CALIBRATION OF WEARABLE SOUND-EMITTING DEVICES

The present disclosure relates to a hearing aid hearing test and calibration system. An exemplary system includes: a hearing aid that amplifies sound and further plays the amplified sound; and a computing device that communicates with the hearing aid, and performs a fitting process responsive to a user's activation. The fitting process includes: setting a test frequency and a test amplitude; causing the hearing aid to play a sound at the test frequency and the test amplitude; prompting the user to respond as to whether the user is able to hear; and upon a positive or negative response from the user, causing the hearing aid to change the amplitude to calibrate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to user calibration of hearing aids, in-ear or over-ear headphones, and other wearable sound modification and/or amplification devices.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Existing hearing aid fitting has two primary steps. According to audiology best practices, the first major step in fitting a hearing aid is to conduct a pure tone audiometry test. Audiometric threshold data, also known as pure-tone testing, has been used since the1920sto categorize the degree and type of hearing loss. Audiometric testing utilizes various intensities of sound emitted over a range of frequencies to determine deficits in hearing, which is plotted on a graph, also known as an audiogram. The characteristic configurations and patterns produced on the audiogram can guide healthcare practitioners in understanding the mechanism of an individual's hearing loss.

After reading the audiogram, an audiologist will then program a hearing aid based on patient hearing thresholds and move on to the second major step in fitting best practices: real ear measures. Real ear measurement is a process that audiologists use to determine the efficacy of a hearing aid once in a patient's ear. This step is essential due to everyone's unique ear canal geometry. Audiologists perform real ear measures by placing a microphone probe in an individual's ear canal to measure the output of the hearing aid at the ear drum. Once the real ear measures have been recorded, the audiologist then adjusts the hearing aid to the patient's specific needs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed are techniques to remove the need to employ expensive real ear measurement equipment by enabling individuals to replicate the results of audiology best practices without the need for expensive equipment or training.

Embodiments described herein address the problem of the time and expense involved in the current methods for providing hearing aids and other such devices to customers and the calibration of same for each individual customer.

Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

While the following preferred embodiments refer specifically to hearing aids as an example, it should be appreciated that the same methods may apply to other wearable sound modification and/or amplification devices and no limitation is intended.

FIG.1is a block diagram of an example system100in accordance with one embodiment.FIG.1shows a user101of the system100and the system100including a hearing aid102, a mobile device103, and over-ear headphones104in communication with the mobile device103. The hearing aid102in a normal operation may receive sound in the air, amplify the sound, and play the amplified sound in the ear(s) of the user101. In this embodiment, the mobile device103, such as a smartphone, may run a hearing aid application (hereinafter referred to as “app”) that performs hearing tests and calibration processes using the hearing aid102. In some embodiments, the hearing tests and calibration processes may be performed by any computing device, such as a tablet, a wearable fitness device, a computer such as a laptop or desktop, etc., using the hearing aid102. In some embodiments, the mobile device103may communicate via a communications link107, such as an internet or some other network, that connects the mobile device103to a remote server108in performing the hearing tests and calibration processes. In some embodiments, the mobile device103may internally perform functions of the hearing tests and calibration processes.

In a standard fitting preparation105, the user101of the system100connects the hearing aid102with the mobile device103wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, etc.) or with one or more wires, and wears the hearing aid102. There is no particular order of wearing the hearing aid102and connecting the hearing aid102with the mobile device103.

In a standard fitting106including an initial hearing test and calibration process, the user101starts the initial hearing test on the mobile device103, and the mobile device103may perform the initial hearing test by causing the hearing aid102to play a sound at a frequency based on a standard protocol. In some embodiments, the standard protocol may be equivalent to pure-tone threshold audiometry taught in guidelines (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, URL “https://www.asha.org/policy/gl2005-00014,” hereinafter referred to as “ASLH guidelines”) for multiple frequencies. In some examples, air-conduction type hearing aids may provide sound signals at frequencies, such as 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 Hz (125 Hz under some circumstances). In some examples, bone-conduction type hearing aids may provide sound signals at frequencies with octave intervals from 250 Hz to 4,000 Hz and at 3,000 Hz as needed. In some embodiments, the hearing aid102may store sound signals at the above predetermined frequencies used for the initial hearing test, and the mobile device103may transmit a command instructing the hearing aid102to play a sound at one of these frequencies in the protocol, and the hearing aid102may play the sound. In some embodiments, the mobile device103may provide a sound signal at each of these frequencies in the protocol, and the hearing aid102may play the sound.

