WO2006136174A2 - Procede et systeme d'evaluation de la capacite auditive - Google Patents

Procede et systeme d'evaluation de la capacite auditive Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006136174A2
WO2006136174A2 PCT/DK2006/000376 DK2006000376W WO2006136174A2 WO 2006136174 A2 WO2006136174 A2 WO 2006136174A2 DK 2006000376 W DK2006000376 W DK 2006000376W WO 2006136174 A2 WO2006136174 A2 WO 2006136174A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subject
hearing
hearing ability
sound
assessing
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Application number
PCT/DK2006/000376
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English (en)
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WO2006136174A3 (fr
Inventor
Søren Louis PEDERSEN
Niels Farver
Original Assignee
Microsound A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Microsound A/S filed Critical Microsound A/S
Publication of WO2006136174A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006136174A2/fr
Publication of WO2006136174A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006136174A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/12—Audiometering
    • A61B5/121—Audiometering evaluating hearing capacity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to assessment of hearing ability.
  • the present invention relates to a method for a subject to substantially unassisted by other persons obtain an assessment of own hearing ability, comprising the steps of
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention specifically relates to a combination of elements that makes unassisted hearing ability assessment possible within a retail environment.
  • said method further comprises the step of providing questions and/or stimuli to said subject, to which responses may provide indications as to the nature of the medical condition causing the subject's hearing problems, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • Another important element when assessing hearing ability and recommendations for further steps towards obtaining hearing help or professional assistance, is to screen for both potentially fatal conditions and problems stemming from simple blocking of the ear canal. This may be done by posing to the subject a number of questions for instance about sudden onset of hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss, known wax problems or recent exposure to loud sounds. The answers are then incorporated to work out the recommendation.
  • said method further comprises the step of monitoring the ambient sound and on the basis thereof determine whether to retry stimuli that may have been masked by external noise, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the system monitors ambient sound and uses knowledge of the sound presentation means to analyze whether ambient noise is influencing the subject's possibility to detect the stimuli. This analysis is then used to either retry stimuli or pause and restart the test.
  • a different arrangement of said microphone is possible, in which said microphone is placed inside the head phones to provide direct measurement of the sound pressure due to both ambient sound and the stimulus. This arrangement may further be used to monitor the sanity of the system and the headphones in particular. In another embodiment, a microphone arrangement may be used to allow for active noise cancelling to be employed to suppress ambient noise.
  • said method further comprises the steps of presenting a simulation of sound stimuli as they would sound with and without a certain hearing help product, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the effect of a device may be demonstrated using the system. This may be done both prior to the test procedure to demonstrate in a generic fashion the effect of a device and after the test in order to allow the user to compare the effect of one or more devices with an unaided case. One of the device simulations could be adjusted to match the assessed hearing ability.
  • said method further comprises the step of programming a hearing help device in accordance with said hearing ability assessment result, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the system may comprise programming means to adjust the device in accordance with the assessed hearing ability.
  • said method further comprises the step of producing a hardcopy of said hearing ability assessment result for the subject, e.g. to bring home or forward to a hear care professional, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the system may also provide one or more of several means for facilitating the logistics of obtaining hearing help. This may include an online booking system for obtaining an appointment with a hearing professional and / or printouts of test results booking data and contact info for later reference.
  • said method further comprises the steps of presenting infomercials for facilitating the sale of a hearing help product depending on the assessed hearing ability of said subject, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the present invention further relates to a system for a subject to substantially unassisted by other persons obtain an assessment of own hearing ability, comprising
  • said system provides a recommendation for suitable hearing help devices and/or further examination of hearing ability to said subject.
  • said system further comprises means for analysing the timing of said subject responses relative to the presentation of said stimuli in order to determine whether said subject is actually responding to stimuli or pressing at random, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises a microphone for monitoring the ambient sound so as to retry stimuli that may have been masked by external noise, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises means for pausing the procedure if the ambient sound level is considered toO high to allow reliable results to be obtained, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises means for presenting a simulation of sound stimuli as they would sound with and without a certain hearing help product, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises means to program a hearing help device in accordance with said hearing ability assessment result, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises means to produce a hardcopy of said hearing ability assessment result, e.g. for the subject to bring home or forward to a hear care professional, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises means for booking an appointment with a hear care professional, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises means for remotely monitoring logs of performed hearing ability assessments, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said system further comprises means for presenting infomercials for facilitating the sale of a hearing help product depending on the assessed hearing ability of said subject, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the invention further relates to a method of assessing the hearing ability of a subject, comprising the steps of
  • said predetermined frequency content, said predetermined volume level and said predetermined ear for each of said iterations are chosen according to an algorithm of said micro processor 110.
  • a method facilitating a subject not necessarily under supervision of a professional to easily, swiftly and conveniently assess his or her hearing ability is provided. Thereby customers may walk into a shop and in a few minutes gain knowledge about their hearing ability instead of the traditional way of obtaining a reference to an audiologist or ear, nose and throat-doctor from a general practitioner, making an appointment with that professional and having a comprehensive and highly sophisticated test carried out.
  • a subject may be any human being, provided that the subject is able to learn how to take the test and able to react to audible stimulations.
  • the method of the present invention may not be suitable to children below certain stages of development and persons suffering from certain types and degrees of mental or physical handicaps.
  • the preferred input device comprising a touch sensitive computer monitor may, within the scope of the invention, be replaced by input devices more suitable to certain subjects, e.g. physically handicapped persons.
  • said sound rendering system preferably comprises a high quality external sound card 112 and a pair of high quality headphones, and said input device is preferably incorporated by a touch sensitive computer monitor 111.
  • said micro processor 110 is preferably a personal computer PC, but may be any device suitable for executing a method according to the invention.
  • a tone of a certain frequency is provided to a certain ear of the subject at a certain volume level. If the subject does not react to the tone, a tone with the same frequency is provided to the same ear, but at a higher volume level. This is iterated until the subject reacts to the tone, or the volume level exceeds a predetermined upper level, e.g. 65 dB. Then the other ear is tested with the same frequency and different volume levels, or the same ear is tested with a different frequency and different volume levels, until both ears have been tested with all frequencies at different volume levels.
