Hearing Device Acoustic Path Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear-level electronic systems, such as hearing aids, struggle to effectively detect and diagnose anomalies, including otoscopic conditions, within the ear canal and eardrum, which can affect device performance and user health.
Innovation Solution
A self-check mechanism is initiated via an audio processor circuit in a hearing device, measuring transfer functions of feedback paths between the receiver and both outward and inward-facing microphones. Anomaly detection algorithms analyze these transfer functions to predict otoscopic conditions, with indications presented via a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transfer function measurement and anomaly detection algorithms are implemented, then otoscopic condition detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device performs multiple functions using existing components: the receiver and microphones serve both their original audio functions and the new feedback path measurement function for otoscopic condition detection. The audio processor circuit is reused to measure transfer functions and detect anomalies, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures feedback paths between the receiver and microphones to detect otoscopic conditions. By analyzing the transfer functions of these feedback paths, the device can identify anomalies in the ear canal or eardrum without requiring direct visual inspection hardware.
2Measurement precision
If self-check mechanism with multiple microphones is used, then anomaly detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing microphones in the hearing device are configured to serve dual purposes: their original function for capturing ambient sound and the additional function of measuring feedback paths for anomaly detection. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement microphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separately measures transfer functions of different feedback paths (first feedback path with outward facing microphones, second feedback path with inward facing microphones) and analyzes them independently to detect different types of anomalies, improving detection accuracy through segmented 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 solution enables the hearing device to accurately detect anomalies and predict otoscopic conditions, improving device performance and user health by providing timely indications and potentially preventing complications.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first transfer function of a first feedback path between a receiver of the hearing device and at least one outward facing microphone of the hearing device. measuring a second transfer function of a second feedback path between the receiver and an inward facing microphone of the hearing device
Data Source
AI summary
A self-check is initiated via an audio processor circuit of a hearing device while located in a user's ear. In response to the self-check, the device measures a first transfer function of a first feedback path between a receiver of the hearing device and at least one outward facing microphone of the hearing device, and measures a second transfer function of a second feedback path between the receiver and an inward facing microphone of the hearing device, An anomaly is determined in at least one of the first transfer function and the second transfer function, and an otoscopic condition of the ear is detected based on the anomaly.