Programmable Hearing Aid Self-Programming via Button Press Duration
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of fitting hearing assistance devices, including hearing aids and tinnitus maskers, are largely due to the need for iterative and interactive procedures conducted by audiologists or dispensers, which can be costly and time-consuming, especially since these devices often require real-world testing and adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A programmable hearing assistance device that allows patients to automatically switch between pre-loaded programs based on their preferences and usage patterns using a momentary push button switch and controller, eliminating the need for professional fitting procedures by enabling self-programming through user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fitting procedures with audiologists and iterative adjustments are used, then hearing aid performance is optimized for each patient, but the cost and complexity of the device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid enables patients to independently adjust and optimize their own device settings through automated feedback mechanisms. The device automatically monitors patient usage patterns, comfort levels, and environmental conditions to self-adjust programming parameters, eliminating the need for professional audiologist intervention and iterative fitting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback loops where the hearing aid continuously monitors patient responses, usage patterns, and environmental acoustics. This feedback is processed by algorithms that automatically adjust device parameters to optimize performance, replacing the manual feedback-based iterative adjustment process traditionally performed by audiologists.
2Reliability
If traditional fitting procedures with audiologists and iterative adjustments are used, then hearing aid performance is optimized for each patient, but the cost of the device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid enables patients to independently adjust and optimize their own device settings through automated feedback mechanisms. The device automatically monitors patient usage patterns, comfort levels, and environmental conditions to self-adjust programming parameters, eliminating the need for professional audiologist intervention and iterative fitting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback loops where the hearing aid continuously monitors patient responses, usage patterns, and environmental acoustics. This feedback is processed by algorithms that automatically adjust device parameters to optimize performance, replacing the manual feedback-based iterative adjustment process traditionally performed by audiologists.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-programmed options are provided for patient selection, then adaptability to different listening situations improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid dynamically adapts between different programming configurations based on real-time environmental detection and patient usage patterns. Rather than requiring manual selection from multiple static programs, the device automatically transitions between acoustic configurations to match current listening situations, providing versatility without complex user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback loops where the hearing aid continuously monitors patient responses, usage patterns, and environmental acoustics. This feedback is processed by algorithms that automatically adjust device parameters to optimize performance, replacing the manual feedback-based iterative adjustment process traditionally performed by audiologists.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable apparatus improves perception of sound by a person. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section and means for generating first and second control signals. The processor executes one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals based on control signals. The digital-to-analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to the person. The memory stores programs for processing the digital audio signals. Based on an action by the person, a first control signal is generated which causes the processor to switch from one available program to another available program so that the person may cycle through and evaluate each of the available programs. Also based on an action by the person, a second control signal is generated which causes the processor to designate at least one of the available programs as a chosen program for continued use.