  • a hearing ability assessment result according to the present invention may just comprise the actual measurement results, or it may further or alternatively comprise a more informative indication of the hearing ability, possibly accompanied by typical explanations and a personal recommendation.
  • the algorithm may provide for a simple test of all combinations of frequency, ear and volume level, or it may be more sophisticated, taking previous reactions and non-reactions from the subject into account, e.g. by skipping combinations with volume levels higher than levels already reacted on with corresponding frequency and ear settings, and/or by skipping combinations that seem irrelevant on the basis of previous reactions or non-reactions from the subject, e.g. when the subject for a particular ear does not react to a 1 kHz tone at the highest volume level and the rest of the combinations for that ear hence may be regarded irrelevant.
  • the quality of the assessment may be increased by carrying out a number of training iterations before the actual test is started.
  • the result of said at least one training iteration is not included in said establishment of said hearing ability assessment result, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said method further comprises a step of providing said hearing ability assessment result to said subject 114 by means of a display 111, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the display 111 may be any suitable means for visually informing the subject about the test and/or the progress.
  • the information may be given to the subject only audibly, or by a combination of visual and audible information.
  • the quality of the assessment may be increased by decreasing the subject's chance of guessing when a tone is provided even though he can't hear it.
  • One way of doing that is by inserting pauses of different durations between each iteration.
  • the test sounds are pure tones, thus resembling a traditional true-tone audiometric system.
  • said algorithm provides for iterations where the predetermined frequency content of said sound in at least one iteration comprises a substantially pure 1 kHz tone, in at least one further iteration comprises a substantially pure 2 kHz tone, in at least one further iteration comprises a substantially pure 3 kHz tone and in at least one further iteration comprises a substantially pure 4 kHz tone, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the subject's hearing ability is evaluated using 4 frequencies, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz and 4 kHz. It is noted that any frequencies and any number of frequencies are within the scope of the invention.
  • the sound provided to the subject is narrow band signals instead of pure tones.
  • the signals should till be related to specific frequency areas.
  • a preferred embodiment comprises 4 different narrow band signal stimuli comprising narrow band noise, e.g. with a bandwidth of 1/3 octave, around the centre frequencies 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz and 4 kHz.
  • the sound provided to the subject comprises words, i.e. recorded or synthesized speech comprising individual words or sentences.
  • words with different main frequency contents are chosen, in order to establish a result for different frequency bands.
  • the predetermined volume level of said sound in at least one iteration comprises a level of substantially 10 dB, in at least one further iteration comprises a level of substantially 20 dB, in at least one further iteration comprises a level of substantially 30 dB, in at least one further iteration comprises a level of substantially 40 dB and in at least one further iteration comprises a level of substantially 65 dB, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the subject's hearing ability is evaluated at volume levels from a normal hearing threshold defined as 0 dB up to 65 dB relative to this. It is noted that any volume levels and any number of volume levels are within the scope of the invention. Also use of alternative volume scales, such as, e.g., dB(A), is within the scope of the present invention.
  • iterations that may be regarded irrelevant on the basis of previous reactions from the subject may be skipped, and thereby the overall time needed for completing the assessment may be reduced.
  • said algorithm provides for skipping any remaining iterations for a particular ear of said subject 114 if said subject 114 does not react to a substantially pure 1 kHz tone at a volume level of substantially 65 dB above a normal hearing threshold defined as 0 dB provided to said particular ear, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • an ear is first tested with a tone which most people hear at least as good as any other tone. If this tone cant be heard by the subject even at 65 dB, the rest of the iterations for that ear, e.g. with other tones, may be regarded irrelevant and skipped.
  • the subject is presented with a tone at a certain frequency and at a certain volume level at least twice before it is determined that the subject is not able to hear that tone.
  • an error-handling step 218 handles abnormal reactions from said subject, e.g. multiple reactions to one of said sounds, or reactions during the interval between said providing of said sounds, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the method may be adapted to handle erroneous input from the subject, e.g. when the subject tries to cheat in order to achieve better results, or does not know exactly how to use the method.
  • the algorithm may be intelligent and able to determine whether a particular abnormal behaviour should be allowed or not, or able to extract or estimate a result from the abnormal inputs.
  • the first iteration of said step of providing a sound for each particular predetermined frequency content comprises providing said sound at a predetermined medium volume level, e.g. 30 dB, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the time consumed by taking the test may be reduced by starting each new tone or sound at a medium volume level, e.g. 30 dB, instead of starting in the end, e.g. at 0 or 65 dB.
  • a medium volume level e.g. 30 dB
  • the start level should on the other hand be set to 0 or 10 dB, and correspondingly, if the expected subjects on average have very bad hearing, the start level should be considered changed to, e.g. 40 dB or 65 dB.
  • the average time consumption may be reduced, and the time needed by each individual subject may approach a constant instead of varying closely with the hearing ability of the subjects.
  • the first iteration of said step of providing a sound for at least one particular predetermined frequency content comprises providing said sound at a volume level determined at least partly on the basis of the result of at least one of the previous iterations, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the start volume level used for a certain sound e.g. a tone at a certain frequency, a stimulus with a certain frequency content, etc.
  • a certain sound e.g. a tone at a certain frequency, a stimulus with a certain frequency content, etc.
  • the start volume level is chosen adaptively according to the result of the previous tested one or more sounds. Thereby it may be possible to reduce the number of iterations compared to algorithms where the start volume level is always set to one of the extremes, e.g. 0 dB or 65 dB, or to a medium volume level, e.g. 30 dB.
  • This adaptive method may be particularly advantageous when a more comprehensive hearing ability assessment is desired, e.g. by testing the hearing threshold at a larger number of frequencies and/or with smaller volume level steps.
