U.S. patent application number 16/598190 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-15 for preprogrammed hearing assistance device with preselected algorithm.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel R. Schumaier. Invention is credited to Daniel R. Schumaier.
Application Number | 20210112351 16/598190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004428764 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210112351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schumaier; Daniel R. |
April 15, 2021 |
Preprogrammed Hearing Assistance Device with Preselected
Algorithm
Abstract
A method for programming a hearing assistance device includes
entering an audiogram into the memory of a mobile computing device,
wherein the audiogram indicates a hearing loss profile of a user of
the hearing assistance device. Based on the audiogram, the mobile
computing device determines a preferred hearing correction
algorithm for the user and transfers the preferred algorithm to the
memory of the hearing assistance device, which also contains one or
more preloaded hearing correction algorithms. During an initial
setup procedure, the user listens to sounds amplified by the
hearing assistance device while switching between the preferred
algorithm and the preloaded algorithms, and selects the algorithm
that sounds best for continued use in the hearing assistance
device.
Inventors: |
Schumaier; Daniel R.;
(Elizabethton, TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schumaier; Daniel R. |
Elizabethton |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004428764 |
Appl. No.: |
16/598190 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 25/70 20130101;
A61B 5/123 20130101; H04R 25/558 20130101; H04R 2225/55 20130101;
H04R 25/505 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00; A61B 5/12 20060101 A61B005/12 |
Claims
1. A method for programming a programmable hearing assistance
device having memory in which one or more preloaded hearing
correction algorithms are stored, the method comprising: (a)
receiving a hearing loss profile of a user of the programmable
hearing assistance device; (b) based at least in part on the
hearing loss profile, determining a preferred hearing correction
algorithm for the user; (c) storing the preferred hearing
correction algorithm into the memory of the programmable hearing
assistance device, after which the memory contains the preferred
hearing correction algorithm and the one or more preloaded hearing
correction algorithms; (d) after completion of step (c), delivering
the programmable hearing assistance device to the user; (e) during
an initial setup procedure performed by the user, the user manually
switching between the preferred hearing correction algorithm and
the one or more preloaded hearing correction algorithms, and
listening to sounds amplified by the programmable hearing
assistance device while using the preferred hearing correction
algorithm or while using one of the preloaded hearing correction
algorithms; and (f) the user selecting the preferred hearing
correction algorithm or one of the one or more preloaded hearing
correction algorithms for continued use in the programmable hearing
assistance device, wherein the algorithm selected in step (f)
comprises a selected algorithm that continues to be used in the
programmable hearing assistance device after completion of the
initial setup procedure.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein steps (e) and (f) further
comprise: (e1) the user listening to sounds amplified by the
programmable hearing assistance device while switching between the
preferred hearing correction algorithm and one or more first
preloaded hearing correction algorithms; (f1) the user selecting
the preferred hearing correction algorithm or one of the one or
more first preloaded hearing correction algorithms; (e2) the user
listening to sounds amplified by the programmable hearing
assistance device while switching between the algorithm selected in
step (f1) and one or more second preloaded hearing correction
algorithms; and (f2) the user selecting the algorithm selected in
step (f1) or one of the one or more second preloaded hearing
correction algorithms for continued use in the programmable hearing
assistance device.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the hearing loss profile received
in step (a) is generated by an audiologist.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the hearing loss profile comprises
an audiogram.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein steps (a) through (c) are
performed by a hearing assistance device programming entity.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the hearing assistance device
programming entity is a manufacturer of the programmable hearing
assistance device.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the hearing assistance device
programming entity is an audiologist.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected algorithm continues
to be used each time power is applied to the programmable hearing
assistance device until the programmable hearing assistance device
is reset or reprogrammed.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the switching and selecting of
steps (e) and (f) are performed by the user while interacting with
an interface of a mobile computing device.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the mobile computing device
comprises a smart phone or tablet computer executing a setup and
control application.
