Programmable Hearing Aid Controls via Segmented Wireless Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing assistance devices face challenges in providing intuitive and efficient control options due to their compact design and complex user interfaces, which hinder effective management of their functions and settings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of programmable controls, including buttons, switches, sensors, and microphones, that allow for wireless control of hearing assistance devices, enabling features like mode changes, self-diagnostic tests, and audio recordings, using configurable buttons and voice commands, and utilizing multi-axis accelerometers for intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hearing assistance devices are made smaller to reduce size and improve comfort, then device portability and comfort are improved, but the available volume for electronics and control mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two segments: a minimal control interface within the hearing assistance device itself, and a remote control device that handles complex control functions wirelessly. This segmentation allows the hearing aid to remain small while the remote control contains the necessary electronics for sophisticated user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the hearing assistance device. This intermediary handles complex control functions wirelessly, allowing the hearing aid to maintain a compact form factor while providing access to advanced control capabilities through the remote device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more control features and functions are added to hearing assistance devices, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device serves multiple functions: it controls hearing aid settings, provides self-diagnostic capabilities, records audio, and offers programmable control options. By consolidating these diverse functions in a universal remote interface, the system avoids creating multiple separate complex interfaces within the hearing aid itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-diagnostic tests that can be initiated and managed through the remote control, allowing the device to self-test and report status without requiring complex manual testing procedures. This reduces the complexity of user interaction while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional control interfaces are used in hearing assistance devices, then manufacturing and implementation are simplified, but ease of operation and user satisfaction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the complex control interface within the hearing aid, the control interface is inverted and placed in a separate remote device. This inversion allows standard, simple controls to be used in the hearing aid while sophisticated control capabilities are provided through the remote, effectively reversing where complexity resides in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods to provide improved control of hearing assistance devices and hearing assistance applications. The present apparatus and method can be deployed on a hearing aid, a device in communication with the hearing aid, or on both. In one embodiment a programmable control, including, but not limited to a button or switch or sensor or microphone is adapted to provide control of the function or settings of the hearing aid. In one embodiment, a programmable control for a device including, but not limited to a button or switch or sensor or microphone is adapted to provide wireless control of the function or settings of the hearing aid. In various embodiments, a programmable control for the hearing aid and a programmable control of the device are used to provide wireless control of the function or settings of the hearing aid.