The hearing aid102plays the sound for each frequency at a reference amplitude for a predetermined time (1-2 seconds, for example). The mobile device102may allow the user101to indicate whether the user101can hear the sound. In some embodiments, the mobile device102may display an elapsed time of playing the sound and an entry, such as a touch button or an icon of “can hear” on its screen. If the user101enters a response indicating that the user101can hear the sound, the mobile device103may cause the hearing aid102to play the sound with a reduced amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., −5 dB steps). If the user101fails to enter a response indicating that the user101can hear the sound within a predetermined time after the end of the sound or if the user101enters a response indicating that the user101cannot hear the sound, the mobile device103may cause the hearing aid102to play the sound with an increased amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., 5 dB steps). By repeating the increase and decrease of the amplitude of the sound, the mobile device103may obtain a threshold audible amplitude that is a lowest decibel hearing level that the user101can hear for each frequency.

Based on the threshold amplitude for each frequency, the hearing aid102may perform calibration for each frequency to provide relatively equalized amplitudes across frequencies by compensation of sound pressure for each frequency. The threshold amplitudes for frequencies as a profile of the user101may also be stored in the mobile device103. In some embodiments, the profile of the user101may also be transmitted to the remote server108via the communications link107and the remote server108may record the profile of the user101.

In a real-ear fitting preparation109, the user101may be exposed to a sound source outside the hearing aid102. In some examples, the user101may wear the over-ear headphones104as a sound source over the hearing aid102. In some examples, the user101may be in a room with a sound source (e.g., a speaker). In some embodiments, the mobile device103or the remote server108may have a sound profile, such as frequency response characteristics of the over-ear headphones104, or the sound source and/or the room.

In a real-ear fitting110including a hearing test and calibration process, the user101starts the real-ear hearing test on the mobile device103, and the mobile device103may perform the real-ear hearing test by causing the over-ear headphones104to play a sound at a frequency based on the standard protocol used in the initial hearing test. In some embodiments, the over-ear headphones104may store sound signals at the above predetermined frequencies used for the initial hearing test, and the mobile device103may transmit a command instructing the over-ear headphones104to play a sound at one of these frequencies in the protocol, and the over-ear headphones104may play the sound. In some embodiments, the mobile device103may provide a sound signal at each of these frequencies in the protocol, and the over-ear headphones104may play the sound.

The over-ear headphones104plays the sound for each frequency at a reference amplitude for a predetermined time (e.g., 1-2 seconds). The mobile device102may allow the user101to indicate whether the user101can hear the sound. In some embodiments, the mobile device102may display an elapsed time of playing the sound and an entry, such as a touch button or an icon of “can hear” on its screen. If the user101enters a response indicating that the user101can hear the sound, the mobile device103may cause the over-ear headphones104to play the sound with a reduced amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., −5 dB steps). If the user101fails to enter a response indicating that the user101can hear the sound within a predetermined time after the end of the sound or if the user101enters a response indicating that the user101cannot hear the sound, the mobile device103may cause the over-ear headphones104to play the sound with an increased amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., 5 dB steps). By repeating the increase and decrease of the amplitude of the sound, the mobile device103may obtain a threshold audible amplitude where the user101can hear for each frequency.

Based on the threshold amplitude for each frequency, the hearing aid102may further perform calibration for each frequency to provide relatively equalized amplitudes across frequencies by compensation of sound pressure for each frequency. The threshold amplitudes for frequencies as another profile of the user101together with the sound profile of the sound source may also be stored in the mobile device103. In some embodiments, the profile of the user101together with the sound profile of the sound source may also be transmitted to the remote server108via the communications link107and the remote server108may record the profile of the user101. Once the calibration is performed, another hearing test may be performed to confirm the hearing improvement by the real-ear fitting110.

