Hearing Aid Parameter Resetting with Dual Memory Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids require a time-consuming fitting procedure to match parameters to individual hearing damage, and resetting to factory presets can result in loss of customized settings, leading to the need for repeated fitting procedures.
Innovation Solution
A hearing instrument with a dual memory system and a resetting device that allows users to manually store and restore individual parameter settings, enabling flexible and reliable adjustment management through 'hard' and 'soft' reset options, using EEPROM memory for non-volatile storage and actuation via buttons or key combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If resetting to factory preset is implemented, then the hearing aid can be quickly restored to initial settings, but the customized parameter settings are lost requiring repeated fitting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory storage into two separate memory devices: a first memory device for storing current parameter values and a second memory device for storing reference parameter values. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between current customized settings and reference settings, enabling selective resetting without loss of user-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the resetting process. The controller receives reset signals, identifies the appropriate memory devices, and coordinates the transfer of parameter values. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct loss of data during resetting operations and enables controlled restoration of reference settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment options are provided for individual training, then the hearing aid becomes more adaptable to user needs, but the user may lose control of adaptive adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors parameter adjustments and provides visual or auditory confirmation to the user. When the user makes adjustments, the system feedbacks the current state, allowing the user to verify settings and understand the impact of adjustments, thereby maintaining user control despite multiple options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stores reference parameter values in advance in the second memory device before the user begins adjustments. This preliminary storage of reference states allows the user to quickly revert to known good settings if they lose control or make erroneous adjustments, providing a safety net that maintains ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the hearing aid automatically reverts to initial state upon switching on or erroneous operation, then the device is protected from erroneous settings, but the time-consuming fitting procedure must be repeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the parameter storage dynamic by allowing selective overwriting of reference values in the second memory device. The system can transition between storing only current values and storing both current and reference values, adapting the memory usage based on the operational context to prevent time loss while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to discard current parameter values temporarily during resetting operations and recover them from the second memory device. This mechanism allows the system to protect against erroneous settings by discarding potentially incorrect current values and recovering verified reference values, while preserving the time investment of the fitting procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Hearing instruments and in particular hearing aids whose signal processing can be adjusted by the user are to be returned to a defined, individual state in a more convenient manner. For this purpose it is provided that at least one individual, current parameter value for ongoing operation of the hearing instrument is automatically stored in a first memory device. The at least one individual, current parameter value can also be stored manually or automatically in a second memory device. If the user wishes to revert to an earlier setting, he can manually reset the at least one parameter of the hearing instrument to the parameter value stored in the second memory device by actuating a button.