Personalized Sound Modification for Auditory Dynamic Range Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound amplification technologies, particularly for Android devices, struggle with unpredictable sound level outputs due to varying device specifications, leading to risks of under-amplification and over-amplification, and lack individualized calibration for users with hearing loss, tinnitus, and misophonia.
Innovation Solution
A personalized sound modification system using a user device with a processor, microphone, and sound output device, which determines a user's auditory dynamic range and adjusts sound frequencies to fall within this range, providing customized amplification, tinnitus masking, and misophonia relief without dedicated devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sound amplification is provided using general user devices with varying specifications, then accessibility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but sound level output becomes unpredictable leading to risks of under-amplification and over-amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts amplification parameters based on measured sound pressure levels. The app modifies gain settings in real-time to compensate for device specification variations, ensuring consistent output across different hardware configurations while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time measurement of sound pressure levels at the ear canal and uses this feedback to automatically adjust amplification. This closed-loop control ensures predictable output levels regardless of the underlying device specifications, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
2Reliability
If dedicated amplification devices are used to ensure reliable sound output, then sound level control is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables universal user devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) to function as hearing amplification devices through a software application. This eliminates the need for dedicated hardware while maintaining reliable sound level control through software-based measurement and adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex dedicated amplification hardware with a software-based system that uses the existing audio capabilities of general user devices. By substituting mechanical/electrical dedicated devices with software control, the system reduces device complexity while preserving reliable sound level management.
3Manufacturing precision
If manufacturer proprietary fitting software is used to program hearing aids, then individualized listening programs are achieved, but accessibility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to perform their own hearing assessments and program their devices using a freely accessible mobile application. Users can conduct hearing threshold tests, measure sound pressure levels, and adjust amplification settings without requiring proprietary manufacturer software or professional intervention, dramatically improving accessibility while maintaining individualized programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application serves as an intermediary between the user and the amplification device, providing a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex hearing aid programming. The app translates professional fitting functions into accessible mobile operations, allowing users to achieve individualized listening programs without direct access to manufacturer proprietary software.
4Manufacturing precision
If hearing professionals perform real ear measurements to adjust gains, then individualized listening programs are achieved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs hearing threshold tests and sound pressure level measurements in advance to establish individualized amplification profiles. By conducting these assessments beforehand and storing the results, the system eliminates the need for repeated professional measurements during fitting adjustments, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Users can perform their own hearing threshold tests and real ear measurements using the mobile application without requiring hearing professional involvement. This self-service capability allows users to complete assessments at their convenience, eliminating scheduling delays and reducing the time investment required for individualized programming while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for personalized sound modification, with a personal sound system having a microphone; a user device which includes a processor, computer readable medium, and optionally the microphone; and a sound output device; is provided. The method includes: providing a user hearing profile including lower and upper limits of the user's auditory dynamic range at a plurality of sound frequencies, prepared with the personal sound system; receiving a sound signal from the microphone; optionally separating the sound signal into a plurality of frequency channels; amplifying or attenuating sound frequencies in the sound signal which have a volume level outside the lower or upper limits of the user's auditory dynamic range, respectively, and forming a modified sound signal with which the sound output device will produce sounds within the user's auditory dynamic range; and providing the modified sound signal to the sound output device.