Hearing Device Self-Test Measurement Bridge Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective and reliable automatic self-testing mechanisms in hearing devices to ensure proper functioning and correct placement, especially in scenarios where a hearing specialist is not present for remote fitting or self-fitting.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a built-in measurement bridge circuit connected in parallel with the amplifier, capable of supplying DC or AC to the receiver and measuring voltage, which detects fault conditions such as incorrect connection, receiver type, and obstructions like earwax, using reference data stored in non-volatile memory for impedance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hearing device is designed for remote fitting or self-fitting without a specialist present, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but the ability to ensure proper device functioning and correct placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device performs automatic self-testing of its own components (amplifier, receiver, acoustic path) without requiring external testing equipment or specialist intervention. The device independently measures electrical and acoustic parameters to verify proper functioning and correct placement in the ear canal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where test results are communicated to the user or remote specialist, enabling real-time verification of device status. The system provides feedback on amplifier output, receiver impedance, and acoustic path conditions to determine whether fitting is successful.
2Measurement precision
If traditional manual testing by a specialist is used, then accurate device verification is achieved, but the need for specialist presence and multiple visits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with automated electrical and acoustic measurements performed by integrated circuitry within the hearing device itself. This substitution eliminates the need for physical specialist intervention while maintaining measurement precision through electronic sensing and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-testing functionality is integrated into the hearing device so that verification occurs automatically during or immediately after fitting, eliminating the need for subsequent specialist visits for verification. The device performs preliminary checks of all critical components before the user leaves the fitting location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-fitting is enabled for user convenience, then accessibility is improved, but the ability to detect placement errors and faults deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device incorporates multiple testing functions within a single integrated system, capable of testing electrical components (amplifier, receiver), acoustic path conditions, and placement correctness. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive fault detection while maintaining ease of self-fitting for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary measurement signals (electrical test signals, acoustic test tones) that mediate between the user's simple operation and the complex internal device verification. These intermediary signals enable the device to detect faults and placement errors without requiring the user to understand complex diagnostic procedures.
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
Enables reliable self-testing to ensure the hearing device is correctly inserted and functioning properly, providing optical or acoustic feedback and disabling settings or functions if faults are detected, thus ensuring accurate fitting and remote support.
Implementation Method 1
capable of supplying DC or AC to the receiver and measuring voltage, which detects fault conditions such as incorrect connection, receiver type, and obstructions like earwax, using reference data stored in non-volatile memory for impedance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Hearing devices capable of performing a self-test as well as a method for automatically testing a hearing device. A hearing device includes a measurement bridge circuit connected to the receiver of the hearing device in parallel with the audio amplifier of the hearing device. A method for self-testing a hearing device includes the steps of i) disabling the audio amplifier connected to the receiver, in particular by putting the amplifier in a high impedance state, ii) applying with a measurement bridge circuit a direct current (DC) and/or an alternating current (AC) to the receiver, iii) measuring with the measurement bridge circuit (5) a voltage at the receiver, and iv) detecting a presence or absence of a fault condition based on the measured voltage.