Hearing Device Psychoacoustic Model Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing device fitting methods are limited by the inability to accurately replicate real-life hearing situations, leading to suboptimal sound output and user satisfaction, as they rely on manual adjustments and data collection only during problem encounters, neglecting positive experiences and non-acoustic factors like user activity and environment.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent hearing device system that uses a psychoacoustic model to learn user preferences by collecting feedback and data on hearing device operation across various environments and activities, adjusting settings in real-time to meet user intentions and enhance sound perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustments and data collection during problem encounters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but user satisfaction and hearing experience quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting procedure complexityVSAvoiduser satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously collects user feedback through the feedback module, which receives input about hearing experiences and device performance. This feedback is processed by the psychoacoustic model to automatically adjust device parameters, creating a closed-loop system that improves user satisfaction without requiring complex manual fitting procedures. The feedback mechanism enables the device to learn and adapt to user preferences over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The hearing device performs self-adjustment of parameters based on the psychoacoustic model and collected feedback data. The processor automatically modifies device settings without requiring manual intervention from audiologists or users, enabling the device to optimize its own performance based on real-world usage conditions and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If psychoacoustic model with continuous data collection is implemented, then user satisfaction improves, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser satisfactionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The psychoacoustic model is pre-configured with initial parameters and rules for processing feedback data. The model structure and data collection framework are established in advance, allowing the system to immediately begin learning and adapting without requiring complex real-time decision-making architecture. This preliminary setup simplifies the overall system complexity while enabling continuous improvement of user satisfaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If data collection is limited to problem encounters, then energy consumption and processing load are reduced, but positive experiences and context information are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidhearing experience data

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback collection mechanism operates continuously throughout device usage, not just during problem states. The system continuously gathers data about user experiences, environmental conditions, and device performance, maintaining an ongoing record of hearing experiences that informs parameter adjustments and improves the psychoacoustic model over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of operation

If manual fitting procedures are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to real-life situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting easeVSAvoidreal-life situation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device transitions from static manual fitting to dynamic automatic adaptation. The psychoacoustic model continuously processes feedback data and adjusts parameters in real-time based on changing environmental conditions and user preferences, enabling the device to adapt to diverse real-life situations while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11343618B2Intelligent, online hearing device performance management

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 SONOVA AG

AI summary

A hearing device with online (real-time) intelligent performance management. The online management component of the hearing device learns a hearing device user's preferences for operation of the hearing device while the user is using the hearing device in every-day life. The online management component learns the user's preferences from the user's perception of the hearing device output in different listening environments and/or during different activities. The users perception include positive/satisfactory responses of the user to the output from the hearing device. The online management component builds up an individualized model for the user based upon the users perceptions whilst encountering different listening environments and/or engaging in different activities. The individualized model is used to control the hearing device to produce an acoustic output for the user.