Hearing Device Volume Adjustment via Individual Hearing Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices lack precise and comfortable volume adjustment capabilities, as the same volume change can result in different subjective hearing sensations for individuals with varying hearing abilities, leading to insensitive or hypersensitive hearing experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize input and output transducers, a processing unit, and adjustable parameters tailored to individual hearing characteristics, allowing for precise adjustments by adapting process parameters based on user-specific data and control signals, particularly through frequency-dependent processing and user-friendly control interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same volume change is applied to all users, then the adjustment mechanism is simple and universal, but the hearing sensation varies significantly among individuals with different hearing abilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing frequency-dependent adjustment parameters that are tailored to specific frequency ranges where individual users have different hearing sensitivities. Each frequency band can be adjusted independently based on the user's specific hearing characteristics, allowing precise local optimization without requiring complete redesign of the entire adjustment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by storing multiple sets of adjustment parameters in memory, each set optimized for different frequency ranges and hearing conditions. The system dynamically selects and applies appropriate parameter sets based on the user's hearing profile, enabling adaptive adjustment while maintaining a unified hardware architecture.
2Measurement precision
If individualized adjustment parameters are implemented, then precise and comfortable adjustments are achieved, but storage and computing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment parameters into multiple frequency bands (e.g., low, mid, high frequencies), with each band having its own optimized parameter set. This segmentation allows the system to store and process only the essential parameters for each frequency range, reducing overall storage requirements while maintaining precision in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by providing a standardized set of adjustment parameters that cover the majority of common hearing conditions, with optional additional parameters for specialized cases. This approach achieves sufficient precision for most users without requiring extensive storage capacity for every possible hearing profile.
3Ease of operation
If frequency-dependent processing is implemented, then precise control over hearing perception is achieved, but device complexity and processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimized adjustment parameters for different frequency bands and hearing conditions during device manufacturing or initial setup. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during operation, reducing processing requirements while maintaining ease of use through automatic parameter application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the user's hearing response and automatically adjust the frequency-dependent parameters to optimize perception. This feedback loop simplifies operation for the user while managing processing complexity through adaptive rather than purely algorithmic adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention is related to the adjusting of a hearing device (1) to the hearing preferences of a user of said hearing (1). The hearing device (1) comprises an input transducer (20) for providing an electrical signal that corresponds to an acoustical input signal, a processing unit (10) for processing the electrical signal according to a set of process parameters (G1,..., Gn) to provide an intermediate signal, and an output transducer (30) for providing an output signal to the user of said hearing device (1), wherein the output signal corresponds to the intermediate signal. The method comprises the step of providing a set of adjustment parameters (A1,..., Am), which, at least partly, represents an individual hearing characteristic of the user of said hearing device (1) and the further step of adapting the set of process parameters (G1,...,Gn) as a function of an adjustment control signal (ACS) and the set of adjustment parameters (A1,..., Am).