Method of treating an auditory disorder of a user by adding a compensation delay to input sound

• US 9,361,906 B2
• Filed: 12/24/2014
• Issued: 06/07/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: R2 Wellness, LLC
• Original Assignee: R2 Wellness, LLC
• Inventors: Roberts, Roger
• Primary Examiner(s): PULLIAS, JESSE SCOTT
• Application Number:
  US14/582,871
• Publication Number:
  US 20150120310A1
• Time in Patent Office: 531 Days
• Field of Search: 704/215, 704/271, 704/503
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 21/02 Speech enhancement, e.g. noise reduction or echo cancellation reducing echo effects in line transmission systems H04B3/20; echo suppression in hands-free telephones H04M9/08
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 21/0316 by changing the amplitude
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 21/043 by changing speed
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 21/057 for improving intelligibility
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 25/48 specially adapted for particular use
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1008 Earpieces of the supra-aural or circum-aural type
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1091 Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/41 Detection or adaptation of hearing aid parameters or programs to listening situation, e.g. pub, forest
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/61 Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/04 comprising pocket amplifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/552 Binaural
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/554 using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/603 of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/70 Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting

Abstract

An audio input device is provided which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, the audio input device includes a housing, a microphone carried by the housing, and a processor carried by the housing and configured to modify an input sound signal so as to amplify frequencies corresponding to a target human voice and diminish frequencies not corresponding to the target human voice. In another embodiment, an audio input device is configured to treat an auditory gap condition of a user by extending gaps in continuous speech and outputting the modified speech to the user. In another embodiment, the audio input device is configured to treat a dichotic hearing condition of a user. Methods of use are also described.

Claims

1. A method of treating an auditory disorder of a user having a dichotic hearing condition corresponding to a delay perceived by a first ear of the user but not by a second ear of the user, comprising:

inputting an input sound signal into first and second channels of an audio input device carried by the user, the first channel corresponding to the first ear of the user and the second channel corresponding to the second ear of the user;

modifying the input sound signal in the second channel by adding a compensation delay to the input sound signal in the second channel with a processor of the audio input device; and

outputting input sound signal from the first channel into the first ear of the user and outputting the modified input sound signal from the second channel into the second ear of the user from the audio input device to correct the dichotic hearing condition.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the input sound signal comprises a sound wave.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the input sound signal comprises a digital input.

4. An audio input device configure to treat a user having a dichotic hearing condition corresponding to a delay perceived by a first ear of the user but not by a second ear of the user, comprising;

at least one housing;

first and second microphones carried by the at least one housing and configured to receive a sound signal into first and second channels;

a processor disposed in the at least one housing and configured to modify the input sound signal by adding a compensation delay to the input sound signal in the second channel; and

at least one speaker carried by the at least one housing, the at least one speaker configured to output the input sound signal from the first channel into the first ear of the user and outputting the modified input sound signal from the second channel into the second ear of the user to treat the dichotic hearing condition.

5. The audio input device of claim 4 wherein the at least one housing comprises a pair of earpieces configured to be inserted at least partially into the user'"'"'s ears.

6. The audio input device of claim 4 wherein the sound signal comprises a sound wave.

7. The audio input device of claim 4 wherein the sound signal comprises a digital input.

8. The audio input device of claim 4 further comprising a user interface feature configured to control a modification of the sound signal by the processor.

9. The audio input device of claim 8 wherein adjustment of the user interface feature can cause the processor to modify the sound signal to decrease an intensity of frequencies corresponding to a target human voice.

10. The audio input device of claim 8 wherein adjustment of the user interface feature can cause the processor to modify the sound signal to increase an intensity of frequencies corresponding to a target human voice.