Hearing Aid Frequency Transposition Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Severe-to-profound high frequency hearing losses often result in insufficient amplification of high frequency sounds in hearing aids, making it difficult for users to discern speech intelligibly, as existing technologies lack the flexibility to optimize frequency transposition configurations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid system with a configurable signal processing unit that employs a frequency transposition algorithm, multiple frequency transposition configurations, weight parameters, and a prescription algorithm to optimize the presentation of high frequency content at lower frequencies, matching the user's audiogram and amplification capabilities, thereby enhancing speech intelligibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If frequency lowering is applied to make high frequency content audible, then audibility of high frequency sounds is improved, but speech intelligibility deteriorates due to mismatch between source and destination frequency regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying source frequency regions, destination frequency regions, and weight parameters across multiple frequency transposition configurations. The prescription algorithm selects optimal parameter combinations that match the user's audiogram, transforming the fixed frequency lowering approach into an adaptive parameter optimization process that simultaneously improves audibility and preserves speech intelligibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the hearing aid to dynamically select from multiple frequency transposition configurations based on real-time analysis of the input signal and user-specific audiogram. The system transitions from static frequency lowering to dynamic configuration selection, where the optimal source-destination frequency mapping is continuously adapted to match both the user's hearing profile and the characteristics of the incoming speech signal.
2Power
If conventional frequency compression is used, then high frequency amplification is provided, but the system lacks flexibility to optimize for individual user hearing abilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frequency spectrum into multiple discrete source frequency regions and destination frequency regions, organized into distinct frequency transposition configurations. Each configuration represents a segmented approach to frequency lowering, allowing the system to selectively apply different source-destination mappings based on the user's audiogram and signal characteristics, thereby achieving both amplification and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional frequency transposition system that can operate with multiple configurations simultaneously. The hearing aid device is capable of selecting from numerous source-destination frequency region combinations and weight parameter sets, making the system universally adaptable to various hearing loss patterns and speech signal characteristics while maintaining high frequency amplification capabilities.
3Loss of information
If multiple frequency transposition configurations are provided with optimization, then speech intelligibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated prescription algorithm that independently selects the optimal frequency transposition configuration based on the user's audiogram and the characteristics of the input signal. The system performs self-configuration without requiring manual intervention, automatically analyzing hearing thresholds and signal properties to determine the best source-destination frequency mapping and weight parameters, thereby managing complexity through automation rather than simplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the user's audiogram as input to the prescription algorithm, which then selects frequency transposition configurations that account for individual hearing losses. The system continuously adapts its configuration selection based on feedback from the input signal characteristics and user-specific hearing profile, creating a closed-loop optimization process that manages device complexity through intelligent feedback-driven configuration selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of programming a configurable signal processing unit of a hearing aid device comprisesProviding a frequency transposition algorithm in the hearing aid device where content from more than one upper-lying source frequency band is copied or moved into one and the same lower lying destination frequency band;Providing a number of frequency transposition configurations, each comprising a specific combination of source regions and a destination region;Providing a weight parameter that specifies the amount of gain applied to a lowered signal resulting from a given frequency transposition configuration; andProviding a prescription algorithm that selects an optimum frequency transposition configuration for an ear of a user taking an audiogram for the ear in question and an amplification capability of the hearing aid device in question into account.A purpose of the disclosure is to provide an improved audibility of high frequency sound for users with severe-to-profound hearing losses.