Hearing Aid Cradle Diagnostics for Receiver Blockage Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices face issues with reduced sound transmission and non-linear distortions due to clogging or damage from ear wax and accidental drops, which traditional methods fail to accurately diagnose or address.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting and diagnosing hearing device performance issues by comparing signal energy levels and distortion measures using a base unit with a cradle and microphones, providing recommendations for cleaning or replacing components as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then professional testing equipment and isolated spaces are required, but the cost and complexity of testing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device performs self-diagnostics by using its own microphone and speaker to generate test signals and evaluate its own performance. The device plays test tones through its speaker and captures the output through its microphone, allowing it to autonomously detect blockages and damage without requiring external testing equipment or professional intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential testing functionality from complex professional testing equipment and integrates it directly into the hearing device itself. By removing the need for external test facilities, isolated spaces, and specialized equipment, the solution simplifies the testing process while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through the device's existing acoustic components.
2Ease of operation
If general cleaning recommendations are provided, then the advice is generic, but the specific location and cause of the issue cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by comparing the actual test signal captured by the microphone against expected reference signals. This comparison generates diagnostic information that identifies specific issues such as blockages in the receiver, microphone, or acoustic passage, and determines the severity of damage. The feedback mechanism transforms generic cleaning advice into targeted diagnostic results that guide users on what specific component needs attention.
3Reliability
If the hearing device is dropped, then the impact can reduce output/gain, but the specific type of damage cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostics by automatically evaluating transducer performance whenever the device is placed in its charging case. This continuous monitoring detects damage early after events like drops, comparing current performance against baseline reference signals stored in memory. The preliminary action allows the device to identify damage types (receiver blockage, microphone blockage, acoustic passage blockage, or transducer damage) before the user notices performance degradation.
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 users to identify and resolve clogging or damage to hearing device transducers effectively, improving sound quality and reducing the need for professional intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a base unit microphone interfacing with the cradle and configured to receive the output audio signals from the receiver when the hearing device is received in the cradle, wherein the base unit microphone and the receiver remain in open communication with a space exterior of the base unit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting and diagnosing causes of subpar performance of a hearing device are provided for a user. The hearing device may include a housing, a receiver and a sound processor configured to send signals to the receiver. The receiver may be configured to output audio signals from the signals sent by the sound processor. A base unit may include a main body having a cradle formed therein. The cradle may be configured to receive the hearing device therein. A base unit microphone interfaces with the cradle and may be configured to receive output audio signals from the receiver when the hearing device is received in the cradle. The base unit microphone and the receiver remain in open communication with a space exterior of the base unit when the hearing device has been received in the cradle. A processor associated with the system may be configured to compare signal energy levels of test audio signals produced by the base unit microphone, in response to the audio signals received from the receiver, with signal energy levels of reference audio signals, and to indicate a blockage of the receiver has occurred when a difference between the signal energy levels of test audio signals and the signal energy levels of reference audio signals exceeds a threshold difference.