Hearing Device Position Sensor Adjusts Receiver Connector Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern hearing devices face challenges in maintaining optimal sound quality and comfort due to variations in wearer anatomy, as the preset microphone arrangement does not account for individual ear shapes and head positions, leading to impaired speech intelligibility and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A method using a position sensor to determine the actual wearing position of a hearing device and output instructions to adjust the receiver connector length to match a desired position, ensuring proper alignment of the microphone axis with the frontal direction, thereby enhancing sound directivity and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a preset microphone arrangement is used in hearing devices, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the speech intelligibility and sound quality are impaired due to variations in wearer anatomy and head position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the effective spacing between microphones based on detected head position and wearer anatomy. The system dynamically modifies the spacing parameter to optimize speech intelligibility for different wearing conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing precision and variable reliability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamics by making the microphone spacing adjustable rather than fixed. The system adapts the effective spacing in real-time based on head position detection, transforming a static manufacturing parameter into a dynamic operational parameter that maintains reliability across varying conditions
2Reliability
If the hearing device is adjusted to suit individual anatomy, then speech intelligibility and comfort are improved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and requires trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the hearing device to automatically detect head position and determine optimal microphone spacing without user intervention. The system performs the adjustment autonomously based on sensor data, eliminating the need for trained personnel while maintaining improved speech intelligibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses feedback from position sensors to automatically adjust microphone spacing. The system continuously monitors head position and wearer anatomy, then uses this feedback to optimize the effective spacing parameter, creating a closed-loop system that simplifies operation while maintaining high reliability
3Reliability
If the microphone spacing is adjusted for optimal directivity, then speech intelligibility improves, but the device complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the relationship between head position and optimal microphone spacing. The system has adjustment algorithms ready in advance that can be executed immediately when wearing conditions change, eliminating iterative adjustment time while maintaining optimal directivity for speech intelligibility
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 method improves speech intelligibility and wearing comfort by allowing precise adjustment of the hearing device to suit individual anatomy, even for inexperienced users, and simplifies the adjustment process, reducing reliance on trained personnel.
Implementation Method 1
using a position sensor of the hearing device to ascertain a characteristic measure of a current actual wearing position of the hearing device
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device is physically adjusted to suit a hearing device wearer. A position sensor of the hearing device is used to ascertain a characteristic measure of a current actual wearing position of the hearing device. The characteristic measure of the actual wearing position is then taken as a basis for ascertaining a discrepancy between the actual wearing position and a prescribed desired wearing position. On the basis of this discrepancy, an instruction is output to the hearing device wearer to adjust the receiver connector based on the ascertained discrepancy.