Hearing Aid Occlusion Reduction via Tuned Resonator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids suffer from occlusion effects due to ear canal blockage, leading to pressure build-up and poor sound quality, and are adversely affected by walk-induced head vibrations, causing resonance and distortion issues.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid with an occlusion reduction system incorporating a tuned resonator, comprising a ventilation channel with a tuned piston and flexible surround combination, tuned to a resonance frequency between 10 and 100 Hz, which counteracts sound pressure and minimizes distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a ventilation channel is added to reduce occlusion effects, then occlusion artifacts are reduced, but feedback instability and reduced directionality occur
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustic lens is introduced as an intermediary component within the ventilation channel to control and focus acoustic energy. The lens redirects sound waves along the axis of the vent, preventing them from entering the microphone and causing feedback, while still allowing the vent to perform its occlusion reduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional purely acoustic vent design with a modified system incorporating an acoustic lens. This substitution transforms the simple open passage into a controlled acoustic pathway that actively manages sound wave propagation, eliminating feedback issues while maintaining occlusion relief.
2Ease of operation
If the ear canal is completely closed off to fit hearing aid in ear, then hearing aid can be worn in ear, but pressure build-up and hollow sound occur
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic lens acts as a mediator within the ventilation channel, selectively managing acoustic energy flow. It allows the ear canal to remain sealed for proper hearing aid fit while the lens-controlled vent provides a directed pathway for pressure equalization without compromising wearability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If AOR circuitry is used to reduce occlusion, then occlusion sounds are compensated, but low frequency amplification and distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic lens serves as a passive intermediary that physically redirects low frequency acoustic energy away from the microphone before it can be amplified by the AOR circuitry. This mechanical intervention prevents the generation of distortion artifacts while allowing the AOR system to continue compensating for occlusion effects.
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
The tuned resonator effectively reduces occlusion artifacts and minimizes distortions caused by walk-induced head vibrations, improving sound quality and reducing low-frequency amplification, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the hearing aid.
Implementation Method 1
The tuned resonator may be tuned to a resonance frequency between 10 and 100 Hz
Implementation Method 2
minimizes distortions caused by walk-induced head vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid having hearing loss-compensating components, active occlusion reduction components, a vent, a tuned piston, and a flexible surround. The piston and the surround combination are assembled on the faceplate and cover the outside end of the vent that is situated on the faceplate. The piston and the surround combination minimize the adverse effects of walk-induced head vibrations.