11. A method for programming a programmable hearing assistance
device having memory in which one or more preloaded hearing
correction algorithms are stored, the method comprising: (a)
entering an audiogram into memory of a mobile computing device, the
audiogram indicating a hearing loss profile of a user of the
programmable hearing assistance device; (b) based at least in part
on the audiogram, a processor of the mobile computing device
determining a preferred hearing correction algorithm for the user;
(c) communicating the preferred hearing correction algorithm from
the mobile computing device to the memory of the programmable
hearing assistance device; (d) storing the preferred hearing
correction algorithm into the memory of the programmable hearing
assistance device, after which the memory of the programmable
hearing assistance device contains the preferred hearing correction
algorithm and the one or more preloaded hearing correction
algorithms; (e) during an initial setup procedure performed by the
user, the user manually switching between the preferred hearing
correction algorithm and the one or more preloaded hearing
correction algorithms, and listening to sounds amplified by the
programmable hearing assistance device while using the preferred
hearing correction algorithm or while using one of the preloaded
hearing correction algorithms; and (f) the user selecting the
preferred hearing correction algorithm or one of the one or more
preloaded hearing correction algorithms for continued use in the
programmable hearing assistance device.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the algorithm selected in step
(f) continues in use each time power is applied to the programmable
hearing assistance device until the programmable hearing assistance
device is reset or reprogrammed.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the switching and selecting of
steps (e) and (f) are performed by the user while interacting with
an interface of the mobile computing device.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the interface of the mobile
computing device comprises a graphical user interface displayed on
a display screen of the mobile computing device.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the mobile computing device is
in wireless communication with the programmable hearing assistance
device, and step (c) is performed wirelessly.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein the mobile computing device
comprises a smart phone or tablet computer executing a setup and
control application.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein the one or more preloaded
hearing correction algorithms were loaded into the memory of the
programmable hearing assistance device prior to step (d).
18. A memory storage device on which computer-executable
instructions are stored for downloading to and execution by a
processor of a mobile computing device to program a programmable
hearing assistance device having memory in which multiple preloaded
hearing correction algorithms are stored, the computer-executable
instructions comprising instructions for: entering an audiogram
into memory of the mobile computing device, the audiogram
indicating a hearing loss profile of a user of the programmable
hearing assistance device; based at least in part on the audiogram,
determining a preferred hearing correction algorithm for the user;
communicating the preferred hearing correction algorithm from the
mobile computing device to the programmable hearing assistance
device; controlling the programmable hearing assistance device to
store the preferred hearing correction algorithm into the memory of
the programmable hearing assistance device, after which the memory
of the programmable hearing assistance device contains the
preferred hearing correction algorithm and the multiple preloaded
hearing correction algorithms; based on input from the user,
manually controlling the programmable hearing assistance device to
switch between the preferred hearing correction algorithm and the
multiple preloaded hearing correction algorithms while the user
listens to sounds amplified by the programmable hearing assistance
device; and based on input from the user, selecting the preferred
hearing correction algorithm or one of the preloaded hearing
correction algorithms for continued use in the programmable hearing
assistance device.
19. The memory storage device of claim 18 wherein the
computer-executable instructions comprise instructions for
generating a graphical user interface displayed on a display screen
of the mobile computing device, the graphical user interface for
receiving the input from the user.
20. The memory storage device of claim 18 wherein the
computer-executable instructions comprise instructions for
wirelessly communicating the preferred hearing correction algorithm
from the mobile computing device to the programmable hearing
assistance device.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to the field of hearing assistance
devices, such as hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers. More
particularly, this invention relates to a system for programming a
hearing assistance device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] User programmable hearing aids are now in wide use. Such
hearing aids come preprogrammed from the manufacturer with several
hearing correction algorithms from which the user can choose to
accommodate the acoustic environment that the user is experiencing
at any given time. Since these programmable hearing aids come
preloaded with hearing correction algorithms designed for use by
persons having widely-varying hearing loss profiles in a wide range
of acoustic environments, such algorithms are not fine tuned for
individual users. This leads to less than optimal hearing
correction results for many users of such devices.
[0003] What is needed, therefore, is a user programmable hearing
assistance device that is preprogrammed with selectable hearing
correction algorithms that are best suited for correction of each
user's individual hearing loss characteristics.
