Automated Hearing Aid Fitting via Smartphone Audio Samples

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing assistance device fitting processes require professional intervention, limiting flexibility and accessibility due to geographical constraints, time limitations, and the need for specialized expertise, and are not conducive for execution by laypersons, especially in complex sound environments.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for fitting hearing assistance devices that allow for automated or partially automated processes, including providing audio samples, determining maximum power output, and adjusting settings without direct professional supervision, using external devices like smartphones to receive input and send programming data, and evaluating the sound environment and user candidacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If professional fitting is used, then fitting accuracy and reliability are improved, but accessibility and flexibility deteriorate due to geographical constraints and time limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting accuracyVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables consumers to perform their own hearing assistance device fitting without professional intervention. The automated fitting system guides users through audio sample evaluation, bass/treble balance adjustment, and maximum power output determination, allowing laypersons to independently complete the fitting process while maintaining reliable results through computer-generated programming data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/professional fitting process with an automated electronic system. Instead of manual adjustment by audiologists, the system uses computer algorithms to process audio samples, evaluate user responses, and generate precise programming data for device configuration, eliminating geographical and temporal constraints of professional services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If professional fitting is used, then fitting reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex procedures not suitable for laypersons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting reliabilityVSAvoidease of fitting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting procedure is divided into discrete, manageable segments: audio sample presentation, user preference evaluation, bass/treble balance adjustment, and maximum power output determination. Each segment presents specific instructions and collects targeted data, making the overall complex fitting process into simple, sequential steps that laypersons can easily complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors user responses to audio samples and adjusts the fitting process accordingly. User feedback on perceived loudness and sound quality is processed in real-time to generate accurate device programming, ensuring reliable fitting results while guiding users through the process with adaptive instructions that enhance ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If automated fitting is used, then accessibility and flexibility are improved, but measurement precision and fitting accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidfitting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electronic and acoustic measurement systems to replace manual professional assessment. Computer-generated audio samples are presented to users, and electronic sensors capture user responses and device output, processing this data through algorithms to determine precise fitting parameters including maximum power output and frequency balance, achieving both accessibility and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12101604B2Systems, devices and methods for fitting hearing assistance devices

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 STARKEY LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to systems, devices and methods for fitting hearing assistance devices. In a first aspect, a method of fitting a hearing assistance device is included, the method including providing an audio sample to a hearing assistance device wearer, receiving input from the hearing assistance device wearer regarding a preferred sound volume or perceived loudness, receiving input from the hearing assistance device wearer with the external device regarding a bass/treble balance, and determining a maximum power output of the hearing assistance device that does not exceed a loudness discomfort level (LDL). Other embodiments are also included herein.