Spatial Audio Training for Asymmetric Hearing Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auditory rehabilitation lacks effective training methods for sound directional discrimination, particularly for asymmetric hearing loss, due to spatial limitations and the need for personalized stimuli that account for individual anatomical differences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) to train sound directional discrimination ability by processing individually recorded sound sources, employing a speaker, microphone, and visual targets to provide personalized training sounds and feedback, allowing subjects to select correct response visual targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional visiting training with large soundproof spaces is used, then sound directional discrimination training can be provided, but spatial limitations and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of sound sources in three-dimensional space through VR/AR technology. Instead of requiring physical soundproof spaces with multiple speakers, the system synthesizes spatial audio environments that replicate real-world acoustic scenarios, allowing training to occur in compact settings while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical speakers and soundproof rooms with electronic audio processing and virtual reality rendering. Spatial audio is achieved through software-based sound field synthesis and headphone delivery, eliminating the need for complex physical acoustic environments.
2Productivity
If standardized stimulus sounds are used, then training can be provided for normal hearing, but individual anatomical differences cannot be accounted for in asymmetric hearing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing audio stimuli according to each user's specific anatomical characteristics and hearing profile. Instead of uniform standardized sounds, the system adjusts spectral cues, intensity distributions, and spatial parameters to match individual ear canal geometry, head shape, and asymmetric hearing losses, making training adaptable to local anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements and characterizations of each user's auditory system before training begins. By pre-assessing anatomical features and hearing thresholds, the system can pre-customize stimulus parameters and spatial audio configurations, enabling personalized training to start immediately without requiring customization during each training session.
3Measurement precision
If binaural cues are used for sound localization, then normal hearing discrimination is effective, but asymmetric hearing loss distorts interaural time and intensity difference information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of asymmetric hearing loss into a beneficial training opportunity. By deliberately presenting sounds with controlled spectral cues that account for asymmetric ear characteristics, the system transforms the distortion caused by asymmetric hearing into personalized training stimuli that help users learn to interpret degraded binaural information, ultimately improving their sound localization ability despite the asymmetry.
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
Enables personalized and spatially unrestricted training of sound directional discrimination, enhancing the ability to determine sound location, especially for asymmetric hearing loss patients, through binaural recording and VR/AR environments.
Implementation Method 1
a speaker 10 disposed to be located within an angle range determined left and right in front of a human dummy 1, or disposed in front of a rotating subject 2 and generates a sound directional training sound multiple times
Implementation Method 2
a microphone 20 worn on each of both ears of the human dummy 1 or the subject 2, and acquiring multiple training sounds received from the speaker 10
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
Figure 4(a)~5(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a training system and method for sound directional discrimination ability. The system may comprise: a speaker which is located in an angle range determined left or right in front of a human dummy or is disposed in front of a rotating subject and generates a sound directional training sound multiple times; a microphone which is worn on each of both ears of a human dummy or a subject and obtains the training sound received multiple times from the speaker, wherein the microphone obtains the training sound multiple times between the human dummy and the speaker or between an ear at one side of the rotating subject and the speaker for each of multiple determined configuration angles; a training sound reproduction unit for reproducing at least a part of the obtained training sound with respect to a subject for each of the configuration angles; a response information determination unit for providing a subject with multiple visual targets for each of the configuration angles and determining whether the subject has selected a correct response visual target which corresponds to a configuration angle of the reproduced training sound, among the multiple visual targets; and a level control unit for selecting at least one angle among the configuration angles for a training sound to be played to a subject.