SUMMARY
[0004] The above and other needs are met by a method for
programming a programmable hearing assistance device. A first
embodiment of the method includes the following steps: [0005] (a)
receiving a hearing loss profile of a user of the programmable
hearing assistance device; [0006] (b) based at least in part on the
hearing loss profile, determining a preferred hearing correction
algorithm for the user; [0007] (c) storing the preferred hearing
correction algorithm in memory of the programmable hearing
assistance device, into which one or more preloaded hearing
correction algorithms were previously stored; [0008] (d) after
completion of step (c), delivering the programmable hearing
assistance device to the user; [0009] (e) during an initial setup
procedure, the user listening to sounds amplified by the
programmable hearing assistance device while switching between the
preferred hearing correction algorithm and the one or more
preloaded hearing correction algorithms; and [0010] (f) the user
selecting the preferred hearing correction algorithm or one of the
preloaded hearing correction algorithms for continued use in the
programmable hearing assistance device, wherein the algorithm
selected in step (f) comprises a selected algorithm that continues
to be used in the programmable hearing assistance device after
completion of the initial setup procedure.
[0011] In some embodiments, step (e) includes: [0012] (e1) the user
listening to sounds amplified by the programmable hearing
assistance device while switching between the preferred hearing
correction algorithm and one or more first preloaded hearing
correction algorithms; [0013] (f1) the user selecting the preferred
hearing correction algorithm or one of the first preloaded hearing
correction algorithms; [0014] (e2) the user listening to sounds
amplified by the programmable hearing assistance device while
switching between the algorithm selected in step (f1) and one or
more second preloaded hearing correction algorithms; and [0015]
(f2) the user selecting the algorithm selected in step (f1) or one
of the second preloaded hearing correction algorithms for continued
use in the programmable hearing assistance device.
[0016] In some embodiments, the hearing loss profile received in
step (a) is generated by an audiologist.
[0017] In some embodiments, the hearing loss profile comprises an
audiogram.
[0018] In some embodiments, steps (a) through (c) are performed by
a hearing assistance device programming entity, such as a
manufacturer of the programmable hearing assistance device or an
audiologist.
[0019] In some embodiments, the selected algorithm continues to be
used each time power is applied to the programmable hearing
assistance device until the programmable hearing assistance device
is reset or reprogrammed.
[0020] In some embodiments, the switching and selecting of steps
(e) and (f) are performed by the user while interacting with an
interface of a mobile computing device, such as a smart phone or
tablet computer executing a setup and control application.
[0021] A second embodiment of the method includes the following
steps: [0022] (a) entering an audiogram into memory of a mobile
computing device, the audiogram indicating a hearing loss profile
of a user of the programmable hearing assistance device; [0023] (b)
based at least in part on the audiogram, a processor of the mobile
computing device determining a preferred hearing correction
algorithm for the user; [0024] (c) communicating the preferred
hearing correction algorithm from the mobile computing device to
memory of the programmable hearing assistance device; [0025] (d)
storing the preferred hearing correction algorithm in memory of the
programmable hearing assistance device, wherein the memory of the
programmable hearing assistance device also contains one or more
preloaded hearing correction algorithms; [0026] (e) during an
initial setup procedure, the user listening to sounds amplified by
the programmable hearing assistance device while switching between
the preferred hearing correction algorithm and the one or more
preloaded hearing correction algorithms; and [0027] (f) the user
selecting the preferred hearing correction algorithm or one of the
preloaded hearing correction algorithms for continued use in the
programmable hearing assistance device.
[0028] In some embodiments, the algorithm selected in step (f)
continues to be used each time power is applied to the programmable
hearing assistance device until the programmable hearing assistance
device is reset or reprogrammed.
[0029] In some embodiments, the switching and selecting of steps
(e) and (f) are performed by the user while interacting with an
interface of the mobile computing device.
[0030] In some embodiments, the interface of the mobile computing
device comprises a graphical user interface displayed on a display
screen of the mobile computing device.
[0031] In some embodiments, the mobile computing device is in
wireless communication with the programmable hearing assistance
device, and step (c) is performed wirelessly.
[0032] In some embodiments, the mobile computing device comprises a
smart phone or tablet computer executing a setup and control
application.
[0033] In some embodiments, the one or more preloaded hearing
correction algorithms were loaded into the memory of the
programmable hearing assistance device prior to step (d).
