Hearing Aid Integrated Electrodes Brain Wave Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aid systems for measuring brain waves are complex, require extensive equipment, and are not suitable for use outside laboratory settings due to the need for external equipment and cumbersome electrode placement.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid with integrated electrodes connected to a differential amplifier and signal processing device that allows for internal measurement and processing of brain waves, enabling user-friendly brain wave monitoring and adaptation of sound processing without external equipment, using features extraction and classification to focus on specific acoustic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external electrodes and equipment are used for brain wave measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brain wave measurement functionality with the hearing aid device by integrating electrodes directly into the hearing aid structure. The electrodes are positioned within the hearing aid housing, allowing the device to perform both hearing amplification and brain wave detection without requiring separate external equipment. This merging of functions eliminates the need for complex external measurement systems while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing aid is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a hearing amplification device and a brain wave measurement device. The integrated electrodes enable the hearing aid to detect brain waves for various purposes such as attention monitoring, hearing loss assessment, and feedback control, making the device universal and reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If external electrodes and wiring are placed on the subject's scalp, then brain wave detection is possible, but ease of operation and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrode assembly directly into the hearing aid device, eliminating the need for separate electrode placement on the scalp. The electrodes are housed within the hearing aid structure, which is already in contact with the user's ear, thereby simplifying the overall system and making it easier to operate in everyday situations without requiring laboratory-style electrode application.
3Measurement precision
If complex signal processing equipment is used, then brain wave processing capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the signal processing functionality directly into the hearing aid device. The processing unit is embedded within the hearing aid, enabling it to analyze and process brain wave signals locally without requiring external computers or specialized equipment. This integration allows the device to be operated by regular users while maintaining sophisticated processing capabilities for attention monitoring and hearing aid adaptation.
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 the estimation of user attention to specific sound sources, automatic adjustment of hearing aid settings, and monitoring of hearing loss, facilitating improved sound intelligibility and user control through brain-computer interface capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the electric potential generated on the surface of the subject's scalp by currents flowing between synapses in the subject's brain
Implementation Method 2
the at least two electrodes being connected to a differential amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid comprises an amplifier (303, 309, 317), an input transducer (301), an output transducer (824) and a signal processing device (825). The amplifier (303, 309, 317) and the signal processing device (825) are connected. The hearing aid further comprises at least two electrodes (201-205) adapted for detecting electrical signals such as brain waves, the at least two electrodes (201-205) being connected to a differential amplifier (303, 309, 317), which in turn is connected to the signal processing device, and means for modifying the operation of said hearing aid in dependence of the detected signals. The invention further provides a method for adaptation of a hearing aid.