Hearing Aid Tone Control via Modified Goertzel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids, face challenges in user control due to their small size, making it difficult for wearers to adjust settings and operate functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of tone-based instructions transmitted through audio, magnetic, or radio frequency signals allows for remote control of hearing assistance devices, employing modified Goertzel algorithms to detect tones and enable control functions like volume adjustment and setting changes, applicable to various types of hearing aids including completely-in-the-canal and cochlear implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hearing assistance devices are made small in size, then they become less visible and more comfortable for wearers, but the controls become difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary between the user and the hearing assistance device. This remote device receives audio signals containing control instructions and transmits them wirelessly to the hearing aid, allowing users to control the device without physically manipulating its small buttons or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control interfaces (physical buttons and switches on the hearing aid) with acoustic signal processing. The hearing assistance device detects and processes audio signals containing encoded control instructions, substituting mechanical interaction with acoustic field-based control.
2Device complexity
If standard buttons and switches are used for control, then the device structure remains simple, but wearers frequently have difficulty changing settings
Solution Approach 1:
The remote device serves as a mediator that captures user input through audio signals (such as voice commands or coded audio patterns) and transmits control instructions to the hearing assistance device, eliminating the need for users to physically access and manipulate the device's built-in controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing assistance device is designed to perform multiple functions through a single control mechanism. By processing various audio signals containing different encoded instructions, the device can adjust volume, change settings, switch programs, and perform other functions without requiring separate physical controls for each function.
3Ease of operation
If remote control via audio signals is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but signal detection accuracy may decrease in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary encoding of control instructions into distinctive audio signal patterns before transmission. These pre-encoded signals are designed with specific frequency characteristics and temporal patterns that enable reliable detection and differentiation from background noise, ensuring accurate control command transmission.
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 method provides an elegant interface for controlling hearing assistance devices, reducing the complexity of operation and improving user experience with accurate signal detection even in noisy environments, achieving low error rates and efficient control functionality.
Implementation Method 1
instructions are formed using tones sent to the hearing assistance device. The instructions can be transmitted using audio signals
Implementation Method 2
The instructions can be transmitted using audio signals, magnetic or near field radio frequency signals
Implementation Method 3
The instructions can be transmitted using audio signals, magnetic or near field radio frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus of communicating instructions to a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. In various embodiments instructions are formed using tones sent to the hearing assistance device. The instructions can be used to control the operation of the hearing assistance device. The signals may include dual tone multifunction signals or other nonstandard signals. Various detection processes are provided which include but are not limited to using a modified complex Goertzel algorithm to detect tones. The remote device can be a standard device or can be modified to provide the proper signals. The following techniques can be applied to hearing assistance devices including, but not limited to completely-in-the-canal devices, in-the-canal devices, behind-the-ear devices, receiver-in-canal devices, and implanted devices, such as cochlear implants.