Hearing Evaluation Using Spectro-Temporal Modulation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing device fitting methods rely on subjective feedback and pure-tone audiometry, which are insufficient for accurately determining individual hearing loss and residual hearing, leading to variable benefits even among users with similar hearing profiles.
Innovation Solution
A hearing evaluation system that presents spectro-temporally modulated audio signals, adjusting modulation depth to determine modulation detection thresholds, which correspond to a user's hearing capability, allowing for more precise estimation of spectral sensitivity and hearing thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pure-tone audiometry and subjective feedback are used for hearing device fitting, then the fitting process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision of hearing loss and residual hearing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from simple pure-tone threshold detection to modulation detection threshold measurement. By using spectro-temporally modulated audio signals with varying modulation depths, the system achieves more precise measurement of hearing capabilities, particularly for hidden hearing loss that cannot be detected by traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectro-temporally modulated audio signals as an intermediary tool between the hearing device and the user's auditory system. These specialized test signals with controlled spectral and temporal modulations serve as mediators to elicit and measure specific auditory responses, enabling more accurate assessment of hearing capabilities.
2Loss of information
If traditional hearing profiles are used for fitting, then the fitting process is straightforward, but the information completeness about individual hearing loss is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hearing evaluation into multiple distinct measurements: modulation detection thresholds at different frequencies, spectral sensitivity measurements, and temporal modulation measurements. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of different hearing capabilities, capturing information that a single traditional audiogram would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of modulation detection thresholds and spectral sensitivity before final hearing device fitting. These preliminary actions provide a more complete baseline of hearing capabilities, enabling more informed and accurate fitting decisions.
3Reliability
If subjective feedback from users is relied upon, then the evaluation method is easy to implement, but the reliability of hearing capability assessment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a structured feedback mechanism where users respond to modulated audio signals with known characteristics. The system presents signals with specific modulation depths and frequencies, and user detection responses provide objective feedback about hearing thresholds. This feedback loop enables reliable assessment while maintaining user involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the subjective feedback process by changing the stimulus parameters from simple pure tones to spectro-temporally modulated signals. This parameter change allows the system to probe different aspects of hearing capability systematically, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated signal presentation and threshold determination.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system includes a memory storing instructions and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions to present a spectro-temporally modulated audio signal to a user. The spectro-temporally modulated audio signal may be modulated within both a frequency domain and a time domain. The processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to adjust a modulation depth of the spectro-temporally modulated audio signal while the spectro-temporally modulated audio signal is being presented to the user, determine, during the adjusting of the modulation depth, a modulation detection threshold that corresponds to a minimum modulation depth at which the user is able to perceive modulation of the spectro-temporally modulated audio signal, and determine, based on the modulation detection threshold, a hearing capability of the user.