Hearing Aid Fitting via HRTF Spatial Audio Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid fitting processes are inefficient as they require multiple adjustments and visits to audiologists' offices due to the lack of surround sound setups, which limits the ability to simulate real-world sound environments and spatial hearing benefits, leading to suboptimal fine-tuning of hearing aid parameters.
Innovation Solution
A simulated surround sound hearing aid fitting system using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to generate three-dimensional sound fields, allowing for the adjustment of hearing aid parameters without the need for a surround speaker setup, by transmitting audio signals directly to the hearing aid via a wired or wireless connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 5.1 surround speaker setup is used to simulate real-world sound environments, then the ability to demonstrate spatial hearing benefits and fine-tune hearing aid parameters is improved, but the device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual reality technology to create a virtual copy of real-world sound environments. Instead of physically reproducing complex acoustic spaces with multiple speakers, the system generates virtual representations of these environments through computer-generated audio scenes, allowing patients to experience realistic sound scenarios without the need for elaborate physical setups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic system (multiple physical speakers arranged in specific spatial configurations) with an electronic/computational system. Virtual reality audio technology uses software algorithms to generate spatial sound fields that are transmitted through standard headphones or earphones, eliminating the need for complex mechanical speaker arrangements while achieving the same therapeutic goal
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple office visits are required for hearing aid adjustments, then individual patient preferences can be accommodated, but the time required for the fitting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing patients with virtual reality simulations of their future hearing aid experience during the initial fitting session. Patients can preview how different adjustment settings will affect their perception of real-world sounds in various environments, allowing them to express preferences before the actual hearing aids are finalized. This preliminary exposure to potential outcomes enables more accurate parameter optimization in a single visit
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where patients can immediately experience the effects of parameter adjustments through virtual reality audio simulations. As audiologists modify hearing aid settings, patients hear the immediate impact on sound perception in simulated environments, allowing for rapid iteration and optimization without waiting for multiple follow-up visits
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 audiologists to fine-tune hearing aids more effectively during a single office visit, allowing patients to experience and adjust to real-world sound environments, improving speech intelligibility and spatial sound localization, thus enhancing the fitting process and patient satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
A simulated surround sound hearing aid fitting system using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to generate three-dimensional sound fields
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a system for fitting a hearing aid by testing the hearing aid patient with a three-dimensional sound field having one or more localized sound sources. In one embodiment, a signal processing system employing head-related transfer functions is used to produce audio signals that simulate a three-dimensional sound field when a sound source driven by such audio signals is coupled directly to one or both ears. By transmitting the audio signals produced by the signal processing system to the hearing aid by means of a wired or wireless connection, the hearing aid itself may be used as the sound source.