Auditory Prosthesis Fitting Subsystem Self-Service Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The fitting process for auditory prostheses, particularly for patients with sensorineural hearing loss, is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the reliance on iterative, subjective feedback from patients to adjust fitting parameters, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows patients to directly adjust fitting parameters using a physical input mechanism integrated with the sound processor or clinician's programming interface device, enabling dynamic adjustment of parameters such as the 'most-comfortable level' without requiring separate user input devices, thereby facilitating quicker identification of optimal settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative trial-and-error adjustment by audiologist is used to fit auditory prosthesis parameters, then measurement precision of optimal fitting parameters is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to independently adjust fitting parameters through physical input mechanisms integrated into the sound processor or CPI device. Patients directly control fitting parameters without requiring continuous audiologist intervention, allowing them to self-optimize their hearing device settings during normal use conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback loops where patient responses to parameter adjustments are immediately processed and used to guide further adjustments. The fitting subsystem monitors patient interactions and dynamically adjusts parameters based on observed preferences and comfort levels, accelerating the optimization process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple fitting parameters are adjusted through iterative patient feedback, then manufacturing precision of optimal fitting settings is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple fitting parameter controls into a single integrated physical input mechanism. Instead of requiring separate controls for each parameter, the system allows patients to adjust multiple parameters through one unified interface, simplifying operation while maintaining precise control over all fitting parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical input mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a user-controlled volume adjustment and a fitting parameter optimization tool. The same button or control that patients use for basic volume adjustment is also utilized for sophisticated fitting parameter optimization, eliminating the need for separate complex controls.
3Measurement precision
If audiologist performs all fitting parameter adjustments, then measurement precision of optimal parameters is improved, but productivity and loss of time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transfers control from the audiologist to the patient, enabling patients to independently perform fitting adjustments. This self-service capability allows patients to optimize their own device settings based on their personal comfort and hearing needs, significantly reducing the time audiologists spend on routine fitting adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary fitting adjustments automatically based on patient responses, preparing optimal parameter settings before final audiologist confirmation. This preliminary action reduces the number of iterative adjustments needed during formal fitting sessions, improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method of facilitating adjustment of one or more fitting parameters by an auditory prosthesis patient includes 1) receiving, by a fitting subsystem communicatively coupled to a sound processor, user input representative of a selection of a fitting parameter, 2) associating, by the fitting subsystem in response to the user input, the fitting parameter with a physical input mechanism that is a part of the sound processor, and 3) dynamically adjusting, by the fitting subsystem, a value of the fitting parameter in response to actuation by a user of the physical input mechanism. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.