The standard fitting preparation105will be described in detail referring toFIGS.2-6.FIG.2is a pictorial view showing a user202beginning a standard fitting in accordance with one embodiment. The user202may be the user101ofFIG.1. The user202wears a hearing aid204on one ear206of the user202. In some embodiments, the hearing aid204may be the hearing aid102ofFIG.1. In some embodiments, the user202may wear a pair of hearing aids on a pair of corresponding ears (e.g., a hearing aid with “L” on the left ear of the user202, and a hearing aid with “R” on the right ear of the user202). In some embodiments, the user202may wear one of the pair of hearing aids on one corresponding ear of the pair of ears. By wearing the hearing aid204on the corresponding ear206, the standard fitting may be performed on the correct ear and the fitting result will be collected and recorded.

FIG.3is a screenshot showing a control screen302of a computing device300in accordance with one embodiment. The user202may connect the hearing aid204with the computing device300(e.g., the mobile device103) wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, etc.), or with one or more wires before or after wearing the hearing aid204. In the example ofFIG.3, the control screen302includes a volume control interface306and an icon304indicating “fitting,” prompting a user to start a hearing aid fitting process. When the icon304is tapped by a user, the computing device300may enter into a fitting process.

FIG.4is a screenshot showing an in-ear fitting screen402of the computing device300for a standard fitting in accordance with one embodiment. In some embodiments, the in-ear fitting screen402may be an initial screen that may describe an explanation of the in-ear fitting process to a user. In the example ofFIG.4, the in-ear fitting screen402includes an icon404indicating “Self-fitting” and an icon406indicating “History,” prompting a user to select a fitting option between self-fitting and history-based fitting. If the icon406“History” is tapped by a user, the computing device300may read one or more past records of calibration history and/or sound environment history from any of the computing device300itself, the records previously provided by the hearing aid204or another hearing aid previously used, or the remote server108.

FIGS.5A and5Bare screenshots showing ambient noise presentation screens502and504in accordance with one embodiment. The ambient noise presentation screens502and504may prompt the user202to be in a quiet place with a noise level under a predetermined threshold sound pressure level. In the examples ofFIGS.5A and5B, the predetermined threshold sound pressure level may be set to 50 dB; however, any predetermined sound pressure level suitable for a combination of hearing aid hardware specification and sound environment may be set for the room setting. InFIG.5A, the screen502indicates that the ambient noise level is at 62 dB (above the predetermined threshold sound pressure level) and indicates an alert that prompts the user202to find a quiet place. InFIG.5B, the screen504indicates that the ambient noise level is at 45 dB (below the predetermined threshold sound pressure level) without the alert.

FIG.6is a screenshot showing a launch test screen602in accordance with one embodiment. In the end of the standard fitting preparation105, the launch test screen602may indicate that a system including the computing device300and the hearing aid204may be ready to start the standard fitting. In some examples, the launch test screen602may further provide instructions on how the standard fitting operates. The instructions indicate that the fitting will process one ear (e.g., a left ear) and a prompt may be provided to a user to select an option based on what the user hears or whether the user hears or does not hear a sound from the hearing aid204.

The standard fitting106will be described in detail referring toFIGS.7A-9.

FIGS.7A-7Care screenshots showing pure-tone hearing screens702in accordance with one embodiment.

Once a user starts an initial hearing test on the computing device300, such as the mobile device103, the computing device300may perform the initial hearing test by causing the hearing aid204to play a sound at a frequency based on the standard protocol equivalent to pure-tone threshold audiometry taught in the ASLH guidelines for multiple frequencies. In some embodiments, the hearing aid204may store sound signals at the above predetermined frequencies used for the initial hearing test, and the computing device300may transmit a command instructing the hearing aid204to play a sound at one of these frequencies in the protocol, and the hearing aid204may play the sound. In some embodiments, the computing device300may provide a sound signal at each of these frequencies in the protocol, and the hearing aid204may play the sound.

