Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with hearing impairments face challenges in speech and language development due to genetic defects or traumas, requiring effective hearing reconstruction methods that existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A hearing auxiliary device comprising a bone conduct transceiver, receiver, and driver that converts sound data into bone conduct signals, which are then processed to generate restoration signals to stimulate the cochlea, improving hearing through direct electrical stimulation of auditory nerves, and can be installed through the eardrum or cochlea, with optional compression and error-correcting processing tailored to individual cranial electrical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional air conduction hearing aids are used, then hearing assistance is provided through air transmission, but air conduction issues in noisy environments degrade sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bone (skull) as an intermediary medium to transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear, bypassing the air conduction path that is susceptible to noise interference. The bone conduct transceiver converts sound signals to bone conduction vibrations that travel through the skull to stimulate the cochlea directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional acoustic-mechanical air conduction system with an electrical-bone conduction system. The bone conduct transceiver uses electrical signals to generate bone vibrations, substituting the air pressure wave mechanism with direct mechanical vibration of the skull bones.
2Reliability
If bone conduct transceiver is used to transmit sound through skull bones, then direct bone conduction is achieved, but individual cranial electrical characteristics require optimization processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the bone conduct transceiver receives feedback about the user's cranial electrical characteristics and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly. The parameter adjuster modifies bone conduction signal parameters based on measured electrical characteristics to optimize transmission effectiveness for each individual.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters of the bone conduction signals based on individual cranial characteristics. The parameter adjuster modifies frequency, amplitude, or other signal parameters to match the specific electrical properties of each user's skull and auditory system.
3Reliability
If receiver and driver are installed through eardrum or cochlea, then direct inner ear stimulation is achieved, but surgical installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the receiver and driver assembly to serve multiple functions: it can be installed through the eardrum to support itself via eardrum walls, or implanted into the cochlea for direct stimulation. This multi-functional design allows the same device to accommodate different installation scenarios and hearing impairment severities.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver and driver assembly is designed to be self-supporting when installed through the eardrum, utilizing the eardrum walls for structural support without requiring additional anchoring structures or complex surgical fixation procedures.
4Measurement precision
If bone conduct signal undergoes compression and error-correcting code processing, then signal quality is improved, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compression and error-correcting code processing to the bone conduct signals in advance, before transmission to the receiver. This preliminary processing ensures high signal quality is maintained during transmission through the bone conduction path, preventing signal degradation before it occurs.
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
The device enables clear sound restoration in noisy environments, bypassing air conduction issues and providing effective hearing rehabilitation by directly transmitting sound waves through bones, allowing individuals to perceive three-dimensional sound and improve hearing in both severe and mild impairments.
Implementation Method 1
a bone conduct transceiver, a receiver and a driver. The bone conduct transceiver converts a sound raw data to a corresponding bone conduct signal
Implementation Method 2
the receiver receives the bone conduct signal and converts the bone conduct signal to a sound restoration signal
Implementation Method 3
The driver sends out a physical signal according to the sound restoration signal, in order to let the person with hearing impairment to obtain a hearing signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hearing auxiliary device for helping a person with hearing impairment to obtain hearing information. The hearing auxiliary device includes a bone conduct transceiver, a receiver and a driver. The bone conduct transceiver converts a sound raw data to a bone conduct signal. The receiver is installed to an inner ear portion of the person with hearing impairment, and the receiver receives the bone conduct signal and converts the bone conduct signal to a sound restoration signal. The driver sends out a physical signal according to the sound restoration signal, in order to let the person with hearing impairment to obtain a hearing signal.