An Ontology-Based Expert System Approach for Hearing Aid Fitting in a Chaotic Environment.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Hearing aid fitting is critical for hearing loss rehabilitation but involves complex, interdependent parameters, while AI-based technologies offer promise, their reliance on large datasets and cloud infrastructure limits their use in low-resource settings. In such cases, expert knowledge, manufacturer guidelines, and research findings become the primary sources of information. This study introduces DHAFES (Dynamic Hearing Aid Fitting Expert System), a personalized, ontology-based system for hearing aid fitting.

Methods: A dataset of common patient complaints was analyzed to identify typical auditory issues. A multilingual self-assessment questionnaire was developed to efficiently collect user-reported complaints. With expert input, complaints were categorized and mapped to corresponding hearing aid solutions. An ontology, the Hearing Aid Fitting Ontology (HAFO), was developed using OWL 2. DHAFES, a decision support system, was then implemented to process inputs and generate fitting recommendations.

Results: DHAFES supports 33 core complaint classes and ensures transparency and traceability. It operates offline and remotely, improving accessibility in resource-limited environments.

Conclusions: DHAFES is a scalable, explainable, and clinically relevant solution for hearing aid fitting. Its ontology-based design enables adaptation to diverse clinical contexts and provides a foundation for future AI integration.