The hearing aid204plays the sound for each frequency at a reference amplitude for a predetermined time (e.g., 1-2 seconds). In some embodiments, the computing device204may display a current frequency708and a current amplitude710of the sound being played on the screen702. InFIG.7A, the current frequency708is 500 Hz and the current amplitude710is 50% of a full amplitude. The current amplitude710may be displayed in a percentage in the screen702; however, the current amplitude710may be displayed in dB. The computing device300may allow the user202to indicate whether the user202can hear the sound. In some embodiments, the computing device300may display a time bar704that indicates an elapsed time of playing the sound and a currently tested ear L/R706. In some examples, the computing device300may display response buttons, such as a No button712and a Yes button714on the screen702. If the user202enters a response indicating that the user cannot hear the sound by tapping the No button712, the computing device300may cause the hearing aid204to play the sound with an increased amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., 5 dB steps). In this example ofFIG.7B, the current amplitude710is increased from 50% to 67%. If the user202enters a response indicating that the user202can hear the sound by tapping the Yes button714, the computing device300may cause the hearing aid204to play the sound with a reduced amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., −5 dB steps). In this example ofFIG.7C, the current amplitude710is decreased from 50% to 33%. By repeating the increase and decrease of the amplitude of the sound, the computing device300may obtain a threshold audible amplitude that is the lowest decibel hearing level that the user202can hear for each frequency.

Based on the threshold amplitude for each frequency, the hearing aid204may perform calibration for each frequency to provide relatively equalized amplitudes across frequencies by compensation of sound pressure for each frequency. The threshold amplitudes for frequencies as a profile of the user202may also be stored in the computing device300.

FIGS.8and9are screenshots802and902, respectively, showing audiograms804and904, respectively, before and after standard fitting, respectively. In each audiogram of the audiograms804and904, a horizonal axis represents pitch levels shown in frequency ranges from 125 Hz to 8,000 Hz, and a vertical axis represents hearing levels in sound pressure level ranges from 120 dB at the bottom to −10 dB at the top. If the hearing is better, a lower dB sound can be heard, and thus a result for the better hearing is plotted higher in each of the audiograms. InFIGS.8and9, each of the audiograms804and904includes plots obtained for each of the left and right ears at frequencies connected by lines for each ear.

The screenshot802includes the audiogram804indicating a hearing test result without hearing aid calibration. The audiogram804may include a line806connecting plots for a left ear and a line808connecting plots for a right ear. At 250 Hz and 500 Hz, the right ear hears 30 dB whereas the left ear hears 40 dB only. At 1,000 Hz and near 2,000 Hz, the left ear hears just below 30 dB whereas the right ear hears 40 dB and 50 dB, respectively. The screenshot802may further indicate a hearing level tendency indicating “mild” hearing loss.

The screenshot902includes the audiogram904indicating a hearing test result with hearing aid calibration. The audiogram904may include a line906connecting plots for the left ear and a line908connecting plots for the right ear. At 500 Hz, the right ear hears 10 dB whereas the left ear hears 20 dB only. At 2,000 Hz, the left ear hears just below 10 dB whereas the right ear hears 20 dB. The screenshot902may further indicate a hearing level tendency indicating “normal” hearing range. The user202may be able to see improvement in hearing after the calibration using hearing aid204by looking at the audiograms804and904.

The real-ear fitting preparation109will be described in detail referring toFIG.10.

FIG.10is a pictorial view showing the user202beginning a real-ear fitting in accordance with one embodiment. The user202may be exposed to a sound source outside the hearing aid204. In some examples, the user202may wear over-ear headphones1002, such as the over-ear headphones104, as a sound source over the hearing aid204as shown inFIG.10. In another example, the user202may be in a room with a sound source (e.g., a speaker).

The sound source, such as the over-ear headphones1002, may provide sound, as if providing a sound to a real ear. The hearing aid204may receive the sound from the over-ear headphones1002, and amplify the sound based on the calibration performed in the standard fitting. In some embodiments, the computing device300, such as the mobile device103or the remote server108, may have access to a sound profile, such as frequency response characteristics of the over-ear headphones1002, or the sound source and/or the room, and further calibrate the hearing aid204.

The real-ear fitting110will be described in detail referring toFIGS.11A,11B, and12.

FIGS.11A-11Bare screenshots showing pure-tone hearing screens1102in accordance with one embodiment.

Once a user starts a real-ear hearing test on the computing device300, such as the mobile device103, the computing device300may perform the real-ear hearing test by causing the sound source, such as the over-ear headphones1002, to play a sound at a frequency based on the standard protocol. In some embodiments, the over-ear headphones1002may store sound signals at the above predetermined frequencies used for the initial hearing test, and the computing device300may transmit a command instructing the over-ear headphones1002to play a sound at one of these frequencies in the protocol, and the over-ear headphones1002may play the sound. In some embodiments, the computing device300may provide a sound signal at each of these frequencies in the protocol, and the over-ear headphones1002may play the sound.

