Occlusion reduction and noise suppression based on a high sealing quality

Abstract

A method for audio processing in a module to be worn in the ear by a user (202), comprising: Receiving two acoustic signals using two microphones (106, 108), wherein the acoustic signals include a first acoustic signal that is detected outside the ear canal and a second acoustic signal that is detected inside the ear canal; Determine, based at least in part on the acoustic signals, the quality of a seal provided by the module (202) to be worn in the ear when worn by the user; Checking the determined quality of the sealing in relation to a predetermined threshold, and based on the testing: Performing occlusion reduction based on the second acoustic signal to improve sound within the user's ear when the seal quality exceeds the predetermined threshold; and Performing active noise reduction (ANR) based on the first acoustic signal to reduce noise within the user's ear when the sealing quality is below the predetermined threshold.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over US patent application number 14 / 985 057, which was filed on December 30, 2015. AREA

[0002] The present application relates generally to audio processing and in particular to systems and methods for occlusion reduction and active noise cancellation based on density quality. BACKGROUND

[0003] An active noise cancellation (ANR) system in an earpiece-based audio device can be used to reduce background noise. The ANR system generates a compensation signal designed to cancel out background noise at the listening position inside the earpiece or ear cup. This compensation signal is fed to an audio transducer (such as a loudspeaker), which generates an anti-noise sound wave. The anti-noise sound wave is intended to attenuate or eliminate the background noise at the listening position through destructive interference, leaving only the desired sound components. Consequently, the combination of the anti-noise sound wave and the background noise at the listening position results in the cancellation of both, thus reducing the noise level.

[0004] An occlusion effect occurs when earpieces of a headset seal off a person's (user's) ear canal. The person may unpleasantly hear sounds from their own voice caused by bone-conducted sound reflected by the earpiece blocking the ear canal. The occlusion effect is more pronounced when the seal is very tight. The occlusion effect can increase low frequencies (usually below 500 Hz) of the sound pressure in the ear canal by 20 dB or more.

[0005] Publication US 2008 / 0107287A1 discloses a personal hearing control system comprising a microphone located in a user's sealed ear canal, a loudspeaker with a diaphragm that directs sound into the ear canal, and a controller that operates the loudspeaker so that the system mimics the acoustics of the user's open ear canal. In one operating mode, the output from a microphone located on the outer ear side of the sealed ear canal is processed to suppress sounds traveling from the outer ear to the inner ear side of the seal.

[0006] DE 601 25 782 T2 discloses a hearing protection device with a sealing section for acoustically sealing the ear canal of a person, with a sound generator having a sound outlet directed towards the user's ear canal; an internal microphone with a sound inlet from the ear canal, arranged to measure the resulting sound field in the ear canal; connected to an electronic unit comprising a sound analyzer coupled to the internal microphone to analyze sound characteristics of the resulting sound field in the ear canal and to generate analyzed sound characteristics.

[0007] US Patent 5,577,511 A discloses an instrument for measuring the degree of closure of an occlusive object, such as an earmold, in the ear canal of a subject. The instrument comprises a first microphone for converting sound waves outside the ear canal into electrical signals and a first microphone for converting sound waves inside the ear canal into electrical signals.

[0008] US Patent 2014 / 0247948A1 discloses an electronic audio device for use with at least one earphone, wherein the earphone has a microphone and a loudspeaker, and includes a circuit coupled with the microphone and loudspeaker as well as a processor to evaluate the sealing quality of the earphone on a user's ear based on sealing quality measurements.

[0009] WO 2014 / 070 836 A2 discloses a headphone with active noise reduction. This headphone has an active noise cancellation mode and an active listen-through mode and switches between the noise cancellation and listen-through modes. OVERVIEW

[0010] This overview is provided to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are subsequently described in detail. This overview is not intended to specify closed features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of protection of the claimed subject matter.

[0011] Methods and systems for occlusion reduction and ANR (Acoustic Noise Reduction) are provided based on determining the quality of a seal. This method can offer more consistent performance of a headpiece across varying seal qualities. An illustrative method involves receiving acoustic signals. Each acoustic signal represents at least one detected sound with at least one vocal component and unwanted noise, the vocal component including the user's voice. The illustrative method further involves determining, based at least partially on the acoustic signals, the quality of a seal provided by an in-ear module of a headpiece in relation to the user's ear canal.The intuitive process switches between different operating modes depending on the sealing quality. For example, if the sealing quality is above a predetermined threshold, the process can proceed by applying occlusion reduction to the acoustic signals to improve the voice component. If the sealing quality is below the predetermined threshold, the process can proceed by applying active noise reduction (ANR) to the acoustic signals to reduce unwanted noise.