  • such a comprehensive test is initiated with a few quick tests at two or three frequencies with large volume level steps in order to very roughly assess the hearing ability of the subject. From this rough assessment it is possible to estimate, e.g. by means of interpolation, for each of the test frequencies, the start volume levels that will probably require the fewest iterations to come to accurate results. Thereby a fast and convenient method of performing a comprehensive hearing ability assessment is provided.
  • the sounds are preferably provided to the subject by c means of quality headphones with good suppression of external noise and sounds.
  • a progress bar or other indication of progress is provided for the subject, as a hearing impaired subject may experience quite long periods without hearing any sound and thus may start to doubt the system or get tired.
  • a recommendation may be automatically established on the basis of the hearing ability assessment result, e.g. by mapping different predefined recommendations to certain hearing abilities.
  • said method further comprises a step of establishing a calibration data set adapted for calibration of an intelligent earphone, e.g. a hearing aid, on the basis of said hearing ability assessment result, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • An “intelligent” is here used to express the idea of using a built-in signal processor for processing of data.
  • An “intelligent earphone” may accordingly comprise a sound reproducing device comprising active filtering or signal processing, e.g. hearing aids, headsets, active ear defenders, personal in-ear monitors, ear phones, mobile phones, handsets, etc.
  • said method further comprises a step of calibrating an intelligent earphone, e.g. a hearing aid, on the basis of said calibration data set, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • said method further comprises a step of establishing an indication of a suitable subset from a set of pre-calibrated intelligent earphones, e.g. hearing aids, on the basis of said hearing ability assessment result, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the subject, or an assisting professional is provided with an indication of suitable pre-calibrated, e.g., hearing aids.
  • suitable pre-calibrated e.g., hearing aids.
  • This facilitates the hearing aid manufacturer, or the reseller, to pre-calibrate a number of, e.g., hearing aids according to all combinations, or the most common combinations, of calibration data.
  • the step of calibrating the, e.g., hearing aid at the time of sale may be skipped, as hearing aids with different pre-calibrations may be kept available in the shop, or are available from the manufacturer at short notice.
  • pre-calibrated hearing aids, headsets, etc. are manufactured according to common calibration data and types and degrees of hearing impairment, and non-calibrated hearing aids, etc., are available for individual calibration if needed.
  • said method further comprises a step of providing advertisement, infomercial or attention attracting material by means of said display 111 during times where said iterations are not executed and said hearing ability assessment result is not displayed, e.g. as a Screensaver, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the hearing ability assessment method is available on the Internet.
  • a subject may carry out the test, e.g. in his home.
  • the Internet-provided test method comprises a step of calibrating the subject's headphones before the test is started, or alternatively comprises an option of ordering a suitable pair of headsets from the supplier of the test.
  • the subject may be given the opportunity to online order pre-calibrated hearing aids, headsets, etc. that suits his personal needs, or to a have hearing aids, headsets, etc., individually calibrated for his hearing profile.
  • the present invention further relates to a hearing ability assessment system, comprising
  • At least one micro processor 110 at least one display 111, at least one input device 111, and at least one sound rendering system 112, 113,
  • system being adapted to provide information or instructions to a subject 114 by means of said at least one display 111 , to provide sound to said subject 114 by said at least one sound rendering system 112, 113, and to receive input from said subject 114 by said at least one input device 111,
  • micro processor 110 being adapted to execute instructions for carrying out a hearing ability assessment method according to the above-described method of assessing the hearing ability of a subject.
  • 113 comprises an external sound card 112 and a pair of headphones 113, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • such system may fit very well into a shop, as it may be accessible and operable by the subject himself, be easy, swift and convenient to use, use an extend and type of hardware which may be obtained in nice and attractive designs, and may be used for displaying commercials or otherwise attract attention.
  • the system is designed for home use, i.e. as a standalone kit for use in private homes.
  • An “intelligent” is here used to express the idea of using a built-in signal processor for processing of data.
  • An “intelligent earphone” may accordingly comprise a sound reproducing device comprising active filtering or signal processing, e.g. hearing aids, headsets, active ear defenders, personal in-ear monitors, ear phones, mobile phones, handsets, etc.
  • an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • an indication of a suitable subset from a set of pre-calibrated intelligent earphones, e.g. hearing aids are established on the basis of the result of said hearing ability assessment method, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the subject, or an assisting professional is provided with an indication of suitable pre-calibrated, e.g., hearing aids.
  • suitable pre-calibrated e.g., hearing aids.
  • This facilitates the hearing aid manufacturer, or the reseller, to pre-calibrate a number of, e.g., hearing aids according to all combinations, or the most common combinations, of calibration data.
  • the step of calibrating the, e.g., hearing aid at the time of sale may be skipped, as hearing aids with different pre-calibrations may be kept available in the shop, or are available from the manufacturer at short notice.
  • pre-calibrated hearing aids, headsets, etc. are manufactured according to common calibration data and types and degrees of hearing impairment, and non-calibrated hearing aids, etc., are available for individual calibration if needed.
  • the hearing ability assessment system is distributed, e.g. in a client-server fashion, e.g. comprising Internet connections, etc.
  • a subject may carry out the test, e.g. in his home.
  • stores may always be available to offer the most up-to-date version of the system, if the software part is fetched from a central server, e.g. provided by the system manufacturer, upon use.
  • the Internet-provided test method comprises a step of calibrating the subject's headphones before the test is started, or alternatively comprises an option of ordering a suitable pair of headsets from the supplier of the test.
  • the present invention further relates to a method of facilitating a sale of an intelligent earphone, e.g. a hearing aid, comprising the steps of
  • an intelligent earphone e.g. a hearing aid
  • the present invention provides an easy and convenient method for a person to personally, without the need of seeing numerous practitioners or experts and being put through comprehensive tests, gaining knowledge about his or her hearing ability and in accordance therewith, obtaining a suitable hearing aid, headset, etc. Sale of hearing aids, headsets, etc., are thereby highly facilitated compared to the typical situation where the customer should first obtain a reference to an audiologist or ear, nose and throat-doctor from a general practitioner, make an appointment with that professional and finally have a comprehensive and highly sophisticated test carried out, before the need for a hearing aid, etc., is precisely defined.
