Multifunction Hearing Aid In-Situ Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid fitting methods fail to accurately account for individual differences in ear size and canal dimensions, leading to less precise fitting and performance, as they rely on average user assumptions and do not consider personal listening preferences or sound level equalization.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction hearing aid with a digital signal generator, amplification processor, and control logic that performs in-situ hearing tests and fittings, adjusting parameters to match individual hearing profiles and preferences, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment and accounting for ear size variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If average user assumptions are used in hearing aid fitting methods, then the fitting process is simplified and can be applied universally, but the accuracy and precision of the fitting deteriorates due to individual differences in ear size and canal dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of the user's actual ear canal and pina dimensions before conducting the hearing test. These measurements are taken in advance using the hearing device itself, allowing the system to customize the test frequencies and gain calculations specifically for that user's anatomy, thereby resolving the contradiction between universal applicability and individualized accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts test parameters including frequency selection, signal levels, and gain calculations based on the measured individual ear dimensions. By changing these parameters from fixed average values to customized values based on actual measurements, the system achieves both ease of operation and high fitting accuracy
2Measurement precision
If separate testing equipment is used for hearing tests and hearing aid fitting, then comprehensive measurements can be obtained, but the complexity of the procedure increases and multiple devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (hearing testing, ear dimension measurement, and hearing aid fitting) into a single integrated hearing device. The device uses its own receiver and microphone to measure ear dimensions and conduct hearing tests, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy through in-situ measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures ear canal and pina dimensions, conducts hearing threshold tests, performs real-ear verification, and provides hearing aid fitting all through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while comprehensive measurements are achieved through the device's multiple capabilities
3Productivity
If standard fitting formulae are used without considering individual ear anatomy, then the fitting process is faster and more standardized, but the effectiveness and accuracy of the hearing aid performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of individual ear anatomy (ear canal length, pina dimensions) before applying fitting formulae. These pre-measured anatomical parameters are then used to customize the fitting calculations, allowing the process to remain efficient while achieving individualized accuracy that improves hearing aid effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-ear verification where the actual sound pressure levels in the user's ear canal are measured and compared against target levels. This feedback loop allows for real-time adjustment of fitting parameters based on actual performance, ensuring both speed and reliability by verifying results during the fitting process itself
Data Source
AI summary
An improved multi-function hearing aid having in-situ testing, fitting and verification functions is disclosed which solves problems long standing in the art of hearing aid fitting dealing with individual size differences in the size of the pina and ear canal of the user, individual preference to sound level and frequency variation, and verification procedures.