[0012] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, the steps of the method for occlusion reduction and the ANR based on a sealing quality are stored in a non-volatile machine-readable medium which contains instructions which, when implemented by one or more processors, execute the said steps.

[0013] Other illustrative embodiments of the disclosure and further aspects will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Exemplary embodiments are shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings without restrictions, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements and in which: Fig. 1 is a block view of a system and an environment in which the system is used according to an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block view of a head assembly suitable for implementing the present technique according to an illustrative embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a block view showing a system for performing occlusion reduction and active noise suppression based on a determination of a sealing quality according to an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of a procedure for performing an occlusion reduction or active noise suppression based on a determination of a sealing quality according to an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 5 represents an example of a computer system that can be used to implement embodiments of the disclosed technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present technology provides systems and methods for occlusion reduction and ANR based on determining the quality of a seal, thereby addressing or substantially avoiding problems associated with uncomfortable noise in an ear canal. Embodiments of the present technology can be used in any audio device based on an earpiece or ear cup designed to receive and / or provide audio signals, without limiting this to: cordless phones, MP3 players, telephone handsets, hearing aids, and headsets. Although some embodiments of the present technology are described with reference to the function of a cordless phone, the present technology is applicable to any audio device.

[0016] According to an illustrative embodiment, the method for occlusion reduction and ANR based on determining the quality of a seal comprises receiving acoustic signals. The method can ensure consistent performance of a headgear despite varying seal qualities. In this illustrative method, each acoustic signal represents at least one detected noise. The detected noise can include a voice component and unwanted noise. The voice component can include the speech or voice of a user.

[0017] The procedure further includes determining, based at least partially on the acoustic signals, the quality of the ear canal seal. If the seal quality exceeds a predetermined threshold, the procedure continues with occlusion reduction (OCR) applied to the acoustic signals to improve the voice component. Conversely, if the seal quality falls below the predetermined threshold, the procedure continues with ANR applied to the acoustic signals to reduce unwanted noise.

[0018] Referring to Fig. Figure 1 shows a block view of an illustrative system 100 suitable for performing occlusion reduction and ANR, and a corresponding environment is shown. The illustrative system 100 comprises at least one internal microphone 106, one external microphone 108, a digital signal processor (DSP) 112, and a wireless or wired interface 114. The internal microphone 106 is located inside a user's ear canal and is relatively well shielded from the external acoustic environment 102. The external microphone 108 is located outside the user's ear canal 104 and is exposed to the external acoustic environment 102. In some embodiments, the illustrative system 100 includes an accelerometer 120. The accelerometer 120 is located inside the user's ear canal 104.

[0019] In various embodiments, microphones 106 and 108 are either analog or digital. In each case, the output signals from the microphones are converted into a synchronized pulse-code modulation (PCM) format at a suitable sampling frequency and fed to the input of the DSP 112. The signals X in and X ex denotes signals that are accordingly detected by the internal microphone 106 and the external microphone 108.

[0020] The DSP 112 performs suitable signal processing tasks to improve the quality of the microphone signal X in and X ex to improve in some embodiments. The output signal of the DSP 112, which is called the outgoing signal (S out ) is transmitted to a desired destination, for example to a network or a higher-level facility 116 (signal known as S out -is designated upwards), whereby this is done via a radio interface or wired interface 114.