  • customers may walk into a shop and in a few minutes gain knowledge about their hearing ability together with a recommendation of a hearing aid, etc., suitable for them personally.
  • people who are not obviously hearing impaired but however doubt their hearing ability may benefit from the present invention, as it enables them to easily, swiftly and conveniently satisfy their interest in their own hearing ability, or, in case of unclear results, at least tell them that they should seek professional assistance.
  • Such people would typically not initiate the traditional cumbersome way of obtaining a hearing aid until they were pushed hard by relatives or seriously hampered by their impairment.
  • the term "intelligent" is here used to express the idea of using a built-in signal processor for processing of data.
  • An “intelligent earphone” may accordingly comprise a sound reproducing device comprising active filtering or signal processing, e.g. hearing aids, headsets, active ear defenders, personal in-ear monitors, ear phones, mobile phones, handsets, etc.
  • active filtering or signal processing e.g. hearing aids, headsets, active ear defenders, personal in-ear monitors, ear phones, mobile phones, handsets, etc.
  • facilitating a sale of an intelligent earphone may comprise providing an intelligent earphone, selling an intelligent earphone, establishing an interest in obtaining an intelligent earphone, etc.
  • a computer or equivalent device able to carry out a predefined algorithm performs the assessment of the customer's hearing ability automatically.
  • the algorithm is preferably dynamically adaptable according to the customer's responses. Thereby is facilitated an assessment which may be carried out by the customer alone, without assistance or supervision from a professional.
  • the customer may receive assistance from, e.g., a staff member of the shop, but the algorithm is still automated, thereby supporting the customer as well as the staff member.
  • a predefined automated evaluation routine establishes a personal recommendation.
  • a set of predefined recommendations are available, and each recommendation is mapped to certain characteristics and levels of the assessed hearing ability.
  • the automatic evaluation routine then provides the recommendation that best correspond to the customer's assessed hearing ability to the customer, e.g. by a display.
  • the customer is preferably provided with substantially all knowledge necessary for him to order a suitable hearing aid, headset, etc. Thereby a sale of a hearing aid, etc. is highly facilitated. If in a shop, the staff may also have access to the recommendation in order to provide further assistance. If the system for performing the assessment and establishing the recommendation is connected with an electronic order system, e.g. in the shop or through the Internet, the customer may be provided with a choice of immediately ordering a suitable hearing aid, etc., e.g. by virtually putting the recommended device into an electronic shopping basket.
  • the customer may do the hearing test all by himself. Thereby staff members are freed to do other work, and the customer does not necessarily have to ask for help. Many people appreciates an opportunity to be able to obtain information and making decisions without having a salesperson or other professional standing next to them.
  • a customer may walk right into a shop, carry out a hearing test, and buy the hearing aid, headset, etc., recommended by the system. Thereby the sale of hearing aids, etc., is highly facilitated compared to traditional hearing aid selling possibilities.
  • the hearing ability assessment method is available on the Internet. Thereby a subject may carry out the test, e.g. in his home.
  • the Internet-provided test method comprises a step of calibrating the subject's headphones before the test is started, or alternatively comprises an option of ordering a suitable pair of headsets from the supplier of the test.
  • the subject may be given the opportunity to online order pre-calibrated hearing aids, headsets, etc. that suits his personal needs, or to a have hearing aids, headsets, etc., individually calibrated for the assessed hearing profile.
  • said method further comprises a step of displaying advertisement, infomercial or attention attracting material on a display 111, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • commercials and other attention attracting material are implemented as a screen saver on the display used by the system.
  • the commercials are displayed in order to attract customers and/or inform them about the benefits of the system.
  • said method further comprises a step of calibrating said intelligent earphone, e.g. a hearing aid, according to the result of said personal hearing ability assessments, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • a calibration means may be provided in order to immediately adapt the hearing ability assessment result into calibration data and calibrating a hearing aid, headset, etc.
  • said recommendation comprises a suitable subset from a set of pre-calibrated intelligent earphones, e.g. hearing aids, established on the basis of said hearing ability assessment result, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.
  • the subject, or an assisting professional is provided with an indication of suitable pre-calibrated, e.g., hearing aids.
  • suitable pre-calibrated e.g., hearing aids.
  • This facilitates the hearing aid manufacturer, or the reseller, to pre-calibrate a number of, e.g., hearing aids according to all combinations, or the most common combinations, of calibration data.
  • the step of calibrating the, e.g., hearing aid at the time of sale may be skipped, as hearing aids with different pre-calibrations may be kept available in the shop, or are available from the manufacturer at short notice.
  • pre-calibrated hearing aids, headsets, etc. are manufactured according to common calibration data and types and degrees of hearing impairment, and non-calibrated hearing aids, etc., are available for individual calibration if needed.
  • an intelligent earphone is even better facilitated, as a suitable, e.g., hearing aid may be immediately available in the shop, and no further calibration required.
  • the time the customer has to reserve for obtaining an, e.g., hearing aid is then reduced to the time it takes to carry out the hearing ability test, finding the recommended, e.g., hearing aid, and buying it.
  • fig. 1 illustrates a hearing assessment procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • fig. 2 - 10 illustrate different states of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • fig. 11 illustrates a detail of an embodiment of the present invention
  • fig. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a system according to the present invention.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hearing ability assessment procedure according to the present invention.
  • the person to have his hearing ability assessed i.e. the subject
  • a staff member, an audiologist, a doctor, etc. may assist the subject.
  • the hearing ability assessment procedure is preferably executed by a computer, and a user interface preferably comprising a touch sensitive computer monitor is provided.
  • Such setup may e.g. comprise a touch sensitive flat screen incorporating a computer.
  • means for producing sound e.g. a computer sound card, preferably an external quality sound card, and means for presenting sound to each ear of the subject, e.g. a pair of head-phones, preferably quality head- phones, should be provided.
  • the hearing ability assessment procedure is based on recognition of true tones at different volumes.
