Fitter defined user controlled adaptation tool for a hearing assistance device

• US 10,257,626 B2
• Filed: 04/02/2015
• Issued: 04/09/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Starkey Laboratories Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Starkey Laboratories Incorporated
• Inventors: Recker, Karrie LaRae
• Primary Examiner(s): Yen, Jason T
• Application Number:
  US14/677,291
• Publication Number:
  US 20160066107A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,468 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/54 involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/39 Aspects relating to automatic logging of sound environment parameters and the performance of the hearing aid during use, e.g. histogram logging, or of user selected programs or settings in the hearing aid, e.g. usage logging
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/55 Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/505 using digital signal processing
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/554 using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/558 Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/70 Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting

Abstract

Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for fitting hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method for assisting wearers in adjusting settings of hearing assistance devices using a mobile adaptation tool. The method includes providing a mobile adaptation tool for a wearer of a hearing assistance device. The wearer is guided using gamification to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device using the mobile adaptation tool, including providing an update to the wearer via the adaptation tool with an indication of a level of matching between current settings and target settings, according to various embodiments.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

providing a mobile adaptation tool for a wearer of a hearing assistance device, the mobile adaptation tool configured for wireless communication with the hearing assistance device, wherein the hearing assistance device is configured to sense sound signals and amplify the sound signals to compensate for hearing loss of the wearer;

using gamification, including using computer game thinking and game mechanics to engage and encourage the wearer to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device closer to predefined target settings using a processor of the mobile adaptation tool, including providing an update to the wearer via the adaptation tool with an indication of a level of matching between current settings and the target settings.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein using gamification to guide the wearer to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device includes using points as an incentive for the wearer.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein using gamification to guide the wearer to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device includes using a visual indicator to provide feedback to the wearer.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein using a visual indicator to provide feedback to the wearer includes using at least one of color coding, a smiley face, or stars that appear on a screen of the mobile adaptation tool.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein using gamification to guide the wearer to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device includes using a text to provide feedback to the wearer.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein using gamification to guide the wearer to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device includes using audio reinforcement to provide feedback to the wearer.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein using points as an incentive for the wearer includes using points that can be redeemed for tangible items.

8. The method of claim 1;

wherein using gamification to guide the wearer to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device includes using a graphical user interface (GUI) on the adaptation to provide the update.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein using a GUI includes providing one or more of a table-like interface, equalizers (EQ) or a list of presets from which the wearer can select settings.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein using color coding includes using green to indicate a good match, yellow to indicate an okay match, and red to indicate a poor match for each of a plurality of frequency regions.

11. A system, comprising:

a heating assistance device configured to be worn by a wearer and further configured to sense sound signals and amplify the sound signals to compensate for hearing losses of the wearer; and

a mobile adaptation tool for the wearer, the mobile adaptation tool configured for wireless communication with the hearing assistance device and including a processor configured to use gamification, including using computer game thinking and game mechanics to engage and encourage the wearer to adjust settings of the hearing assistance device closer to predefined target settings using the mobile adaptation tool, including providing an update to the wearer via the adaptation tool with an indication of a level of matching between current settings and the target settings.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the mobile adaptation tool includes a cellular telephone.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the hearing assistance device includes a cochlear implant.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the hearing assistance device includes a hearing aid.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the hearing aid includes an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the hearing aid includes a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the hearing aid includes an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the hearing aid includes a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the hearing aid includes a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the hearing aid includes a receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aid.