Digital Hearing Aid Pre-Amplification Fitting Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital hearing aids face challenges in accurately compensating for hearing deficits due to variations in sound pressure levels caused by individual anatomical differences, leading to inconsistent amplification and potential impairment of adaptive algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A method for fitting digital hearing aids that includes a pre-amplification unit, which adjusts sound pressure levels independently of hearing deficits, using a test signal to determine deviations and apply additional amplification, and a main amplification unit that operates based on prior art, with separate fitting sessions for pre-fitting and initial fitting to account for spatial conditions and hearing deficits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fitting methods are used without pre-amplification adjustment, then the fitting process is simpler, but sound pressure level compensation becomes inaccurate due to individual anatomical differences
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting process is divided into two independent stages: pre-fitting (adjusting pre-amplification to compensate for anatomical differences) and initial fitting (adjusting amplification for hearing deficits). This segmentation allows each stage to focus on a specific compensation task, improving overall accuracy without requiring complete redesign of the fitting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-amplification adjustment is performed before the main amplification adjustment. By preliminarily compensating for anatomical differences in sound pressure levels, the system establishes a accurate baseline that improves subsequent hearing deficit compensation, thereby enhancing overall measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are performed to account for anatomical differences, then compensation accuracy improves, but fitting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and adjustment process is segmented into distinct phases: pre-fitting measurement and adjustment, followed by initial fitting. This allows the system to efficiently capture anatomical characteristics in the pre-fitting phase using automated procedures, reducing the time burden on subsequent fitting sessions while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines pre-amplification adjustments based on measured sound pressure levels and anatomical characteristics, reducing the need for manual iterative adjustments and multiple measurements by a practitioner, thereby reducing fitting time while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If high input levels are used for measurement, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but user comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements and adjustments at comfortable input levels during the pre-fitting phase, capturing anatomical characteristics without exposing the user to uncomfortable high sound levels. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent high-level measurements, maintaining signal quality while protecting user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using pre-amplification adjustment to effectively enhance signal levels during measurement without increasing the actual input sound pressure level. This allows the system to achieve better signal-to-noise ratios through electronic gain adjustment rather than acoustic amplification, thereby avoiding user discomfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A method fits a digital hearing aid having an input transducer, a signal processing device and an output transducer. The signal processing device is configured to form an evaluation unit, a comparator unit, and a pre-amplification unit. An acoustic test signal is generated by an external testing device while the hearing aid is worn by a hearing-aid wearer. A digital test input signal is generated by the input transducer on the basis of the acoustic test signal. A sound pressure-dependent test quantity is determined on the basis of the digital test input signal by the evaluation unit. A deviation between the sound pressure-dependent test quantity and a reference quantity stored in the signal processing device is determined by the comparator unit. A pre-amplification by the pre-amplification unit is adjusted on the basis of the determined deviation.