Earpiece Auditory Health Evaluation via Embedded OAE Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current otoacoustic emission tests for auditory health evaluation are inconvenient and annoying due to the need for controlled environments and unpleasant sound stimuli, and they do not account for varying sound exposure prior to testing.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that embeds excitation signals in audio clips, which are emitted into the ear canal and recorded to assess otoacoustic emissions, allowing for continuous, minimally annoying evaluation of auditory health by analyzing and adjusting the signals based on the recorded sound field, using an earpiece with a processor and microphones to embed, emit, and analyze the signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional OAE test is performed in controlled environment with separate sound probe, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient testing conditions and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sound probe and microphone into a single integrated earpiece device that can be continuously worn in the ear canal. This merging eliminates the need for separate testing equipment and controlled environments, allowing OAE measurements to be taken during normal listening activities while maintaining measurement precision through the integrated transducer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The earpiece serves multiple functions: it acts as both a sound delivery device for audio clips and as a microphone for capturing OAE responses. This multi-functionality allows the device to perform hearing evaluations during regular use without requiring dedicated testing equipment or separate testing sessions, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If separate sound probe is used for OAE testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sound probe and microphone into a single earpiece unit, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment. This merging reduces device complexity by combining multiple functions into one wearable device while maintaining the capability to accurately measure OAE through the integrated transducer system.
3Measurement precision
If traditional OAE test uses distinct testing sessions, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to scheduled appointments and controlled environment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous OAE measurement during normal listening activities by embedding excitation signals within audio clips that are continuously delivered through the wearable earpiece. This eliminates the need for scheduled testing appointments and controlled environment sessions, allowing auditory health assessment to occur continuously in real-world conditions while maintaining measurement precision through ongoing data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring and recording OAE responses in real-time during normal use, rather than waiting for scheduled testing appointments. This preliminary continuous measurement approach eliminates time loss associated with scheduling and allows for immediate assessment without requiring dedicated testing sessions.
4Ease of operation
If excitation signal is embedded in audio clip, then ease of operation is improved through continuous monitoring, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to signal masking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding excitation signals at specific temporal locations within audio clips where the audio content provides masking, making the excitation signal imperceptible to the user. This localized placement of excitation signals at appropriate time intervals maintains measurement precision by ensuring clear OAE responses while improving ease of operation through continuous, comfortable monitoring during normal listening activities.
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
Enables convenient, continuous monitoring of auditory health with minimal annoyance, adjusting the excitation signals based on recorded otoacoustic emissions to assess hearing health and provide personalized feedback.
Implementation Method 1
An otoacoustic emission (OAE) is a sound which is generated from within the inner ear. There are two types of otoacoustic emissions: Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions (SOAEs) and Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (EOAEs).
Data Source
AI summary
An earpiece (100) and a method (300) for evaluating auditory health are provided. Evaluating auditory health includes embedding (302) at least one excitation signal (402) in an audio clip (404) to produce an embedded excitation signal (406), emitting (304) the embedded excitation signal to an ear canal (131) at least partially occluded by the earpiece, analyzing (312) a recorded sound field within the ear canal during a continuous delivery of the embedded excitation signal to assess auditory health, and adjusting (314) the excitation signal within the audio clip during the emitting based on comparative differences with a reference otoacoustic emission (OAE).