[0034] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a
memory storage device on which computer-executable instructions are
stored for downloading to and execution by a processor of a mobile
computing device to program a programmable hearing assistance
device. In one embodiment, the computer-executable instructions
include instructions for: [0035] entering an audiogram into memory
of the mobile computing device, the audiogram indicating a hearing
loss profile of a user of the programmable hearing assistance
device; [0036] determining a preferred hearing correction algorithm
for the user based at least in part on the audiogram; [0037]
communicating the preferred hearing correction algorithm from the
mobile computing device to the programmable hearing assistance
device; [0038] controlling the programmable hearing assistance
device to store the preferred hearing correction algorithm in
memory of the programmable hearing assistance device; [0039] based
on input from the user, controlling the programmable hearing
assistance device to switch between the preferred hearing
correction algorithm and multiple preloaded hearing correction
algorithms stored in the memory of the programmable hearing
assistance device while the user listens to sounds amplified by the
programmable hearing assistance device while; and [0040] based on
input from the user, selecting the preferred hearing correction
algorithm or one of the preloaded hearing correction algorithms for
continued use in the programmable hearing assistance device.
[0041] In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions
include instructions for generating a graphical user interface
displayed on a display screen of the mobile computing device,
wherein the graphical user interface receives the input from the
user.
[0042] In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions
include instructions for wirelessly communicating the preferred
hearing correction algorithm from the mobile computing device to
the programmable hearing assistance device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent by
reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the
figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly
show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like
elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0044] FIG. 1 depicts a functional block diagram of a personal
hearing assistance device according to a preferred embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 2 depicts a functional flow diagram of the operation of
a personal hearing assistance device according to a preferred
embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 3 depicts an example of an audiogram in graphical
format as a plot of hearing threshold level versus frequency;
[0047] FIG. 4 depicts an example of the audiogram of FIG. 3 in
tabular format; and
[0048] FIG. 5 depicts a functional flow diagram of the operation of
a personal hearing assistance device according to an alternative
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of a personal hearing
assistance device 10 for amplifying ambient sound. The device 10
preferably includes two microphones 12a-12b for sensing sound and
converting the sound to analog audio signals. The analog audio
signals generated by the microphones 12a-b are converted to digital
audio signals by analog-to-digital (A/D) converters 14a-14b. The
digital audio signals are processed by a digital processor 16 to
shape the frequency envelope of the digital audio signals to
enhance those signals to improve their audibility for a user of the
device 10. Further discussion of various programs for processing
the digital audio signals by the processor 16 is provided below.
Thus, the processor 16 generates digital audio signals that are
modified based on the programming of the processor 16. The modified
digital audio signals are provided to a digital-to-analog (D/A)
converter 18 which generates analog audio signals based on the
modified digital audio signals. The analog audio signals at the
output of the D/A converter 18 are amplified by an audio amplifier
20, where the level of amplification is controlled by a control
device 32, such as a rocker switch, coupled to a controller 28. The
amplified audio signals at the output of the amplifier 20 are
provided to a sound generation device 22, which may be an audio
speaker or other type of transducer that generates sound waves or
mechanical vibrations that the user perceives as sound. The
amplifier 20 and sound generation device 22 are referred to
collectively herein as an audio output section 24 of the device 10.
The device is preferably powered by a replaceable or rechargeable
battery 30.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the control device 32 comprises a
digital rocker switch mounted on an outer surface of a housing of
the device 10. For example, the digital rocker switch 32 may be a
model number MT90 Momentary Toggle Switch manufactured by Sonion.
In some embodiments, the control device 32 comprises two individual
push button switches disposed in a single rocker-style switch
housing. Both of these control device configurations are referred
to herein as a digital rocker switch and both include "up" and
"down" controls 34a and 34b. The digital rocker switch 32 is also
referred to herein as a multipurpose control device because it may
be used as a volume control and as a control for switching between
and selecting audio processing programs. As described in more
detail below, the rocker switch 32 may be used in conjunction with
closure of a battery compartment door to reset the device 10.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the rocker switch 32 is used to
select preferred quiet environment programs during a setup
procedure, to switch between a quiet environment program, noisy
environment program, and telecoil program during daily use, to
control audio volume during daily use, and to reset the device
10.
