Multi-Channel Audiometry for Detailed Hearing Perception Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audiometry methods and instruments lack the capability to provide enhanced hearing assessments, such as more extensive and detailed information on hearing and sound perception, which hinders clinicians' ability to accurately assess and treat hearing impairments.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-channel and multi-mode audiometers that apply electrical, bone conduction, and air-conducted stimulation to evaluate hearing perception, allowing for complex auditory assessments by manipulating stimulation parameters like intensity, frequency, and lateralization, and enabling enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-channel audiometry methods are used, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision and quantity of information obtained are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audiometry system into multiple independent channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) that can simultaneously or sequentially present different auditory stimuli. Each channel operates with its own stimulation parameters, allowing comprehensive assessment of hearing across different frequencies, intensities, and temporal patterns without requiring a single complex processing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends conventional single-dimensional hearing thresholds into multi-dimensional auditory assessment by adding temporal dimension (synchronous/asynchronous presentation), intensity dimension (multiple sound pressure levels), and frequency dimension (different test frequencies). This dimensional expansion enables detection of temporal integration, masking effects, and binaural interactions that single-channel methods cannot measure.
2Loss of information
If multiple stimulation channels and modes are implemented, then the quantity and detail of hearing information is enhanced, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audiometer is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform various hearing assessments using the same hardware platform. The system can conduct pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, temporal integration testing, masking experiments, and binaural interaction studies all through a unified multi-channel architecture, reducing the need for separate specialized devices for each test type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic parameter adjustment where stimulation characteristics (intensity, frequency, timing, synchronization) can be flexibly modified based on the specific test protocol being executed. The audiometer adapts its operation mode dynamically, switching between synchronous and asynchronous presentation, adjusting sound pressure levels, and modifying stimulus sequences according to the assessment requirements, thereby simplifying operation through automated protocol management.
3Measurement precision
If synchronous and asynchronous electrical stimulation is applied across multiple channels, then temporal integration and masking effects can be evaluated, but the complexity of stimulation control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic stimulation patterns where auditory stimuli are presented in structured sequences with defined intervals. Synchronous presentations occur at regular intervals with fixed inter-stimulus intervals, while asynchronous presentations vary the timing according to specific experimental protocols. This periodic structure enables systematic evaluation of temporal integration and masking effects while maintaining controllable complexity through standardized timing patterns.
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 clinicians to improve the efficacy of hearing impairment treatments by providing detailed evaluations of hearing loss, lesion sites, and auditory system function, including improved diagnostics for tinnitus, ototoxicity, and hearing aid functionality.
Implementation Method 1
applying first test electrical stimulation to a subject, wherein the first test electrical stimulation is configured to stimulate hearing perception in the subject
Implementation Method 2
applying second test electrical stimulation to the subject, wherein the second test electrical stimulation is configured to stimulate hearing perception in the subject
Implementation Method 3
The technology can be used to evaluate the function of the auditory system under various applications
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced audiometry methods and instruments to provide assessments of the nature and/or extent of a subject's hearing loss or impairments. Embodiments include applying at least first and second different test electrical stimulations to a subject, wherein the first and second test electrical stimulations are configured to stimulate hearing perception in the subject and are different. An identification of one or more characteristics of the perceived hearing produced by the at least first and second test electrical stimulations, such as an origin location of the perceived hearing, is received from the subject, and recorded in association with the at least first and second test electrical stimulations. Clinicians may improve the efficacy of treatments for the hearing impairments based on the recorded information.