Simplified User Interface for Hearing Prosthesis Channel Profile Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing prostheses, such as cochlear implants, require complex fitting procedures that often necessitate professional expertise, limiting accessibility for individuals who need to adjust their hearing settings independently or in areas with a shortage of trained audiologists.
Innovation Solution
A simplified user interface for hearing prostheses that allows users to configure and adjust channel profiles using intuitive controllers, such as sliders or buttons, enabling changes to be reflected in both simplified and complex user interfaces, with automatic determination of channel profiles based on estimated equal loudness contours and power consumption, and safety features to prevent sudden loudness increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sophisticated fitting procedure with multiple control parameters is used, then the control and flexibility over hearing prosthesis fitting parameters is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface by providing two distinct modes: a simplified user interface with limited controls for basic adjustments, and a sophisticated user interface with full controls for detailed fitting parameters. This segmentation allows different users to access appropriate complexity levels without being overwhelmed by unnecessary controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically translates simple user inputs into appropriate complex parameter adjustments. When a user adjusts a single parameter in simplified mode, the system automatically adjusts related parameters to maintain optimal fitting, acting as an intelligent mediator between simple input and complex system requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sophisticated fitting procedure with multiple control parameters is used, then the control and flexibility over hearing prosthesis fitting parameters is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct interfaces: a simplified interface for ease of operation that provides basic controls, and a sophisticated interface for expert users who need detailed parameter control. This segmentation ensures that ease of operation is maintained for general users while preserving full control capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified interface enables users to perform basic fitting adjustments independently without requiring professional expertise. The system automatically handles the complex computations and parameter interrelationships, allowing users to service and adjust their own devices within safe parameters.
3Ease of operation
If automatic determination of channel profiles is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic determination of channel profiles based on equal loudness contours and power consumption considerations. This preliminary configuration provides a scientifically optimized starting point that balances ease of operation with precision, which can then be fine-tuned if needed using the sophisticated interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to evaluate the automatically determined channel profiles and make adjustments if the precision does not meet their needs. This feedback loop ensures that automatic determination serves as a helpful starting point rather than a rigid constraint on precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses systems and methods for displaying and operating a user interface having one or more channel group controllers corresponding to one or more groups of hearing prosthesis channels. The hearing prosthesis may be configured to generate a plurality of signals via a plurality of channels based on a channel profile. The channel profile may define at least one intensity level for each channel. In operation, the user interface may be configured to instruct the hearing prosthesis to change the channel profile of the plurality of channels in response to receiving an input via one of the channel group controllers. The user interface may be used to fit a hearing prosthesis to a recipient. In one embodiment, an initial channel profile may be automatically determined, and the prosthesis channel profile may be adjusted by changing a representative intensity level corresponding to the channel profile.