Wearable Hearing Sensitivity Monitor Using Integrated Stimulator and Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of an objective technique to measure and monitor hearing sensitivity for the general population, making it difficult to detect early signs of hearing loss and prevent further damage from excessive noise exposure, particularly among young people using personal audio devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a wearable member, stimulator, and sensor, including electrodes, that delivers acoustic or bone conduction stimulation signals to the ear and records electrophysiological responses, allowing for continuous monitoring of hearing sensitivity and providing a hearing sensitivity index or score.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hearing tests are used, then hearing sensitivity can be measured, but the process requires licensed professionals and is not accessible to the general population
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform their own hearing sensitivity tests using a portable device with integrated stimulator and sensor. The automated interface allows individuals to conduct measurements without requiring licensed professionals, making the service accessible to the general population while maintaining measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the core measurement functionality from the professional clinical setting and relocates it to a portable consumer device. By separating the essential stimulation and sensing components from the professional audiologist context, the system brings hearing sensitivity measurement directly to users in everyday environments
2Reliability
If hearing loss is detected early, then preventive measures can be taken, but currently no objective technique is available for early detection without professional intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the stimulator and sensor into a single integrated portable device, combining multiple functions (acoustic stimulation, bone conduction stimulation, electrophysiological sensing) into one unified system. This integration simplifies the overall measurement system while enabling reliable early detection of hearing loss through objective electrophysiological markers
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both acoustic stimulation and bone conduction stimulation through integrated transducers. This universal design allows the single device to provide comprehensive hearing sensitivity assessment across different frequency ranges and conduction pathways, enabling reliable early detection without requiring multiple specialized instruments
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 quick, objective monitoring of hearing sensitivity, allowing users to adjust their listening habits to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, providing a cost-effective solution for widespread use without the need for a licensed professional.
Implementation Method 1
the stimulator is an electroacoustic transducer and the stimulation signal is an acoustic stimulation signal
Implementation Method 2
the stimulator is a bone oscillator and the stimulation signal is a bone conduction stimulation
Implementation Method 3
receive an electrophysiological response signal of the subject in response to the stimulation signal. The electrophysiological response signal is recorded by the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Example portable devices, systems, and methods for monitoring hearing sensitivity are described herein. An example device includes a wearable member, a stimulator, and a sensor that includes a plurality of electrodes. The stimulator and the sensor are integrated into the wearable member. Additionally, the device includes a controller operably coupled to the stimulator and the sensor, and the controller is configured to deliver a stimulation signal to a subject's ear using the stimulator, and receive an electrophysiological response signal of the subject in response to the stimulation signal. The electrophysiological response signal is recorded by the sensor. Optionally, the controller is integrated into the wearable member.