Hearing Aid Fitting via Temporal Masking Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aid fitting methods fail to effectively address auditory neuro-synaptopathy, a condition affecting sound processing due to damaged auditory nerve synapses, leading to inadequate sound compensation and difficulty understanding speech in noise, as it cannot detect this type of hearing deficit through traditional hearing threshold measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a test to assess sensitivity to temporal masking, using a series of test sounds with varying intensities and durations, to diagnose auditory neuro-synaptopathy, allowing for the identification and quantification of the condition, and subsequently tailoring hearing aid settings or features to alleviate this deficit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hearing threshold measurements are used for hearing aid fitting, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but auditory neuro-synaptopathy cannot be detected leading to inadequate sound compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing assessment is segmented into multiple distinct test components: hearing threshold measurement, temporal masking sensitivity test, and speech understanding in noise assessment. Each segment targets specific aspects of auditory function, allowing comprehensive detection of neuro-synaptopathy while maintaining structured simplicity in administration
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary screening using hearing threshold measurements to identify candidates who may have neuro-synaptopathy, then automatically administers the temporal masking sensitivity test as a preliminary diagnostic step before final hearing aid fitting. This preliminary action enables early detection without requiring complex manual assessment
2Reliability
If traditional hearing aid fitting methods are used, then the process is straightforward, but speech understanding in noise remains difficult for patients with auditory neuro-synaptopathy
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops where test results from temporal masking sensitivity and speech understanding assessments automatically feed into the hearing aid fitting algorithm. This feedback mechanism adjusts amplification parameters and noise reduction settings dynamically, ensuring reliable sound compensation while simplifying the fitting procedure through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple hearing aid parameters simultaneously based on test results, including gain settings across different frequencies, noise reduction thresholds, and speech enhancement levels. These parameter changes are optimized specifically for neuro-synaptopathy patients, improving sound compensation effectiveness without requiring complex manual adjustment
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive tests including temporal masking sensitivity are administered, then auditory neuro-synaptopathy can be detected, but the fitting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive test protocol is structured as periodic action with standardized intervals: hearing threshold measurement first, followed by temporal masking sensitivity test, then speech understanding assessment. This periodic structure allows efficient administration of all tests within a fixed time frame while maintaining high detection accuracy for neuro-synaptopathy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automation where the computer automatically administers tests, scores responses, and generates fitting recommendations without requiring extensive practitioner intervention. This self-service capability reduces fitting time while maintaining comprehensive assessment accuracy for detecting auditory neuro-synaptopathy
Data Source
AI summary
A method (100) of fitting a hearing aid system comprising identification of an auditory neuro-synaptopathy of a person based on the sensitivity of the person to temporal masking, a hearing aid fitting system, a computerized device (200, 300), a server (302) hosting a web service and a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions, which when executed carry out said method.