Method and apparatus for providing electronic sound clarification for aurally handicapped persons

Claim 2

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through use of selective audio amplification means capable of supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits for selectively varying the level of the signal passed by each in adjacent passbands, comprising the steps of determining the comfort level frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including 1. increasing the level of signals passed by a first of said circuits, with the remaining of said circuits being set for a minimum signal passage level, until audio signals within a first limited frequency spectrum reach a level of discomfort, and then decreasing the level of signals passed by the first of said circuits until audio Signals are at a comfort level, and 2. repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response approximating said comfort level frequency response, and with de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum, said resonance frequency spectrum being defined by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency spectrum wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentrated, to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested and thereby emphasize spectral conponents for clarifying speech discrimination.

Claim 3

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response approximating said comfort level frequency response, said equalized response being attenuated in a spectrum thereof wherein the dynamic range is narrow, said dynamic range being defined as the difference between the threshold frequency response and the comfort level frequency response.

Claim 4

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response approximating said comfort level frequency response, said equalized response being attenuated in a spectrum thereof wherein the dynamic range is narrow, said dynamic range being defined as the difference between the threshold frequency response and the comfort level frequency response.

Claim 5

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and said equalized response is attenuated in a spectrum thereof wherein the dynamic range is narrow, said dynamic range being defined as the difference between the threshold frequency response and the comfort level frequency response.

Claim 6

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and said equalized response is attenuated in a spectrum thereof wherein the dynamic range is narrow, said dynamic range being defined as the difference between the threshold frequency response and the comfort level frequency response.

Claim 7

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, plotting said comfort level frequency response as a curve, examining said cOmfort level frequency response curve for a resonance spectrum, said resonance spectrum being evidenced by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency range wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentrated, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response lying between said curves and and approximating said comfort level frequency response curve, but with de-emphasis of said resonance frequency spectrum to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested for thereby emphasizing spectral components for clarifying speech discrimination.

Claim 8

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, plotting said comfort level frequency response as a curve, examining said cOmfort level frequency response curve for a resonance spectrum, said resonance spectrum being evidenced by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency range wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentrated, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response lying between said curves and and approximating said comfort level frequency response curve, but with de-emphasis of said resonance frequency spectrum to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested for thereby emphasizing spectral components for clarifying speech discrimination.

Claim 9

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, determining the comfort level frequency response of the individual by again supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 10

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, determining the comfort level frequency response of the individual by again supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 11

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, plotting said threshold frequency response as a curve, determining the comfort level frequency response of the individual by again supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 12

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, plotting said threshold frequency response as a curve, determining the comfort level frequency response of the individual by again supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 13

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response approximating said comfort level frequency response, and with de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum, said resonance frequency spectrum being defined by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency spectrum wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentrated, to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested and thereby emphasize spectral components for clarifying speech discrimination.

Claim 14

repeating this latter sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response approximating said comfort level frequency response, and with de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum, said resonance frequency spectrum being defined by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency spectrum wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentrated, to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested and thereby emphasize spectral components for clarifying speech discrimination.

Claim 15

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response approximating said comfort level frequency response, and with de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum, said resonance frequency spectrum being defined by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency spectrum wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentrated, to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested and thereby emphasize spectral conponents for clarifying speech discrimination.

Claim 16

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, and setting selective audio amplification means to provide an equalized response approximating said comfort level frequency response, and with de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum, said resonance frequency spectrum being defined by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency spectrum wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentrated, to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested and thereby emphasize spectral conponents for clarifying speech discrimination.

Claim 17

In a method as in claim 1 including the additional step of supplying audio signals in the form of monosyllabic words to the ear of said individual through selective audio amplification means adjusted in accordance with said last-defined step to ascertain the number of words correctly identified by the individual.

Claim 18

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, determining the comfort level frequency response of the individual by again supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 19

repeating this sequence for each of the remainder of said circuits, determining the comfort level frequency response of the individual by again supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 20

A method as in claim 1 wherein said de-emphasis of a resonant frequency spectrum is achieved by providing attenuation, and each resonance frequency spectrum is so de-emphasized.

Claim 21

A method as in claim 1 wherein said de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum is achieved by attenuation.

Claim 22

A method as in claim 1 wherein each said limited frequency spectrum is a frequency range of less than one octave.

Claim 23

A method as in claim 1 wherein each said limited frequency spectrum is a frequency range of one-third octave.

Claim 24

A method as in claim 1 including determining a threshold frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 25

A method as in claim 7 wherein said equalized response curve is attenuated in a spectrum wherein the dynamic range is approximately 10 db and less.

Claim 26

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through use of selective audio amplification means capable of supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits for selectively varying the level of the signal passed by each in adjacent passbands, comprising the steps of determining a threshold frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 27

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through use of selective audio amplification means capable of supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits for selectively varying the level of the signal passed by each in adjacent passbands, comprising the steps of determining a threshold frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 28

In a method as in claim 9 including the additional step of supplying audio signals in the form of monosyllabic words to the ear of said individual through selective audio amplifation means adjusted in accordance with said last-defined step to ascertain the number of words correctly identified by the individual.

Claim 29

A method as in claim 9 wherein said de-emphasis of a resonant frequency spectrum is achieved by providing attenuation, and each resonance frequency spectrum is so de-emphasized.

