Binaural Hearing Implant Link Acquisition With Early Sound Provision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binaural hearing systems with cochlea implants experience lengthy acquisition sequences of bidirectional wireless communication links, leading to prolonged periods without audible sound, especially in adverse electromagnetic noise environments.
Innovation Solution
A common communication protocol with a plurality of time slots is implemented for acquiring bidirectional wireless communication links between hearing devices and implants, allowing for the maintenance of at least one link during the acquisition of another, ensuring auditory awareness through sound transmission until normal operation is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the acquisition sequence is completed to establish all bidirectional wireless communication links, then the system achieves normal operation with full functionality, but the user experiences prolonged periods without audible sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the first bidirectional wireless communication link between the first hearing device and first hearing implant before completing the full acquisition sequence. This allows the user to receive audible sound through the first link while the remaining links are being acquired, thereby reducing the time without sound while still achieving full system functionality eventually
2Loss of time
If the acquisition sequence is accelerated to reduce time without sound, then the user gains earlier auditory awareness, but the system may fail to establish reliable communication links in adverse electromagnetic noise environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acquisition sequence into multiple independent phases: first acquiring the link between the first hearing device and first hearing implant, then subsequently acquiring the link between the second hearing device and second hearing implant. This segmentation allows the system to establish at least one functional communication path early, providing sound to the user while maintaining the option to complete remaining link acquisitions without compromising overall reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to acquisition sequences of binaural hearing systems and corresponding binaural hearing systems. The binaural hearing systems may comprise first and second hearing devices, for example head-wearable devices at a user's ears, and first and second hearing implants.