[0021] In certain embodiments, a signal is received by the network or the higher-level device 116 from a suitable source (for example, via the wireless radio interface or wired interface 114). This is referred to as the received signal (r). in ) denotes (labeled as r) in -downward connection in the network or the higher-level device 116). The received signal can be fed to the DSP 112 for processing via the radio interface or the wired interface 114. The resulting signal, which is called the received output signal (r outThe signal, designated as ), is converted into an analog signal via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 110 and then fed to a loudspeaker 118 to be made available to the user. In some embodiments, the loudspeaker 118 is located in the same ear canal 104 as the internal microphone 106. In other embodiments, the loudspeaker 118 is located in the ear canal opposite the ear canal 104. In the example of the Fig. 1. The loudspeaker 118 is located in the same ear canal 104 as the internal microphone 106; therefore, an acoustic echo cancellation unit (AEC) may be required to prevent feedback of the received signal to the other end. If, optionally, no further processing of the received signal is required, then the received signal (r) can be in ) are fed to the loudspeaker 118 without passing through the DSP 112. In some embodiments, the received signal r contains inan audio component (for example, music) that is presented to the user.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows an illustrative head assembly 200 suitable for implementing methods of the present disclosure. The head assembly 200 includes one or more illustrative in-ear (ITE) modules 202 and behind-the-ear (BTE) modules 204 and 206 for each ear of a user. The one or more ITE modules 202 are designed to be inserted into the user's ear canal. The BTE modules 204 and 206 are designed to be placed behind the user's ears (or otherwise near the ear). In some embodiments, the head assembly 200 communicates with higher-level devices via a wireless radio link. The wireless radio link can, for example, be compatible with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard, another Bluetooth 802.11 standard, or another suitable wireless standard, and can be encrypted in various ways with regard to data security.The illustrative head set 200 is a non-limiting example and other variants can be used to implement the present technique, which merely involve an “earpiece” to be worn in the ear.

[0023] In various embodiments, the one or more ITE modules 202 include the internal microphone 106 and the one or more loudspeakers 118 (in Fig. 1), all of which point inwards towards the ear canals. The one or more ITE modules 202 can provide acoustic isolation between the one or both ear canals 104 and the external acoustic environment 102. In some embodiments, the one or more ITE modules 202 include at least one accelerometer 120 (also shown in Fig. 1 shown).

[0024] In some embodiments, the BTE modules 204 and 206 each include at least one external microphone 108 (also in Fig. (shown in Figure 1). The BTE module 204 can power a DSP 112 as shown in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 1 shows one or more control buttons and a Bluetooth wireless connection to higher-level devices. In certain embodiments, the BTE 206 includes a suitable battery with a charging circuit.

[0025] The system and the head set made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are disclosed in more detail in US patent application number 14 / 853 947 entitled “Microphone Signal Fusion”, which was filed on September 14, 2015.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the seal provided by the one or more ITE modules 202 is sufficiently effective to isolate sound waves originating from the external acoustic environment 102. However, when speaking or singing, a user may hear their own voice reflected back into the corresponding ear canal by the one or more ITE modules 202. The sound of the user's voice is distorted because, during transmission through the user's skeletal structure, the high frequencies of the voice are significantly attenuated, resulting in a considerably narrower effective bandwidth compared to a voice signal transmitted through air. Consequently, the user can primarily hear the low frequencies of the voice.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 is a block view showing a system 300 for performing occlusion reduction and ANR based on a seal quality determination according to an illustrative embodiment. The illustrative system 300 comprises a seal quality determination module 310, an active noise reduction (ANR) module 320, and an occlusion reduction module 300. The modules of the system 300 can be configured as instructions stored in memory and executed by at least one processor, for example, the DSP 112. In certain embodiments, at least some of the instructions that perform the function of modules 310-330 are stored in memory and executed by at least one processor of the network or higher-level device 116.

[0028] In some embodiments, the occlusion reduction module 330 is configured to transmit the signal x inat least to receive the signal from the internal microphone and to perform active occlusion reduction. Active occlusion reduction can be used to cancel out some components of the distorted voice, thus restoring a natural voice sound inside the ear canal. The distorted voice is captured by the internal microphone inside the ear canal. Based on the signal x... in The internal microphone receives an initial signal. When this initial signal is reproduced by the loudspeaker 118, it cancels out some low frequencies (for example, where distortion occurs due to the skeletal structure) of the distorted voice, thereby enhancing the voice quality produced by sound propagation through the skeleton.

[0029] In other embodiments, the ANR module 320 is used to reduce unwanted external noise (hereinafter also referred to as background noise) that is detected by the external microphone 108 from the external acoustic environment 102. The ANR module 320 receives a signal x ex , which is detected by the external microphone 108. The ANR module 320 generates based on the signal x ex a second signal. When the second signal is reproduced through the loudspeaker 118, it cancels out the unwanted noise or sounds from the outside in the ear canal 104.

[0030] In various embodiments, occlusion reduction can be achieved by using noise cancellation with a limited bandwidth, since the high frequencies of the user's voice are significantly attenuated when propagating through human tissue, resulting in a considerably narrower effective bandwidth compared to a voice transmitted through air. Therefore, the noise cancellation bandwidth for occlusion reduction can be limited, for example, to the range between 100 Hz and 1 kHz.

