New Hearing Device Programming Through Acoustic Output Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing device users experience a prolonged acclimatization period due to differences in sound output between old and new devices, leading to hesitation in upgrading and sub-optimal first impressions, which complicates the demonstration of new features by hearing care specialists.
Innovation Solution
A method for programming a new hearing device by matching the performance indicators of an old device, using real ear measurements to adjust fitting parameters automatically, ensuring the new device mimics the sound output of the old device, thereby simplifying the transition and reducing the acclimatization period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hearing device settings are copied using fitting software, then the transfer between devices is simplified, but the copy is not complete and requires additional manual management of settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic copying instead of digital copying. A probe microphone captures the actual acoustic output of the source hearing device and transfers this physical sound signal to the target device, automatically capturing all settings including those not accessible through software interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/software-based settings transfer with an acoustic/physical measurement system. By measuring the actual sound output and using objective response measurements, it substitutes manual software configuration with automated acoustic characterization.
2Loss of time
If hearing device settings are copied, then the acclimatization period is reduced, but the acoustical coupling difference between old and new devices cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter being transferred from digital settings values to physical acoustic response characteristics. By measuring objective ear canal responses and acoustic coupling effects, it captures the actual perceptual output rather than theoretical settings, enabling accurate prediction despite hardware differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses objective response measurements from the source device to provide feedback about the actual acoustic output. This feedback loop allows the fitting software to automatically adjust and optimize the target device settings to match the measured performance, compensating for acoustical coupling differences.
3Measurement precision
If extensive real ear measurement training is required for fitting, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the fitting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service fitting by automatically performing real ear measurements and calculations. The fitting software autonomously processes the acoustic data, computes the target device settings, and applies optimizations without requiring the hearing care specialist to perform complex manual measurements or interpretations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual real ear measurement techniques with an automated acoustic measurement system. By using objective response measurements and computer-based processing, it substitutes the skilled manual measurement process with an automated system that achieves comparable or superior precision without requiring extensive training.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for programming a second hearing device (10b) for a user based on a first hearing device (10a) of the user comprises: receiving a first performance indicator (36a) of the first hearing device (10a), which first performance indicator (36a) encodes, how the first hearing device (10a) modifies a test signal (32) by processing the test signal (32) and/or conducting the test signal (32) through at least a part of the first hearing device (10a). The method further comprises programming the second hearing device (10b) by: applying the test signal (32) to the second hearing device (10b), which modifies the test signal (32) into a modified test signal (34b) by processing the sound signal (32) and outputting the processed sound signal with a hearing device loudspeaker (16) and/or by conducting the test signal (32) through at least a part of the second hearing device (10b); acquiring the modified test signal (34b) with a probe microphone (26) and determining a second performance indicator (36b) from the modified test signal (34b); and adapting at least one fitting parameter (20) of the second hearing device (10b) until a difference between the first performance indicator (36b) and second performance indicator (36b) is below a matching threshold.