Hearing Aid Fitting for Predicted Ototoxic Hearing Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid fitting strategies are inadequate for ototoxic hearing losses, which progress faster than age-related hearing loss and are not adequately addressed by existing methods, leading to underestimation of hearing loss and delayed acquisition of appropriate hearing aids.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for fitting hearing devices that predict and adapt to ototoxic hearing loss by monitoring medication use, predicting hearing loss progression, and adjusting signal amplification based on ototoxicity models and audiometric data, using a hearing aid system integrated with a smartphone app for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fitting strategies are used, then the hearing device can be fitted for age-related hearing loss, but the device fails to adequately address ototoxic hearing loss which progresses faster
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device transitions from static fitting formulas to dynamic prediction models that continuously update hearing loss projections based on ototoxic medication dosage data, enabling the device to adapt to rapidly changing hearing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter basis from standard audiometric values alone to a combination of audiometric values and ototoxic medication dosage parameters, enabling differentiated fitting strategies for ototoxic versus age-related hearing loss
2Loss of time
If standard audiometric-based fitting is applied, then initial hearing aid settings can be established, but the rapid progression of ototoxic hearing loss is not detected early enough
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary prediction of hearing loss progression based on ototoxic medication dosage before actual hearing threshold deterioration occurs, enabling proactive fitting adjustments rather than reactive responses
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback loops where hearing threshold measurements and medication dosage data are continuously fed into prediction models to update and refine hearing loss progression predictions over time
3Productivity
If fitting formulas are updated frequently, then rapid hearing loss progression can be tracked, but the complexity of the fitting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device automatically performs prediction calculations and fitting adjustments based on input data from medication dosage tracking and audiometric measurements, reducing the need for manual professional intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions including medication dosage tracking, hearing threshold measurement, prediction modeling, and fitting adjustment into a single unified platform that works across different hearing loss types
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for fitting a hearing device, a signal amplification is set or adapted on the basis of an ototoxic hearing loss. An input transducer picks up an acoustic signal and converts it into an input signal, a signal processing device processes the input signal and generates an output signal, and an output transducer converts the output signal into a sound signal. The signal processing of the signal processing device is set or adapted in dependence on the ototoxic hearing loss of the hearing device user.