Hearing Aid Automatic Equalization via Stored Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids lack the ability to automatically adjust audio output to compensate for individual hearing deficiencies, limiting their utility in providing personalized auditory enjoyment for users with varying hearing profiles.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid with a processor that processes sound signals based on a user's hearing loss profile, incorporating a microphone, speaker, memory, rechargeable battery, user interface, and communications interface, allowing for file storage and upload/download capabilities, and enabling automatic sound signal processing to enhance auditory experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hearing aids use manual equalization controls with sliding controls for each frequency band, then users can adjust sound levels, but the device cannot automatically adapt to individual hearing profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid automatically performs equalization adjustments based on stored hearing profile data, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust each frequency band. The device serves itself by comparing incoming audio signals against the individual's hearing profile and applying compensatory gain automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the equalization parameters automatically based on the hearing profile data. Instead of fixed manual settings, the equalization curve is dynamically adjusted according to the individual's specific hearing deficiencies across different frequency bands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hearing aids provide basic sound amplification only, then the device remains simple, but it cannot provide personalized auditory enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid incorporates multiple functions including audio playback, file storage, hearing profile processing, and automatic equalization within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the device to serve both as a basic hearing aid and as a personalized audio enhancement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing profile data and audio files are stored within the hearing aid's memory, with the processing capabilities nested within the same housing. The equalization processing is integrated into the audio signal path, creating a compact nested structure where multiple functions coexist.
3Measurement precision
If audiometric testing is used to create hearing profiles, then accurate hearing data is obtained, but the process becomes expensive and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copied or simulated audiometric data from standardized hearing profiles when individual testing is not available. This allows the device to function with approximate hearing profile data obtained from general population statistics or manufacturer-provided profiles, making the system accessible without requiring professional audiometric testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A sound processing method for a hearing aid in embodiments of the present invention may have one of more of the following steps: (a) receiving a command from a user to begin an upload and/or download of a file, (b) initiating communications to commence the upload and/or download of the file, (c) selecting the file to upload and/or download to a memory on the hearing aid, (d) downloading and/or uploading the file into or out of the memory, (e) executing the file loaded into memory, (f) asking the user if they wish to download and/or upload another file to/from the memory, and (g) continuing normal hearing aid operations if the user does not wish to execute the file in the memory.