Project Readiness Package Rev 7/22/11

INTRODUCTION:The primary objective of this Project Readiness Package (PRP) is to describe the proposed project by documenting requirements (customer needs and expectations, specifications, deliverables, anticipated budget, skills and resources needed, and people/ organizations affiliated with the project. This PRP will be utilized by faculty to evaluate project suitability in terms of challenge, depth, scope, skills, budget, and student / faculty resources needed. It will also serve as an important source of information for students during the planning phase to develop a project plan and schedule.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION:

Project Name (tentative): Hearing Aid Redesign – Team 1 Project Number, if known: XX

Preferred Start/End Quarter in Senior Design:

Faculty Champion:

Name Dept. Email PhoneGeorge Slack EE gbseee@rit.edu 581-475-5105

Other Support, if known:

Name Dept. Email PhoneLawrence Scott NTID lcsnca@rit.edu 518-475-6970

Project “Guide” if known: Unknown

Primary Customer:

Name Dept. Email PhoneEddie Mc Bride NTID Ewm7736@rit.edu unknown

Sponsor(s):

Name/Organization Contact Info. Type & Amount of Support Committed

RIT Effective Access Technologies Grant ~$5,000

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Fall/Winter Fall/Spring Winter/Spring

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PROJECT OVERVIEW:

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), only 1 out of 5 people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one [1]. A typical hearing aid contains a microphone, speaker, amplifier and filtering circuitry, and battery power source. The most common type of hearing aid fits behind the ear and transmits sound to the outer ear canal through a clear tube and a customized ear mold. (Figure 1). Since the behind-the ear hearing aids are noninvasive, allow higher levels of sound amplification, and are more affordable than other options they are often the choice for many users including children, adolescents, and adults of all ages.

In Spring 2012, for an independent study, industrial design (ID) students Paula Garcia, Nick Kelemen, and Nanxi Yu, developed the concept for a radical alternative to the standard behind-the-ear hearing aid (Figure 2). Preliminary research conducted by the ID student team suggested that potential users fail to use hearing aids due to price, unattractive visual design, and/or as a result of the stereotype associated with hearing aid use. The new design is intended to help change the social stigma currently shadowing hearing aids devices by offering radical new styling and additional features to make the device attractive to both hearing and hard of hearing customers.

Figure 1: Typical Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid Figure 2: Industrial Design Concept

The product outlined by this document is an expansion of a concept developed by an RIT Industrial Design team during the Spring 2012 quarter. The design students are looking to work with engineering senior design teams during the winter/spring senior design block to turn their concept into a reality. This project readiness package provides a detailed explanation of the design teams goals and product concept. The senior design students assigned to this project are encouraged to provide feedback, expand, refine, and improve the product concept – student solutions are not limited to the original design proposal.

DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION:The three Industrial Design students began their ideation by organizing a focus group of eight

students ages 18-24 attending the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. After gathering interviews, discussions, and surveys, they decided to focus their attention on defying the social stigma of hearing aids. The ID team’s (10 year) future goal, which is described in detail below for the team’s reference, is to create a device which blends the line between hearing aids and other technologies such as Bluetooth communication, music streaming, easy charging options, and the ability to record class notes, which are all commonly provided by other audio devices, used by non-hearing impaired users. The final design will be a universal audio device that is used by both hearing and hard-of-hearing consumers. Universal is defined as a product design that appeals to both user groups (hearing and hard of hearing), both in design aspects and functionality. Currently, as part of the proof-of-concept phase, the MSD team will be responsible for creating an initial prototype in the new desirable form factor but with limited functionality. Basic functionality is considered to be sound amplification and the ability to recharge the device through a USB connection. A component of the senior design project will also be to conduct user testing of the new device to collect data on user acceptance of the device. The goal for this first step is to determine if the

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new form and functional capabilities for the hearing aid are able to de-stigmatize hearing aid use and to provide the first step in creating a hearing aid with expanded functionality. If shown to be successful, the functionality of this device could be extended by subsequent follow-on MSD projects.

Overview of the ID (10 year) Concept:

The device concept proposed by the ID team, is an audio device that contains standard hearing aid functions, such as sound amplification, and features common on other audio devices such as a blue tooth headset or headphone used for music listening. The device requirements include the ability to recharge the battery and reprogram the algorithms for sound processing through a computer interface as well as improved sound clarity in comparison to hearing aid products currently on the market.

The product concept, as proposed by the industrial design team, is a three part hearing assistant (Figure 3), and includes a computer software package, earpiece, and a transfer module.

Figure 3: Components of the ID students’ hearing aid concept

Computer Software: One of the long-term goals developed by the industrial designers is to change the experience of going to the audiologist to get a hearing aid, which often required multiple visits to adjust the hearing aid settings. Instead of physically visiting an audiologist for tuning or updates, the team would like to develop a software package that allows user to tune their own device, and/or download programs from their audiologist, and transfer the new data to the earpiece. The software would allow users to edit the sound processing algorithms and transfer these files to the earpiece via the transfer module.

