Hearing Aid Fitting via Onset Signal Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hearing aid fitting methods based on pure tone audiograms fail to adequately address the interconnected deficits of frequency selectivity and temporal resolution, leading to insufficient compensation for hearing loss and potential long-term risks from excessive amplification.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for fitting hearing aids that enhance temporal resolution by adjusting amplification based on the onset of sound signals, using a fitting formula that differentiates amplification for the signal start and steady part, determined through test measurements such as pure-tone audiograms, twin-tone presentations, and combined time-amplitude measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pure tone audiogram-based fitting methods are used, then hearing threshold loss is compensated, but temporal resolution and frequency selectivity deficits are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sound signal into distinct temporal components: signal onset (attack phase) and steady-state portion. This segmentation allows different amplification strategies to be applied to each segment, with enhanced amplification for the onset phase to improve temporal resolution and frequency selectivity, while maintaining appropriate amplification for the steady-state portion to ensure overall audibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies amplification enhancement in advance during the signal onset phase before the steady-state portion begins. By providing preliminary enhanced amplification at the onset, the hearing aid compensates for temporal resolution deficits before the main signal content arrives, allowing the user to better perceive temporal and spectral characteristics of speech and environmental sounds.
2Reliability
If broadband amplification is increased to compensate for hearing loss, then audibility is improved, but long-term risks from excessive amplification occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different amplification characteristics for different temporal segments of the sound signal. The onset phase receives enhanced amplification to improve temporal resolution and frequency selectivity, while the steady-state portion receives standard amplification based on traditional fitting formulas. This localized differentiation ensures audibility is maintained without applying excessive amplification across the entire signal, reducing long-term risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the amplification parameter based on the temporal characteristics of the input signal. When a signal onset is detected (characterized by rapid amplitude change), the amplification factor is temporarily increased. When the signal transitions to steady-state, the amplification returns to the level determined by traditional fitting formulas. This parameter change approach ensures appropriate amplification is provided only when needed for temporal resolution, avoiding excessive amplification risks.
3Loss of information
If signal onset amplification is enhanced to improve temporal resolution, then frequency selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the amplification factor time-variant rather than static. The system continuously monitors the input signal for onset characteristics (rapid amplitude changes) and dynamically adjusts the amplification factor in response. This dynamic approach allows the hearing aid to automatically adapt to different signal types and temporal characteristics without requiring complex manual programming or multiple physical components, managing device complexity through algorithmic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the output of the onset detection process feeds into the amplification control. When an onset is detected, this feedback triggers temporary enhancement of the amplification factor. The system continuously monitors the signal and adjusts amplification in real-time based on detected temporal characteristics, creating a closed-loop control system that improves frequency selectivity without requiring overly complex open-loop programming.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for fitting a hearing device (2), wherein the hearing device (2) has at least one input transducer (6) for receiving an acoustic signal and converting it into an input signal (8) and a signal processing device (10) for signal amplification of the input signal (8) and generation of an output signal (12) and an output transducer (14) for converting the output signal (12) into a sound signal, wherein at least one test measurement (20, 24) is carried out in which a test signal is generated as an acoustic signal, and in which the hearing device user assesses the resulting sound signal as a test result (22, 26, 28), a fitting formula (32) being determined on the basis of the test result (22, 26, 28), and the signal processing device (10) being set on the basis of the fitting formula (32) in such a way that if, during operation of the hearing device (2), a rise time of a signal start of the input signal (8) is less than or equal to a stored threshold value, then the signal start of the output signal (12) is amplified by a higher gain value than the remaining output signal (12).