Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Monitoring/measuring of audio devices – Testing of hearing aids
Patent
1986-05-27
1988-07-19
Brown, Thomas W.
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Monitoring/measuring of audio devices
Testing of hearing aids
381 686, 128746, A61N 136, H04R 2500
Patent
active
047590700
ABSTRACT:
A programmable patient controlled master hearing aid is disclosed which consists of a hearing aid test module, an operator's console and a patient's console, both of which are microprocessor based, and all of which are interconnected to provide a testing apparatus which is used by the patient to select electronic components to be imployed in a hearing aid. The testing device has selectable electronic components that match the components which will be used in the hearing aid which the patient selects as best assisting or addressing the patient's hearing loss. The patient is located in the center of a sound field created by multiple speakers which accurately reproduce both pre-recorded environmental background sounds and pre-recorded or live "target-stimuli" such as speech. Thus surrounded by a simulation of real-world listening situations, the patient initially selects a hearing aid shell assembly which comfortably fits in the patient's ear. A test module which is connected to the patient's console is then employed which snaps into the hearing aid shell assembly and provides decision tree choices of electronic components and concomitant sound qualities which the patient chooses by listening to various combinations of components and sound conditions. The patient chooses those components which give the most acceptable amplification and performance characteristics, which best address the patient's hearing loss. Similarly, tinnitus conditions can be addressed as well.
After the patient has completed the test procedure and selected those components which best address the patient's hearing condition, electronic components with the same specifications as those used during testing are snapped into the earshell assembly used during the test so that the patient can leave with the hearing aid that he or she has selected.
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Hearing Aid Journal, article entitled "New Master Hearing Aid with Flexibility for Research", Martin, Apr., 1981, pp. 7, 39-41.
Amplification for the Hearing-Impaired, Ed. Pollack, "Chapter 9: The Search for a Master Hearing Aid", Berger 1980; New York, Grune & Straton; pp. 305-322.
Application of Signal Processing Concepts to Hearing Aids, "Chapter 5: The Master Hearing Aid", Franks, 1978; pp. 85-124.
Perspectives on the State of Hearing Aid Fitting Practices, Voroba, four page pamphlet reprinted from article published in Audecibel, vol. 31(2), 1982, pp. 12-16.
A Tool for the Optimization of Hearing Aid Fittings, Voroba, four page pamphlet reprinted from article published in Hearing Instruments, Jan. 1984.
Sound Pressure Instruments, published in "Hearing Instruments", Feb. 1977.
Voroba Barry
Wilkinson James P.
Brown Thomas W.
Schroeder L. C.
Voroba Technologies Associates
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