Self-Fitting Hearing Instruments Using Questionnaire-Based Audiograms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-fitting strategies for over-the-counter (OTC) and direct-to-consumer (DTC) hearing aids are challenging, especially for older users, as they often require complex calibration and fine adjustments, which can lead to sub-optimal results without professional guidance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where users complete a short questionnaire to provide self-reported measures of hearing loss and listening perception, which are then used by a processing system to determine an initial audiogram and perform an initial fitting of the hearing aids, allowing for subsequent fine-tuning adjustments based on user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex calibration and fine adjustment strategies are used for self-fitting hearing aids, then manufacturing precision and device functionality are improved, but ease of operation and user accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform their own hearing aid fitting through a simplified digital questionnaire and automated processing, eliminating the need for professional calibration services. Users complete hearing-related questions on a mobile device, and the system automatically generates fitting parameters, allowing independent self-fitting while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual calibration procedures with an automated digital system that processes questionnaire responses through algorithms to generate fitting parameters. This substitution of mechanical/manual adjustment processes with computational methods simplifies user interaction while preserving fitting accuracy.
2Reliability
If professional guidance is provided for hearing aid fitting, then fitting precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transfers the professional fitting function to the user through automated processing of self-reported data. The algorithmic generation of fitting parameters from questionnaire responses replicates professional expertise without requiring physical presence of hearing professionals, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital intermediary system (mobile device interface and processing algorithm) that mediates between the user's self-reported hearing information and the hearing aid fitting parameters. This intermediary automates the professional guidance function, reducing direct human involvement while maintaining fitting reliability.
3Measurement precision
If extensive calibration procedures are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a selective subset of hearing assessment questions focused on key functional areas rather than comprehensive clinical testing. This partial action approach captures sufficient information for accurate fitting while significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to full professional calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The questionnaire collects essential hearing assessment data in advance before the actual fitting process begins. By gathering self-reported hearing information upfront through digital interface, the system prepares fitting parameters proactively, eliminating time-consuming in-person calibration steps while maintaining assessment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system is configured to obtain data indicating answers of a user of one or more hearing instruments to a questionnaire. Additionally, the processing system is configured to determine an initial audiogram based on the answers. Furthermore, the processing system is configured to perform an initial fitting of the one or more hearing instruments based on the initial audiogram.