Dynamic Speech Word Lists for At-Home Audiometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speech audiometry tests for hearing devices are inconvenient, expensive, and limited by the need for specialized equipment and professionals, leading to stress and potential bias, and lack of personalized insights into user performance.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic word list generation techniques that create phonetically and perceptually balanced speech test materials, allowing at-home testing with personalized feedback and reduced learning effects, using algorithms to select words that meet predetermined distribution thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional speech audiometry tests are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to specialized equipment and professionals required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computer-generated audio signals that replicate and synthesize speech stimuli, replacing the need for complex acoustic testing equipment. The system creates virtual speech test materials through digital signal processing, allowing precise control of acoustic parameters without requiring specialized physical apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual administration by professionals with automated computer-based testing. The system automatically presents audio stimuli, collects responses, and analyzes performance through algorithmic processing, eliminating the need for human administrators and reducing dependency on specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional speech audiometry tests are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to professional administration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables individuals to administer their own speech audiometry tests through a user-friendly computer interface. The system provides automated instructions, presents audio stimuli, collects responses, and generates performance reports without requiring professional intervention, allowing users to independently monitor their hearing status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate automated feedback by analyzing test responses and generating performance reports in real-time. This feedback mechanism guides users through the testing process and provides actionable results without requiring professional interpretation, enhancing ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If standardized speech test materials are used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to lack of personalized insights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically generates speech test materials by selecting words from a comprehensive pool based on individual user responses and performance patterns. The system adapts the test content in real-time, adjusting difficulty and stimulus selection to match the user's specific needs and progress, thereby maintaining reliability while enhancing personalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies test parameters such as word selection, audio signal characteristics, and testing difficulty based on user performance data. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains consistent and reliable measurement while tailoring the test to individual users, providing personalized insights and adaptive feedback.
4Productivity
If repeated speech testing is conducted, then productivity is improved through data collection, but loss of information increases due to learning effects and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically reshuffles test materials and adjusts stimulus selection between testing sessions to minimize repetition effects. The system monitors user performance and adapts subsequent tests to avoid over-exposure to specific words or patterns, thereby maintaining data quality and reducing learning effects while enabling repeated testing for comprehensive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies test parameters including word pool selection, audio characteristics, and difficulty levels between repeated tests. By varying these parameters while maintaining core testing objectives, the system collects productive data over time while minimizing bias from memorization and stress, preserving information integrity across multiple testing sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for dynamically generating test materials for implementing speech test to, for example, hearing aid users or users of cochlear implants. Dynamic word list generation techniques are disclosed. Such techniques generate word lists with qualities intended to implement specific speech tests. For example, the disclosed techniques may be used to generate word lists with predetermined phonetic balance and/or perceptual balance. The disclosed techniques also provide for the generation of audio signals associated with the word lists used during the speech tests.