Auditory Prosthesis Sound Processor Accessory with Segmented Telecoils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sound processor accessories for auditory prostheses, particularly those with sensorineural hearing loss, face challenges in effectively utilizing multiple sound input elements due to complex circuitry requirements and inability to distinguish signals from the same type of audio sources, leading to size constraints and interference issues with telecoils.
Innovation Solution
A sound processor accessory with independently operable three-wire devices and telecoils, allowing selective connection and operation of multiple sound input elements via a shared three-wire connection, reducing the need for complex mixing circuits and enabling the use of various combinations of sound input elements, including telecoils, without increasing connector size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sound input elements are connected to a sound processor, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and circuitry requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sound processor accessory is divided into separate functional modules: sound input elements (microphones, telecoils) are separated from the main sound processor, with each element independently connectable via the accessory interface. This segmentation allows multiple input elements to be supported without increasing the complexity of the main processor circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound processor accessory acts as an intermediary device between multiple sound input elements and the sound processor. The accessory includes the connector and associated circuitry, shielding the main sound processor from complexity while enabling support for multiple input types through the accessory interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sound input elements are connected, then the versatility is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal three-wire connector design is implemented that can accommodate multiple types of sound input elements (microphones, telecoils, audio sources) through a single interface. The connector maintains a compact form factor while supporting versatile connections by using wire-type elements that can be selectively activated through circuit switching rather than requiring separate connectors for each input type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telecoils are included in the sound processor, then the functionality for sensorineural hearing loss is improved, but interference issues and size constraints arise
Solution Approach 1:
Telecoils are segmented from the main sound processor and placed in the sound processor accessory instead. This physical separation reduces electromagnetic interference between the telecoil and other sensitive electronics in the sound processor, while still enabling TTY and telecoil functionality through the accessory interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The telecoil functionality is extracted from the core sound processor design and implemented as an optional feature in the accessory. This allows the sound processor to maintain its primary functionality without the size constraints and interference issues associated with integrating telecoils directly, while still supporting them when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sound input elements are supported, then the versatility is improved, but the inability to distinguish signals from the same type of audio sources remains a problem
Solution Approach 1:
Different sound input elements are assigned distinct local characteristics through separate signal paths and independent control circuits. Each microphone, telecoil, or audio source has its own dedicated connection and control logic within the accessory, enabling the system to distinguish and independently process signals from multiple elements of the same type without signal confusion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient and independent operation of multiple sound input elements, reducing size constraints and interference, enabling the use of different types of audio sources and telecoils, while maintaining a compact connector size, thereby enhancing the functionality and usability of sound processor accessories.
Implementation Method 1
The sound processor accessory comprises one or more telecoils
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a sound processor accessory configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to a sound processor of an auditory prosthesis. The sound processor accessory comprises first and second sound input elements that are each configured to independently provide electrical signals representing sound signals to the sound processor via a shared connection.