Hearing Device Real-Time Audio Feedback for DSP Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of hearing devices face difficulty in understanding and adjusting digital signal processing settings due to lack of clear feedback, as they struggle to perceive the effects of sound processing without appropriate environmental noise or consistent vocabulary.
Innovation Solution
A hearing system that provides real-time audio feedback by generating a secondary audio output signal when users change settings, using sonification to convey the effects of adjustments through non-speech audio, allowing users to evaluate and select optimal settings effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If digital signal processing settings are adjusted in hearing devices, then audio quality can be improved, but users cannot clearly perceive the effects of adjustments without appropriate environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hearing device generates an audio output signal that plays back through the device itself, allowing users to hear the actual effect of DSP setting adjustments. The system detects user input for setting changes, processes the input signal through the modified DSP settings, and outputs the result through the receiver, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enables clear perception of setting effects regardless of environmental noise conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing path that takes the input signal, applies the DSP settings, and outputs it through the hearing device's own receiver. This intermediary pathway allows users to evaluate settings through the device itself rather than relying on external environmental sounds, effectively mediating the evaluation process independent of environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If environmental noise is present to demonstrate sound processing effects, then users can perceive the differences, but the environment is not always noisy or appropriate for demonstration
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device performs self-evaluation by processing its own input signal through the DSP settings and outputting it through its own receiver. The device serves itself as both the test subject and the evaluation medium, generating the audio output signal internally without requiring external environmental noise. This self-service approach allows setting evaluation in any environmental condition.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on external environmental noise to demonstrate DSP effects, the patent inverts the approach by using the hearing device's own signal processing chain to generate the demonstration signal. The system processes an input signal through the DSP settings and outputs it through the receiver, turning the device's own processing capabilities into the demonstration medium rather than depending on external conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users adjust settings without clear feedback, then they can try different configurations, but they lack confidence that the feature is actually effective
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate audio feedback by outputting the processed signal through the hearing device's receiver. When users adjust DSP settings, they can directly hear the effect through the feedback loop, which builds confidence that the settings are having the intended effect. The feedback mechanism transforms abstract setting adjustments into perceptible audio differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to preview the effects of setting adjustments before finalizing them. By providing real-time audio feedback as settings are changed, users can evaluate the effectiveness of different configurations and make informed decisions about which settings to adopt, ensuring reliable feature effectiveness before commitment.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing system includes a hearing device, the hearing device comprising: an input module for providing a first input signal, the input module comprising a first microphone; a processor for processing the first input signal and providing a processor output signal based on the first input signal; and a receiver for providing an audio output signal based on the processor output signal; wherein the hearing system is configured to obtain a user input indicative of a change from a first primary setting to a first secondary setting of the hearing device, and wherein the hearing device, upon a detection of the change from the first primary setting to the first secondary setting, is configured to output a secondary audio output signal according to the first secondary setting.