ITE Hearing Aid Electrodes for Physiological Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing systems with in-the-ear components lack effective configurations and functionalities for detecting physiological attributes of users, such as hydration levels and brain activity, due to limitations in electrode design and placement.
Innovation Solution
The hearing system incorporates sensor electrodes configured to contact outer ear tissue and other locations, such as the ear canal and finger, to detect physiological attributes like EEG and ECG measurements, with processor-controlled operations for data storage and transmission, using suitable materials and manufacturing processes like laser direct structuring and aerosol jet printing for improved comfort and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are configured to contact outer ear tissue within the ear canal, then physiological attribute detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing system is designed to perform multiple functions: acoustic signal processing for hearing assistance and physiological attribute detection through integrated electrodes. The same ITE component serves both hearing aid purposes and bio-sensing purposes, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity despite the added detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are integrated directly into the ITE component structure, merging the acoustic device with the sensing function. This consolidation allows physiological detection without requiring additional separate sensors or complex mounting arrangements, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated on the ITE component, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced manufacturing techniques (laser direct structuring, aerosol jet printing) that enable precise electrode placement and configuration directly on the ITE component. These processes allow for accurate sensor positioning and multiple measurement points without requiring complex assembly steps, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical assembly methods for mounting sensors are replaced with direct structuring techniques where electrodes are formed directly on the ITE component surface. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical mounting structures and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing difficulty while preserving precise sensor placement for accurate physiological measurements
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
This configuration enables efficient and convenient detection of physiological attributes, enhancing user comfort and ease of manufacturing, while allowing for continuous or periodic monitoring of user health metrics.
Implementation Method 1
sensor electrodes configured to contact outer ear tissue... to detect physiological attributes like EEG and ECG measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
An exemplary hearing system that is configured to assist a user in hearing includes an in-the-ear (ITE) component configured to fit at least partially within an ear canal of the user while the hearing system is worn by the user, a first sensor electrode provided on a surface of the ITE component and configured to contact, while the hearing system is worn by the user, outer ear tissue of the user, and a second sensor electrode configured to be located, while the hearing system is worn by the user, at an entrance to or outside of the ear canal of the user. The first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode may be configured to be used to detect a physiological attribute of the user while the hearing system is worn by the user. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.