Earpiece: The physical enclosure is intended to be a radical visual alternative to the behind-the-ear style aid. The inspiration for the shape of the enclosure was from current Bluetooth headset designs. By creating a product that is similar to a device commonly worn by hearing individuals, the hearing aid will not draw attention to the user because the form will not be unfamiliar to society. The enclosure contains all electronic components necessary to perform the task of sound amplification: microphones, speakers, processor, receivers, power, etc. The new location above the ear and larger size of the earpiece may allow for improved microphone placement, more microphones, more advanced sound processing capabilities (such as noise cancellation), and added functions such as Bluetooth. In the ID design, the earpiece battery is recharged and the algorithms are reprogrammed using the transfer module. Therefore, the earpiece must interface with the transfer module without impacting user experience.

Transfer Module: The transfer module is a floating component of this product system. The role of the transfer module is to transfer both power and data between the computer and earpiece. The transfer module rests primarily in the user’s computer USB port where it stores power and information from the software. It is removed from the computer and attached to earpiece whenever the user needs to recharge the earpiece battery or update the software on the earpiece. The transfer module makes it easier for users to quickly recharge their earpiece without forcing the

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user to remove the hearing aid device. When the earpiece power is low, users simply attach the transfer module and repower the unit.

Since the ID students who envisioned this new hearing aid style will be on the MSD design team, it is up to the team as a whole to determine if and how the design concept must be changed to accommodate function without compromising style. The team should not feel restricted from innovating by the current concept.

The short-term goal (20 weeks), intended for the MSD team include: (1) a refined enclosure design optimized for user comfort, weight, microphone location, and manufacturability; (2) a USB interface (or possibly a different recharging method) for recharging the hearing aid battery, (3) connection to a standard tube and earmold (generally made to fit each user), and (4) the ability to amplify sound. Depending on team expertise and ambition, the team may also incorporate telecoil and Bluetooth technology for connecting to cell phones and music players and/or more advanced sound processing capability such as noise cancellation and resistance to feedback. If this project is successful, future MSD teams may be charged with improving sound processing based on the results of audiogram hearing tests, incorporating user programmability of the device, and including more features to encourage use by hearing users.

Customer Needs and Objectives:

CN# Rank Customer NeedCN1 9 The device amplifies soundCN2 9 The device fits most adult ears CN3 9 The device does not draw attention to the user as a hard

of hearing individualCN4 9 The device stays on the ear during everyday activities,

including running CN5 9 The device includes a way for the user to adjust the

volume while on the earCN6 9 The device is safe to useCN7 9 The device is rechargeable by computer USB port

CN8 3 The power in the earpiece should lasts at least 48 hoursCN9 3 The device interfaces with a standard tube and ear moldCN10 3 The weight of the device is similar to existing earpiecesCN11 3 The device is comfortable to wearCN12 3 The device does not generate excessive heat during use

or chargingCN13 1 The device includes an additional method for toggling

between functions (for later use to switch between programs or turn on Bluetooth, etc.)

CN141

The device has a cost similar to current devices when in production

CN150

Optional: The device communicates with a cell phone or music player by Bluetooth

CN16 0 Optional: The device has noise cancellation capabilities Functional Decomposition:

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Stake Holders

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o ID Team developers (Paula Garcia, Nanxi Yu, Nick Kelemen) o MSD Student Teamo Effective Access Technologies Grant (PI: Mario Gomes)o End User (hard of hearing: Eddie)o End User (hearing) o Audiologist (o Hearing Aid and Audio Device manufacturers

Specifications (or Engineering/Functional Requirements):

Spec Number Source Specification Direction Units Marginal Ideal Notes

S1 CN1Lowest level of sound detected min dB 0

lowest range of normal hearing

S2 CN1 Frequencies amplified max Hz300-3400

85-8000

marginal values are those used in radio, 85 is lowest male voice

S3CN1, CN6 Maximum amplificaiton target dB 130 max considered safe

S4 CN5 Levels of volume adjustment max levels >10adjusted in steps or continuous

S5 CN7 Time to charge earpiece min minutes <60 <30

S6 CN7Time to charge transfer module min minutes <120 <30

S7 CN7Connects to standard USB 2.0 computer port target

with adapter yes

S8CN11, CN12

Maximum temperature at outside surface of device min oF <110 <98

S9

CN2, CN4, CN11

Range of adult ear size accomodated max percentile

25th to 75th

10th to

90th

S10

CN4, CN6,

CN10, CN11 Weight of earpiece min g <12

marginal values will depend on ergonomic info

S11

CN4, CN6,

CN10, CN11 Weight of transfer module min g <8

marginal values will depend on ergonomic info

S12 CN8Earpiece battery life at maximum amplification max hours >16 >48

S13CN4, CN11

Angle head can tip without the earpiece falling off (any direction) max degrees >90 >135

