In-Ear Microphone Feedback for Hearing Test Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy hearing testing requires visits to specialized facilities, which is time-consuming and limits accessibility, and existing self-administered hearing tests face challenges in ensuring accurate sound pressure level measurements due to variations in headphones and environmental noise.
Innovation Solution
A system integrated into headphones with tone generation and sound pressure level measurement circuitry, including a feedback signal path with an in-ear microphone for continuous monitoring and active noise cancellation, to ensure accurate and self-calibrated hearing tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hearing tests are performed at specialized facilities with controlled environments, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate due to time-consuming visits and limited facility availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-administered hearing tests through a mobile device and headphone combination, eliminating the need for specialized facilities and professional operators. The automated calibration and testing process allows users to perform hearing diagnostics independently at home, dramatically improving accessibility while maintaining measurement precision through built-in calibration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms a standard headphone into a universal hearing testing device that can be used by anyone with a mobile device, replacing specialized audiometric equipment. The headphone serves multiple functions: delivering test tones, measuring sound pressure levels, and providing feedback, making professional-grade hearing testing accessible through a common consumer device.
2Ease of operation
If self-administered hearing tests are performed using conventional headphones, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in headphone sound pressure levels and environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback signal path through an in-ear microphone that continuously monitors the actual sound pressure level delivered to the user's ear. This feedback is used to verify calibration accuracy and adjust test parameters in real-time, compensating for variations in headphone output and ensuring precise measurement despite using conventional consumer headphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts test parameters including tone frequency, duration, and intensity based on real-time feedback from the in-ear microphone. The calibration process modifies sound pressure level parameters to account for specific headphone characteristics, and during testing, parameters are adapted to maintain accuracy despite environmental noise variations.
3Ease of operation
If calibration procedures are simplified for self-administered tests, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reduced calibration rigor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions automatically when first used or when conditions change, establishing baseline parameters before actual hearing testing begins. The in-ear microphone conducts preliminary sound pressure level verification and environmental noise assessment, preparing the system for accurate testing without requiring manual user calibration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is fully automated and self-executing, requiring no manual adjustment by the user. The system independently measures its own output through the in-ear microphone, compares it against target levels, and self-corrects any deviations, making rigorous calibration as simple as inserting the headphone while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and accessible hearing diagnostics by ensuring consistent sound pressure levels and reducing environmental noise interference, allowing for reliable self-administered hearing tests with reduced need for specialized facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a feedback signal path with an in-ear microphone for continuous monitoring
Implementation Method 2
active noise cancellation, to ensure accurate and self-calibrated hearing tests
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed is a system that may be implemented within a headphone to facilitate hearing testing. Implementation of the system in the headphone may include implementation of tone generation circuitry and sound pressure level measurement circuitry being implemented in the headphone limiting the amount of calibration for accurate measurement when performing a hearing test.