  • an assessment is established from the results of playing tones of 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz and 4 kHz at volumes starting at 0 dB and possibly increasing up to 65 dB, for each ear. It is noted that further embodiments basing the assessment on other kinds of tones or sounds, e.g. composite tones or speech, and/or at other test frequencies, e.g. 500 Hz, 8 kHz, 16 kHz, etc., and/or at other volume levels, e.g. below 0 dB or above 65 dB, are within the scope of the present invention.
  • 0 dB represents an average hearing threshold for people with normal hearing ability, and the further volume specifications are relative to this.
  • many people have difficulty hearing at a range of 10 dB, which is quite normal and cannot be termed as a hearing impairment.
  • successful hearing at 10 dB is hence regarded as normal hearing ability.
  • a training step 10 is preferably performed, in order to accustom the subject to the procedure. Thereby a more reliable overall test result may be obtained.
  • the training step 10 may be omitted, e.g. if the subject is used to the test procedure.
  • the training step 10 is performed by playing a 1 kHz tone in one of the ears, e.g. the left ear, starting at a volume of 0 dB.
  • the volume is increased until the subject reacts to the tone.
  • the volume may, when necessary, be increased continuously or in steps.
  • the volume is increased in steps and with a certain time of silence between the different volume levels. Thereby the tone may be easier recognised by the subject.
  • the subject When the subject has recognised the tone during the training step 10, he is probably more focused and prepared for the real test. In extreme situations, e.g. if the subject recognises the test tone immediately at the lowest volume level, or not recognises it at all, not even at, e.g., 65 dB, the result of the training step may however cause alterations to the subsequent procedure. If, e.g., the subject recognises the test tone immediately at the lowest volume level, even though it is a training step, it may in a preferred embodiment be regarded as a valid test result, and the corresponding test step, e.g. left ear at 1 kHz, be skipped in the subsequent procedure.
  • the subject recognises the test tone immediately at the lowest volume level, even though it is a training step, it may in a preferred embodiment be regarded as a valid test result, and the corresponding test step, e.g. left ear at 1 kHz, be skipped in the subsequent procedure.
  • the subject may in a preferred embodiment cause the further tests on that ear, e.g. the left ear, to be skipped, as it may be interpreted as indicating that the subject doesn't hear at all at that ear, or that some part of the system is faulty.
  • two or more training steps 10 may be performed, possibly using tones of different frequencies or operating on both ears.
  • the training step 10 may be omitted.
  • a training step instead of starting at the lowest volume level in the training step 10, a training step according to an alternative embodiment starts at a higher level in order to reduce the training step time consumption.
  • the real test steps 10 - 18 are performed. They comprise several, preferably sequential, tests at different frequencies and on both ears.
  • a preferred test sequence comprises a left ear at 1 kHz test step 11, a left ear at 2 kHz test step 12, a left ear at 3 kHz test step 13, a left ear at 4 kHz test step 14, a right ear at 1 kHz test step 15, a right ear at 2 kHz test step 16, a right ear at 3 kHz test step 17 and a right ear at 4 kHz test step 18.
  • Each test step 11 - 18 preferably comprises playing a tone of the respective frequency and in the respective ear at first 0 dB, then 10 dB, then 20 dB, then 40 dB and finally at 65 dB. If the subject recognises the tone, and reacts to it by interaction with the system performing the procedure, the current volume level is put on record, the respective test step terminated, and the next test step initiated. In a preferred embodiment the subject is tested only once with each individual combination of frequency, volume and ear, and volume levels above a volume level on which the subject has reacted for the same frequency, are regarded superfluous and not put to test.
  • the volume may be increased continuously or in steps.
  • the volume is increased in steps and with a certain time of silence between the different volume levels. Thereby the tone may be easier recognised by the subject.
  • the time consumption for each iteration is sought reduced by first presenting the tone at a medium volume level, e.g. 30 dB, and the volume is then reduced if the subject reacts to the tone, or increased if the subject does not react.
  • a medium volume level e.g. 30 dB
  • this alternative method may be faster in average, as most subjects interested in assessing their hearing ability may be assumed to have experienced some hearing problems, and thus, in average, not hear faint sounds very well.
  • the initial volume level is, e.g. 65 dB, and the volume is reduced until the subject does not react to the sound anymore. This method may be the fastest when the subjects in average hear quite poorly.
  • the start volume level used for a certain sound is chosen adaptively according to the result of the previous tested one or more sounds.
  • the first sound to be tested with a subject may, e.g., be a substantially pure 1 kHz tone in the left ear and the start volume level is set to a medium volume level, e.g. 30 dB. If the result of testing with the first sound, in this example 1 kHz in left ear is a hearing level for 1 kHz tones at 10 dB, then this volume level may advantageously be used as start volume level when testing the next sound, e.g.
  • a substantially pure 2 kHz tone in left ear By this method of choosing the start volume level for each new sound, it may be possible to reduce the number of iterations compared to algorithms where the start volume level is always set to one of the extremes, e.g. 0 dB or 65 dB, or to a medium volume level, e.g. 30 dB.
  • This adaptive method may be particularly advantageous when a more comprehensive hearing ability assessment is desired, e.g. by testing at a larger number of frequencies, e.g. 12 frequencies ranging from 500 Hz to 6 kHz, and/or with smaller volume level steps, e.g. 3 dB steps.
  • such a comprehensive test is initiated with a few quick tests at two or three frequencies with large volume level steps in order to very roughly assess the hearing ability of the subject. From this rough assessment it is possible to estimate, e.g. by means of interpolation, for each of the test frequencies, the start volume levels that will probably require the fewest iterations to come to accurate results.
  • test steps in which the subject first reacts at relative high volume levels or not at all are repeated in order to verify the results.
  • the time intervals between playing the tones varies, preferably randomly, so the subject is unable to guess when a tone is played.
  • the rest of the test steps 12 - 14 for that ear e.g. left ear
  • the test procedure may as well be shortened.
  • the same is true for the first test step of each ear, i.e. test steps 11 and 15.