[0052] The device 10 may be configured as a behind-the-ear (BTE)
instrument, with the rocker switch 32 located on an accessible
surface of the housing of the BTE instrument. However, it will be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular
configuration of the device 10. In various embodiments, the device
10 may comprise an open fit device, an ear canal device, a
half-shell configuration, a BTE device, an in-the-ear (ITE) device
or a completely in canal (CIC) device.
[0053] Nonvolatile memory 26, such as read-only memory (ROM),
programmable ROM (PROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or
flash memory, is provided for storing programming instructions and
other operational parameters for the device 10. Preferably, the
memory 26 is accessible by the processor 16 and/or the controller
28.
[0054] According to preferred embodiments, the personal sound
amplification device 10 is operable in several different modes as
determined by its programming. As the terms are used herein,
"programs" and "programming" refers to one or more sets of
instructions or parameters that are carried out or used by the
processor 16 in shaping the frequency envelope of digital audio
signals to enhance those signals to improve audibility for the user
of the device 10. "Programs" and "programming" also refers to the
instructions carried out by the processor 16 in determining which
of several stored enhancement programs provides the best
improvement for the user.
[0055] As used herein, a program is a set of instructions that
implement an amplification algorithm for setting the audio
frequency shaping or compensation provided in the processor 16. The
amplification algorithms may also be referred to as "gain-frequency
response" algorithms. Examples of generally accepted gain-frequency
response algorithms include NAL (National Acoustic Laboratories;
Bryne & Tonisson, 1976), Berger (Berger, Hagberg & Rane,
1977), POGO (Prescription of Gain and Output; McCandless &
Lyregaard, 1983), NAL-R (NAL-Revised; Byrne & Dillon, 1986),
POGO II (Schwartz, Lyregaard & Lundh, 1988), NAL-RP
(NAL-Revised, Profound; Byrne, Parkinson & Newall, 1991), FIG.
6 (Killion & Fikret-Pasa, 1993) and NAL-NL1 (NAL nonlinear;
Dillon, 1999). It will be appreciated that other algorithms could
be used in association with the methods described herein, and the
above list should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention in any way.
[0056] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a feedback
canceller algorithm is also stored in the memory 26 of the device
10. An example of a feedback canceller algorithm is described in
U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0047620 by Robert Fretz.
As described in more detail below, such an algorithm is used to set
the acoustical gain levels in the processor 16 and/or the amplifier
20 to avoid audio feedback in the device 10.
[0057] With continued reference to FIG. 1, some embodiments include
a telephone coil 36. The telephone coil 36 is small coil of wire
for picking up the magnetic field emitted by the ear piece of some
telephone receivers or loop induction systems when the hearing
assistance device 10 is disposed near such a telephone receiver or
loop induction system. Signals generated by the telephone coil 36
are converted to digital signals by an A/D converter 14c and are
provided to the processor 16. As discussed in more detail below,
the converted digital signals from the telephone coil 36 may be
used in some embodiments for resetting or reprogramming the
processor 16, or controlling the operation of the hearing
assistance device 16 in other ways.
[0058] Some embodiments of the invention also include a wireless
interface 38, such as a Bluetooth interface, for receiving wireless
signals for resetting or reprogramming the processor 16. In some
embodiments, a mobile computing device 40 communicates with the
wireless interface 38 to control the setup and operation of the
device 10, including the selection of acoustical configuration
programs or masking stimuli programs. For example, the mobile
computing device 40 may be a smartphone, tablet, or laptop
computer, running a setup and control application. The wireless
interface 38 may also be used to wirelessly deliver an audio signal
to the device 10, such as a music signal transmitted from a
wireless transmitter attached to a CD player, or the audio portion
of a television program transmitted from a wireless transmitter
connected to a television tuner. In various embodiments, the
wireless interface 38 comprises a WiFi link according to the IEEE
802.11 specification, a Bluetooth link, an infrared link, or other
wireless communication link.
