Hearing Instrument Automatic Mode Switching Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hearing aids face challenges in automatically switching between modes without user satisfaction, as the system may switch to a mode not perceived as an improvement by the user, and there is a lack of efficient methods for users to provide feedback on these changes.

Innovation Solution

A hearing instrument with a user interface that allows users to provide feedback on automatic switching between states, enabling control signals to be generated and received during predetermined input periods, and a signal processor unit that adjusts parameters based on user feedback to optimize switching strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If automatic switching between modes is implemented, then the hearing aid can adapt to different listening environments, but the system may switch to a mode not perceived as an improvement by the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to listening environmentsVSAvoiduser satisfaction with mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where users can provide input about their satisfaction with automatically selected modes. The system monitors user feedback and uses this information to adjust future mode switching decisions, thereby improving reliability and user satisfaction while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual switching between modes is required, then the user has control over mode selection, but it is inconvenient for hearing impaired persons to manually switch between different modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mode switchingVSAvoiduser control over mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting modes based on environmental conditions without requiring manual user input. The hearing aid monitors the listening environment and autonomously switches between modes, making the system easy to operate while maintaining adaptability through environmental sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines automatic mode selection with feedback mechanisms that allow users to indicate satisfaction or dissatisfaction with selected modes. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from user preferences and improve future automatic selections, preserving user control without requiring manual switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If soft-switching between modes is used, then sudden disturbing changes in sound quality are avoided, but the user cannot quickly evaluate or provide feedback on the mode change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth transition between modesVSAvoidtime for user evaluation and feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by enabling user feedback only during specific input periods following mode transitions. During these defined time windows, users can provide feedback on the mode change. This approach maintains smooth soft-switching transitions while creating structured opportunities for user evaluation and feedback without requiring continuous user attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 users to evaluate and influence automatic mode switching, preventing undesired operations and improving user satisfaction by allowing feedback during normal use, thus optimizing the switching strategy based on user preferences.

Implementation Method 1

a microphone for converting an audio signal into an input signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic energy conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a loudspeaker for conversion of an electrical signal into sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS8165329B2Hearing instrument with user interface

Publication Date: 2012.04.24 GN HEARING AS

AI summary

A hearing instrument includes a microphone for converting sound into an electric audio signal, a signal processor unit coupled to the microphone, the signal processor unit configured for operating in a plurality of states that include at least a first state and a second state, wherein the signal processor unit is configured for automatically switching at least between the first state and the second state according to a switching strategy, a speaker coupled to the signal processor unit, and a user interface that is configured to receive a user feedback regarding an automatic switching between the first state and the second state, wherein the user interface is communicatively connected to the signal processor unit and is configured to provide at least one control signal to the signal processor unit in response to the user feedback, wherein the signal processor unit is configured to receive the control signal in a predetermined input period upon the automatic switching between the first state and the second state.