[0031] In various embodiments, switching between the first operating mode for occlusion reduction (for example, using the occlusion reduction module 330) and the second operating mode for ANR (for example, using the ANR module 320) is based on determining the quality of the ear canal seal. In various embodiments, the seal quality determination module 310 is configured to determine the seal quality by measuring the signal x ex , which is detected by the external microphone 108, with the signal x in , which is captured by the internal microphone 106, is compared. If the signal x in , contains noise components similar to the noise components of signal x exIf the sound is not heard inside the ear, this indicates that external noise is being heard inside the ear according to various designs, which is a sign of poor sealing. The quality of the ear seal can be determined by a variety of suitable methods, including comparing the internal and external microphones, without being limited to this method. For example, a clear system suitable for determining the sealing quality is described in detail in US patent application number 14 / 985,187 entitled "Audio Monitoring and Adaptation Using Headset Microphones Inside of User's Ear Canal," filed on December 30, 2015.

[0032] In various embodiments, if the ANR is performed in response to the determination that the sealing of the ear canal is of poor quality, then acceleration data from the accelerometer 120, which is arranged in one or more ITE modules 202, can be used to distinguish between the user's voice and a background noise in the external microphone signal x exto distinguish between different scenarios. For example, the accelerometer can be used to detect signals (such as the movement of the user's head) indicating that the user is speaking. In various embodiments, when it is determined that the user is speaking, the ANR module 320 reduces noise such that the background noise is reduced or eliminated without reducing the vocal components of the user's voice in a way that would cause distortion. That is, in various embodiments, the background noise in the received acoustic signal is suppressed in a way that does not distort the part of the acoustic signal representing the user's voice.An illustrative audio processing system suitable for performing this balanced behavior between noise cancellation and voice quality is explained in more detail in US patent application number 12 / 832 901 (now US patent number 8 473 287) entitled "Method for Jointly Optimizing Noise Reduction and Voice Quality in a Mono or Multi-Microphone System", which was filed on July 8, 2010.

[0033] Although in Fig. Three separate modules for ANR and occlusion reduction are shown; the ANR module 320 can be configured to perform ANR and noise cancellation for occlusion reduction.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the one or more ITE modules 202 may have a mechanical vent. The mechanical vent may contain an electroactive polymer. The mechanical vent may be designed to be closable to create a better seal. In response to the determination that the ear seal is of good quality (for example, the quality of the seal is above a predetermined threshold) and that the user's voice sounds distorted inside the ear canal, the mechanical vent may be opened so that the user's voice, propagating inside the ear canal 104, propagates outside the one or more ITE modules 202. When the mechanical vent is open, the distorted user's voice may be less likely to reflect back from the ear canal, thus reducing the unpleasant sound experienced by the user.Simultaneously, opening the mechanical vent, which allows not only the user's undistorted voice but also background noise into the ear canal, lets in external acoustic signals. Active noise cancellation can be implemented to eliminate this background noise, so that opening the mechanical vent does not introduce any additional external background noise for the user to hear. For example, and without being restrictive, the mechanical vent can be activated when the user begins a phone call.In certain designs, mechanical ventilation is activated when the seal quality exceeds a threshold and speech (for example, from speakers not representing the user) is detected while external noise is present and the user is listening to music without speaking or singing. Mechanical ventilation can also actively reduce air pressure in the ear, thus providing the user with greater comfort.

[0035] A detailed audio processing system suitable for performing noise cancellation and / or noise reduction is described in more detail in US patent application number 12 / 832 901 (now US patent number 8 473 287), entitled “Method for Jointly Optimizing Noise Reduction and Voice Quality in a Mono or Multi-Microphone System”, which was filed on July 8, 2010. As an example and without limitation, noise suppression methods are also described in US patent application number 12 / 215 980 (now US patent number 9 185 487) entitled “System and Method for Providing Noise Suppression Utilizing Null Processing Noise Subtraction”, which was filed on June 30, 2008, and in US patent application number 11 / 699 732 (now US patent number 8 194 880) entitled “System and Method for Utilizing Omni-Directional Microphones for Speech Enhancement”, which was filed on January 29, 2007.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart describing the steps of a method 400 for performing occlusion reduction or ANR based on determining a seal quality according to various illustrative embodiments. The illustrative method 400 begins with determining the seal quality of an ear canal of a user fitted with an in-the-ear (ITE) module inserted therein, as described in block 402. In some embodiments, the seal quality can be determined based on a difference in the signal x ex , which is detected by the external microphone 108, and the signal x in , which is detected by the internal microphone 106, can be determined. If the signal x in It contains components similar to components of signal x exIf this is the case, it indicates that the external noises are being captured by the internal microphone (for example, in the ITE module) inside the ear canal.