The over-ear headphones1002plays the sound for each frequency at a reference amplitude for a predetermined time (e.g., 1-2 seconds). In some embodiments, the computing device300may display a current frequency1108and a current amplitude1110of the sound being played on the screen1102. InFIG.11A, the current frequency1108is 500 Hz and the current amplitude1110is 0% of a full amplitude. The current amplitude1110may be displayed in a percentage on the screen702; however, the current amplitude1110may be displayed in dB. The computing device300may allow the user202to indicate whether the user202can hear the sound. In some embodiments, the computing device300may display a time bar1104that indicates an elapsed time of playing the sound and a currently tested ear L/R1106. In some examples, the computing device300may display response buttons, such as a No button1112and a Yes button1114on the screen1102. If the user202enters a response indicating that the user202cannot hear the sound by tapping the No button1112, the computing device300may cause the hearing aid204to play the sound with an increased amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., 5 dB steps). In this example ofFIG.11B, the current amplitude1110is increased from 0% to 17%. If the user202enters a response indicating that the user202can hear the sound by tapping the Yes button1114, the computing device300may cause the hearing aid204to play the sound with a reduced amplitude at a predetermined interval (e.g., −5 dB steps). By repeating the increase and decrease of the amplitude of the sound, the computing device300may obtain a threshold audible amplitude that is the lowest decibel hearing level that the user202can hear for each frequency in the real-ear fitting.

Based on the threshold amplitude for each frequency, the hearing aid204may perform calibration for each frequency to provide relatively equalized amplitudes across frequencies by compensation of sound pressure for each frequency. The threshold amplitudes for frequencies as a profile of the user202may also be stored in the computing device300.

Once the calibration is performed, another hearing test may be performed to confirm the hearing improvement by the real-ear fitting110.

FIG.12is a screenshot1202showing an audiogram1204after real-ear fitting. In the audiogram1204, a horizonal axis represents pitch levels shown in frequency ranges from 125 Hz to 8,000 Hz, and a vertical axis represents hearing levels in sound pressure level ranges from 120 dB at the bottom to −10 dB at the top. If the hearing is better, a lower dB sound can be heard and thus a result for the better hearing is plotted higher in each of the audiograms. InFIG.12, the audiogram1204includes plots obtained for each of the left and right ears at frequencies connected by lines for each ear. The audiogram1204indicates a hearing test result without hearing aid calibration after real-ear fitting. The audiogram1204may include a line1206connecting plots for a left ear and a line1208connecting plots for a right ear. All the plots show that the right and left ears hear 0 dB at all frequencies tested. The lines1206and1208are straight lines at 0 dB, indicating that there is no gap between hearing at the same frequency between the right and left ears. The user202may be able to see improvement in hearing after the calibration using hearing aid204by looking at the audiograms904and1204. The screenshot1202may further indicate a hearing level tendency indicating a “normal” hearing range.

FIG.13shows an example process1300for performing a hearing test and calibration of a hearing aid, according to one embodiment. The process1300includes standard fitting1306including steps1308-1316, and real-ear fitting1318including steps1320-1332. Once the process1300starts at step1302, a user, such as the user202, may activate a fitting process in a hearing aid app on a computing device, such as the mobile device103or the computing device300, at step1308. Throughout the process1300, the app may prompt the user to perform actions by causing instructions to the user to be displayed on a screen and/or announcing instructions to the user through a speaker or headphones, etc. Alternatively, the instructions may be distributed to the user as a printed manual or an online manual.

In step1310, the computing device may prompt the user to wear one hearing aid or a pair of hearing aids, and further prompt the user to be at a quiet location. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to enter a sound-proofed kiosk or other similar structure containing a calibrated sound system with one or more sound sources. In some embodiments, the hearing aid may be the hearing aid102or the hearing aid204. If the app on the computer device determines that the hearing aid is detecting a consistent noise level in the location, the app may proceed to step1312to perform a pre-calibration hearing test using a standard protocol. After the test is performed, the app may present test results by showing the pre-calibration result, such as the audiogram804. Alternatively, instead of performing the pre-calibration hearing test, the user may instruct the app to use the “history” without running the pre-calibration hearing test, and then the app may read the past test result and use the past test result as the test result.

