Hearing Compensation Using Equal-Loudness Dynamic Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing aid compensation methods based on audiogram data assume a linear response of human hearing, leading to inadequate amplification at lower levels and excessive amplification at higher levels, failing to address the dynamic range compression needs of individuals with hearing loss.
Innovation Solution
A novel hearing test assessing hearing loss across a broad dynamic range using equal loudness principles, combined with dynamic filters to provide varying amplification based on measured hearing loss and sound pressure levels, compensating for the non-linear behavior of the human ear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional audiogram-based compensation methods are used, then hearing threshold measurement is simplified, but amplification accuracy across different sound pressure levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static audiogram-based compensation to dynamic compression ratio adjustment. The system continuously adapts the compression ratio based on real-time sound pressure level measurements, allowing the amplification characteristics to change dynamically rather than remaining fixed. This resolves the contradiction by making the compensation accurate across varying sound levels without requiring complex multi-level testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter from fixed audiogram thresholds to variable compression ratios. Instead of using fixed compensation values derived from audiograms, the system adjusts the compression ratio parameter in real-time based on measured sound pressure levels. This parameter change enables accurate amplification compensation across the entire dynamic range without increasing test complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed amplification compensation is applied based on audiograms, then implementation is straightforward, but sound quality at higher frequencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the actual sound pressure level at the user's ear and using this information to adjust the compression ratio in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the amplification remains appropriate across different sound levels, preventing the loud and brittle sound quality issues at higher frequencies while maintaining ease of implementation through automatic adjustment.
3Device complexity
If linear hearing response assumption is used, then audiogram interpretation is simplified, but dynamic range compression is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static linear hearing response assumption with dynamic compression ratio adjustment. The system measures sound pressure levels across different ranges and adjusts the compression ratio accordingly, capturing the non-linear behavior of the human ear. This dynamic approach improves compensation reliability without significantly increasing assessment complexity, as it builds upon the existing audiogram framework while adding real-time adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
The presented novel Hearing Correction System comprises a device and method for a hearing test to assess hearing loss, software to process the measured data and provide settings to digital signal processing elements and a digital signal processing topology to perform dynamic compensation. The new hearing test is based on the impression of equal loudness and measures hearing ability at several sound pressure levels, not just at the hearing threshold as done by the standard audiometry test.