[0059] FIG. 2 depicts a first embodiment of a method for
programming the device 10 to provide the optimum hearing correction
for the user. The method hinges upon the generation of a hearing
loss profile for the user that indicates the nature of the user's
hearing loss situation. For example, the hearing loss profile--also
referred to herein as an audiogram--may be obtained from an
audiologist based on audiometric testing performed on the user by
the audiologist. Alternatively, the hearing loss profile may be
generated by software, such as a mobile device application, that
guides the user through a do-it-yourself audiometric testing
process. In yet another embodiment, audiometric testing information
needed to generate the hearing loss profile may be acquired by the
device 10 itself, such as by implementing an audiometric testing
routine as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,472,634, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This
audiometric testing information may be uploaded from the device 10
via the wireless interface 38 to the internet, through which it is
communicated to a listening device programming entity, as described
below.
[0060] The hearing loss profile may be represented as an audiogram
in graphical format as depicted in FIG. 3 or in tabular form as
depicted in FIG. 4. In either format, the audiogram indicates the
compensation amplification (such as in decibels) needed as a
function of frequency (such as in hertz) across the audible band to
properly enhance the user's hearing.
[0061] In the first embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the user or
audiologist sends the user's hearing loss profile to a hearing
assistance device programming entity, which may be the manufacturer
of the device 10 or another entity tasked with initially
programming the device for the user. The hearing assistance device
programming entity receives the hearing loss profile (step 102) and
based thereon determines a best-fit hearing correction algorithm
for the user (step 104). In general terms, this best-fit algorithm
defines the optimum amplitude-versus-frequency compensation
function to be programmed into the device 10 to compensate for the
user's hearing loss as indicated by the hearing loss profile. It
will be appreciated that the shape of the hearing loss profile
could vary substantially from one person to another, which is why
it is preferable to begin the device programming process with a
correction algorithm that is customized for the particular
user.
[0062] The hearing assistance device programming entity uploads the
best-fit hearing correction algorithm to the memory location within
the memory 26 of the device 10 that is designated for the default
compensation algorithm (step 106). In this manner, when the device
10 is initially powered on (or reset after the initial power-on),
the best-fit hearing correction algorithm will be the default
algorithm loaded from the memory 26 first. The hearing assistance
device programming entity then ships the preprogrammed device 10 to
the user (step 108).
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, when the user powers up the
device 10 for the first time, such as by inserting the battery 30,
the processor 16 loads and runs a setup program to direct the user
through an initial setup procedure (step 110). In one embodiment,
guidance through the setup procedure may be provided by audible
instructions given to the user via the audio output section 24 of
the device 10, wherein the user is audibly directed to use the
up/down buttons of the rocker switch 32 to control the device 10
during setup. In an alternative embodiment, guidance through the
setup procedure is provided by audiovisual instructions given to
the user via a mobile device application running on the mobile
computing device 40 that is communicating with the device 10 via
the wireless interface 38. In this embodiment, the user may control
the device 10 during setup by pressing virtual buttons displayed on
the mobile computing device 40 based on instructions generated by
the mobile device application.
[0064] In the embodiment in which the user is guided through the
setup procedure using the mobile device application, the user may
first be prompted to install the battery into the device 10 (step
110). The user may then be prompted to indicate which of the user's
ears has better hearing, such as by pressing a virtual button to
select left ear, or right ear, or no difference. The mobile device
application may then display a first series of buttons on the
mobile device screen, such as five buttons labeled 1 through 5,
each corresponding to a particular hearing compensation algorithm
stored in the device memory 26. In a preferred embodiment, one of
the buttons corresponds to the best-fit hearing correction
algorithm that was uploaded to the device at step 106. The other
buttons preferably correspond to a first set of preloaded hearing
correction algorithms that are generally used to compensate for
normal patterns of hearing loss experienced by a wide range of
hearing-impaired persons. The user may be prompted to have a
conversation with someone while sequentially trying out each of the
hearing correction algorithms that are selectable using the virtual
buttons (step 112). After trying each one, the user selects the
best sounding algorithm (step 114) and either confirms the
selection or goes back to step 112 to start over (step 116).
[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile device application may
then display a second series of buttons on the mobile device
screen, each corresponding to a particular hearing compensation
algorithm stored in the device memory 26. In a preferred
embodiment, one of the buttons corresponds to the
currently-selected hearing correction algorithm (selected at step
114), and the other buttons preferably correspond to a second set
of preloaded hearing correction algorithms that are slight
variations from the first set of preloaded hearing correction
algorithms. The user may be prompted to again have a conversation
with someone while sequentially trying out each of the hearing
correction algorithms that are selectable using the virtual buttons
(step 118). After trying each one, the user selects the best
sounding algorithm (step 120), which becomes the default algorithm
that will stay in use until the user decides to reset and reprogram
the device 10 (step 122). In a preferred embodiment, when the user
resets the device 10, the original best-fit hearing correction
algorithm that was uploaded at step 106 again becomes the default
algorithm, and the setup procedure can be repeated beginning at
step 112.
