Gamified Mobile Tool for Hearing Aid Fitting Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern hearing assistance devices lack user-friendly systems for adjusting settings, particularly for new users who require less gain, and existing solutions like experience managers and self-learning algorithms are inadequate as they do not involve user preferences and can lead to sub-optimal results.

Innovation Solution

A gamification-based mobile adaptation tool that guides users to optimize their hearing aid settings by providing visual and auditory feedback, incentives, and incremental targets, allowing users to make adjustments within acceptable ranges, ensuring user engagement and control over their settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional fitting systems are used with audiologists setting parameters, then professional expertise is utilized, but user control and preference incorporation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting precisionVSAvoiduser control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to independently adjust and optimize their own hearing aid settings through a mobile application with gamified interfaces. Users can control parameters such as volume, program selection, and fitting targets without requiring audiologist intervention, while the system maintains precision through structured guidance and feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback loops where users receive immediate responses to their setting adjustments through visual and auditory cues. The gamified interface provides feedback on progress toward fitting targets, allowing users to understand the impact of their adjustments and make informed decisions to optimize their hearing aid performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If experience managers and self-learning algorithms are used, then automation is increased, but user preference involvement is reduced leading to sub-optimal results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic adjustmentVSAvoidfitting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor user adjustments and provide real-time information about the effectiveness of setting changes. This feedback loop ensures that automated processes remain aligned with user preferences and actual hearing needs, preventing sub-optimal fitting outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static automated algorithms to dynamic, user-driven adjustment processes. The gamified interface adapts to user behavior and preferences, allowing the system to evolve and optimize settings based on individual user interactions rather than relying solely on predetermined automated routines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If new users are provided with standard fitting settings, then initial setup is simplified, but the settings may not be optimal for users requiring less gain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial setupVSAvoidsetting optimality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic fitting targets that adapt to user needs and experience levels. Rather than applying fixed standard settings, the system allows targets to be customized and adjusted based on individual user characteristics, ensuring optimality while maintaining ease of initial setup through guided processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting process is segmented into manageable stages with incremental targets. Users progress through structured steps that break down the complex task of optimization into smaller, achievable goals, making the initial setup process simple while ensuring comprehensive customization for optimal results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If users are given full control over settings adjustments, then user preference is maximized, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidadjustment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex adjustment process is divided into segmented, manageable tasks presented through the gamified interface. Users interact with simplified controls and progress through structured steps, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive control over hearing aid settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs visual cues such as color changes and graphical indicators to simplify the adjustment process. These visual elements provide intuitive feedback and guidance, making complex parameter adjustments more accessible and easier to understand without reducing user control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3127350B1User controlled adaptation tool for a hearing assistance device using gamification
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 STARKEY LABORATORIES INC
  • EP3127350B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3127350B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3127350B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for fitting hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method for assisting wearers in adjusting settings of hearing assistance devices using a mobile adaptation tool. The method includes providing a mobile adaptation tool for a wearer of a hearing assistance device. The wearer is guided using gamification to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device using the mobile adaptation tool, including providing an update to the wearer via the adaptation tool with an indication of a level of matching between current settings and target settings, according to various embodiments.