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

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.

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.

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

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.