Dual Receiver Hearing Aid Frequency Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aids have limited bandwidth due to the resonance frequency being between 2 kHz and 3.5 kHz, which restricts sound pressure output, especially above 8 kHz, and is exacerbated by long sound tubing in behind-the-ear designs and leakage issues in open-fitting designs.
Innovation Solution
The use of two separately optimized receivers, one for low frequencies and one for high frequencies, with the high-frequency receiver positioned closer to the ear canal and the low-frequency receiver connected via a tube, allowing for improved sound pressure output and reduced power consumption, while maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single receiver with resonance frequency between 2 kHz and 3.5 kHz is used, then the hearing aid achieves acceptable output and efficiency at both low and high frequencies, but the bandwidth is limited and sound pressure output above 8 kHz is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single receiver system into two separate receivers: a first receiver optimized for low frequencies (resonance frequency 100 Hz to 2 kHz) and a second receiver optimized for high frequencies (resonance frequency 2 kHz to 8 kHz). Each receiver is tuned to a specific frequency range, allowing the hearing aid to achieve extended bandwidth up to 15 kHz while maintaining efficiency in each frequency band.
2Speed
If the resonance frequency is increased above 3.5 kHz, then the response above 4 kHz is considerably improved, but the efficiency at low frequencies becomes too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency ranges handled by each receiver. The first receiver with resonance frequency between 100 Hz and 2 kHz handles low frequencies efficiently, while the second receiver with resonance frequency between 2 kHz and 8 kHz handles high frequencies. This segmentation allows each receiver to operate at optimal efficiency in its designated frequency band without compromise.
3Ease of operation
If long sound tubing is used in behind-the-ear hearing aids, then the receiver can be positioned away from the ear, but high frequencies are suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-frequency receiver from the traditional behind-the-ear positioning and places it directly in the ear canal or at the ear canal entrance. This eliminates the high-frequency suppressing effect of long sound tubing for the high-frequency path, while the low-frequency receiver can remain in the behind-the-ear position connected via tubing, as low frequencies are less affected by tubing length.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the high-frequency receiver is positioned deeper inside the ear canal, then overall performance with respect to frequency bandwidth and efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver placement into two configurations: the high-frequency receiver is positioned deep in the ear canal or at the ear canal entrance to maximize high-frequency response and bandwidth, while the low-frequency receiver remains in the behind-the-ear housing connected via tubing. This segmented placement optimizes the acoustic path for each frequency range.
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
This configuration enhances sound pressure output across a wider bandwidth, up to 15 kHz, improving hearing aid efficiency and reducing acoustical feedback, particularly beneficial for mild to moderate hearing loss and communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first receiver (602) having a resonance frequency between 100 Hz and 2 kHz and adapted to output low frequency acoustic sounds
Implementation Method 2
a second receiver (604) having a resonance frequency between 2 kHz and 8 kHz and adapted to output high frequency acoustic sounds
Implementation Method 3
a tube (512) connected to an output port (506) of the first receiver (502)
Implementation Method 4
Low frequency acoustic sounds outputted by the first receiver (502) are combined with high frequency acoustic sounds outputted by the second receiver (504)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A hearing aid having two physically separate receivers, one for outputting low frequency (LF) acoustic sounds and another for outputting high frequency (HF) acoustic sounds. The LF receiver's output port is connected to a tube in which the HF receiver is inserted. The LF acoustic sounds either flow around the HF receiver, which include standoffs to space the HF receiver away from the inner tube wall, or through a channel in the HF receiver. At the output of the HF receiver, the LF and HF acoustic sounds are combined to form an acoustic signal that is transmitted to the ear canal. The LF receiver can be optimized for compliance, distortion, resonance frequency, and output. Its orientation is selected for reducing the overall size of the hearing aid. The HF receiver is smaller and placed far away from any microphone(s), reducing feedback effects, and may have a cylindrical or rectangular shape.