Hearing Prosthesis Distraction Remediation Testing
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for addressing distracting sounds during hearing prosthesis testing are unsatisfactory, relying on costly third-party testing and skilled professionals, and are not integrated into the hearing prosthesis system, making them unreliable and limited to clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A hearing prosthesis system that operates in a testing-assistance mode to selectively remediate distracting sounds by delivering test stimulation and concurrent remediation signals, reducing the impact of ambient noise and residual hearing on the testing process, allowing for integrated and reliable testing in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional third-party testing solutions are used to address distracting sounds during hearing prosthesis testing, then testing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring additional equipment and skilled professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the testing function and distracting sound remediation function into a single integrated hearing prosthesis system. The processor within the hearing prosthesis itself performs both test stimulation delivery and distracting sound detection/remediation, eliminating the need for separate third-party testing equipment and professionals.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing prosthesis performs self-testing with self-remediation capabilities. The device autonomously detects distracting sounds during testing and applies remediation stimulation through its own speaker, without requiring external intervention or additional testing equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional third-party testing solutions are used to address distracting sounds, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring skilled professionals and clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing prosthesis autonomously performs testing and remediation without requiring skilled professionals. The processor automatically detects distracting sounds and applies appropriate remediation stimulation, making the testing process accessible to users in non-clinical settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing prosthesis is designed to perform multiple functions: normal hearing assistance, test stimulation delivery, distracting sound detection, and remediation stimulation. This multi-functionality enables accurate testing in diverse environments without requiring specialized equipment or expertise.
3Ease of operation
If integrated testing mode is implemented within the hearing prosthesis, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to adding testing-assistance mode functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing prosthesis integrates multiple functions including normal operation mode and testing-assistance mode within a single device. The processor handles both standard hearing assistance tasks and testing functions, making the device more versatile without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing functionality is merged into the existing hearing prosthesis structure. The speaker and processor used for normal operation are also utilized for test stimulation delivery and distracting sound remediation, avoiding the need for additional components.
4Measurement precision
If distracting sound remediation is applied during testing, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to concurrent test stimulation and remediation stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The test stimulation and remediation stimulation are delivered through the same speaker component, consolidating energy consumption into a single output device. The processor manages both stimulation types efficiently, reducing overall system energy requirements compared to using separate equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are integrated techniques to address the perception of distracting sounds by a recipient's residual hearing during testing of a hearing prosthesis. More specifically, in accordance with embodiments presented herein, a first hearing prosthesis located at a first ear of a recipient is configured to selectively operate in a testing-assistance mode in order to support or supplement the testing of testing of the first hearing prosthesis or a second hearing prosthesis located at a second ear of the recipient.