Hearing Aid Parameter Adjustment via Device Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids require expert intervention for parameter adjustment, which is tedious, inaccessible for many users, and not representative of real-world sound environments, leading to suboptimal performance in everyday situations.
Innovation Solution
A consumer device with sensors that allow users to adjust hearing aid parameters, such as dynamic range, through intuitive gestures and movements, enabling self-fitting without expert assistance, using a method that includes rotating the device to adjust the dynamic range and utilizing a directional microphone for beamformer adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expert fitting process is used to adjust hearing aid parameters, then parameter adjustment accuracy is improved, but user accessibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-fitting functionality that allows hearing aid users to adjust parameters independently without expert intervention. The system uses automated algorithms to analyze user responses to test sounds and automatically adjust parameters, enabling users to perform fitting themselves through a simplified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual expert adjustment process with an automated electronic system. Sensors detect user responses to presented sounds, and processing algorithms automatically calculate and apply parameter adjustments, substituting the mechanical expert-user interaction with an automated electronic fitting system.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional fitting process in controlled environment is used, then initial parameter setting is improved, but real-world performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment that allows users to modify hearing aid settings in real-time based on actual listening conditions. The system continuously adapts parameters during normal use rather than relying solely on static initial settings from controlled environment fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user responses to presented sounds are detected by sensors and used to automatically adjust parameters. This closed-loop feedback process enables the system to learn from user responses and optimize parameters based on actual hearing needs rather than relying only on pre-fitting assessments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parameters are made accessible to users, then customization capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system automates the parameter adjustment process so users don't need to manually configure multiple parameters. The self-fitting algorithm presents test sounds, detects user responses, and automatically adjusts multiple parameters simultaneously, making customization accessible without requiring users to understand complex parameter settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated parameter adjustment based on detected user responses. The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously based on the relationship between presented sounds and user detected responses, allowing comprehensive customization through a simple interaction model rather than requiring individual parameter control.
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
Enables users to easily and intuitively adjust hearing aid settings in real-time, improving sound quality and speech intelligibility in various environments, reducing the need for expert visits and making the process accessible to those with limited access to hearing professionals.
Implementation Method 1
sensing with the consumer electronics device a rotation applied to the consumer electronics device
Implementation Method 2
Based on a sensed movement of the consumer electronics device towards or away from a person that is speaking, the processing means can adjust the beamformer's directionality
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a parameter on a consumer electronics device is arranged for outputting a hearing loss compensated signal having a plurality of parameters. The consumer electronics device comprises processing means arranged for processing an audio input signal and for generating an audio output signal which is a hearing loss compensated version of the audio input signal. The method comprises producing with the consumer electronics device the audio output signal to be presented to a user. A rotation applied to the consumer electronics device such that the rotation is in a first direction in a substantial horizontal plane and, adjusting at least one parameter relates to the audio output signal's dynamic range, whereby the rotation in the first direction corresponds to a reduction of the dynamic range and a rotation in a direction opposite to the first direction to an increase of the dynamic range, or vice versa.