Hearing Aid Speaker Unit Sizing From Acoustic Feedback Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids face challenges in optimizing acoustic performance due to individual variations in ear size and speaker unit manufacturing inconsistencies, which affect the acoustic properties and placement of the hearing instrument.
Innovation Solution
The hearing aid estimates the speaker unit size based on the feedback path from the output transducer to the microphones, using a processor to adjust processing parameters and apply a directional algorithm for personalized acoustic optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If speaker unit size is selected based on average human ear parameters, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring the actual acoustic feedback path parameters (transfer function, group delay, phase) for each individual user and adjusting the beamforming parameters accordingly. This transforms the fixed average-based parameters into dynamically adapted parameters that match the specific acoustic properties of each user's ear, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing feedback path measurements during the fitting process before finalizing the hearing aid parameters. The system预先 measures the acoustic characteristics and stores them for subsequent beamforming operations, enabling personalized parameter optimization without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Ease of operation
If speaker unit size is selected based on average human ear parameters, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the hearing aid system to automatically measure its own feedback path characteristics and adapt its beamforming parameters without requiring manual configuration by the user. The system autonomously performs measurements during fitting and continuously optimizes parameters based on the measured acoustic properties, achieving both ease of operation and high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the measured acoustic feedback path from the speaker unit to the microphones as the basis for optimizing beamforming parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures that the system continuously adapts to the specific acoustic characteristics of each user's ear, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If feedback path measurement is implemented for each user, then measurement precision is improved and adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the same feedback path measurement procedure and processing algorithms across all users and hearing aid models. The measurement process, parameter extraction methods, and beamforming optimization techniques are standardized and universally applicable, which minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving high measurement precision and adaptability for each individual user.
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
This approach allows for improved acoustic performance by compensating for individual ear variations and speaker unit inconsistencies, enhancing the directional hearing aid's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a feedback control system for estimating a feedback path from said output transducer to at least one of said multitude of microphones
Implementation Method 2
an output transducer for converting said processed signal to an acoustic signal
Implementation Method 3
a multitude of microphones, each being adapted to pick up sound from an environment around the user and to provide an electric input signal representative of said sound
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A hearing aid adapted to be worn at an ear of a user comprises a multitude of microphones, each providing an electric input signal representative of sound; and a processor configured to apply one or more processing algorithms to the multitude of electric input signals and to provide a processed signal in dependence thereof. The processor comprises a feedback control system for estimating a feedback path from said output transducer to at least one of said multitude of microphones; an output transducer for converting said processed signal to an acoustic signal. The hearing aid further comprises a BTE-part adapted for being located at or behind the ear of the user and comprising at least one of said multitude of microphones; and a speaker unit adapted to be located at least partly in an ear canal of the user, the speaker unit comprising said output transducer and a cable electrically connecting said BTE-part and said output transducer. The processor is configured to estimate a speaker unit size in dependence of said estimated feedback path, wherein the feedback path is estimated while said hearing aid is located in a specific position away from the user's head. A method of operating a hearing aid is further disclosed. The invention may e.g. be used in hearing aids comprising a behind-the-ear part as well as an exchangeable speaker unit located in the ear canal.