Multichannel Audiometer With Bluetooth Hearing Implant Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audiometers lack the ability to provide a wide range of applications, particularly for individuals with hearing aids, and do not allow for direct wireless communication with hearing implants, complicating hearing tests and adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel audiometer with a transmitter unit capable of wireless data transmission via Bluetooth, allowing connection to hearing aids and hearing implants, and a calibration mechanism to ensure consistent signal levels across transmission methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audiometers use free-field transmission via loudspeakers, then the need for headphones is eliminated, but the room must be specially equipped with sound insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless transmitter unit as an intermediary device that converts audio signals from the audiometer into wireless transmissions (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) that can be received by hearing aids or implants. This mediator eliminates the need for both headphones and complex acoustic room treatment, as the signal transmission occurs through electromagnetic fields rather than acoustic waves requiring sound-proofed environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audiometers connect to hearing aids via wireless data connection, then the range of applications is expanded, but interference may affect signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the audiometer receives status information and signal quality metrics from the hearing aid or implant via the wireless connection. This allows the system to monitor for interference, adjust transmission parameters dynamically, and ensure reliable signal delivery while maintaining the versatility of wireless connectivity across different application scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables expanded applications for audiometry, including direct communication with hearing aids and implants, reducing interference and ensuring consistent signal volume, facilitating accurate hearing assessments and adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter unit (26) coupled to the interface (24), which is configured to transmit the test signal via a short-range wireless data connection (28), in particular via a Bluetooth data connection, to a speech processor (30) of a hearing implant (32)
Implementation Method 2
the level control (22) is configured to coordinate, on the basis of the data of a calibration measurement, a level of the test signal that can be provided via the wireless data connection (28), in particular via the Bluetooth data connection, and a level of the output signal designed for free-field transmission
Implementation Method 3
The multi-channel audiometer also includes loudspeakers (10) connected to the audio outputs. From these loudspeakers, free-field transmission can be carried out to a test station where a test subject is located
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Multi-channel audiometer (2) and audiometric test system (38) comprising a multi-channel audiometer (2). The multi-channel audiometer (2) includes a basic module (4) with a tone generator (20) for generating a multi-channel test signal, a level control (22) for changing the level of the test signal, and an interface (24) at which the multi-channel test signal can be provided. Furthermore, the multi-channel audiometer (2) is characterized by a transmitter unit (26) coupled to the interface (24), which is configured to provide the test signal via a short-range wireless data connection (28), in particular via a Bluetooth data connection.