Hearing Device Amplification Curve Correction via Bone Conduction Smoothing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining target amplification curves for hearing devices are prone to errors due to inaccuracies in bone conduction measurements, which can significantly impact the acceptance and adjustment of hearing systems, especially in cases of combined hearing losses.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a database of typical sound conduction components to select and smooth bone conduction hearing thresholds, allowing for the determination of reliable target amplification curves by correcting measurement errors and improving the accuracy of hearing device adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If bone conduction hearing threshold measurement is performed manually, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors from feeling thresholds and receiver position variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone conduction hearing threshold measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects the most appropriate bone conduction measurement strategy (insert earphone vs. occluding tip) based on the measured air conduction and bone conduction thresholds, eliminating the need for manual operator judgment and reducing measurement errors associated with improper technique selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the measured thresholds and sound conduction component calculations to automatically adjust and refine the bone conduction measurement approach, identifying and correcting incorrect measuring points by comparing against typical sound conduction components for various hearing impairment types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If sound conduction components are heavily weighted to satisfy changing compensation requirements, then adaptability to different hearing impairments improves, but reliability of target amplification curve deteriorates due to measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompensation strategy adaptabilityVSAvoidtarget amplification curve accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Typical sound conduction components serve as an intermediary reference database that mediates between raw bone conduction measurements and final target amplification curves. The system compares measured sound conduction components against this database to identify and correct measurement errors before calculating the final amplification curve, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and correction of bone conduction measurements by comparing against typical sound conduction components before these measurements are used to calculate the target amplification curve. This preliminary action prevents error propagation and ensures measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual correction of hearing device setting errors is required, then flexibility in adjustment is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time expenditure and potential need for re-adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment process efficiencyVSAvoidadjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines error-free target amplification curves through computer-based processing of audiometric data and automatic correction of bone conduction measurements, eliminating the need for manual correction iterations and reducing the time required for proper hearing device adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual trial-and-error adjustment procedures with automated computer-based calculation and correction algorithms, substituting the mechanical process of manual adjustment with an automated information processing system that directly computes the correct amplification parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8081768B2Method and apparatus for determining a target amplification curve for a hearing device

Publication Date: 2011.12.20 SIVANTOS GMBH

AI summary

To determine target amplification curves in hearing devices, audiometric mismeasurements are to be corrected. To this end, it is proposed first to measure a bone conduction hearing threshold of a patient. Furthermore a database having typical sound conduction components for a number of typical hearing impairments is provided. One of these sound conduction components is selected in order to smooth the measured bone conduction hearing threshold, with a smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold resulting. One or a number of target amplification curves is formed from the smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold, if necessary with further hearing thresholds. Error corrections can be reliably carried out with the aid of the database.