid product is judged to have no audio distortion in the above step S101 or is judged to have no distortion in step S102, the comparison and verification module 18 of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 further verifies the hearing aid product to ensure that the output volume of the hearing aid product meets the target values ​​for the medium volume and the soft volume, wherein the target value for the medium volume is the target value obtained with an input sound of 60-65dB SPL; the target value for the soft volume is the target value obtained with an input sound of 50-55dB SPL. Methods for confirming the output volume of the hearing aid product include real-ear measurement, coupler measurement, measurement of the functional gain value in the sound field, and speech recognition test in the sound field. Real-ear measurement, also known as probe microphone measurement, uses a probe microphone placed close to the user's eardrum. A speaker plays soft, medium-volume, loud speech, or voice-like sound signals, as well as a 90dB SPL pure tone. The probe microphone measures the output sound pressure of the hearing aid in the user's ear canal. By comparing the output sound pressure of the hearing aid with fixed data, a real-ear conversion value (RECD) can be obtained. This ensures that the hearing aid maintains the user's audible range after amplification of voice signals at varying volumes. The optimal fit range is defined as the range where the user can hear an average-volume (soft) sound signal, and the maximum allowable fit range is defined as the range where the user can hear a medium-volume sound signal.

[0042] Coupler measurement is a simulated real-ear measurement. It uses a standard ear canal volume simulator (i.e., a coupler) connected to the hearing aid device and placed in the test box of an acoustic and electrical analyzer or a speaker to measure the output sound pressure value. However, the coupler cannot truly simulate the ear canal characteristics of each user, so the results measured by the coupler cannot accurately reflect the actual output volume in the ear canal of the hearing aid. The functional gain value measurement in the sound field uses an audiometer to measure the hearing threshold of the naked ear and after wearing the hearing aid product in the sound field for a specific frequency signal (usually a vibrato). The difference between the two is the functional gain value. It should be noted that the results provided by general effectiveness verification are mostly only the aided thresholds in the sound field, which are the aided thresholds marked on the audiogram. Hearing aid electroacoustic analyzers are not standard equipment for hearing aid product selection and verification. Post-aid threshold measurement and pure-tone audiometry with the naked ear use the same instrument and method. Recording the threshold increase on an audiogram makes it easy for users to understand the threshold increase, making post-aid threshold measurement a common verification method. In the early 1950s and 1960s, speech recognition testing in a sound field was the primary method for hearing aid product selection and verification. Audiologists would select several hearing aids for users to try out, conduct speech recognition tests, and then recommend the hearing aid model with the highest speech recognition accuracy. While using speech materials to verify hearing aids can improve spoken language listening, speech tests have reproducibility issues. When a user wears the same hearing aid and takes the test at different times, the difference in scores between the two tests can be greater than the difference in scores between two hearing aids.

[0043] The present invention utilizes coupler measurements to verify hearing aid products. The hearing aid product's amplification gain is set to maximum, and the product is then placed in a test box (or speaker). An audiometer is used to input an arbitrary audiogram, such as a flat hearing loss of 50dB HL at frequencies of 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, or 8k. The LTASS or Verifit Speech Map is played at both low and medium volumes. The average value of the Speech Map / LTASS at medium volume (60 or 65dB SPL) is used to calculate the hearing score that matches the target value using an international formula (such as NAL-NL2 or DSL 5.0a). This is defined as the maximum allowable fit range, and the average value of the Speech Map / LTASS at low volume (50 or 55dB SPL) is used to define the optimal fit range. As shown in Figure 4, the solid curve in Figure 4 represents the frequency response output of the hearing aid product at medium volume. After manually adjusting the hearing test, the medium volume target value of the corresponding international formula (such as the cross symbol in Figure 4) is made to match the solid curve (the output volume of the medium volume of the hearing aid product) as completely as possible, thus confirming the maximum allowable adaptation degree range. In addition, in Figure 4, the solid curve pointed by the arrow represents the frequency response output of the hearing aid product at soft volume. After manually adjusting the hearing test, the low / soft volume target value of the international formula is made to fit the corresponding solid curve as completely as possible (as shown in Figure 5), thus confirming the optimal adaptation degree range.

[0044] Step S105: Obtaining the hearing aid product's output frequency curve. This step confirms that the hearing aid product's output volume meets the maximum allowable range and the optimal fit range in step S104. The output frequency curves for the hearing aid product at soft and medium volumes are then obtained and stored in the database module 13.

[0045] Step S106: Obtain the maximum allowable hearing range for the hearing aid product. In this step, the hearing threshold is adjusted using the aforementioned real-ear verification or coupler measurement until the target medium volume value (as indicated by the cross symbol in FIG. 4 ) corresponding to the hearing level is most closely aligned with the medium volume output frequency curve obtained in step S104. In this embodiment, this target medium volume value is stored in the database module 13.

[0046] Step S107: Compare the medium volume target value. In this step, the medium volume target value from step S104 is aligned with the hearing intensity of the medium volume target value to obtain the maximum allowable fit limit for the hearing aid product. Again, referring to Figure 4 , adjusting the hearing intensity using the medium volume output frequency curve (the curve indicated by the arrow in Figure 4 ) involves aligning the frequency target value (cross symbol) with the medium volume output frequency curve (the curve indicated by the arrow in Figure 4 ).

[0047] Step S108: Compare the target value for quiet listening. In this step, the hearing strength corresponding to the target value for quiet listening obtained in step S104 is used as the optimal fitting range for the hearing aid product. The hearing strength is adjusted using the quiet listening frequency curve in Figure 5 (the curve indicated by the arrow in Figure 5 ), by aligning the target frequency values ​​(crosses) with the quiet listening frequency curve (the curve indicated by the arrow in Figure 5 ).

[0048] Step S109: Completing the Fit Calculation. In this step, the hearing aid fit evaluation system 1 obtains the fit range, upper limit of hearing strength, maximum allowable fit range, and optimal fit range of the hearing aid product and stores this data in the database module 13. Based on the user's individual hearing strength and the fit range, upper limit of hearing strength, maximum allowable fit range, and optimal fit range of various hearing aid products, the hearing aid fit evaluation system 1 determines the compatibility of various hearing aid products with the user's hearing and further provides a recommendation index, allowing the user to select the hearing aid product that suits them.

[0049] Next, please refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of an evaluation method for assisting users in determining which hearing aid products are suitable for them, based on the technology disclosed in the present invention. When explaining the step flow of Figure 6, it is also explained in conjunction with Figure 2. In Figure 6, step S200: start the hearing aid product fit evaluation system. In this step, the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 can be an application (App, application), so the user can download the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 application from the cloud (not shown in the figure) to the user device (not shown in the figure), and the user device can be, for example, a mobile device, a tablet, a desktop computer, or a laptop computer. In another preferred embodiment, the user can access a website with the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 through the Internet to execute this hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1.

[0050] Step S201: Enter User Account and Password. In this step, after the user runs an application equipped with the hearing aid product fit assessment system 1 or launches the hearing aid product fit assessment system 1 from a website, the login module 10 of the hearing aid product fit assessment system 1 requires the user to enter their user account and corresponding password. After successful login, the user can begin using the hearing aid product fit assessment system 1. In another embodiment, this step can be omitted depending on the application scenario.

[0051] Step S202: User uploads audiogram. In this step, the user uploads the audiogram obtained after the hearing test to the hearing aid fit evaluation system 1 using an application on a mobile device, tablet, desktop computer, or laptop computer. The audiogram is received by the receiving module 14 of the hearing aid fit evaluation system 1 and stored in the storage module 11.

[0052] Step S203: Recommending hearing aids. In this step, the hearing aid fit evaluation system 1 retrieves the types of available hearing aids from the database module 13. In the present invention, the types of hearing aids include at least over-the-ear, invisible over-the-ear, in-the-canal, deep-in-the-canal, neck-mounted, handheld, pocket-sized, wired, and truly wireless.

[0053] Step S204: Obtaining hearing aid fit data. In this step, the hearing aid fit evaluation system 1 obtains the hearing aid fit data from the database module 13 to be used as one of the data in the subsequent fit calculation. The hearing aid fit data includes the hearing aid's appearance, product performance and specifications, and the measured hearing aid strength range.

[0054] Step S205: Perform a fit calculation on the audiogram and the hearing aid product. In this step, the processing unit 12 of the hearing aid product fit evaluation system 1 calculates the fit formula using the audiogram uploaded by the user in step S202 and the hearing aid product fit data obtained in step S204. This calculation determines the fit range, maximum allowable fit, and optimal fit of the hearing aid product.