Once the test is conducted or the past test result is obtained, the app may proceed to step1314to perform calibration of the hearing aid using the test result. In some embodiments, the calibration may be performed frequency by frequency immediately after obtaining the test result for each frequency. In some embodiments, the calibration may be performed for multiple frequencies after obtaining the test results for the multiple frequencies. After the calibration is performed, the app may proceed to step1316to present test results with standard fitting and calibration, by showing the post-calibration result, such as the audiogram904. In some embodiments, the audiogram904may be presented together with the audiogram804for comparison.

Next, the app may proceed to real-ear fitting1318. In the beginning of the real-ear fitting1318, the app may allow the user to be with a controlled sound source while still wearing the hearing aid. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to wear the over-ear headphones104or the over-ear headphones1002. In some other embodiments, the user may be prompted to enter a sound-proofed kiosk or other similar structure containing a calibrated sound system with one or more sound sources. Once the user confirms that the user is with a controlled sound source, the app may proceed to step1322, and the app may obtain profile(s) of sound source (and environment) internally in the app, from a remote server, such as the remote server108, or on the internet. The app may calibrate the hearing aid based on the obtained profile in step1324. This sound profile-based calibration may be optional.

The app may proceed to step1326to perform a post-calibration hearing test using a standard protocol while the sound is provided by the sound source. Once the test is conducted, the app may proceed to step1328to further perform calibration of the hearing aid using the result of the test using the sound source. In some embodiments, the calibration may be performed frequency by frequency immediately after obtaining the test result for each frequency. In some embodiments, the calibration may be performed for multiple frequencies after obtaining the test results for the multiple frequencies. After the calibration is performed, the app may proceed to step1330to present test results with real-ear fitting and calibration, by showing the post-calibration result, such as the audiogram1204. In some embodiments, the audiogram1204may be presented together with the audiogram904for comparison. If the user is not content with the result, the user may instruct more calibration in step1332. If the user instructs more calibration (“Y”), the app may proceed back to the step1326to conduct recalibration. If the user is content (“N”), the real-ear fitting1318is complete and the fitting ends at step1304.

The recalibration may be done as many times to calibrate the hearing aid or alternatively may be done for a specific number of iterations after which the user may be informed that the hearing aids cannot be calibrated to completely compensate for their specific hearing loss profile. In this case the user may be prompted to return the hearing aids or alternatively may choose to retain them and use them with the calibration being of a sufficient degree to allow the user to hear the frequencies they desire to hear at a level that while not “normal” is “good enough.”

In some embodiments, the sound environment may be recorded while the user is using the hearing aid. The recorded historical sound environment data may be used by executing a neural network algorithm to learn the user's sound environment over time and build a model that may be used for performing post-calibration adjustment by fine-tuning based on the user's sound environment that may be different from the test environment.

FIG.14shows an example process1400for performing a hearing test and calibration using the standard protocol, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the process1400may be used for performing the steps1312and1314of the standard fitting1306or the steps1326and1328in the real-ear fitting1318.

Once the process1400starts at step1402, the app on a computing device, such as the mobile device103or the computing device300, may set a default frequency for test and calibration at step1404and set a default amplitude for test and calibration at step1406. In some embodiments, the default amplitude may be set relatively low following the ASLH guidelines for protecting ears. Then the app may proceed to step1408to cause a screen, such as the screen702or the screen1102, to display the frequency as the frequency708or the frequency1108, and the amplitude as the amplitude710or the amplitude1110in step1408. The app may start the hearing test, such as the tests in the step1312and/or the step1326, by causing the computing device running the app to provide a command to play a sound at the set frequency and the amplitude at step1410. In some embodiments, the computing device may provide the command to the hearing aid in the step1312. In some embodiments, the computing device may provide the command to the sound source, such as the headphones or a speaker in a room of the controlled sound environment in the step1326. Responsive to the command, the hearing aid or the sound source may play a sound at the set frequency and the amplitude at step1412. While the sound is played, the computing device may also prompt a user to respond to indicate whether the user can hear the sound. In some embodiments, the Yes button and the No button may be displayed on the screen to prompt the user to respond by interacting with one of these buttons on the screen, such as tapping, touching, pressing, etc. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to type certain letters to indicate the response. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to respond by using input devices, such as a mouse, clickers, etc. The computing device may receive a response by the user in step1414and the app may proceed to step1416. If the response is “cannot hear” or no response indicative of “can hear” in a predetermined period (e.g., while the sound is being played) (“N”), the app may send a command to increase the amplitude to the hearing aid or the sound source at step1418, and the app may proceed back to the step1408to display the frequency and the increased amplitude on the screen and continue. In some embodiments, increasing the amplitude may cause calibration in the hearing aid of step1314or step1328. In some embodiments, increasing the amplitude by the sound source may not lead to calibration in the hearing aid, and the hearing aid calibration may be performed separately after all the hearing test results are obtained in step1328.

