Binaural Hearing System Synchronization via Periodic Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binaural hearing systems face challenges in maintaining optimal coordination between two hearing devices, especially in asymmetric hearing situations due to differing sound classifications, usage, imperfect synchronization, and asymmetric hearing loss, leading to degraded hearing performance and inappropriate settings.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting binaural hearing systems through a classifier that determines hearing device-specific information and synchronization data, allowing for independent or mutual synchronization of signal processing, using a remote control or direct connection, without requiring additional sensory systems or permanent connections, and incorporating preference learning and acclimatization management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hearing devices are operated independently with different hearing programs to adapt to asymmetric hearing situations, then adaptability to individual ear requirements is improved, but coordination between devices deteriorates leading to degraded hearing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing each hearing device to operate with its own hearing program tailored to the specific requirements of each ear, while still maintaining coordination through periodic synchronization. This resolves the contradiction by embracing the asymmetric nature of hearing loss rather than forcing symmetry, thereby improving adaptability while preserving reliability through the synchronization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic synchronization where hearing devices exchange and align their settings at predetermined time intervals. This periodic action maintains coordination between devices over time, preventing complete divergence of settings while allowing independent operation between synchronization events, thus resolving the contradiction between independent adaptation and coordinated performance.
2Reliability
If hearing device settings are continuously synchronized to maintain coordination, then reliability of binaural performance is improved, but power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic synchronization at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous synchronization. This approach maintains reliable binaural coordination by regularly aligning device settings while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous communication and data exchange between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs synchronization in advance at predetermined intervals, preparing the devices for coordinated operation before potential asymmetric situations arise. This preliminary action ensures reliability is maintained without requiring constant active communication, thereby reducing ongoing power consumption.
3Reliability
If hearing devices are frequently synchronized to prevent settings divergence, then coordination reliability is improved, but loss of time for synchronization operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent schedules synchronization operations at predetermined time intervals, balancing the need for coordination reliability with the cost of synchronization time. This periodic approach prevents excessive synchronization frequency that would waste time, while maintaining adequate coordination through regular alignment of device settings.
4Ease of operation
If master/slave definition is implemented for synchronization, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables hearing devices to perform multiple roles - each device can both initiate and respond to synchronization requests, and can both send and receive settings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for fixed master/slave definitions, reducing system complexity while maintaining ease of operation through symmetric peer-to-peer synchronization capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to the adjusting of a binaural hearing system and devices being operable according to said method. The hearing system comprises two hearing devices (10, 20), each comprising a signal processing unit (12, 22) for processing an audio input signal according to at least one hearing program (P) to provide an output signal being forwarded to an output transducer (13, 23) of the respective hearing device (10, 20). The method comprises the steps of: - determining device information (ACCorr ( P) ipsi, ACCorr ( P) contra) being related to the hearing devices (10, 20) and to at least one hearing device specific adjustment having been applied earlier to the at least one hearing program (P); - calculating synchronization data ( learnt_pref ( P) ) according to a function that depends on the device information (ACCorr ( P) ipsi, ACCorr ( P) contra); and; - synchronizing the hearing devices (10, 20) by taking into account the synchronization data ( learnt_pref ( P) ).