Preprogrammed Hearing Aid Program Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current fitting procedures for hearing aids and tinnitus masking devices require iterative adjustments by audiologists or dispensers, increasing costs and complexity, as they need to be customized for each patient's specific acoustical characteristics and usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A user-programmable hearing assistance device with memory, a processor, a selection device, a counter, and a digital-to-analog converter that allows patients to select and fine-tune audio processing programs based on their usage patterns, eliminating the need for professional fitting procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If preprogrammed hearing assistance devices are provided with multiple audio processing programs, then adaptability to different listening situations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing functionality into multiple distinct programs (e.g., program 1, program 2, program 3), each optimized for specific listening situations such as quiet environments, noisy environments, or music listening. This segmentation allows the device to offer high adaptability while keeping each individual program relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic program selection capability that allows users to switch between different audio processing programs based on current listening situations. The device dynamically adapts its processing characteristics by selecting the appropriate preprogrammed configuration, providing versatility without requiring complex real-time processing adjustments.
2Manufacturing precision
If iterative fitting procedures are used to customize hearing aids for each patient, then manufacturing precision of acoustical characteristics is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preprogramming multiple audio processing configurations during manufacturing, each tailored for specific listening situations. This eliminates the need for iterative fitting procedures, as patients can directly select from pre-optimized programs. The precision of acoustical characteristics is maintained through careful preprogramming, while productivity is dramatically improved by eliminating repeated adjustment sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing patients to independently select and switch between different audio processing programs based on their own listening needs. This eliminates the requirement for audiologist intervention in the fitting process, significantly improving productivity while maintaining precise acoustical characteristics through the patient's own selection of appropriate programs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio processing programs are provided with fine-tuning options, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface into distinct modes: a first mode for selecting between preprogrammed audio processing programs and a second mode for fine-tuning parameters of the selected program. This segmentation allows users to easily switch between programs using simple controls in the first mode, while providing advanced fine-tuning capabilities in the second mode only when needed, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving adaptability.
4Productivity
If professional fitting procedures are eliminated, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision of acoustical characteristics may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing precise acoustical programming during the manufacturing process, creating multiple pre-optimized audio processing programs. This eliminates the need for post-manufacturing fitting procedures while maintaining high precision, as the programs are carefully configured during production when controlled conditions can be ensured. The precision is locked in during manufacturing, and the elimination of fitting procedures does not compromise it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by providing multiple preprogrammed configurations with different acoustical parameters optimized for various listening situations. During manufacturing, these parameters are precisely set for each program. When patients use the device, they select among these pre-configured parameter sets, maintaining manufacturing precision without requiring professional fitting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by momentarily pressing a push button on the hearing aid housing. When a preferred program is active, the user can press the push button for an extended time to designate that program as a selected program. The acoustical configuration programs include initial-tuning programs that are operable in an initial-tuning mode and fine-tuning programs that are operable in a fine-tuning mode. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed using the push button and a volume control. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface.