Neckband Hearing Aid Microphone Positioning for Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aid devices fail to accurately assist users in recognizing the direction of sound sources, as they do not replicate the natural sound signal reception of the human ear, leading to difficulties in sound localization.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid device with a neckband-mounted microphone positioned to mimic the head-related transfer function, where the microphone is placed between two virtual planes to simulate the sound signal reception pattern of the human ear, utilizing a processor to convert sound signals using the head-related transfer function for accurate sound directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the hearing aid device is worn on the user's ear, then the sound signal received is similar to the sound signal directly received by human ear, but the device complexity and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the sound signal reception characteristics of the human ear by positioning the microphone to replicate the head-related transfer function (HRTF). The microphone is placed on the neckband at a specific distance from the virtual datum plane to mimic how the ear receives sound waves from different directions, thereby achieving accurate sound localization without requiring the device to be worn on the ear.
2Measurement precision
If the hearing aid device is worn on the user's ear, then the user can correctly recognize the direction of the source of sound, but the user comfort and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional wearing position of hearing aids from the ear to the neck. By placing the microphone on the neckband instead of in the ear, the device maintains sound direction recognition accuracy while significantly improving user comfort and ease of operation. The neckband position allows for more natural movement and reduces the discomfort associated with in-ear devices.
3Measurement precision
If the microphone is positioned to simulate head-related transfer function, then sound localization accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific geometric parameters for microphone positioning on the neckband, including the distance from the virtual datum plane (second distance) and the relationship between the first distance (from datum plane to skin portion) and second distance. By establishing fixed parameter relationships, the patent simplifies the complexity of achieving accurate HRTF simulation while maintaining sound localization precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid device is provided. The hearing aid device at least includes a neckband and a first microphone. The neckband is worn on a neck of a user. The neckband defines a virtual datum plane and a first virtual plane parallel to each other, wherein the virtual datum plane overlaps a coronal plane of the user when the neckband is worn by the user, and a skin portion, furthest from the virtual datum plane, of a throat of the user is located on the first virtual plane. The first virtual plane is distant from the virtual datum plane by the first distance. The first microphone is disposed on the neckband, and is distant from the virtual datum plane by the second distance, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.