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Publication Number
US-11559224-B2
Publication Date
2023-01-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
An optimization system for testing a patient's hearing comprises a controller, an ear piece, and a memory. The controller: provides a series of tones to the ear piece; receives feedback from the patient between each tone; generates a data point to be used in an audiogram after receiving each feedback; after each data point is generated, computes a statistical distribution based on the generated data points; identifies an area of the statistical distribution most in need of additional data; and selects a subsequent tone to provide in the series of tones. Each feedback indicates whether the respective tone was detected or not detected, and each data point is based on the respective feedback. Each subsequent tone provided in the series of tones is a tone represented in the area of the statistical distribution most in need of additional data at the time of selection.
Core Innovation
An optimization system for testing a patient’s hearing uses a controller, an ear piece in audible communication with the controller, and a memory including instructions executable by the controller. The controller provides a series of tones to the ear piece and receives patient feedback between each tone, where each feedback indicates whether the respective tone was detected in the ear piece or was not detected. After receiving each feedback, the controller generates a data point to be used in an audiogram based on the respective feedback.
After each generated data point, the controller computes a statistical distribution based on the generated data points. The controller identifies an area of the statistical distribution most in need of additional data and selects a subsequent tone represented in that area at the time of selection. In this way, the sequence of tones is chosen based on the portion of the distribution requiring additional data.
In an alternative embodiment, the testing provides tones in real time to an ear piece, receives patient detected or not-detected feedback, and generates a statistical distribution using a Gaussian process to identify an area of the distribution needing additional data. The system selects the next tone to efficiently converge on upper hearing-threshold curve and lower hearing-threshold curve information, and provides confidence level and variance visualizations for right and left ears.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims: one optimization system for testing a patient’s hearing and one method of testing a patient’s hearing. Across these claims, there are multiple inventive features centered on iterative tone provision, patient detected/not-detected feedback, audiogram data point generation, statistical-distribution computation, identification of an area needing more data, and selection of the subsequent tone from that area.
Iterative tone delivery with patient detected/not-detected feedback
Providing a series of tones to an ear piece; receiving feedback from the patient between each tone indicating that the respective tone was detected in the ear piece or that the respective tone was not detected.
Audiogram data point generation based on each feedback
Generating a data point to be used in an audiogram after receiving each feedback, wherein each data point is based on the respective feedback.
Statistical distribution computation from generated audiogram data points
After each data point is generated, computing a statistical distribution based on the generated data points.
Selecting the next tone from an area most in need of additional data
Identifying an area of the statistical distribution most in need of additional data; selecting a subsequent tone to provide in the series of tones, wherein each subsequent tone provided in the series of tones is a tone represented in the area of the statistical distribution most in need of additional data at the time of selection.
Right/left ear piece handling and right/left audiogram data point generation
Providing alternating tones to an ear piece including a right ear piece and a left ear piece; generating data points to be used in a right audiogram and a left audiogram based on the respective feedback.
Gaussian process for computing the statistical distribution
Computing the statistical distribution based on a Gaussian process.
Graphical user interface displaying audiogram and hearing thresholds graph
Displaying, via a graphical user interface, an audiogram and a hearing thresholds graph.
Hearing thresholds graph with upper and lower curves
Generating a hearing thresholds graph with upper and lower curves derived from the series of tones and patient feedback.
Patient-selectable button for detected versus not-detected feedback
Providing a patient-selectable button after each tone so that the patient’s selection or non-selection serves as feedback indicating whether that tone was detected or not detected.
Across the independent system and method claims, the coverage is anchored by iterative delivery of a tone series, collecting patient detected/not-detected feedback between tones, generating audiogram data points from the feedback, computing a statistical distribution from those data points, and selecting the next tone from the distribution area most in need of additional data. Dependent coverage further specifies right/left handling, Gaussian process computation, and graphical and input/output details such as audiogram/hearing-thresholds graphs and a patient-selectable button.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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