Self-Programming Hearing Aid Using User Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of fitting procedures for hearing assistance devices, including hearing aids and tinnitus maskers, are driven by the need for audiologist or dispenser involvement, which increases the overall expense and requires iterative adjustments based on patient feedback in various real-world situations.
Innovation Solution
A programmable hearing assistance device that allows patients to automatically adjust settings using a momentary push button switch and controller, enabling self-programming based on usage patterns, eliminating the need for external fitting procedures and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fitting procedure with audiologist or dispenser involvement is used, then the hearing assistance device can be properly programmed and fitted, but the cost and complexity of the fitting procedure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing assistance device enables self-fitting through automated programming. The device includes a processor that automatically adjusts acoustic characteristics based on pre-stored hearing loss profiles or user-selected parameters, eliminating the need for audiologist intervention while maintaining proper fitting quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-programs multiple acoustic characteristics corresponding to different hearing loss profiles before use. The device stores predetermined programming options that can be automatically selected or manually adjusted by the user, eliminating the need for real-time professional fitting procedures.
2Reliability
If iterative adjustments based on patient feedback in real-world situations are required, then the hearing aid can be optimized for the patient, but the time and cost of the fitting process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes pre-programmed acoustic characteristics that cover various hearing loss scenarios. The system allows patients to select from pre-optimized programs or use automated measurement tools to immediately receive customized programming without requiring multiple visit iterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing assistance device incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust programming based on user input or environmental sensing. The processor can modify acoustic characteristics in real-time based on feedback from microphones, sensors, or user responses, eliminating the need for iterative in-office adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If professional fitting equipment and software are used, then accurate hearing characteristics can be measured and programmed, but the cost of the hearing aid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simplified measurement tools or self-assessment questionnaires that replicate the functionality of expensive professional audiometric equipment. The device can measure hearing characteristics using basic microphones and processors, creating sufficient data for programming without requiring clinical-grade equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing assistance device performs its own hearing assessment and programming using integrated sensors and processors. The system includes self-diagnostic capabilities that can measure hearing thresholds and automatically generate programming parameters, eliminating the need for external professional equipment and reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A programmable apparatus improves perception of sound by a person. The apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section and means for generating first and second control signals. The processor executes one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals based on control signals. The digital-to-analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to the person. The memory stores programs for processing the digital audio signals. Based on an action by the person, a first control signal is generated which causes the processor to switch from one available program to another available program so that the person may cycle through and evaluate each of the available programs. Also based on an action by the person, a second control signal is generated which causes the processor to designate at least one of the available programs as a chosen program for continued use. The apparatus may include a counter that counts the number of times that power is applied to or removed from the apparatus. After a predetermined elapsed time, the processor determines which of the available programs has been used most in processing the digital audio signals, where the determination of elapsed time is based at least in part on the counter value.