Panasonic Develops Estimation Technology using Brain Wave Patterns for Acceptable Maximum Sound Volume of Hearing Aids

Osaka, Japan - Panasonic today announced the development of a new technology for fitting hearing aids. Focusing on electroencephalogram (EEG) brain wave patterns recorded when example sounds heard at the normal sound volume are played into the user's ears during the test, the new technology enables to estimate the loudest level of sound the user can comfortably tolerate. This development allows for reducing the strain on the users and the time required to fit hearing aids. Panasonic started clinical evaluation of this method in cooperation with the University of Fukui, with an aim to put it into practice as an automatic volume level fitting system for hearing aids in the fiscal year starting April 2015.

The perception of loudness differs from person to person and the acceptable sound volume limit depends on each person. Hearing aids must meet with such different needs and desires. The maximum sound volume is an important key factor for hearing aid fitting. The conventional method for adjusting volumes in the hearing aid fitting process uses the minimum volume hearing threshold level to calculate the maximum sound level. Because the results contain a large margin of error without factoring in individual differences, users need to go through an uncomfortable loudness test, causing them psychological stress and fatigue. Repeated listening to test tones can also be confusing to them. Therefore, it is difficult to precisely adjust the volume parameter of hearing aids to the true hearing ability for each user.

Using the new method, the maximum volume level for each user can be estimated objectively based on the EEG response to auditory stimuli, normal volume sound, in a short time and with a high degree of accuracy. This method enables to set the hearing aid more accurately in the maximum volume and use more comfortably.

On this development, Panasonic holds 18 domestic patents and eight overseas patents, including pending applications.

A clinical evaluation of this technology started in cooperation with the Faculty of Medical Sciences, the University of Fukui, in November 2011.

A part of this technology was presented in the 41st Annual meeting of Japanese Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, held in Shizuoka Prefecture, on November 11, 2011.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (US$105 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/.