Hearing Device Vent Click Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with active vents often produce uncomfortable clicking sounds when the vent is opened or closed due to rapid pressure changes, which can direct attention to occlusion issues and compromise sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a vent valve device that is electrically controlled to open or close, using a signal processor to generate and output a phase-inverted audio signal to cancel out the sound emitted by the vent valve movement, ensuring that the net air pressure change is zero, thus eliminating the clicking sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vent valve device is rapidly opened or closed to change vent state, then the response speed is improved, but clicking sounds are generated due to rapid pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by generating a phase-inverted audio signal before and during the vent valve transition. The signal processor detects the vent state change and immediately outputs a compensating signal that pre-counteracts the pressure change, thereby canceling the clicking sound before it fully manifests. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining rapid valve response while eliminating the harmful acoustic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful clicking sound into a benefit by capturing the actual vent click audio, inverting its phase, and using it as a compensation signal. The harmful pressure wave that causes the click is transformed into a useful counter-signal that actively cancels the click, turning the problem into its own solution.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the vent is kept closed to improve sound quality and reduce occlusion, then sound quality is improved, but moisture buildup and discomfort occur in the ear canal
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the vent state adjustable and time-dependent rather than fixed. The vent can dynamically transition between closed and open states based on user needs, allowing the system to optimize for sound quality during music playback while opening for comfort during conversations or extended wear, preventing moisture buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by implementing automatic vent opening at scheduled intervals regardless of current state. This periodic ventilation prevents moisture and heat buildup in the ear canal while maintaining closed-state benefits for sound quality during active listening periods, creating a balanced operational pattern.
3Ease of operation
If the vent is opened to reduce occlusion and improve comfort, then user comfort is improved, but low-frequency reproduction and directionality performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by enabling real-time vent state changes based on usage context. The vent can be opened to improve comfort during conversations or hot conditions, then closed when music playback resumes to restore low-frequency response and directionality, allowing the system to adapt to changing user needs without permanent compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by controlling the vent opening degree rather than just binary open/closed states. The vent valve device can adjust to partial opening positions, allowing optimization of the balance between comfort (moisture ventilation) and sound quality (low-frequency response), providing a continuous range of operational parameters.
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
The phase-inverted signal effectively compensates for the vent click, providing a seamless transition between open and closed states without noticeable sound disruption, enhancing user comfort and sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
the signal processor is configured to access the predetermined audio signal in the memory and output a phase-inverted version of the predetermined audio signal to the receiver substantially at the same time as the vent valve device is manipulated
Implementation Method 2
configured to obtain a predetermined audio signal representing a sound emitted by the vent when the vent valve device is manipulated between the first position and the second position... output a phase-inverted version of the predetermined audio signal... ensuring that the net air pressure change is zero, thus eliminating the clicking sound
Data Source
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AI summary
A hearing device has an ear plug for insertion into an ear canal of a user of the hearing device. The ear plug comprises a vent having a vent valve device configured to open or close the vent. The hearing device is configured to obtain a predetermined audio signal representing a sound emitted by the vent when the vent valve device is being manipulated. Furthermore, the signal processor is configured to output a phase-inverted version of the predetermined audio signal to the receiver substantially at the same time as the vent valve device is manipulated, thus cancelling out the sound of the vent. The predetermined audio signal may be obtained during manufacture of the hearing device or it may be picked up by an in-the-ear microphone, e.g. during fitting of the hearing device. In this way, the unpleasant sound of a vent being opened or closed while the hearing device is worn by a user is reduced or eliminated.