Hearing Device In-Situ Audiometry and Tympanometric Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting hearing devices do not accurately determine the sound conduction auditory threshold, leading to potential distortion in measured auditory thresholds and inadequate differentiation between sound conduction and sensorineural hearing impairments.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses in-situ audiometry and tympanometric measurements to adjust hearing devices by measuring the acoustic impedance of the user's auditory canal, allowing for automatic correction of the device's setting to ensure better sound conduction and fit, incorporating a microphone to receive sound from the auditory canal and using a test tone to assess ear-drum compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-situ audiometry is performed without tympanometric measurement, then the adjustment process is simpler and faster, but the sound conduction auditory threshold cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines in-situ audiometry with tympanometric measurement into a unified adjustment process. The hearing device integrates both measurement functions, allowing simultaneous acquisition of auditory threshold data and acoustic impedance data, thereby achieving accurate sound conduction assessment without requiring separate measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a hearing aid and a diagnostic tool. The device can conduct in-situ audiometry, tympanometric measurement, and provide hearing assistance simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and simplifying the overall process.
2Reliability
If the hearing device is adjusted without considering acoustic impedance, then the adjustment process is faster, but the fit and sound conduction are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs tympanometric measurement before finalizing the hearing device adjustment. By assessing acoustic impedance and ear canal characteristics in advance, the system can pre-calculate optimal settings for amplification and sound conduction, ensuring reliable fit and sound transmission without requiring time-consuming trial-and-error adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device uses real-time feedback from acoustic impedance measurements to automatically adjust its settings. The system continuously monitors the acoustic environment and ear canal characteristics, dynamically modifying amplification parameters to optimize sound conduction and fit, thereby improving reliability without significant time loss.
3Measurement precision
If audiogram measurement is performed in the plane of the hearing device, then the measurement process is simpler, but frequency-dependent deviation distorts the measured auditory threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic impedance measurement as an intermediary step between the hearing device output and the auditory threshold assessment. By measuring the acoustic impedance of the ear canal and middle ear system, the system can compensate for frequency-dependent deviations and calculate accurate auditory thresholds even when measurements are taken in the plane of the hearing device.
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
This approach enables a more precise adjustment of hearing devices, considering sound conduction and ear anatomy, improving the fit and functionality, particularly by distinguishing between sound conduction and sensorineural impairments, and allowing for frequency-dependent amplification corrections.
Implementation Method 1
in-situ measurements of the acoustic impedance of the hearing system of the user including at least a part of the auditory canal of the user with a tympanometric method
Implementation Method 2
the test tone is output via the receiver of the hearing device and increased in terms of level until the tone is perceived by the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
The adjustment of a hearing device is to be improved and configured in a more user-friendly fashion. To this end, a method is proposed whereby the hearing device is set individually to the user and is inserted at least partially into the auditory canal of the user. Finally an in-situ measurement of the acoustic impedance of the auditory system of the user including at least part of the auditory canal of the user is implemented with a tympanometric method. An automatic correction of the individual setting of the hearing device can take place on the basis of the results of the in-situ measurement.