Hearing Profile Configuration via Ear Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing-assistance devices often require extensive fitting sessions and audiologist input, making the selection process cumbersome and inaccessible for users seeking personalized sound augmentation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a user-specific hearing profile through assessment and image analysis, allowing for the selection and configuration of hearing-assistance devices based on anatomical fit and user preferences, enabling users to choose devices that align with their hearing needs and preferences without requiring extensive professional intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hearing-assistance devices require extensive fitting sessions and audiologist input, then device configuration accuracy is improved, but user accessibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform self-service hearing assessments and device configuration through automated algorithms. Users can complete hearing tests and receive personalized device settings without requiring audiologist intervention, making the process accessible while maintaining configuration accuracy through sophisticated automated analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary hearing assessments and device configuration actions before the user actually needs to use the device. By conducting assessments in advance and pre-configuring devices based on assessment results, the system eliminates the need for extensive on-site fitting sessions while ensuring accurate configuration from the start
2Reliability
If hearing-assistance devices are customized to individual user needs, then device effectiveness is improved, but selection process complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hearing assessment results to automatically determine key parameters such as gain levels, frequency responses, and compression ratios. By translating assessment data into specific device parameters, the system achieves effective customization while keeping the selection process simple for users
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated configuration system as an intermediary between the user and the device settings. This intermediary translates user needs and assessment results into appropriate device configurations, simplifying the selection process while ensuring effective customization without requiring users to understand complex technical parameters
3Measurement precision
If hearing-assistance devices require professional intervention, then configuration accuracy is improved, but time consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical system of manual audiologist assessment and configuration with automated digital algorithms. Machine learning models and automated hearing test algorithms perform the assessment and configuration functions that previously required professional intervention, maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs hearing assessments and device configurations in advance through automated processes. By completing the configuration work before the user receives the device, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming in-person fitting sessions while ensuring accurate configuration through pre-computed settings
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: generating a hearing profile for a user; accessing a set of hearing-assistance device options, each hearing-assistance device option defining a form factor of a hearing-assistance device, in a set of hearing-assistance devices; accessing an image of an ear of the user; detecting a set of constraining dimensions in the image of the ear of the user; identifying a subset of hearing-assistance device options, in the set of hearing-assistance device options, defining form factors conforming to the set of constraining dimensions; accessing a set of preferences of the user; ranking the subset of hearing-assistance device options based on the set of preferences; selecting a first hearing-assistance device option, from the subset of hearing-assistance device options, corresponding to a highest rank in the subset of hearing-assistance device options; and configuring a first hearing-assistance device represented by the first hearing-assistance device option with the hearing profile.