Hearing Aid Fitting System Intelligent Visual Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid fitting systems lack effective visualization tools, requiring audiologists to switch between multiple screens and struggle to clearly depict data comparisons, making it difficult to understand gain and target changes, and comparing binaural responses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of color change and animation techniques on response graphs to indicate gain and target changes, along with the use of pins for note-taking and visual reminders, enhances the visualization and comparison of hearing aid responses, allowing for dynamic representation of gain transitions and binaural differences without requiring screen swaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple separate screens are used to display different fitting parameters, then comprehensive information can be provided, but the complexity of operation increases and ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate display screens into a single integrated response graph that simultaneously shows sound pressure levels, gain, target curves, and frequency responses. This consolidation allows audiologists to view all fitting parameters in one unified visual interface, eliminating the need to switch between multiple screens while maintaining complete information display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual dimensions to the response graph by using color coding and graphical overlays to represent different parameters (gain in dB, target curves, frequency ranges). This dimensional enrichment allows multiple data sets to be displayed simultaneously on a single 2D graph, transforming what would require multiple separate screens into one comprehensive visual display.
2Measurement precision
If detailed data comparisons are provided across multiple screens, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data comparison functions into a single response graph display, showing actual hearing aid responses alongside target curves and frequency-specific gain data all in one view. This integration maintains precise data comparison capabilities while reducing the complexity of navigating between multiple specialized screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color coding to differentiate various data elements on the response graph, such as coloring different frequency ranges or gain levels. This visual differentiation enhances measurement precision by making it easier to distinguish and compare specific parameters, while keeping the interface simple through intuitive visual cues rather than complex multi-screen navigation.
3Loss of information
If gain transitions are displayed with detailed visual indicators, then information clarity is improved, but the complexity of the display system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes and visual indicators directly on the response graph to show gain transitions and threshold crossings. For example, the display can highlight when gain drops below 0 dB or when responses cross target curves, providing clear information about critical fitting parameters without requiring additional screens or complex interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual layers to the response graph, such as overlaying target curves, adding frequency range shading, or incorporating animated indicators for real-time feedback. These dimensional additions provide comprehensive information about gain behavior and fitting accuracy while maintaining a unified display rather than requiring multiple separate visualizations.
4Measurement precision
If binaural responses are compared using separate displays, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges left and right ear response displays into a single binaural response graph that shows both ears' data simultaneously. This allows audiologists to compare binaural responses directly on one screen, maintaining precise comparison capabilities while eliminating the need to switch between separate left and right ear displays, thereby improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting system with intelligent visual tools may included calculating a response curve of a hearing assistance device, wherein the response curve indicating sound level pressure level compared to frequency. Additionally it may include, displaying, on a display device, the response curve and displaying concurrently with the response curve, a visual cue, wherein the visual cue represents data including at least one of: gain of the response curve, a comparison between a target response curve and the response curve, and a comparison between binaural response curve.