Hearing Device Wireless Network Location Sound Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing devices require user intervention to adjust sound processing based on environmental changes, which can be challenging for individuals with physical limitations or stigmatization, and rely on constant sound input for effective environment classification.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device that uses a wireless radio receiver unit to determine its location through information from a wireless network, allowing it to automatically establish and maintain a sound processing profile without user intervention, using network identification or adaptive systems to interpret location-specific information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If environment classification is based on acoustical sound input, then the hearing device can determine the environment, but it requires constant varying sound and large processing power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless network information as an intermediary data source to supplement acoustic environment classification. The processing unit combines acoustic data with wireless network data (such as location information, network type, or pre-stored location profiles) to determine the environment, reducing reliance on constant acoustic analysis and thereby lowering processing power requirements while maintaining or improving determination accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-set programs are changed to optimize sound processing, then sound processing is optimized for given situations, but user intervention is required which not all users can do
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device automatically selects and applies appropriate pre-set programs based on environmental information obtained from wireless networks without requiring user intervention. The processing unit receives wireless network information, determines the current environment or location, and autonomously configures the sound processing parameters, enabling the device to serve itself in adapting to different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from wireless network information (such as location data, network identifiers, or signal characteristics) to automatically adjust sound processing settings. This feedback loop allows the device to continuously adapt to changing environments based on external information sources, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment while maintaining optimal performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extra electronic device such as mobile phone is used for communicating with hearing device, then improved sound processing can be obtained, but user has to carry and use mobile phone which increases complexity and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device integrates multiple functions into a single unit by incorporating a wireless radio receiver that can directly communicate with wireless networks. This eliminates the need for a separate mobile phone device, as the hearing device itself performs both the hearing compensation function and the environmental information acquisition function, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining improved sound processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device includes: a microphone for converting an audio input signal into a microphone output signal; a processing unit configured to provide a processed output signal based on the microphone output signal for compensating a hearing loss of a user; a receiver connected to the processing unit for converting the processed output signal into an audio output signal; and a wireless radio receiver unit connected to the processing unit for receiving information from a wireless network; wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a location of the wireless network based on the information received from the wireless network; wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a sound processing profile based on the determined location of the wireless network; and wherein the processing unit is configured to provide the processed output signal based on the determined sound processing profile.