On-Board Fitting System for Hearing Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and costly process of configuring hearing prostheses for individual recipients typically requires external equipment and clinical support, limiting accessibility and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A hearing prosthesis with an integrated on-board fitting system and user interface that allows for the configuration of fitting data without external equipment, enabling recipients to initiate and control the fitting process directly through the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external fitting equipment and clinical support are used, then fitting precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fitting system functionality directly into the hearing prosthesis device itself, combining the sound processor, fitting controller, and user interface into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external fitting equipment while maintaining fitting reliability through the device's internal processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing prosthesis performs its own fitting process autonomously using its internal sound processor and fitting controller. The device can self-adjust fitting parameters based on user inputs received through the integrated user interface, eliminating dependence on external clinical equipment and support infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If traditional external fitting equipment is used, then fitting accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables users to perform fitting adjustments themselves through the integrated user interface, which can include buttons, switches, or other input mechanisms. Users can directly control fitting parameters without requiring external equipment or clinical support, significantly improving ease of operation and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it operates during both normal hearing assistance mode and fitting mode. The same interface elements used for daily device control are also used for fitting adjustments, simplifying the user experience and eliminating the need for separate fitting equipment interfaces.
3Reliability
If external fitting equipment is used, then fitting capability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous fitting capability allows the device to be adjusted in various settings including non-clinical environments. Users can perform fitting adjustments at their convenience without scheduling clinical appointments or traveling to fitting centers, significantly reducing time loss and improving productivity.
4Measurement precision
If traditional fitting process is used, then fitting data precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data processing and fitting control functions within the hearing prosthesis itself. The sound processor handles both hearing assistance signal processing and fitting data analysis, while the fitting controller manages parameter adjustments based on user inputs. This integration maintains fitting data precision while eliminating the need for complex external fitting systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing prosthesis comprising an external component having an integrated user interface, a sound processor configured to process received sounds based on predefined fitting data, and an on-board fitting system configured to set the fitting data in response to control inputs received via the integrated user interface.