Bimodal Hearing Prosthesis Fitting via Audiogram Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing prostheses, including bimodal devices, face challenges in accurately adjusting parameters to optimize sound perception across different frequency ranges, leading to potential user errors and suboptimal fitting results.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for fitting bimodal hearing prostheses that involves shifting the audiogram to determine configuration settings for acoustic and electrical stimulation components, with a prescription rule setting a cross-over frequency between them, allowing for dynamic adjustment of parameters using a remote control with user-friendly controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual fitting procedures are used for bimodal hearing prostheses, then configuration settings can be adjusted, but user errors increase and fitting precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines configuration settings by processing audiogram data through prescription rules without requiring manual adjustment by the user. The processor automatically identifies the cross-over frequency and generates appropriate configuration settings for acoustic and electrical stimulation components, eliminating user errors while maintaining fitting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment procedures with an automated computational system. The processor uses algorithmic processing of audiogram data and prescription rules to determine configuration settings, substituting the mechanical/manual fitting process with an automated electronic system that reduces errors while improving precision.
2Reliability
If multiple parameters are adjusted manually for optimal sound perception, then sound quality can be optimized, but the complexity of the fitting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated processing of audiogram data to establish configuration settings before final fitting. The processor automatically applies prescription rules to determine cross-over frequency and generates initial configuration settings, reducing the complexity of manual parameter adjustment while ensuring optimal sound perception through pre-calculated settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent automatically changes multiple configuration parameters simultaneously based on audiogram analysis. The system processes audiogram data to determine optimal values for cross-over frequency, acoustic stimulation parameters, and electrical stimulation parameters, reducing fitting complexity by automating coordinated parameter changes rather than requiring manual adjustment of each parameter separately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic adjustment of cross-over frequency is implemented, then adaptability to different hearing conditions improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adjustment of cross-over frequency based on processed audiogram data. The processor automatically determines the appropriate cross-over frequency by applying prescription rules to the audiogram, allowing the system to adapt to different hearing conditions without requiring complex manual control mechanisms. The dynamic adjustment is achieved through automated computational processing rather than complex physical controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for adjusting parameters of a hearing prosthesis system includes adjusting a control to shift an audiogram associated with a first stimulator, applying a prescription rule using the shifted audiogram to adjust a cross-over frequency that defines a first frequency range and a second frequency range. The first stimulator is configured to apply stimulation signals in the first frequency range and a second stimulator is configured to apply stimulation signals in the second frequency range. The method also includes applying the prescription rule using the shifted audiogram to determine gain and maximum power output (MPO) levels for the first frequency range associated with the first stimulator.