Audiometry Masking Intensity Using Compatible Rinne Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Audiometry tests are flawed when test sounds are perceived by the contralateral ear due to inadequate masking, leading to imprecise estimates of the Air-Bone gap and transcranial transfer, and requiring separate air and bone conduction audiograms, which prolongs testing time.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine masking intensity using theoretical Rinne and transcranial transfer values, allowing simultaneous application of test and masking sounds without prior audiometry tests, by determining compatible Rinne or transcranial transfer values through iterative processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate air-conduction and bone-conduction audiograms are performed to estimate Rinne and transcranial transfer, then measurement precision is improved, but testing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining theoretical Rinne values and theoretical transcranial transfer values before the actual audiometry testing. These pre-calculated theoretical values are then used during the masking intensity determination step, eliminating the need to perform separate air-conduction and bone-conduction audiograms just to obtain these values. This preliminary calculation approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replacing the actual measurement process with theoretical/calculated values. Instead of performing separate audiograms to measure Rinne and transcranial transfer, the system copies these measurements by using pre-established theoretical values that represent these parameters. This copying approach maintains the necessary precision for masking intensity calculation while avoiding the time-consuming actual measurements.
2Reliability
If masking sound intensity is increased to prevent contralateral ear perception, then masking effectiveness is improved, but risk of overmasking the test ear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using an iterative process to determine the masking intensity. The system calculates a first masking intensity based on theoretical Rinne and transcranial transfer values, then verifies this intensity by checking if it prevents contralateral perception while avoiding overmasking. If the initial masking intensity proves inadequate or excessive, the system adjusts it through feedback loops, ultimately selecting a masking intensity that reliably prevents contralateral ear perception without compromising test ear accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the masking intensity parameter based on calculated theoretical values. The system determines an optimal masking intensity parameter by considering both the theoretical Rinne value and theoretical transcranial transfer value, then adjusts this parameter to ensure adequate masking while avoiding overmasking. This parameter optimization approach allows the system to adapt masking intensity to individual patient characteristics maintained through theoretical calculations.
3Productivity
If theoretical Rinne and transcranial transfer values are used to determine masking intensity, then testing speed is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical measurement process (performing actual air-conduction and bone-conduction audiograms) with a computational/theoretical approach. Instead of mechanically measuring Rinne and transcranial transfer values through separate testing, the system substitutes these measurements with pre-calculated theoretical values based on established acoustic models and patient-specific parameters. This substitution dramatically increases testing speed while maintaining sufficient precision for accurate masking intensity determination.
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
This method speeds up audiometric testing by eliminating the need for separate audiograms and provides precise masking, ensuring the test sound is not perceived by the contralateral ear while being audible in the tested ear.
Implementation Method 1
masking sound applied to the contralateral ear in air-conduction, usually via headphones... to mask the test sound
Implementation Method 2
application via air-conduction headphones... in air transmission mode
Implementation Method 3
bone-conduction vibrator... in bone transmission mode
Data Source
AI summary
An audiometry test method comprising the following steps:Simultaneous application of a test sound to an ear (210) with a test intensity, and of a masking sound, with a masking intensity, to a contralateral ear (220) to mask the test sound,the process being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:Repeat the following steps:Determining a current Rinne,Determining that the current Rinne is compatible, if there is a current intensity, such that if the masking intensity is equal to the current intensity and the Rinne of the (210) or contralateral (220) ear is equal to the current Rinne, then the test sound is not perceived by the contralateral ear (220) and the masking sound does not prevent the perception of the test sound by the ear (210),Determining masking intensity from maximum compatible current Rinne.