Hearing Device Acclimatization Transfer Behavior

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hearing devices offer limited user control adjustments that do not adapt to changing user needs during the acclimatization process, requiring frequent visits to a fitter for modifications, increasing effort and costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow configuring start and target settings for user controls, with an acclimatization transfer behavior that adjusts settings over time, shifting from volume parameters to noise cancellers, beamformers, and clarity-pleasantness parameters, enabling gradual changes based on usage time and user interaction patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional volume control is used for broadband gain adjustment, then loudness adjustment is simple and effective, but the control does not adapt to changing user needs during acclimatization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloudness adjustmentVSAvoidadaptation to changing user needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic user control where the effect of control inputs evolves over time during an acclimatization phase. Initially, control inputs affect broadband gain (volume), but as time progresses, the same control inputs gradually shift to affect frequency-shaped gain and sound cleaning parameters. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt to changing user needs without requiring manual reprogramming by a fitter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters controlled by user inputs based on acclimatization time. At early stages, control parameters are set for broadband gain adjustment; as acclimatization progresses, the parameters transition to control frequency-shaped gain and sound cleaning effects. This parameter transformation enables the device to provide different functional effects from the same user control interface at different time points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration by fitter is performed to change control effects, then user needs can be met, but fitting effort and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol effect modificationVSAvoidfitting effort and user visits

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device performs self-reconfiguration of user control effects during the acclimatization phase without requiring external intervention from a fitter. The device automatically monitors elapsed time and adjusts the mapping between user control inputs and hearing device parameters according to a predefined acclimatization schedule. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple fitting visits and reduces both time loss and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed control patterns are provided, then device complexity is low, but the control range remains limited and does not evolve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol pattern structureVSAvoidcontrol effect range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic user control where the effect of control inputs evolves over time during an acclimatization phase. Initially, control inputs affect broadband gain (volume), but as time progresses, the same control inputs gradually shift to affect frequency-shaped gain and sound cleaning parameters. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt to changing user needs without requiring manual reprogramming by a fitter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10805748B2Method of adapting settings of a hearing device and hearing device

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 SONOVA AG

AI summary

Provided is a method of adapting settings of a hearing device. The method includes the step of providing start settings and target settings of a user control, wherein the start settings and target settings define an effect of the user control at a start time and at an acclimatization completion time, and wherein the user control is for adjusting at least one setting of the hearing device. Further the method includes the steps of configuring an acclimatization transfer behavior of the user control from the start settings to the target settings, wherein the configuration defines how the settings, which determine an effect of the user control, change over time; and causing, during an acclimatization phase, the hearing device to adjust user control settings from the start settings to the target settings according to the configuration.