Pure Tone Threshold Estimation Using Supra-threshold Audio Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pure tone audiograms cannot be accurately determined using unreferenced or non-calibrated audio systems, as they lack known output levels in absolute physical units, making it impossible to compare hearing test results and diagnose hearing loss effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method that performs supra-threshold tests over the audible frequency spectrum on unreferenced audio systems to estimate pure tone thresholds by analyzing the shape and features of the test results, using regression functions or similarity metrics to convert results into absolute physical units, allowing for the determination of pure tone audiograms on uncalibrated devices like smartphones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a calibrated audio system is used for pure tone threshold testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepure tone threshold measurement accuracyVSAvoidaudio system calibration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by using the user's own hearing threshold measurements to establish a reference baseline. The processor compares supra-threshold test results against this self-established reference, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or professional audiologist intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces supra-threshold testing as an intermediary measurement approach. Instead of directly measuring absolute thresholds requiring calibrated equipment, the system measures relative supra-threshold responses and uses these as intermediaries to infer threshold information through comparison and pattern recognition algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an unreferenced audio system is used for hearing tests, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of hearing testsVSAvoidabsolute pure tone threshold determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of attempting to measure absolute thresholds directly with uncalibrated equipment, the system inverts the approach by measuring relative supra-threshold responses first, then using these inverted measurements to derive threshold information through computational comparison and pattern matching against established hearing patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameter from absolute threshold level to relative supra-threshold response patterns. By measuring how users respond to various supra-threshold sound levels and frequencies rather than attempting direct threshold measurement, the system circumvents the need for absolute calibration while still extracting meaningful hearing assessment data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If supra-threshold tests are performed on unreferenced audio systems, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with everyday devicesVSAvoidconversion to absolute physical units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a computational model or copy of calibrated testing conditions through software algorithms. By implementing sophisticated signal processing and pattern recognition that replicates the information extraction capabilities of calibrated systems, the patent enables threshold estimation from uncalibrated supra-threshold measurements through virtual reproduction of threshold-testing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11134867B2Method for accurately estimating a pure tone threshold using an unreferenced audio-system

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 MIMI HEARING TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

Method for estimating a pure tone hearing threshold or a pure tone audiogram of a person with a non-calibrated audio-system, comprising the steps of performing a supra-threshold test at least over a portion of the audible frequency spectrum, wherein the audible frequency spectrum ranges particularly from 16 Hz to 20.000 Hz, wherein the supra-threshold test is performed on an unreferenced audio-system at a first relative sound level relative to a predefined output level of the unreferenced audio-system, determining the result of the supra-threshold test for at least a portion of the audible frequency spectrum, wherein the results of the supra-threshold test are provided particularly relative to the predefined output level of the unreferenced audio-system, determining from the progression of the determined result of the supra-threshold test at least one absolute pure tone threshold, wherein the at least one absolute pure tone threshold is provided in absolute physical units, particularly in decibels hearing level or decibels sound pressure level.