Self-Fitting Hearing Device Using Empirical Audiogram Templates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fitting hearing devices require professional assistance and specialized equipment, making them complex, time-consuming, and inaccessible to users without audiometric expertise or resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to adjust hearing devices using a limited number of parameters, obtaining a gain model independent of their audiogram values, through a user-friendly interface and pre-defined empirical audiograms, enabling self-fitting without external help or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional audiogram-based fitting methods are used, then accurate hearing device adjustment is achieved, but professional assistance and specialized equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-defined empirical audiograms as templates or copies of typical hearing loss patterns. Instead of requiring users to undergo actual audiogram measurements, the system provides standardized audiogram models that represent common hearing impairment scenarios. Users can select from these pre-defined templates, which are stored in the hearing device or accessible via remote device, thereby eliminating the need for professional audiometric equipment while maintaining reasonable fitting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to perform their own hearing device fitting without professional assistance. By providing a simplified interface where users can select from pre-defined audiogram templates and adjust parameters themselves, the system transforms a previously professional-only task into a self-service operation. The hearing device or remote device guides users through the process, allowing them to independently adjust their hearing aids based on their perceived hearing needs.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive audiogram measurements are performed, then precise gain model calculation is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation by pre-calculating and storing multiple audiogram templates representing different hearing loss patterns. These templates are prepared in advance and stored in the hearing device or remote device. During the fitting process, the system does not need to perform time-consuming actual audiogram measurements, but rather selects from the pre-prepared templates, dramatically reducing the time required while maintaining gain model accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex audiogram measurement process into a simplified parameter selection process. Instead of measuring multiple frequency points and calculating gain models in real-time, the system changes the approach to selecting from pre-defined parameter sets that represent different hearing loss scenarios. This parameter change approach reduces the fitting procedure from potentially hours to minutes while maintaining sufficient accuracy for most users.
3Reliability
If professional fitting procedures are used, then optimal hearing device performance is achieved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex audiogram measurement and analysis functions from the hearing device itself, moving them to pre-defined templates stored in the device or accessible remotely. By taking out the need for real-time audiometric processing, the system maintains reliable hearing device performance while significantly reducing the computational complexity and resource requirements of the fitting procedure. The heavy lifting of audiogram interpretation is done in advance through the pre-defined templates.
4Adaptability or versatility
If actual audiogram values are used, then personalized fitting is achieved, but storage and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-defined empirical audiogram templates that represent typical hearing loss patterns rather than storing complete actual audiogram data for every user. This partial approach provides sufficient personalization for most users by matching their perceived hearing needs to representative templates, while requiring minimal storage space. The system accepts that it cannot capture every nuance of individual hearing loss but provides adequate personalization through the templates.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The method for adjusting a hearing device (11) to the hearing preferences of a user of the hearing device comprises a) adjusting at least one of N parameters (P1, P2), preferably with 2 = N = 4; b) obtaining a gain model (G), which is identical with the output of a fitting rationale (F) applied to a model audiogram (A), wherein the model audiogram dependes on the N parameters and is independent of possibly existing audiogram values measured for the user; and c) using the gain model (G) or a gain model derived therefrom in said hearing device (11). Preferably, the model audiogram (A) is an approximation to an audiogram occuring in a pre-defined empirical sample of individual audiograms. The user preferably carries out the method by himself and without external equipment. A corresponding arrangement (1) is disclosed, too. A simple and efficient hearing device fitting can be achieved.