  • test steps 11, 15 are carried out in cases where the subject does not react at all, e.g. because he really suffers from heavy hearing impairment, or, e.g., because he left, he handles the system wrongly, or the system is faulty.
  • test steps are carried out whatever the results of the previous test steps indicate.
  • the subject may choose to restart the procedure in the case of misunderstandings or doubt about the validity of the test execution.
  • the test step 11 - 18 sequence is followed by a step 19 of showing the obtained results to the subject and/or another person assisting the subject or carrying out the test.
  • the test results may alternatively, or additionally, be printed, saved, transmitted by network or other communication channels, etc., e.g. for later use by, e.g., an audiologist, ear, nose and throat doctor, hearing aid salesman or a researcher.
  • the main object is easy and convenient use by the subject himself, and not necessarily under supervision of a professional.
  • the test result from such an embodiment does possibly not qualify as a valid medical diagnose or a valid audiometer test, as other goals may be more important. Instead the result is preferably intended for indicating the need of having a comprehensive hearing test performed, or the possible benefit of sound amplification in certain situations.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention is thus directed towards satisfying, in a simple and swift manner, the subject's interest or curiosity about his own hearing ability when it is not immediately clear that a hearing impairment exists, or when he just think that he has experienced some hearing trouble lately. If the result of using a preferred embodiment of the present invention shows heavy hearing impairment, it is thus advised that a professional opinion is obtained. Using the procedure or system for more professional or clinical purposes, or to a higher degree of validity, is however within the scope of the present invention as well.
  • Figures 2 to 10 illustrate different possible states of a user interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the user interface comprises a touch sensitive computer monitor, e.g. a flat screen, comprising a screen or a window 20 for containing a software user interface.
  • the screens 20 typically comprise a text information area 21 and a number of button resembling areas 22, 23, hereinafter simply referred to as buttons.
  • the buttons change caption and function from screen to screen according to relevance, in order minimize the number of visual elements on the screen 20.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a possible first instruction screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the text information area 21 instructs the subject to put on the headphones.
  • the headphones are clearly marked, e.g.
  • Such marking is preferably described in the text information area, as well.
  • the subject is preferably instructed on how to continue, e.g. by asking him to press a certain button 22 when ready.
  • the screen 20 preferably comprises a button 22 for allowing the subject to indicate that he is ready to continue, and a visual information area 24 illustrating how to put on the headphones and preferably also the type of marking, e.g. by picturing the headphones with different colours.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a possible second instruction screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the text information area 21 preferably instructs the subject about how the test is carried out, and asks him to continue, e.g. by pressing the relevant button 22.
  • the screen preferably comprises a start button 22 and a quit button 23 for allowing the subject to continue or quit the test, respectively.
  • the screen may further comprise a visual information area 24 as well.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a possible test progress screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the text information area 21 preferably comprises instructions about how the subject should behave in order to obtain the best test result possible, and to avoid confusion if the subject forgets the instructions.
  • the screen of figure 4 is preferably shown continuously during the training step 10 and the test steps 11 - 18.
  • the system should not in any way indicate to the subject which part of the test is currently executed. If the subject knows which ear is currently tested, and/or when certain tests are started, it would possibly be too easy to produce faulty results by guessing when the tones are played. As, on the other hand, the subject probably feels more comfortable when knowing something about the progress, e.g.
  • a progress bar 40 is preferably provided.
  • the progress bar may obviously be replaced by other graphical elements able to show progress, or a text indication, within the scope of the present invention.
  • the screen of figure 4 further comprises a button 22 for indicating when a tone is heard, and a button 23 allowing the subject to restart the test if he feels that something is wrong.
  • Figures 5 to 10 illustrate possible result screens according to an embodiment of the present invention. They all comprise a screen 20 comprising a text information area 21, a quit button 22, a restart button 23 and graphical representations 50, 51 of the test results for the left and right ear, respectively.
  • the graphical test result representations in this embodiment comprises a bar chart for each ear comprising a bar for each of the 4 test frequencies 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz and 5 kHz.
  • the heights of the bars indicate the volume, e.g. 10 dB, 20 dB, 30 dB, 40 dB and 65 dB above the average hearing threshold defined as 0 dB.
  • the bars indicate the volumes to which the subject did not react.
  • empty squares 52 represent tone- volume combinations to which the subject reacted, or were not tested because the subject reacted to lower volumes for the same tones.
  • the filled squares 53 represent tone-volume combinations to which the subject did not react, even though they were played to him.
  • 0 filled squares for a certain tone indicates that the subject is able to hear that tone of respective reference levels of at least 10 dB, possibly even lower, and thus experiences a perfectly normal hearing ability regarding that tone.
  • 1 filled square for a certain tone indicates that the subject is not able to hear that tone of respective reference levels of 10 dB, but is able to hear that tone at 20 dB, and thus experiences a normal hearing ability regarding that tone.
  • 3 filled squares for a certain tone indicates that the subject is not able to hear that tone of respective reference levels of 30 dB, but is able to hear that tone at 40 dB. If no worse results are obtained for the other tones or the other ear, i.e. this result is the worst obtained during the test, it indicates that the subject will hear faint sound signals less strongly than normal, whereas strong sound signals will heard as normal. This result might indicate that the subject suffers from a mild hearing impairment that may hamper him in many situations, but possibly not seriously enough for an audiologist to recommend a hearing aid. This phenomenon often appears at the higher frequencies, and the subject might benefit from sound amplification, e.g. a hearing aid, in certain situations, e.g. meeting, lectures, watching TV, etc.
  • sound amplification e.g. a hearing aid
  • 5 filled squares for a certain tone indicates that the subject is not able to hear that tone of respective reference levels of 65 dB. It indicates that the subject suffers from a serious hearing impairment, or that the test system is faulty, e.g. that no tones are played in the headphones.
  • the text shown in the text information area 21 preferably depends on the test result as illustrated by the graphical test result representations 50, 51.
