Cochlear Model Hearing Measurement Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating hearing loss, such as hearing aids, do not fundamentally address the degeneration of hearing and are inefficient in determining hearing thresholds for multiple frequency bands, leading to prolonged measurement times and inadequate treatment for sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a cochlear model-based interface with a processor and memory to rapidly determine hearing thresholds by outputting acoustic signals for each frequency band, allowing users to select or automatically adjust the hearing threshold, and providing acoustic stimulation signals for inaudible bands, enabling quick and accurate hearing improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hearing threshold measurement methods are used for each frequency band, then accurate hearing threshold determination is achieved, but measurement time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The audible frequency band is divided into n frequency bands (at 1/k octave resolution) and represented as n buttons arranged in a cochlear model interface. This segmentation allows parallel processing and visual organization of frequency bands, enabling efficient measurement across multiple bands simultaneously rather than sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
A cochlear model interface is created as a visual representation copying the physical structure of the cochlea and basilar membrane. The n buttons correspond to n frequency bands arranged according to the cochlear model, providing an intuitive visual copy of the auditory system's frequency mapping, which speeds up threshold determination
2Ease of operation
If hearing aids amplify external sounds to help hearing loss users, then users can hear sounds more loudly, but hearing degeneration is not prevented and may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic stimulation signals are provided at frequencies corresponding to damaged hair cells in the cochlea. By targeting the damaged areas with specific frequency stimulation, the method converts the harmful effect of hair cell damage into a beneficial treatment approach, potentially regenerating or protecting remaining hair cells rather than simply amplifying sound
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic stimulation signals serve as an intermediary between the external environment and the damaged hair cells. Instead of directly amplifying external sounds (which may harm further), the system uses controlled stimulation signals as a mediator to interact with damaged cochlear regions, providing therapeutic effect without the harmful side effects of conventional amplification
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for hearing measurement based on a cochlear model comprising: a processor; and a memory connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores program instructions executable by the processor to output an interface in which n buttons corresponding to n frequency bands into which an audible frequency band is divided at 1/k octave resolution are arranged in a cochlear model, output acoustic signals corresponding to a predetermined hearing threshold in each of the n frequency bands, receive a user's input for whether each of the n frequency bands is inaudible at the predetermined hearing threshold, and output acoustic stimulation signals corresponding to the inaudible frequency band input by the user in predetermined sizes.