Hearing Instrument Defect Detection via Transfer Function Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing instruments with electroacoustic components face challenges in detecting gradual performance degradation due to wear and tear, moisture exposure, and sebum effects, making it difficult for users and technicians to recognize defects, which can lead to inadequate hearing assistance and reduced speech intelligibility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the determination of transfer functions for acoustic systems comprising input and output transducers, comparison with reference functions, and analysis of differences to identify defects, using polynomial approximations and correlation coefficients to localize and detect impairments without additional devices or complex measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transfer function determination and comparison with reference functions is implemented, then defect detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing instrument uses its own existing components (output transducer, input transducer, signal processor) to perform self-diagnosis. The device generates test signals, processes them through its own acoustic system, and analyzes the results using polynomial approximation and correlation coefficient calculations, eliminating the need for external specialized testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the defect detection problem into a mathematical parameter comparison problem. By representing transfer functions as polynomials and comparing coefficients, the system converts complex acoustic measurements into manageable numerical comparisons using correlation coefficients, simplifying the detection process while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transfer functions are determined and compared with reference functions, then defect localization precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic system into separate transfer functions for different acoustic paths (e.g., output transducer to first input transducer, output transducer to second input transducer). By determining and comparing each transfer function separately with its reference function, the system can precisely localize which specific component or path has degraded, rather than treating the entire system as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical inspection and manual testing with automated mathematical processing. Polynomial approximation and correlation coefficient calculations are performed by the signal processor, substituting time-consuming manual measurement and analysis with rapid computational operations that achieve high precision without proportional time increase.
3Measurement precision
If polynomial approximation and correlation coefficient analysis are used, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms continuous transfer function data into discrete polynomial coefficients through approximation. This parameter transformation reduces the infinite-dimensional continuous function comparison problem into a finite-dimensional coefficient comparison problem, significantly reducing computational energy requirements while maintaining detection accuracy through correlation coefficient analysis.
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
This method allows for reliable and simple detection of defects in hearing instruments, enabling timely maintenance and improving the effectiveness of hearing assistance by accurately identifying and localizing issues in input and output transducers.
Implementation Method 1
sound signals from the environment are converted into electrical signals by one or more input converters, which are further processed by a signal processor or the like, and then converted back into an output sound signal by an output converter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention describes a method for detecting a defect in a hearing instrument (1) comprising at least one first input transducer (4) and at least one output transducer (8), wherein a first transfer function (T1) of a first acoustic system (26) comprising the output transducer (8) and the first input transducer (4) is determined, wherein at least one first reference function (R1) for the first transfer function (T1) is determined, wherein the first transfer function (T1) is compared with the first reference function (R1), and wherein a defect in the hearing instrument (1) is detected based on the comparison. The invention further describes a hearing instrument (1) comprising at least one first input transducer (4) and one output transducer (8) configured for carrying out the method.