Binaural Correction Factor Calculation for Hearing Prosthesis Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current binaural hearing prostheses face challenges in accurately determining individual threshold intensities and binaural summation benefits, leading to suboptimal sound perception and fitting configurations for users with hearing loss.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine monaural and binaural threshold intensities using stimulation devices connected to a computing device, which calculates binaural correction factors to adjust stimulus intensities and optimize hearing prosthesis settings for improved sound perception across various frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If binaural hearing prostheses are used to improve sound perception and localization, then sound perception capability is improved, but accurate determination of individual threshold intensities and binaural summation benefits becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the binaural fitting process into distinct measurement phases: monaural threshold intensity determination for each ear separately, followed by binaural threshold intensity determination. This segmentation allows accurate measurement of individual ear characteristics before combining them in binaural configuration, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system measures monaural threshold intensities, calculates expected binaural summation benefits, compares them with actual binaural measurements, and uses this feedback to optimize the fitting configuration. This iterative feedback process enables accurate threshold determination while managing complexity through systematic optimization.
2Measurement precision
If standard binaural fitting procedures are used to simplify the configuration process, then ease of operation is improved, but individual binaural summation benefits are not accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary monaural threshold intensity measurements for each ear before conducting binaural measurements. This preliminary action establishes baseline data that simplifies the subsequent binaural fitting process while ensuring accurate determination of individual binaural summation benefits, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies stimulus parameters (intensity, frequency, timing) during the fitting process to accurately determine threshold values and binaural summation benefits. By changing parameters in a controlled manner, the system achieves precise measurements while maintaining a structured, manageable procedure that balances accuracy with ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed herein. A sample method includes determining one or more binaural correction factors at one or more frequencies. Each binaural correction factor is representative of an amount of binaural summation experienced by a recipient of a binaural stimulus at one of the one or more frequencies. The binaural stimulus is delivered about simultaneously to the recipient by a first stimulation device and a second stimulation device.