Hearing Device Transfer Function Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern hearing devices face challenges in automatically adapting their transfer functions to varying acoustic environments, leading to unpredictable and undesirable settings, especially for users who find switching programs cumbersome and difficult to optimize for speech intelligibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that derive input audio signals from the current acoustic environment, classify them into predetermined classes, and adjust sub-functions using activity parameter sets based on class similarity factors, allowing for continuous and robust adaptation of the transfer function, preventing sudden or repetitive changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic program switching is implemented based on acoustic scene classification, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unpredictable and undesirable hearing device settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling continuous, gradual adaptation of transfer function parameters rather than discrete program switching. The hearing device dynamically adjusts parameters based on acoustic environment analysis, allowing smooth transitions that maintain reliability while improving ease of operation. This is achieved through continuous parameter modification based on measured acoustic characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes parameters by modifying transfer function parameters continuously rather than switching between fixed programs. The system analyzes acoustic environment parameters and adjusts hearing device parameters accordingly, creating reliable and predictable adaptations. This parameter-based approach replaces categorical program selection with continuous parameter optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hearing programs are provided for different acoustic environments, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to program switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single, unified parameter adjustment mechanism that handles all acoustic environments. Instead of multiple specialized programs, the system uses a universal parameter adaptation approach that can continuously adjust to any acoustic condition, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces static program structures with dynamic parameter adjustment. The transfer function parameters are continuously modified based on real-time acoustic analysis, eliminating the need for discrete program switching mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while preserving environmental adaptability.
3Productivity
If continuous adaptation of transfer function is implemented, then the productivity is improved through automatic adjustment, but the ease of operation worsens due to potential sudden strong changes annoying the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing smoothing mechanisms that prevent sudden parameter changes. The system prepares gradual transitions in advance, cushioning potential abrupt changes that would annoy users. This allows continuous automatic adjustment while maintaining user comfort through controlled, gradual parameter evolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor parameter changes and adjust the adaptation process accordingly. By providing feedback on the rate and magnitude of parameter changes, the system can prevent annoying sudden transitions while maintaining productive automatic adjustment. The feedback loop ensures user comfort is preserved during continuous adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device has an adjustable transfer function comprising M≧1 sub-functions (M is an integer). A method for operating the hearing device includes deriving input audio signals from a current acoustic environment. For each of the M sub-functions, derive, based on the input audio signals and for each class of N≧2 classes that describe a predetermined acoustic environment, a class similarity factor indicative of the similarity of the current acoustic environment with the predetermined acoustic environment described by the respective class (N is an integer). Derive from N predetermined base parameter sets assigned to the respective sub-function and in dependence of the class similarity factors, an activity parameter set for the respective sub-function. Each of the N base parameter sets assigned to the respective sub-function is assigned to a different class of the N classes. Adjust the respective sub-function by means of the activity parameter set.