Hearing Aid Fitting System Using Speech Intelligibility Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hearing aid fitting methods do not effectively account for individual differences in auditory pathology, leading to varying benefits among users with similar audiometric thresholds, and lack a precise method to quantify communication handicaps due to audibility and distortion losses.
Innovation Solution
A method that classifies hearing loss into specific types using speech intelligibility tests and calculates a Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) to tailor hearing aid features and gain settings, incorporating the effects of audibility and distortion losses, and uses automatic speech recognition for user input to improve fitting accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hearing aid fitting methods are used based only on audiograms, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of predicting individual benefit is poor and does not account for distortion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting speech intelligibility tests and calculating the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) before finalizing the hearing aid fitting. This preliminary assessment of functional hearing capacity, including distortion losses, is performed prior to programming the hearing aid, allowing the system to predict individual benefit more accurately and classify hearing loss types in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary assessment mechanism - the SII calculation and hearing loss classification system - that mediates between the audiogram data and the final hearing aid programming. This intermediary layer processes functional hearing capacity information and distortion loss characteristics to determine appropriate hearing aid features and gain settings, improving prediction accuracy without directly complicating the core fitting process.
2Reliability
If hearing aid features and gain settings are tailored to specific functional hearing capacity, then communication outcomes are improved, but the fitting process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using the SII value and hearing loss classification to automatically adjust hearing aid parameters such as gain settings, noise reduction features, and compression ratios. Instead of manual adjustment for each user, the system changes parameters based on calculated SII values and classified hearing loss types, maintaining tailored communication outcomes while reducing fitting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the hearing aid system to automatically program itself based on the SII calculation and hearing loss classification. The system uses the functional hearing capacity data to autonomously determine appropriate features and gain settings, reducing the time required for manual fitting adjustments while maintaining reliable communication outcomes for each user.
3Measurement precision
If speech intelligibility tests and SII calculation are implemented, then distortion losses are accounted for, but the equipment and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual assessment procedures with automated electronic calculation systems. Instead of relying on subjective clinical judgment and manual testing protocols, the system uses electronic SII calculations based on audiogram data and automated speech intelligibility testing, reducing procedure complexity while improving the precision of communication handicap quantification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional assessment system where the SII calculation serves multiple purposes: quantifying communication handicap, classifying hearing loss types (audibility vs. distortion loss), and determining hearing aid programming parameters. This multi-functionality reduces overall procedure complexity by consolidating multiple assessment steps into a unified framework.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of fitting a hearing aid system, a hearing aid user's hearing loss is classified and the hearing aid fitting is adapted in response to this classification. The hearing loss classification is, in one example, classified by determining an audiogram for the user, testing the user's hearing function under conditions that, for a user with that audiogram, would result in a predicted intelligibility, and comparing the measured intelligibility to the predicted intelligibility. Also disclosed is a hearing aid fitting system (100, 200) adapted to carry out the method.