Hearing Aid Listening Effort Control Using PTT Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aids lack effective integration of physiological sensors to estimate listening effort and do not leverage wearable devices for effort-driven control, leading to suboptimal audiological outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid system incorporating physiological sensors, such as ECG and PPG, to estimate listening effort by determining pulse transit time (PTT) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), adjusting signal processing parameters based on machine learning, and optimizing power consumption through sensor activation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physiological sensors are incorporated in hearing aids to estimate listening effort, then listening effort estimation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid integrates multiple physiological sensors (PPG, ECG, accelerometer) that can measure different physiological parameters, allowing the device to estimate listening effort through multiple pathways and adapt to various listening scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages existing wearable devices (smartwatches, fitness trackers) that already contain physiological sensors, effectively nesting the sensor functionality within the wearable ecosystem rather than requiring dedicated sensors in the hearing aid itself
2Measurement precision
If multiple physiological sensors are used to estimate listening effort, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates physiological sensors periodically rather than continuously, using event-triggered activation based on listening scenarios and environmental conditions to reduce energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selectively activates only the necessary sensors based on the current listening situation, using a subset of sensors for specific tasks rather than continuously operating all sensors, thereby reducing overall energy consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If physiological sensors are integrated in hearing aids, then adaptability to listening scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time physiological feedback, automatically adapting signal processing parameters and hearing aid settings according to the user's listening effort level and physiological state
4Measurement precision
If sensor data is processed continuously to estimate listening effort, then listening effort estimation accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of sensor data locally in the hearing aid to extract key features and listening effort estimates before transmitting to the wearable device for more complex analysis, reducing the energy burden on the hearing aid's battery
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
Facilitates efficient and adaptive hearing aid settings that enhance user experience by minimizing power consumption and optimizing listening effort estimation.
Implementation Method 1
physiological sensors measuring one or more physiological signals, such as electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG)
Implementation Method 2
physiological sensors measuring one or more physiological signals, such as electrocardiogram (ECG)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present application relates to a system comprising a hearing aid, the hearing aid configured to be operated based on an estimation of a current listening effort of a hearing aid user. The system comprising an input unit for receiving an input sound signal from an environment of the hearing aid user and providing at least one electric input signal representing said input sound signal, an output unit for providing at least one set of stimuli perceivable as sound to the hearing aid user based on processed versions of said at least one electric input signal, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimator for determining an SNR in the environment of the hearing aid user, a processing unit connected to said input unit and to said output unit and comprising signal processing parameters of the system to provide processed versions of said at least one electric input signal, a memory unit configured to store reference sets of SNR and pulse transition time (PTT) of the hearing aid user, at least a first and a second physiological sensor, wherein the system being configured to determine, based on the first physiological sensor, a first point in time at a first maximum upslope point of a first measured parameter, determine, based on the second physiological sensor, a second point in time at a second maximum upslope point of a second measured parameter, establish a current PTT by calculating a time difference between the first point in time and the second point in time, and determine, based on the current PTT and the stored reference sets of SNR and PTT, a current listening effort of the hearing aid user.