Audio Signal Compensation by Frequency Band for Hearing Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing population of hearing-impaired individuals, particularly due to aging and noisy environments, requires sound source playing apparatuses to compensate sound signals based on individual hearing characteristics to enhance user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that display various compensation methods to users, output test signals, and select the appropriate compensation based on user responses, allowing for personalized amplification gains across frequency bands to tailor sound output according to hearing deficits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sound source playing apparatus outputs standard sound signals without compensation, then device complexity is low, but hearing satisfaction of hearing-impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sound spectrum is segmented into multiple frequency bands (e.g., low, mid, high frequencies), and each band is compensated independently through separate amplification gains. This allows targeted compensation for specific hearing deficits without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the amplification gain parameters for different frequency bands based on user-specific hearing characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system adapts to individual hearing impairments while maintaining a relatively simple hardware architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compensation methods are provided for different hearing characteristics, then adaptability to individual users improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex selection process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic hearing tests and selects compensation methods without requiring users to manually configure complex settings. Users simply interact through natural responses to test tones, and the system automatically determines the appropriate compensation parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user responses to test signals are analyzed to automatically adjust and select the most suitable compensation method. This closed-loop approach simplifies operation while maintaining high adaptability to individual hearing characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If hearing test and compensation selection process is simplified, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision of hearing characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing test uses periodic presentation of test tones at different frequencies, allowing systematic collection of hearing threshold data across the audible spectrum. This structured periodic approach maintains measurement precision while keeping the interface simple for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary hearing assessments using standardized test protocols before final compensation selection. This preliminary action ensures accurate measurement of hearing characteristics while keeping the overall process user-friendly through automated guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selecting a compensation method to compensate a sound source signal output from a sound source playing apparatus includes; displaying a plurality of areas indicating each of a plurality of compensation methods with respect to a signal output from the sound source playing apparatus, outputting a test signal compensated by a compensation method of the plurality of compensation methods, the compensation method corresponding to at least one area of the plurality of areas, selecting any one of the plurality of areas based on a response of a user to the output test signal, and storing the compensation method corresponding to the selected area.