[0066] In a second embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the user receives
an audiogram indicating the user's hearing loss profile from an
audiologist or other entity that generated the audiogram based on a
hearing test of the user (step 202). The user or someone else then
inputs the audiogram into a mobile computing device 40, such as the
user's smartphone, using an application running on the device 40
(step 204). In a preferred embodiment, the application generates a
graphical user interface (GUI) display on the device 40 that
prompts the user to input the hearing threshold level values for
each tested frequency from the user's audiogram. For example, if
the device 10 being programmed is for use in the left ear, the
application may first generate a prompt that says "Enter the left
ear hearing threshold level (in dB) at 250 Hz," in response to
which the user enters the number "40" using the application GUI.
This input procedure is then repeated for each of the other
available frequencies in the audiogram for the left ear (500 Hz,
750 Hz, 1000 Hz, etc.) until the complete left ear audiogram has
been input.
[0067] Using the entered audiogram values, the application running
on the device 40 generates a best-fit hearing correction algorithm
for the user (step 206). In general terms, this best-fit algorithm
defines the optimum amplitude-versus-frequency compensation
function to be programmed into the device 10 to compensate for the
user's hearing loss as indicated by the entered audiogram values.
The application running on the device 40 next causes the device 40
to wirelessly transmit the best-fit hearing correction algorithm to
the hearing assistance device 10, such as via a Bluetooth
connection, and the algorithm is uploaded to the memory location
within the memory 26 of the device 10 that is designated for the
default compensation algorithm (step 208). In this manner, when the
device 10 is initially powered on (or reset after the initial
power-on), the best-fit hearing correction algorithm will be the
default algorithm loaded from the memory 26 first.
[0068] As in the previously described embodiment, the user is then
guided through the rest of the setup procedure by prompts from the
mobile device application. For example, the mobile device
application may display a first series of buttons on the mobile
device screen, such as five buttons labeled 1 through 5, each
corresponding to a particular hearing compensation algorithm stored
in the device memory 26. In a preferred embodiment, one of the
buttons corresponds to the best-fit hearing correction algorithm
that was uploaded to the device at step 106. The other buttons
preferably correspond to a first set of preloaded hearing
correction algorithms that are generally used to compensate for
normal patterns of hearing loss experienced by a wide range of
hearing-impaired persons. The user may be prompted to have a
conversation with someone while sequentially trying out each of the
hearing correction algorithms that are selectable using the virtual
buttons (step 210). After trying each one, the user selects the
best sounding algorithm (step 212) and either confirms the
selection or goes back to step 210 to start over (step 214).
[0069] As in the previously described embodiment, the mobile device
application may then display a second series of buttons on the
mobile device screen, each corresponding to a particular hearing
compensation algorithm stored in the device memory 26. In a
preferred embodiment, one of the buttons corresponds to the
currently-selected hearing correction algorithm (selected at step
212), and the other buttons preferably correspond to a second set
of preloaded hearing correction algorithms that are slight
variations from the first set of preloaded hearing correction
algorithms. The user may be prompted to again have a conversation
with someone while sequentially trying out each of the hearing
correction algorithms that are selectable using the virtual buttons
(step 216). After trying each one, the user selects the best
sounding algorithm (step 218), which becomes the default algorithm
that will stay in use until the user decides to reset and reprogram
the device 10 (step 220). If the user resets the device 10, the
original best-fit hearing correction algorithm that was uploaded at
step 208 again becomes the default algorithm, and the setup
procedure can be repeated beginning at step 210.
[0070] Other aspects of various embodiments of the device 10 and
its programming and operational methods are described in the
following U.S. patents, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,974,716,
8,265,314, 8,284,968, 8,396,237, 8,077,890, and 8,472,634.
[0071] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the
best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its
practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill
in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when
interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are
fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
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