Hearing Device Adjustment via Objective Feedback Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting hearing devices to individual user needs are insufficient, as calculated pre-adjustments often require fine-tuning and subjective user feedback is not sufficient for objective adjustment of input/output behavior, particularly in complex sound situations like speech in noise.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that utilize a fitting device with a display unit to connect to the hearing device, displaying hearing threshold levels and sound sample characteristics, allowing for adjustment of input/output behavior to ensure predefined sound samples lie above the hearing threshold, with graphical representation and feedback mechanisms to optimize sound perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If calculated pre-adjustments are used based on audiogram, then initial setup is simplified, but fine-tuning is still required to achieve acceptable operation behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically presents sound samples to the user and obtains objective feedback by measuring the output signal of the output transducer. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically determine whether sound samples are audible and adjust the input/output behavior accordingly, eliminating the need for manual fine-tuning while achieving precise adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically analyzing the measured output signals and modifying the input/output behavior without requiring audiologist intervention for fine-tuning. The hearing device independently optimizes its settings based on objective measurements of sound sample audibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If subjective user feedback is collected for loudness, timbre and naturalness, then user preferences are captured, but objective control and adjustment of settings cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces subjective user feedback with objective electronic measurements. Instead of relying on user descriptions of loudness, timbre and naturalness, the system uses the output transducer to objectively measure whether sound samples are audible, providing quantifiable data for automatic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The output transducer serves as an intermediary that converts the user's auditory perception into measurable electrical signals. This intermediary enables objective measurement of sound sample audibility without requiring direct subjective input from the user.
3Measurement precision
If multiple parameters of input/output behavior are adjusted manually, then precise control is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic feedback from output signal measurements to determine which parameters need adjustment and by how much. This eliminates time-consuming manual trial-and-error adjustment while maintaining precise control over input/output behavior parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the adjustment process by analyzing measured output signals and modifying parameters independently, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual adjustment while maintaining precision through algorithmic optimization.
4Ease of operation
If assistant programs with question/answer procedures are used, then guidance for different sound situations is provided, but sufficient information cannot be obtained for objective survey and control
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces question/answer procedures with automatic objective measurements. Instead of gathering insufficient subjective information through interviews, the system directly measures the output signal to obtain complete and sufficient objective data for control and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a hearing device (1) to individual needs of a hearing device user includes the steps of operationally connecting the hearing device (1) to a fitting device (5) with a display unit (6), displaying a hearing threshold level (22) of the hearing device user as a function of frequencies on the display unit (6), displaying characteristics of a predefined sound sample (25, 30) on the display unit (6), and adjusting the input/output behavior such that at least a part of the predefined sound sample (25, 30) lies above the hearing threshold level (22) at corresponding frequencies. An arrangement for adjusting a hearing device (1) is also provided.