Ophthalmic Lens Optical Function Adaptation for Hearing Sensitivity
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aid devices are uncomfortable, require electrical power, and can interfere with other electronic devices, necessitating a solution that enhances hearing without these drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the hearing sensitivity of a wearer and adapt the optical function of ophthalmic lenses to improve auditory comfort by optimizing the optical design for better understanding of vocal messages, incorporating features like expanded intermediate distance vision zones and enhanced contrast sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hearing aid devices are used to amplify sound and correct impaired hearing, then hearing sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and discomfort to the wearer increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of visual assistance (ophthalmic lens) and hearing assistance into a single integrated device. The ophthalmic lens incorporates features that assist both vision correction and hearing improvement, eliminating the need for separate hearing aid devices and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining hearing sensitivity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ophthalmic lens is designed to serve multiple functions: it corrects vision defects and simultaneously provides hearing assistance through its optical design features. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to address both visual and auditory needs, reducing the number of separate devices required.
2Reliability
If conventional hearing aid devices are used to amplify sound, then speech intelligibility is improved, but the wearer experiences discomfort due to weight and fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hearing assistance functionality into the ophthalmic lens, which is already worn by the user for vision correction. This integration eliminates the need for additional hearing aid devices that would add weight and cause fit-related discomfort, while maintaining speech intelligibility improvement through optical design features.
3Reliability
If conventional hearing aid devices are used to correct impaired hearing, then hearing sensitivity is improved, but interference with other electronic devices occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electroacoustic system of conventional hearing aids with an optical system integrated into the ophthalmic lens. By using optical design features rather than electronic amplification, the invention avoids interference with other electronic devices while maintaining the ability to improve hearing sensitivity through visual-auditory integration.
4Reliability
If electrical power sources are integrated into hearing aid devices to enable sound amplification, then hearing assistance function is improved, but device complexity and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for electrical power sources by replacing the electroacoustic amplification system with an optical system. The hearing assistance function is achieved through optical design features of the ophthalmic lens that manipulate light to improve visual-auditory integration, thereby improving hearing assistance while reducing device complexity by removing batteries and electronic components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method implemented by computer means for determining an optical function of an ophthalmic lens adapted to a wearer, the method comprising: - a wearer data providing step, during which wearer data comprising at least an indication of the hearing sensitivity of the wearer and an indication of the ophthalmic prescription of the wearer are provided, - an optical function determining step, during which an optical function adapted to the wearer is determined based at least on the wearer data.