Wearable Audio Device for Hearing Impaired Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids for impaired users face challenges such as large and unsightly designs, feedback issues, limited audio processing quality, and dependence on head position for optimal sound reception, leading to poor sound differentiation and clarity, especially in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A wearable audio device apparatus with a processor that receives and processes audio signals, separates audio receptors from speakers, and uses advanced noise cancellation and graphic equalization to enhance human voice recognition and reduce ambient noise, allowing for adjustable audio processing based on individual audiogram data and providing output through wireless or bone conduction headsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If audio receptors and speakers are housed together in a single compact unit, then device size is reduced, but audio leakage causes high-pitched feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hearing aid into separate functional modules: a processing unit containing the speaker and audio receptors are positioned separately. The processing unit is worn around the neck or on the chest, while earphones with receivers are placed in the ear canal. This spatial separation eliminates audio leakage and feedback issues while maintaining compact overall device volume.
2Device complexity
If audio receptors are fixed in or around the user's ear, then device structure is simplified, but audio reception quality deteriorates when head position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic directional microphones that can electronically adjust their pickup pattern based on sound source location. The processing unit includes multiple microphones that can be dynamically directed toward different directions, allowing the system to maintain optimal audio reception quality regardless of head position or orientation.
3Measurement precision
If high quality audio processing is implemented, then sound differentiation and voice recognition improve, but device housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is designed as a multi-functional module that combines advanced audio processing capabilities with wireless communication features. It integrates directional microphones, noise cancellation algorithms, voice enhancement processing, and Bluetooth connectivity in a single compact unit, achieving high audio processing quality without proportionally increasing housing size.
4Ease of manufacture
If hearing aids are fitted based only on threshold level, then fitting process is simplified, but sound clarity in noisy environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment based on multiple audiogram measurements including threshold level, most comfortable level, and uncomfortable level. The processing unit automatically adjusts audio processing parameters such as compression ratios, noise cancellation thresholds, and directional microphone sensitivity based on these multiple parameters, enabling precise customization of sound clarity for each user's specific hearing profile.
Data Source
AI summary
Audio device apparatuses for hearing impaired users comprise a wearable housing connected, wired or wirelessly, to earphones or a headset. The audio device receives incoming sound, processes the incoming sound to form processed sound, and delivers the processed sound to the earphones or headset of the user.