  • the result screen is preferably dynamic, and preferably provides the subject with a qualified comment on the results. Below 6 possible result screens and comments will be described.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a possible result screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the graphical test result representations 50, 51 indicate that the subject reacted to all tones at volume levels of 20 dB at the most. This indicates that the subject has a normal hearing ability.
  • the text information area 21 preferably tells the subject that he does not need sound amplification, but that the test result does not qualify as a medical diagnosis.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a possible result screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the graphical test result representations 50, 51 indicate that the subject could not hear 3 kHz and 4 kHz tones at 20 dB in any ear. This indicates that the subject may have some problems with hearing certain types of sound.
  • the text information area 21 preferably tells the subject that he might benefit from sound amplification in some situations, but that the test result does not qualify as a medical diagnosis, and that the hearing troubles may be just temporary.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a possible result screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the graphical test result representations 50, 51 indicate that the subject could not hear 3 kHz and 4 kHz tones at 30 dB in any ear. This indicates that the subject suffers from a mild hearing impairment.
  • the text information area 21 preferably tells the subject that he might benefit from sound amplification in many situations, but that the test result does not qualify as a medical diagnosis, and that the hearing troubles may be just temporary.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a possible result screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the graphical test result representations 50, 51 indicate that the subject could not hear some tones at 40 dB in any ear. This indicates that the subject suffers from a hearing impairment.
  • the text information area 21 preferably tells the subject that he probably needs considerable sound amplification, but that the test result does not qualify as a medical diagnosis, and that the hearing troubles may be just temporary.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a possible result screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the graphical test result representations 50, 51 indicate that the subject could not hear some tones at 65 dB in any ear. This indicates that the subject suffers from a heavy hearing impairment or that something about the test is wrong.
  • the text information area 21 preferably tells the subject that the result is not clear, and that he is advised to seek further information about his hearing ability. He is preferably further informed that the test result does not qualify as a medical diagnosis, and that the hearing troubles may be just temporary.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a possible result screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the graphical test result representations 50, 51 indicate that the subject could not hear a 1 kHz tone even at 65 dB in the right ear.
  • the rest of the right ear columns being crossed out 54 indicates that these tones were skipped, as they would probably not be reacted to either. This indicates that the subject suffers from a heavy hearing impairment or that something about the test is wrong.
  • the text information area 21 preferably tells the subject that the result is not clear, and that he is advised to seek further information about his hearing ability. He is preferably further informed that the test result does not qualify as a medical diagnosis, and that the hearing troubles may be just temporary.
  • Figure 11 illustrates an example of a possible algorithm to use in the test steps for iterating through different volume levels and monitoring reactions from the subject.
  • the algorithm of figure 11 may thus in a preferred embodiment be executed for each of the steps 10 to 18 in figure 1.
  • the algorithm example of figure 11 is further adapted to handle erroneous or ambiguous input from the subject, e.g. more than one press on the screen for a certain tone, and to allow a single missing reaction at each volume level, in order to establish a more accurate result, i.e. by not dismissing the hearing ability at a certain level just because of one missing reaction.
  • the algorithm first executes an initialisation step 201 where start parameters are set and control counters reset; for example is the volume level LvI set to a predetermined start level, e.g. 30 dB or 0 dB, and counters regarding the number of tries at each tone frequency not reacted to, misses [LvI] 5 and the number of extra presses on the screen ExtraPresses are set to 0.
  • a playback of the stimulus signal e.g. a tone
  • the current volume level is the start volume level set in step 201, otherwise the current level is set in one of the steps 209 or 213.
  • a number of control counters are reset, e.g. the number of presses on the screen NPress and the number of presses between tones NLatePress, and the start time is set to the current time.
  • step 203 is tested whether or not the subject has reacted to the stimulus, e.g. by pressing the screen. If a reaction has been received a step 204 is performed where the time of the reaction is saved in an array Answers [] dependent of the volume level LvI and the number of presses NPress, and the variable NPress is increased by 1.
  • step 205 is performed, where it is tested how long time has elapsed since the tone was started and whether or not this time exceeds a predetermined time frame TimeOut. As long as TimeOut has not been exceeded, the algorithm waits for reactions from the subject by repeating steps 203 and 205, and step 204 for each press by the subject.
  • a step 206 is performed, where it is tested if the number of received presses NPress is greater than 1, indicating that the subject has pressed the screen more than once during the last stimulus. If the number of presses is only one or less, step 207 is performed, where it is tested whether any presses was received at all. If no presses were received, i.e. NPress equals zero, it is assumed that the subject could not hear the stimulus, and the algorithm proceeds to step 208 where it is tested whether or not the current volume level LvI is less than a predetermined maximum volume level MaxLevel, e.g. 65 dB.
  • MaxLevel e.g. 65 dB.
  • a step 209 increases the number of misses for that level by one, Misses [LvI] 5 and changes the current volume level LvI to the next higher volume level, e.g. 40 dB or 65 dB.
  • a step 210 is tested whether the number of misses Misses [LvI-I] for the previous volume level, as it has just been increased in step 209, exceeds one miss. If the previous level LvI-I has been missed two times, i.e. the subject has missed reacting to a stimulus with a volume level corresponding to the previous level LvI-I twice, a step 211 is performed where the result is set to the current level LvI, and the algorithm finished.
  • step 208 If in step 208 the current level LvI is the maximum level MaxLevel, e.g. 65 dB, the algorithm is finished in step 220 by setting the result to a value indicating that the subject could not hear the sound.
  • MaxLevel e.g. 65 dB
  • step 207 If in step 207 the number of presses NPress does not equal 0, a single press must has been received, and a step 212 is performed where it is tested whether of not the current volume level LvI exceeds a predetermined minimum level MinLevel, e.g. 0 dB or 10 dB. If the current level LvI is not greater than the minimum level MinLevel, and as a single press has been received, it must be assumed that the subject could hear the stimulus at the current level, and the step 211 is executed, setting the result to the current level LvI and finishing the algorithm for that particular frequency or type of tone or stimulus. Otherwise, if the current volume level LvI is greater than the minimum volume level, a step 213 decreases the current volume level to the next lower volume level, e.g. 20 dB or 10 dB.