If the response is “can hear” (“Y”), the test and adjustment of amplitude by calibration for the frequency is complete and the app may proceed to step1420. In some embodiments, after receiving the response indicative of “can hear” (“Y”), the app may decrease (not shown) and increase the amplitude to confirm a boundary of “can hear” and “cannot hear.” Once the boundary between “can hear” and “cannot hear” is determined, the app may check whether tests and calibration are for all the frequencies is complete in step1420. If there is any predetermined frequency for the test not used for the test (“N”), then the user may change the frequency to the untested one, and proceed back to the step1404and continue. If all the frequencies are tested and calibrated (“Y”) in the step1420, the app may proceed to step1422to cause a screen, such as the screen702or the screen1102, to display that the test and calibration is complete, and the hearing aid is ready to use.

This iteration process may be done as many times as is necessary to calibrate the hearing aids or alternatively may be done for a specific number of iterations after which the user may be informed that the hearing aids cannot be calibrated to completely compensate for their specific hearing loss profile. In this case the user may be prompted to return the hearing aids or alternatively may choose to retain them and use them with the calibration being of a sufficient degree to allow the user to hear the frequencies they desire to hear at a level that while not “normal” is “good enough.”

FIG.15is a block diagram of a hearing aid hearing test and calibration system1500in accordance with one embodiment. The system1500, according to some example embodiments, may be able to read instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein, such as process1300inFIG.13and/or process1400inFIG.14.

Specifically,FIG.15shows a diagrammatic representation of the system1500including a computing device1502, a sound source1532, and a hearing aid1538. The sound source1532and the hearing aid1538may be coupled to the computing device1502, wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, etc.) and/or with one or more wires (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB)). The sound source1532may be coupled to the computing device1502by analog audio cables. The system1500may further include a remote server1526, which may be connected to the computing device1502via network1530, such as the internet or an intranet.

The computing device1502may include one or more processors1504(or processor cores), one or more memory/storage devices1510, and one or more communication resources1522, each of which may be communicatively coupled via a bus1524.

The one or more processors1504may include, for example, a processor1506and a processor1508. The one or more processors1504may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP) such as a baseband processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), another processor, or any suitable combination thereof.

The memory/storage devices1510may include main memory, disk storage, or any suitable combination thereof. The memory/storage devices1510may include, but are not limited to, any type of volatile or non-volatile memory such as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Flash memory, solid-state storage, etc. The memory/storage devices1510may store software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code including instructions for causing at least one of the processors1504to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein. The instructions may include, for example, instructions to run app1512performing the standard fitting1306and the real-ear fitting1318, instructions to control user prompts1516(e.g., a screen of the mobile device103, an external display device connected to the computer device1502, a prompter connected to the computer device1502, a speaker of the mobile device103, a speaker connected to the computer device1502, etc.), instructions to control hearing aid(s)1514, and instructions to control sound source1518. The instructions may reside, completely or partially, within the memory/storage devices1510, or any suitable combination thereof. The instructions may further reside, completely or partially, within at least one of the processors1504(e.g., within the processor's cache memory). Furthermore, any portion of the instructions may be transferred to computing device1502from any combination of hearing aid1538or databases1528in the remote server1526. Accordingly, the memory of processors1504, memory/storage devices1510in the computing device1502, memory/storage devices1546of the hearing aid1538, and/or databases1528in the remote server1526may be examples of computer-readable and machine-readable media. The memory/storage devices1510may also store data1520that may include hearing test results and calibration history of the user, sound profile of sound environment of the user, sound profiles including frequency response characteristics of the hearing aid, the sound source, such as over-ear headphones, or a combination of a room and a speaker in the room, etc. that may be used for calibration.

