Adaptive Hearing Aid Fitting via Acoustic Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing assistance devices require extensive interaction and time for customization, either through manual fine-tuning by a dispenser or using cumbersome portable devices, which may not accurately reflect the user's typical environments and burdens the dispenser with data communication for technology improvement.
Innovation Solution
A system that logs data on the wearer's acoustic environment using the hearing assistance device, allowing an adaptive fitting process controlled by the wearer, with data transmission to a network for creating an interactive database accessible by the audiologist and manufacturer for customizing settings, using methods like genetic algorithms for optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual fine-tuning by a dispenser is used, then customization accuracy is improved, but time consumption and dispenser burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection by logging the wearer's acoustic environment data before the actual customization process. This preliminary action provides the adaptive fitting algorithm with real-world environment information in advance, enabling more accurate customization without requiring extended manual fine-tuning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the hearing assistance device continuously logs environmental data and transmission results are fed back to the adaptive fitting algorithm. This feedback loop enables iterative optimization of device settings based on actual wearer experience, improving customization accuracy while reducing the need for repeated manual adjustments.
2Productivity
If a portable device is provided for fine-tuning, then dispenser time is reduced, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing assistance device performs self-service by automatically logging acoustic environment data and transmitting it to the adaptive fitting algorithm without requiring the wearer to manually operate any additional equipment. The device uses its existing microphone and processing capabilities to gather and send data, eliminating the need for cumbersome portable fine-tuning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing assistance device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary hearing aid and as the data collection tool for customization. The same microphone and processor used for hearing assistance also log environmental data, eliminating the need for separate portable fine-tuning equipment and simplifying the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If extensive data collection is performed, then customization accuracy is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential acoustic environment data needed for customization from the wealth of information available in the wearer's environment. The adaptive fitting algorithm is designed to process and utilize only the relevant features of logged data, filtering out unnecessary information and simplifying data management while maintaining customization accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for customizing a hearing assistance device for a wearer. According to various embodiments, data corresponding to the wearer's acoustic environment is logged using the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device is fitted by an adaptive fitting process controlled by the wearer, the adaptive fitting process having access to the data logged by the hearing assistance device to customize settings of the hearing assistance device for the wearer. In an embodiment, data related to fitting the hearing assistance device is sent via a network connection to a location accessible by the wearer's audiologist and/or device manufacturer. The sent data is used to create an interactive database, and the database is used for fitting hearing assistance devices for one or more wearers, in various embodiments.