[0037] In decision block 404, a decision is made based on the quality of the ear canal seal. If the seal quality is above a predetermined threshold, then in this example, procedure 400 proceeds by performing occlusion reduction in block 406. Alternatively, if the seal quality is below a predetermined threshold, then in this example, procedure 400 performs an ANR in block 408. The predetermined threshold can be based, for example, on the difference between the signal x detected by the external microphone 108 and the value of the signal x. ex and the signal x detected by the internal microphone 106 inThe system can determine whether the difference exceeds a certain threshold, indicating that the seal is such that external noises detected by the external microphone 108 are not detected by the internal microphone 106 due to the seal. In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold can be a table of values ​​or another relationship, such that, for example, a continuous change occurs, including a mixture of occlusion reduction and ANR for certain values, instead of simply switching between occlusion reduction and ANR.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 shows an illustrative computer system 500 that can be used to implement some embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 500 of Fig. 5 can be configured in connection with the properties of computer systems, networks, servers, or combinations thereof. The 500 computer system of the Fig. The computer system 500 comprises one or more processor units 510 and a main memory 520. The main memory 520 partially stores instructions and data for execution by the one or more processor units 510. In this example, the main memory 520 stores the executable code during operation. Fig. 5 further includes a mass data storage device, a portable storage device 540, output devices 550, user input devices 560, a graphic display system 570 and peripheral devices 580.

[0039] The in Fig. The components shown in Figure 5 are depicted as being connected by a single bus 590. However, the components may be connected via one or more data transport devices. The one or more processor units 510 and the main memory 520 are connected via a local microprocessor bus, and the mass data storage 530, the one or more peripheral devices 580, the portable storage device 540, and the graphic display system 570 are connected via one or more input / output (I / O) buses.

[0040] The mass data storage device 530, which may be configured as a magnetic drive, a semiconductor drive, or an optical floppy disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device for storing data and instructions for use by the one or more processor units 510. The mass data storage device 530 stores the system software for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure for the purpose of loading this software into the main memory 520.

[0041] The Portable Storage Device 540 works in conjunction with a portable non-volatile storage medium, such as a flash drive, floppy disk, compact disk, digital video disk, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) audio device, to transfer data and code to the Computer System 500. Fig. 5 to feed in or read from. The system software for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is stored on such a portable medium and is supplied to the computer system 500 via the portable storage device 540.

[0042] The User Input Devices 560 can provide an area of ​​a user interface. The User Input Devices 560 can include one or more microphones, an alphanumeric key unit, such as a keyboard, for inputting alphanumeric characters and other information, or a pointing device, such as a mouse, tracking ball, pen, or pointer buttons. The User Input Devices 560 can also include a touch-sensitive screen. Furthermore, the following are included in Fig. 5 computer systems shown 500 output devices 550. Suitable output devices 550 include speakers, printers, network interfaces and display devices.

[0043] The graphic display system 570 comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable display device. The graphic display system 570 is designed to receive text and graphic information and to prepare the information for output to the display device.

[0044] The Peripherals 580 can include any type of computer support device to add functionality to a computer system.

[0045] The 500 in the computer system Fig. The components provided in section 5 are those typically found in computer systems suitable for use with embodiments of the present disclosure and are intended to represent a broad category of such computer components known in the prior art. Therefore, the computer system 500 of the Fig. 5. A personal computer (PC), handheld computer system, telephone, mobile computer system, desktop computer, tablet computer, phablet computer, mobile phone, server, minicomputer, mainframe computer, wearable device, or other computer system. The computer may further include different bus configurations, networked platforms, multi-processor platforms, and the like. Various operating systems may be used, including: UNIX, LINUX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, PALM OS, QNX ANDROID, IOS, CHROME, TIZEN, and other suitable operating systems.

