Hearing Loss Estimation Using Threshold-to-Comfortable-Level Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing tests are sensitive to calibration of the electro-acoustical output, language dependent, time-consuming, and affected by background noise, making them complex and less effective for online, self-administered assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method using the difference between the Most-Comfortable-Level (MCL) and the sound threshold to estimate hearing loss, independent of sound output calibration, where a software application prompts the user to adjust a test signal to comfortable and barely audible levels, calculating the Threshold-to-Comfortable-Level Range (TCLR) to determine hearing loss without requiring precise calibration or internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pure tone tests with progressive level increase are used to establish hearing thresholds, then measurement precision of hearing loss is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from absolute threshold level to the difference between MCL and threshold (TCLR). This parameter transformation eliminates the need for absolute calibration while preserving the ability to detect hearing loss, as the relationship between TCLR and hearing threshold is consistent across different calibration levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by having the user adjust the signal to their own perceived comfortable level and threshold. The user's own hearing characteristics serve as the reference, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or procedures.
2Measurement precision
If intelligibility tests with speech and noise interference are used to estimate hearing loss, then measurement precision for real-world hearing ability is improved, but test duration and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex intelligibility test into simpler components by using pure tones at different levels rather than full speech sentences. This segmentation maintains the essential measurement principle (detecting audible levels) while dramatically reducing test complexity and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified version of the intelligibility test principle - instead of using full speech sentences with noise interference, it uses pure tones at calibrated levels. This partial action approach captures the essential hearing threshold information needed for hearing loss estimation without the full complexity of speech intelligibility testing.
3Measurement precision
If intelligibility tests requiring visual display and word selection are used, then measurement precision of speech understanding is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of presenting speech and asking the user to select words (complex feedback), the patent inverts the approach by presenting tones and asking the user to indicate when they are audible (simple feedback). This inversion maintains measurement validity while dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If tests sensitive to background noise levels are used to assess hearing loss, then measurement precision in controlled environments is improved, but reliability in real-world conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of background noise into a beneficial feature by using the user's own MCL as the reference point. Since MCL is determined in the actual listening environment, any background noise is already accounted for in the user's perceived comfortable level, making the TCLR measurement inherently compensated for environmental conditions.
5Measurement precision
If language-dependent intelligibility tests are used to estimate hearing loss, then measurement precision for language-specific hearing ability is improved, but adaptability to different languages and regions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hearing test that works across all languages and cultures by using pure tones instead of speech. The test measures basic hearing threshold and MCL, which are physiological responses independent of language, making the test universally applicable while still providing meaningful hearing loss estimation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing test system comprising an computerized device (100) having an electro-acoustical output transducer (104) and a graphical user interface (102) and further being adapted to estimate a hearing loss of an individual test person. The invention also relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium carrying instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause a hearing loss of an individual test person to be estimated and a method of estimating a hearing loss.