  • MinLevel e.g. 0 dB or 10 dB
  • step 214 determines the length of a pause.
  • step 216 ends the pause when the random time has elapsed, and directs the algorithm to start from right after the initialisations step, hence maintaining the current volume level LvI and the number of misses for each volume level Misses[Lvl] instead of resetting these variables.
  • an error-handling step 218 is executed.
  • the error-handling step 218 may let any abnormal behaviour result in the algorithm being aborted by proceeding to step 219 setting the result to an error value and finishing the algorithm.
  • any reactions, no matter how many and when they occurred may be regarded as a indicating that the subject could hear the tone, and the process is continued from step 212 as if one press had been received during the playback of the tone in step 203.
  • the current volume level LvI is set, i.e. changed or maintained, by the error-handling step 218, and the process is continued from step 214 as if a new level had been set normally in step 209 or step 213.
  • the error-handling step 218 is capable of all the above mentioned alternatives, and chooses which alternative to use from the kind and amount of abnormal input.
  • several reactions from the subject during both playback and pausing may indicate that the subject does not hear the tone, but just tries to be absolutely safe by reacting all the time, and the error- handling step 218 should preferably direct the process to step 219 and thereby end the algorithm with an error. If the subject reacts more than once during playback but never reacts during pausing it may indicate that the subject may be a little impatient but nevertheless honest, and the error-handling step 218 should preferably direct the process to step 212 and continue as if the subject had only pressed once.
  • a setup-screen or other type of management access may be provided.
  • the setup-screen may preferably be accessible only to certain persons, e.g. a staff member of a shop, or at least not immediately accessible without knowing about it.
  • the setup-screen may, e.g., be accessed by touching a certain spot on the monitor for a couple of seconds.
  • the setup-screen may, e.g., provided options regarding language used in the screens, options regarding the input device available, options of showing past results again, and information about the system usage, e.g. the number of tests performed, the number of results in each category of result screens, etc.
  • the setup-screen may further provide options of calibrating a connected hearing aid, headset, etc., according to the last test performed, establishing and exporting a set of calibration data, etc. Further options may comprise setup of predefined recommendations and predefined result information messages, calibration of the headphones and sound card, etc.
  • Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of a hearing ability assessment system according to the present invention. It comprises a computer 110, a computer monitor 111, an external sound card 112 and a pair of headphones 113. A subject 114 is shown wearing the headphones 113.
  • the computer 110 may be any means suitable for carrying a hearing ability assessment procedure according to the present invention, and may, e.g., be a PC, a server, microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic chip, etc. It may be a separate device, or it may, e.g., be built into the computer monitor, e.g. for design or space consumption purposes, etc.
  • the computer 110 may furthermore be a distributed computer executing parts of the necessary instructions in a different location.
  • Such system may, e.g., comprise a central server and one or more thin clients arranged at convenient locations.
  • the server may communicate with the clients via the Internet, a dedicated network, a local area network, etc.
  • the computer monitor is preferable a touch sensitive flat-screen, but may alternatively be any suitable means for displaying information according to an embodiment of the present invention, e.g. a CRT-monitor, a PDA, an projector, etc.
  • the information may be provided to the subject by means of a print-out, an e-mail or synthesized speech, and no monitor is needed.
  • the hearing ability assessment system may also comprise input devices such as a keyboard, a computer mouse, a touch sensitive pad, or any other possible input device.
  • a supervisor e.g. an audiologist, controls the procedure by means of the monitor and/or other input devices, and the subject is merely provided with one or more physical buttons enabling him to respond when a tone is heard.
  • the external sound card 112 may be any suitable means for cooperating with the computer 110 for establishment of the test tones.
  • the sound card is preferably a high quality sound card.
  • the computer 110 comprises an internal sound card, thereby rendering the external sound card unnecessary, provided the internal sound card is able to establish pure tones of a high quality.
  • the external sound card 112 may alternatively be any computer controllable tone generator.
  • the sound card 112 may alternatively be built into the headphones 113.
  • the headphones 113 are preferably comfortable high quality headphones with extreme attenuation of external sounds, thereby facilitating use of the hearing ability assessment system in a somewhat noise environment.
  • the headphones 113 should be stereo headphones in order to achieve the full benefit of the system.
  • alternative sound rendering devices such as loud speakers, earphones, headsets, etc. are within the scope of the present invention.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé qui permet à un patient, sensiblement non assisté par d'autres personnes, d'obtenir une évaluation de sa propre capacité auditive. Ledit procédé consiste à fournir des stimuli sonores à contenu de niveau et de fréquence contrôlés à chacune des oreilles du patient en fonction d'un algorithme, à permettre au patient de répondre à ces stimuli, à orienter le patient pendant cet algorithme au moins partiellement sur la base de ses réponses, à établir un résultat d'évaluation de la capacité auditive, et à présenter ledit résultat au patient. L'invention se caractérise en ce que ce procédé consiste en outre à fournir une recommandation concernant des dispositifs d'aide auditive et/ou un nouvel examen de la capacité auditive du patient. De plus, l'invention concerne des systèmes d'évaluation de la capacité auditive ainsi qu'un procédé facilitant la vente d'un écouteur intelligent, par exemple une aide auditive, les deux incorporant le procédé susmentionné.
PCT/DK2006/000376 2005-06-24 2006-06-26 Procede et systeme d'evaluation de la capacite auditive WO2006136174A2 (fr)

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JP2019530546A (ja) * 2016-07-07 2019-10-24 ゴスホーク・コミュニケーションズ・リミテッドＧｏｓｈａｗｋ Ｃｏｍｍｕｎｉｃａｔｉｏｎｓ Ｌｉｍｉｔｅｄ 音響信号の聴取試験および変調
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CN114305402A (zh) * 2021-12-29 2022-04-12 中山大学附属第三医院（中山大学肝脏病医院） 基于云平台的纯音测听质量评价系统
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