[0055] Step S206: Determine whether there are any unsuitable factors to remind the user. In this step, unsuitable factors include understanding the user's personal hearing history, the user's lifestyle, or the user's ability to operate the hearing aid product to remind the user of issues to pay attention to when choosing a hearing aid product.

[0056] Step S207: Assisting the user to purchase hearing aid products based on the hearing aid product's compatibility with the user's hearing. In this step, the user purchases a suitable hearing aid product online based on the hearing aid product's compatibility data and the user's hearing compatibility.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, the above description should be understandable and implementable for professionals in the relevant technical field. Therefore, other equivalent changes or modifications that do not depart from the spirit disclosed by the present invention should be included in the scope of the patent application.

Claims

1. A hearing aid product fit evaluation system, characterized in that: include: Login module, allowing users to enter passwords and accounts to log in; A receiving module, receiving an audiogram uploaded by the user; A database module for storing a plurality of fit data corresponding to a plurality of hearing aid products, a classification mechanism table for effect prediction of the hearing aid products, and simulated question and answer content; An establishment and evaluation module, which establishes a fitness database with the fitness data and conducts interactive Q&A with the user based on the simulated Q&A content to evaluate the user's hearing score; A processing unit, which calculates an adaptation score according to the answer result of the user during the interactive question-and-answer session and compares the audiogram with the effectiveness prediction classification mechanism table; The effectiveness prediction module generates user demand recommendations based on the comparison result between the audiogram and the effectiveness prediction classification mechanism table, so that the user can understand the effectiveness prediction of wearing the hearing aid product for the hearing strength; as well as An evaluation result output module outputs at least one of the effectiveness prediction contents of the hearing aid product according to the comparison result and recommends the hearing aid product to the user.

2. The hearing aid product fit evaluation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the above-mentioned fitting information at least includes the appearance, product performance and specifications of each of the above-mentioned hearing aid products, and the range of hearing strength of each of the above-mentioned hearing aid products after actual measurement.

3. The hearing aid product fit evaluation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hearing test degree range includes the best fitting degree and the maximum allowable fitting degree.

4. The hearing aid product fit evaluation system according to claim 3, wherein: It further comprises a comparison and verification module, which is used to determine whether the output volume of each of the hearing aid products is within the range of the best fitting degree and the range of the maximum allowable fitting degree.

5. The hearing aid product fit evaluation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The simulated question-and-answer content at least includes understanding the user's personal hearing history, the user's lifestyle, or the user's ability to operate the hearing aid product.

6. A hearing aid product fit calculation method using the hearing aid product fit system according to claims 1-5, characterized in that: include: Provide hearing aid products; Setting the volume of the hearing aid product to be tested to the maximum output volume; Determining the audio distortion rate of the hearing aid product at the maximum output volume; Adjusting the output volume of the hearing aid product until the audio distortion rate of the sound quality of the output volume is within standard specifications or the audio distortion rate of the sound quality of the output volume of the hearing aid product has no broken sound or distortion; Confirming that the output volume of the hearing aid product meets the light volume target value and the medium volume target value; Obtaining an output frequency curve of the hearing aid product; Fitting the medium volume output by the hearing aid product to the hearing strength of the medium volume target value of the hearing aid product to obtain a maximum allowable upper limit of the adaptation degree; as well as The soft volume output by the hearing aid product is matched with the hearing strength of the soft volume target value of the hearing aid product to obtain the upper limit of the best fitting degree, Accordingly, the fitting degree of the hearing aid product is obtained according to the maximum allowable upper limit value of the degree and the best fitting upper limit value of the degree.

7. The method for calculating the suitability of a hearing aid product according to claim 6, wherein: The medium volume target value is a volume target value obtained by inputting sound at 60-65dB SPL, and the soft volume target value is a volume target value obtained by inputting sound at 50-55dB SPL.

8. An evaluation method for assisting a user in determining a suitable hearing aid product for himself using the hearing aid product fitting system according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises: Starting the hearing aid product fit evaluation system; Enter the user account and password to log into the hearing aid product fit evaluation system; Upload audiogram; Performing a fit calculation according to the audiogram and the fit data of the hearing aid product to obtain a fit range, a maximum allowable fit degree, and an optimal fit degree of the hearing aid product; as well as Determine the degree of compatibility between the hearing aid product and the user's hearing ability.

9. The evaluation method for assisting a user in determining a suitable hearing aid product for the user as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The adaptation data report includes the appearance, product performance and specifications of each hearing aid product, and the measured hearing strength range of each hearing aid product.

Images