S14CN4, CN11

Earpiece stays in place during impact/vibration (from max

need to define this spec

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running)

S15 CN3

Percent of serveyed people who identify a picture of the device as something other than a hearing aid. max percent >60 >80

team should conduct surveys

S16 CN3

Percent of surveyed hard of hearing people who prefer the form of the new device to standard behind the ear hearing aids max percent >60 >80

team should conduct surveys

S17 CN3

Percent of surveyed hearing people who would use the device for Bluetooth or music listening max percent >50 >70

team should conduct surveys

S18 CN11

Percent of surveyed people who feel the device is comfortable to wear max percent >50 >70

team should conduct surveys

S19 CN9Attaches to a standard ear tube and ear mold binary yes yes

S20 CN13 Additional toggle switch binary no yes

allows for expansion in subsequent projects without complete redesign of housing.

S21 CN14Manufactured cost (estimated) min $ <2000 <1000

not as important in first round of prototyping, but should be considered

S22 CN15Communicates by Bluetooth to cell phone or music player binary No Yes

Optional, delete if necessary

S23 CN16 Noise cancellation abilities binary No YesOptional, delete if necessary

Students should prepare a product survey to be distributed to both hearing and hard-of-hearing individuals during the Imagine RIT festival. Surveys could also be done at other times.

Constraints: o Product is to be low cost o Product is to be light weighto Product needs to be competitive with existing models o NOTE: Project is NOT constrained by the industrial design proposal, this is a starting point

for further innovation

Project Deliverables: o An ergonomically optimized earpiece prototype (design, weight, user interface)o 3D model o Bill of Materialso Design Drawings for manufacturing or modifying all partso Manufacturing and Assembly Plano Test Plan

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o Clearly documented Test Resultso Technical Papero Poster

Budget Estimate:

The majority of the budget costs are for materials to fabricate the initial functional prototype. At this point, the quality and level of noise filtering for the initial prototype can vary. We have allowed for enough materials to allow for the creation of a complex digital acoustic filter off board of the small earpiece with Bluetooth communication between them. This choice would allow for the further expansion of the device in subsequent MSD projects.

Item Qty Cost ea Total Sound processing Development Platform

1 $500 $500

Microphones Up to 3 $600 $1800 Microprocessor/Controller

1 $150 $150

Amplifier components 1 $50 $50 Speaker 1 $200 $200 Bluetooth 2 $100 $200 USB Interface 1 $50 $50 Rechargeable battery 3 $50 $150 PCB 3 $150 $450 Acoustic test stand 1 $500 $500 3D printing costs 3 $300 $900 TOTAL $4950

Intellectual Property (IP) considerations: o Current hearing aids on the marketo Industrial Design product concept credit

IDEAL STAFFING

Discipline How Many? Anticipated Skills Needed

ID 1-3 Depending on how the want to participate

EE 2 EE students will be concerned with device programing, battery power design and power management, data transfer, computer interface, etc.

ME 2 ME students will focus on enclosure design (ergonomics, prototyping, CAD, etc).

CE 1 CE students are to develop the computer software interface, USB communication, and assist TEAM B with program development.

ISE 0-1 An ISE could be included to look at ergonomics, human factors, and manufacturing issues.

OTHER RESOURCES ANTICIPATED:

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Describe resources needed to support successful development, implementation, and utilization of the project. This could include specific faculty expertise, laboratory space and equipment, outside services, customer facilities, etc. Indicate if resources are available, to your knowledge.

Category Description Resource Available?

Faculty NTID Audiologists and sound specialists

Environment Audiology resources in NTID; hearing aid shop; hearing equipment, etc.

Equipment 3D printing or rapid prototyping resources (Brinkmen Lab) for enclosure dev.

References:

[1] http://www.hearingaids.com/quick-statistics/

Appendix A includes benchmarking information

Design Project Management Hearing Aid Project Development website includes extensive links to research articles and benchmarking information: http://edge.rit.edu/edge/R13903/public/Hearing%20Aid%20Concept

Cultural Info on Hearing Losshttp://www.nchearingloss.org/howhohhear.pdf

Definition of an Audiogramhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiogram

Reading Audiogramshttp://www.hearingpro.com.au/hearing-tests/interpreting-an-audiogram

Types of Hearing Loss shown in Audiogram results/Types of hearing aidshttp://hearingaidinsider.com/articles/understanding-hearing-test-results-audiogram

Reprogrammable aids / Hearing aid block diagramshttp://www.hear-more.com/hearingaids.htm

REAL EAR Measuring power consumption of hearing aids: http://www.chs.ca/en/programs-and-services/hearing-health-care-services-chs/audiology-hearing-testing.html

Computer audiograms: http://www.cognitive-hearingaids.com/cog_audiogram.php

Prepared by: Alissa Anderson, Thomas Adcock, Sarah Brownell, Mario Gomes

Date: 11/23/12

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APPENDIX A: Benchmarking

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APPENDIX X: Price Benchmark

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