Claim 30

A method as in claim 9 wherein said de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum is achieved by attenuation.

Claim 31

A method as in claim 9 wherein said equalized response is attenuated in a spectrum thereof wherein the dynamic range is narrow, said dynamic range being defined as the difference between the threshold frequency response and the comfort level frequency response.

Claim 32

A method as in claim 9 wherein said equalized response curve is attenuated in a spectrum wherein the dynamic range is approximately 10 db and less.

Claim 33

A method as in claim 9 wherein said audio signals comprise noise signals.

Claim 34

A method as in claim 9 wherein each said limited frequency spectrum is a frequency range of less than one octave.

Claim 35

A method as in claim 16 wherein each said limited frequency spectrum is a frequency range of one-third octave.

Claim 36

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through use of selective audio amplification means capable of supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits for selectively varying the level of the signal passed by each in adjacent passbands, comprising the steps of determing a threshold frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 37

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through use of selective audio amplification means capable of supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits for selectively varying the level of the signal passed by each in adjacent passbands, comprising the steps of determing a threshold frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 38

In a method as in claim 18 including the additional step of supplying audio signals in the form of monosyllabic words to the ear of said individual through selective audio amplification means adjusted in accordance with said equalized response to ascertain the number of words correctly identified by the individual.

Claim 39

A method as in claim 18 wherein said curves are examined to determined any area of narrow dynamic range, said dynamic range being defined as the difference between the threshold frequency response and the comfort level frequency response, and said equalized response being attenuated in a spectrum thereof wherein said dynamic range is narrow.

Claim 40

A method as in claim 20 wherein said equalized response curve is attenuated in a spectrum wherein the dynamic range is approximately 10 db and less.

Claim 41

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through use of selective audio amplification means capable of supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits for selectively varying the level of the signal passed by each in adjacent passbands, comprising the steps of determining a threshold frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 42

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through use of selective audio amplification means capable of supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits for selectively varying the level of the signal passed by each in adjacent passbands, comprising the steps of determining a threshold frequency response of the individual by supplying to the ear of the individual a variable level audio signal in discrete frequency spectrum increments including

Claim 43

A method as in claim 22 wherein said equalized response includes de-emphasis of a resonance frequency spectrum to minimize sound saturation of the ear of the individual being tested and thereby emphasize spectral components for clarifying speech discrimination, said resonance frequency spectrum being defined by a marked deviation of the comfort level frequency response in a frequency spectrum wherein spectral components of speech generally are concentRated.

Claim 44

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through the use of selective audio amplification means for supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits having adjacent passbands for selectively varying the level of the signal passed thereby and providing said audio signal, comprising the steps of determining the threshold frequency response of the individual and plotting a curve thereof by setting a first of said circuits for minimum attenuation and the remaining of said circuits for maximum attenuation, increasing the gain of said first circuit until audio signals are heard, and repeating the sequence for each of said circuits, determining a comfort level frequency response of the individual and plotting a curve thereof by setting a first of said circuits for maximum signal passage and the remaining of said circuits for maximum attenuation, increasing the level of the audio signal until the individual discerns distinct discomfort, reducing the level of said ausio signal to a level of comfort, and repeating these steps for each of the remaining circuits, examining the curve of said comfort level response and detecting any spectrum area of resonance evidenced by a significant curve deviation in the level of said comfort level response, and examining the response of said individual to audio signals wherein the spectrum of said audio signals have been de-emphasized at said area of resonance to minimize sound saturation of the individual and thereby emphasize the spectral components of said audio signals required for speech discrimination.

Claim 45

In a method for measuring human auditory deficiency as an aid in prescribing compensatory amplification for an individual through the use of selective audio amplification means for supplying a complex audio signal to the ear of said individual, and wherein said amplification means includes a plurality of independently adjustable circuits having adjacent passbands for selectively varying the level of the signal passed thereby and providing said audio signal, comprising the steps of determining the threshold frequency response of the individual and plotting a curve thereof by setting a first of said circuits for minimum attenuation and the remaining of said circuits for maximum attenuation, increasing the gain of said first circuit until audio signals are heard, and repeating the sequence for each of said circuits, determining a comfort level frequency response of the individual and plotting a curve thereof by setting a first of said circuits for maximum signal passage and the remaining of said circuits for maximum attenuation, increasing the level of the audio signal until the individual discerns distinct discomfort, reducing the level of said ausio signal to a level of comfort, and repeating these steps for each of the remaining circuits, examining the curve of said comfort level response and detecting any spectrum area of resonance evidenced by a significant curve deviation in the level of said comfort level response, and examining the response of said individual to audio signals wherein the spectrum of said audio signals have been de-emphasized at said area of resonance to minimize sound saturation of the individual and thereby emphasize the spectral components of said audio signals required for speech discrimination.

Claim 46

A method as in claim 24 wherein the spacing between said threshold curve and said comfort level curve represents dynamic range, and the level of said audio signals is de-emphasized in a spectrum thereof where said dynamic range is approximately 10 db and less.

Claim 47

A method as in claim 25 wherein said circuits provide bandpass increments of less than one octave.

Claim 48

A method as in claim 26 wherein said circuits provide bandpass increments of one-third octave each.