The one or more communication resources1522may include interconnection or network interface components or other suitable devices to communicate with one or more hearing aid1538, the sound source1532, or one or more databases1528via a network1530. For example, the communication resources1522may include wired communication components (e.g., for coupling via a USB), cellular communication components, NFC components, Bluetooth components (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi components, and other communication components.

The sound source1532may include speaker(s)1536that may play sound in the real-ear fitting1318. In some embodiments, the sound source1532may be a speaker in a room as a controlled sound environment. In some embodiments, the sound source1532may be over-ear headphones, such as the over-ear headphones1002.

In some embodiments, the sound source1532may receive audio information to play sound wirelessly or via one or more wires. In some embodiments, the one or more communication resources1534may include interconnection or network interface components or other suitable devices to communicate with the computing device1502. For example, the communication resources1534may include wired communication components (e.g., for coupling via a USB), cellular communication components, NFC components, Bluetooth components (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi components, and other communication components.

In some embodiments, the over-ear headphones may include one or more microphones that may receive ambient sound and noise, and one or more processors (not shown), such as DSPs, may play sound to ears while cancelling the ambient noise. The over-ear headphones may be integrated with the hearing aid1538to perform noise cancelling headphones as well as hearing aids to amplify ambient sound without playing sound from another source.

The hearing aid1538may include one or more processors1540(or processor cores), one or more memory/storage devices1546, one or more communication resources1552, one or more microphones1556, and one or more speakers1554, each of which may be communicatively coupled via a bus1558.

The one or more processors1540may include, for example, a processor1542and a processor1544. The one or more processors1540may include, for example, a CPU, a RISC processor, a CISC processor, a GPU, a DSP such as a baseband processor, an ASIC, another processor, or any suitable combination thereof.

The memory/storage devices1546may include main memory, disk storage, or any suitable combination thereof. The memory/storage devices1546may include, but are not limited to, any type of volatile or non-volatile memory such as DRAM, SRAM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, solid-state storage, etc. The memory/storage devices1546may store software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code including instructions1550for causing at least one of the processors1540to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein. The instructions1550may include, for example, instructions to play a sound from the speaker(s)1554at a certain frequency after amplifying the sound at a certain amplitude by one or more processors1540, such as DSPs, instructions to collect ambient sound from the microphone, and present the ambient sound from the speaker(s)1554after processing and amplifying the sound based on the calibration result by one or more processors1540, such as DSPs. The instructions may reside, completely or partially, within the memory/storage devices1546, or any suitable combination thereof. The instructions may further reside, completely or partially, within at least one of the processors1540(e.g., within the processor's cache memory). Furthermore, any portion of the instructions may be transferred to the hearing aid1538from any combination of the computing device1502or databases1528in the remote server1526. Accordingly, the memory of processors1540, memory/storage devices1546in the hearing aid1538, memory/storage devices1510of the computing device1502, and/or databases1528in the remote server1526may be examples of computer-readable and machine-readable media. The memory/storage devices1546may also store data1548that may include hearing test audio data and current calibration setting, or multiple calibration settings for each user, or different users, etc.

The one or more communication resources1552may include interconnection or network interface components or other suitable devices to communicate with the computing device1502or one or more databases1528via a network1530. For example, the communication resources1552may include wired communication components (e.g., for coupling via a USB), cellular communication components, NFC components, Bluetooth components (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi components, and other communication components. The communication resources1552may receive commands, instructions, and/or audio data from the computing device1502.

In some embodiments, the hearing aid1538may be over-ear headphones that may include one or more microphones that may receive ambient sound and noise, and one or more processors (not shown), such as DSPs, may play sound to ears while cancelling the ambient noise. The over-ear headphones may be integrated with the hearing aid1538to perform noise cancelling headphones as well as hearing aids to amplify ambient sound without playing sound from another source.

Skilled persons will appreciate that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by claims and equivalents thereof.