Hearing Device Configuration via Audiogram Image Processing
Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with hearing loss often struggle to understand and interpret audiograms, making it difficult for them to appropriately configure their hearing devices without the assistance of a hearing health professional, and may choose not to use hearing devices despite potential benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system that processes image data from audiograms to produce audiogram data, which is then used to generate configuration settings for hearing devices, taking into account device capabilities and user-specific information such as age and language.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hearing health professional manually configures the hearing device based on the audiogram, then the configuration accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it requires professional intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the hearing device to automatically process the audiogram image and generate configuration data without requiring manual intervention from hearing health professionals. The automated processing component extracts audiogram data and the configuration generation component creates device settings autonomously, eliminating the need for professional configuration while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual configuration process with an automated digital system. Instead of requiring a hearing health professional to manually interpret the audiogram and adjust settings, the system uses image processing algorithms and automated configuration generation to perform the same function electronically, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
2Ease of operation
If the audiogram is processed automatically without professional interpretation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential processing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processed audiogram data and generated configuration settings can be reviewed and validated. The hearing device can communicate with the user to confirm the configuration, and the system can provide feedback on the accuracy of the processed data, allowing for correction of potential errors while maintaining the ease of automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs beforehand cushioning by validating the audiogram image quality and data extraction accuracy before generating the final configuration settings. The system can detect and correct processing errors in advance, ensuring reliable configuration while maintaining automated operation without requiring professional review of each step.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed audiogram data is processed to create precise hearing device configuration, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device incorporates multi-functional capabilities by integrating the audiogram processing and configuration generation functions directly into the device. The same processing components used for other hearing device operations are utilized for audiogram analysis, thereby achieving precise configuration without adding significant complexity, as the system leverages existing multi-functional hardware and software resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing assistance system is disclosed that comprises a hearing assistance device configured to reproduce sounds and to assist a person to hear the sounds, the hearing assistance device including a left hearing assistance device and a right hearing assistance device, and a computing device in communication with the hearing assistance device. The computing device interacts with the hearing assistance device to implement a fitting mode wherein the hearing assistance device is caused to generate fitting sounds usable to evaluate whether the left and right hearing devices are properly fitted into respective left and right ears of the person. The computing device produces a communication indicative of whether the left and right hearing assistance devices are properly fitted into respective left and right ears of the person.