Hearing Aid Customization via Objective Audiometric Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid adjustment methods rely heavily on subjective patient perception, leading to incomplete and inaccurate customization, requiring frequent adjustments post-delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a series of audiometric tests (PTA, ANL, SPIN, and SPIQ) to objectively determine hearing aid settings, using a software application to select and adjust the hearing aid's operating parameters for customized signal processing, reducing the need for post-delivery adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hearing aid adjustment is based on patient's subjective perception, then the adjustment process is simple to perform, but the customization is incomplete and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective perception-based adjustment method with an objective measurement system using automated speech tests and audiometric equipment. The system substitutes patient subjective feedback with instrumented measurements of speech understanding in noise and quiet conditions, providing precise quantitative data for hearing aid programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of standardized speech tests (SPIN, SPIQ) and automated analysis software that mediates between the patient's hearing ability and the hearing aid adjustment. This intermediary provides objective intermediate measurements that guide the programming process more accurately than direct subjective patient feedback.
2Measurement precision
If multiple audiometric tests are performed to objectively determine hearing aid settings, then customization accuracy is improved, but the adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate audiometric tests (pure tone audiometry, speech in noise test, speech in quiet test) into an integrated measurement protocol. The system combines these tests and automatically integrates their results into a unified hearing aid programming process, reducing the complexity burden on the practitioner while maintaining comprehensive assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary audiometric assessments and automated analysis before the actual hearing aid programming. By completing the measurement and objective evaluation phases first, the system prepares all necessary data in advance, simplifying the subsequent adjustment process and reducing on-site complexity.
3Productivity
If hearing aid parameters are set to default values based on statistical averages, then the initial setup is quick and simple, but the customization is inaccurate for individual patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically changes programming parameters from generic default values to individualized settings based on objective test results. The system adjusts speech understanding thresholds, noise reduction levels, and frequency response parameters according to each patient's measured hearing profile and speech test performance, transforming standardized settings into customized configurations.
4Reliability
If frequent adjustments are made after hearing aid delivery based on patient feedback, then patient satisfaction can be improved, but the initial customization was insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive objective assessments and preliminary optimization of hearing aid settings before delivery to the patient. By completing thorough audiometric testing and automated analysis in advance, the system minimizes the need for post-delivery adjustments, reducing both the time loss and the indication that initial customization was insufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for selecting and adjusting in a customised manner a hearing aid comprising the following steps: A. receiving (100) indications on one or more needs of a patient; B. receiving (200) indications from the patient concerning his/her perception of his/her own hearing with respect to listening situations by assigning a respective value on a first value scale; C. performing (300) an audiometric PTA test on the patient, wherein the patient wears a headset and hearing is not assisted by any hearing aid; D. performing (400) an audiometric ANL test on the patient; E. in the case where the resulting value of the audiometric PTA test is not larger than 80 dB, performing (500) an audiometric SPIN test on the patient; F. in the case where the resulting value of the audiometric PTA test is larger than 80 dB, or in the case where the resulting value of the audiometric PTA test is not larger than 80 dB and the resulting value of the SPIN test is larger than 6, performing (600) an audiometric SPIQ test on the patient, wherein the patient wears a headset; G. displaying (700) the resulting values of the audiometric tests performed in steps C, D, E and/or F on a same second value scale; H. selecting (800) one or more available hearing aids, J. automatically determining (900) a related adjustment of operating parameters of the respective signal processing unit to allow meeting the needs determined in step A.