Hearing Device Self-Fitting via Hearing Loss Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fitting hearing devices to user preferences require professional assistance and external equipment, making them cumbersome, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, especially when precise audiograms need to be determined for individual hearing losses.
Innovation Solution
A method that classifies hearing loss into pre-defined classes, allowing users to adjust their hearing devices using test sounds and user input, eliminating the need for external computers and professional intervention by simplifying the process through pre-defined gain models stored in the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise audiogram determination is performed for individual hearing loss, then hearing device fitting accuracy is improved, but fitting time and professional assistance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous hearing loss spectrum into discrete pre-defined classes (e.g., 5 classes from mild to severe). Instead of determining precise individual audiograms, the system classifies users into these categories and applies corresponding gain models. This segmentation maintains sufficient fitting accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and expertise required, as users can self-classify based on simple hearing ability questions rather than undergoing professional audiometric testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter from continuous precise hearing threshold measurements to discrete class-based classification. By transforming the fitting approach from measuring exact decibel thresholds across multiple frequencies to selecting from pre-defined hearing loss classes, the system achieves a practical balance between accuracy and efficiency. Each class has associated gain models that provide appropriate amplification without requiring precise individual measurement.
2Measurement precision
If professional audiologists perform fitting procedures with external computers, then fitting accuracy is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform their own fitting by self-classifying into hearing loss categories through simple interactions with the device. The hearing device itself provides the classification interface and stores multiple gain models corresponding to different hearing loss classes. Users select their appropriate class based on their hearing ability, and the device automatically applies the corresponding gain model. This eliminates the need for external computers and professional audiologists, making the fitting process accessible to all users regardless of location or available resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the hearing device universally applicable to users with various hearing loss types by incorporating multiple pre-defined gain models for different hearing loss classes within the device itself. The device functions both as a hearing aid and as a fitting system, eliminating the need for separate professional equipment. This multi-functionality allows any user with any hearing loss class to be fitted using the same device without requiring external specialized equipment or professional expertise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-defined hearing loss classes are used, then adaptability to different users is improved, but storage requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a moderate number of pre-defined hearing loss classes (e.g., 5 classes) that covers the majority of hearing loss scenarios without being exhaustive. This partial approach provides sufficient adaptability for most users while avoiding the storage and processing burden of covering every possible hearing loss configuration. The selected number of classes represents an optimal balance between versatility and resource consumption, capturing the essential variations in hearing loss patterns without unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The method for adjusting a hearing device (10) to the hearing preferences of a user of said hearing device comprises the steps of a) classifying a hearing loss of said user according to one of N pre-defined hearing loss classes (71), wherein N = 3; b) obtaining, in dependence of said one hearing loss class, a gain model (73). The hearing system (1) according to the invention comprises - a sound generating unit (32) for generating test sounds; - a user interface (50) for receiving user input from a user of said hearing system; - a control unit (60) operationally connected to said sound generating unit and to said user interface; wherein said control unit (60) is adapted to classifying a hearing loss of said user - in dependence of said test sounds and said user input - according to one of N pre-defined hearing loss classes (71), wherein N = 3; and said control unit (60) is adapted to obtaining - in dependence of said one hearing loss class - a gain model. A simplified hearing device fitting can be achieved.