Hearing Device Self-Test via Segmented Acoustic Path Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing hearing devices are either crude, require additional accessories that increase production costs, or fail to reliably distinguish between issues with microphone protections and receivers/wax guards due to undefined acoustic paths.
Innovation Solution
A method using an accessory device with a microphone and loudspeaker to generate and record sound signals, allowing for precise positioning of the hearing device to evaluate the acoustic path between the receiver and microphone, and trigger actions based on test results, which can include using a mobile phone or remote control for testing and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a box with defined acoustic path is used for testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing function from a separate physical box and integrates it into the hearing device itself through internal signal generators and microphones. This eliminates the need for external testing boxes while maintaining measurement precision through defined acoustic paths within the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device is designed to perform both its primary function of amplifying sound for hearing-impaired users and a secondary testing function. The same microphone and signal processing components are used for both hearing assistance and self-diagnosis, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment.
2Ease of operation
If internal signal generator is used for testing, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to undefined acoustic path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic path into distinct sections: the microphone protection grille, the receiver output, and the microphone input. By generating test signals at specific locations and measuring attenuation at different points, the system can precisely identify which component is dirty or defective while maintaining ease of operation through automated testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation system that processes the acoustic signals between the receiver and microphone. This intermediary layer analyzes the signal attenuation and identifies the specific component issue, enabling precise measurement while keeping the user interface simple and automated.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic path is completely incorporated into a box, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in distinguishing component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic path into distinct segments (microphone protection, receiver output, microphone input) and tests each segment separately. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precise measurement while providing clear diagnostic information about which specific component is defective, making it easy to understand and operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different test signals or signal characteristics (analogous to color changes) to indicate the status of different components. By varying the test signal properties, the system can clearly distinguish between a dirty microphone protection, a faulty receiver, or a defective microphone, making the diagnostic results easy to interpret for users.
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
Enables exact, reproducible testing of hearing devices, reducing production costs and improving diagnostic accuracy by distinguishing between issues with microphone protections and receivers/wax guards, and providing statistical data for device improvement.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first sound signal by the loudspeaker, recording the first sound signal by the microphone unit
Implementation Method 2
recording the first sound signal by the microphone unit, recording the second sound signal by the microphone
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for testing a hearing device (1, 4) comprising at least one microphone unit (2) and a receiver unit (3) is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of positioning the hearing device (1) at a predefined position in relation to an accessory device (4) comprising a microphone (5) and a loudspeaker (6), generating a first sound signal (7) by the loudspeaker (6), recording the first sound signal (7) by the microphone unit (2), generating a second sound signal (8) by the receiver unit (3), the second sound signal (8) being at least partly dependent on the recorded first sound signal (7), recording the second sound signal (8) by the microphone (5), evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8), and at least triggering further action based on results of evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8) in case the results do not conform to predefined expectation. Furthermore, an arrangement for testing a hearing device (1, 4) is also disclosed.