Hearing Capability Classification for Hearing Aid Parameter Tuning

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of tuning a hearing-enhancement device is costly and time-consuming due to the complexity of adjusting numerous parameters, requiring extensive testing and feedback from users, which can be inefficient and ineffective even after significant expenditure.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses previous testing data to classify subjects based on hearing characteristics, assigning them to classes and setting device parameters accordingly, reducing the need for extensive individual testing by leveraging similarities in hearing capabilities between subjects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional manual tuning techniques are used to adjust hearing-enhancement device parameters, then the device can be customized for individual subjects, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice customizationVSAvoidtuning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of subjects into hearing capability classes before actual device tuning. By pre-grouping subjects with similar hearing characteristics and using previously determined optimal parameters for each class, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming individual manual tuning while maintaining customized fit. The classification and parameter selection are done in advance based on hearing test results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates parameter profiles for each hearing capability class based on optimal settings determined from previous subjects in the same class. Instead of manually tuning each new subject from scratch, the system copies proven parameter configurations from the class profile, which were optimized through prior testing and feedback. This copying approach maintains effectiveness while dramatically reducing tuning time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If extensive individual testing is performed to determine optimal parameter values for each subject, then device performance can be optimized, but resource expenditures increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice performanceVSAvoidresource expenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates universal parameter profiles for each hearing capability class that can be applied to multiple subjects with similar hearing characteristics. Instead of performing extensive individual testing for each subject, the system uses a single set of optimized parameters that works effectively for the entire class. This universal approach maintains reliable device performance across multiple subjects while reducing resource expenditure per individual.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system determines optimal parameter values through hearing capability classification and applies these parameters systematically across subjects within the same class. By changing from individualized parameter determination to class-based parameter application, the system maintains effective device performance while significantly reducing the resources required for testing and tuning each individual subject.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of system parameters is increased to improve device functionality, then device capability is enhanced, but the number of required tests increases exponentially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidtesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of subjects into hearing capability classes before actual device tuning. By pre-grouping subjects with similar hearing characteristics and using previously determined optimal parameters for each class, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming individual manual tuning while maintaining customized fit. The classification and parameter selection are done in advance based on hearing test results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates parameter profiles for each hearing capability class based on optimal settings determined from previous subjects in the same class. Instead of manually tuning each new subject from scratch, the system copies proven parameter configurations from the class profile, which were optimized through prior testing and feedback. This copying approach maintains effectiveness while dramatically reducing tuning time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9319812B2System and methods of subject classification based on assessed hearing capabilities

Publication Date: 2016.04.19 UNIV OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

A method of assessing hearing characteristics of a subject is provided. The method includes determining a hearing capability of the subject based on responses of the subject to a series of sounds presented to the subject. Each sound corresponds to a presence, absence or irrelevance of a predetermined plurality of features. The method further includes assigning the subject to one of a predetermined plurality of classes based upon the responses of the subject, each of the plurality of classes being derived from hearing tests performed on a plurality of other subjects.