Hearing Aid PPG Sensor Checking in a Sealed Charger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing apparatuses, particularly hearing aids, are prone to soiling from body fluids which can impair the functionality of PPG sensors used to measure physiological parameters like pulse and oxygen saturation, leading to unreliable readings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for checking PPG sensor functionality by using a charger with a sealed receiving space and integrated test environment, which includes a reflective surface and optionally a test light source and photodetector, to perform self-tests and compare light transmission and reflection values against predefined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PPG sensor is used to measure physiological parameters in hearing apparatus, then additional health monitoring functions are enabled, but the sensor becomes susceptible to soiling from body fluids which impairs its functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a function test in the charging device that performs PPG sensor measurements before the hearing apparatus is used again. This preliminary action detects soiling or malfunction early, allowing for timely intervention or warning to the user, thus preventing unreliable measurements during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user when the PPG sensor function test fails, indicating that the sensor may be soiled or malfunctioning. This feedback mechanism allows users to clean or replace the sensor, maintaining measurement reliability while preserving the health monitoring capability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If hearing apparatus is worn close to the body for long periods, then physiological measurements can be taken, but body fluids like sweat and cerumen can soil the PPG sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device performs a function test that includes PPG sensor measurements before the hearing apparatus is worn again. This preliminary check detects soiling from body fluids that accumulated during wear, allowing users to clean the sensor before next use, thus maintaining measurement accuracy despite extended wear periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to self-diagnose sensor soiling through the function test results provided by the charging device. Users can then clean or replace the sensor themselves, maintaining the health monitoring function over extended wear periods without requiring professional service.
3Reliability
If function test is performed on PPG sensor in charger, then sensor reliability can be verified, but the testing environment must provide repeatable ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is designed to serve multiple functions: charging the hearing apparatus, performing PPG sensor function tests, and providing user feedback. By integrating the test environment into the existing charger, the patent avoids creating a separate complex testing system while still achieving reliable sensor verification through controlled ambient conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable and repeatable ambient conditions for PPG sensor testing, allowing for timely detection of soiling or malfunction and providing user warnings, thereby maintaining accurate physiological measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement principle of such a PPG sensor is based on irradiating body tissue with light from one or more predefined wavelength ranges (for example different bands of the near infrared range and/or of the visible wavelength range) and detecting reflected or transmitted radiation
Implementation Method 2
The charger additionally comprises a test environment for the PPG sensor... The hearing apparatus is positioned in this receiving space and the test environment is subsequently used to perform a function test on the PPG sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking a PPG sensor of a hearing apparatus that has a rechargeable battery. A charger has a receiving space for the hearing apparatus and a testing environment for testing the functionality of the PPG sensor. The hearing apparatus is placed in the receiving space and the test environment is used to perform a function test on the PPG sensor.