[0046] The processing for various embodiments can be set up in software based on remote access or a cloud. In some embodiments, the Computer System 500 is set up as a remotely accessible or cloud-based computing environment, for example, in the form of a virtual machine operating in a computing cloud. In other embodiments, the Computer System 500 itself can be a cloud-based computing environment in which the functions of the Computer System 500 are executed in a distributed manner. Therefore, when set up as a computing cloud, the Computer System 500 can contain multiple computing units in various forms, as described in more detail below.

[0047] In general, a cloud-based computing environment is a resource that typically combines the computing power of a large group of processors (such as within a network server) and / or the storage capacity of a large group of computer memory or storage facilities. Systems with cloud-based resources can either be used exclusively by their owners, or such systems can also allow external access for users who distribute applications across the computing infrastructure to take advantage of large computing or storage resources.

[0048] The cloud can be formed, for example, by a network of network servers comprising multiple computing units, such as a System 500, where each server (or at least several of them) provides a processor and / or memory resources. These servers can manage the tasks provided by multiple users (for example, cloud resource customers or other users). Typically, each user places demands on the cloud regarding workload, which sometimes varies significantly in real time. The nature and extent of these changes typically depend on the type of business associated with the user.

[0049] The present technology has been previously described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, other variants relating to the illustrative embodiments are also covered by the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] A method for audio processing in a module (202) to be worn in the ear by a user, the method comprising: Receiving two acoustic signals by means of two microphones (106, 108), the acoustic signals including a first acoustic signal detected outside the ear canal and a second acoustic signal detected inside the ear canal; determining, based at least in part on the acoustic signals, a quality of seal provided by the in-ear module (202) when worn by the user; Checking the determined quality of the sealing with respect to a predetermined threshold, and on the basis of the checking: Performing occlusion reduction based on the second acoustic signal to improve sound within the user's ear when the quality of the seal is above the predetermined threshold; and Performing active noise reduction (ANR) based on the first acoustic signal to reduce noise within the user's ear when the seal quality is below the predetermined threshold. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the first acoustic signal comprises noise and the second acoustic signal comprises a voice component including the user's voice. [3] The method of claim 1, wherein: Determining the quality of the seal includes: comparing the first and second acoustic signals. [4] The method of claim 1, wherein occlusion reduction comprises: performing active noise cancellation based on a limited bandwidth of the second acoustic signal. [5] The method of claim 4, wherein the limited bandwidth is in a frequency range between 100 Hz and 1 kHz. [6] The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold is a table of values ​​such that the occlusion reduction and the ANR are performed on a continuously varying basis as a function of the predetermined threshold. [7] The method of claim 6, further comprising: Determine the quality of the seal based on a comparison of noise in the first and second acoustic signals. [8] The method of claim 2, wherein the ANR comprises: Distinguish between the voice component and the noise; and Reducing noise based on discrimination results. [9] The method of claim 8, wherein the discrimination is based on data from an accelerometer located within the ear canal, the accelerometer providing one or more signals indicating that the user is speaking. [10] The method of claim 9, wherein, when it is detected that the user is speaking, the ANR is configured to limit distortion of the user's voice while performing the ANR on the acoustic signals. [11] The method of claim 1, wherein the occlusion reduction comprises: activating a mechanical vent so that sound waves from outside the ear canal enter the ear canal, wherein the mechanical vent is activated in response to the test indicating that the quality of the seal is above the predetermined threshold; and Canceling background noise entering the user's ear canal through mechanical ventilation. [12] A system (500) for audio processing, the system comprising: at least one processor for receiving two acoustic signals by means of two microphones (106, 108), the acoustic signals including a first acoustic signal detected outside the ear canal and a second acoustic signal detected inside the ear canal; at least one processor (510) for determining a quality of a seal of an ear canal of a user, the seal being provided by a module (202) to be worn in the ear by the user, the determining being based at least in part on the acoustic signals; at least one processor for checking the determined quality of the sealing with respect to a predetermined threshold, and on the basis of the checking: wherein, if the quality of the seal is above the predetermined threshold, the at least one processor is configured to perform occlusion reduction based on the second acoustic signal to improve sound within the user's ear; and if the quality of the seal is below the predetermined threshold, the at least one processor is configured to perform active noise cancellation (ANR) based on the first acoustic signal to reduce noise within the user's ear. [13] The system of claim 12, wherein the first acoustic signal comprises noise and the second acoustic signal comprises a voice component including the user's voice. [14] The system of claim 12, wherein: the quality of the sealing is determined by comparing the first acoustic signal with the second acoustic signal. [15] The system of claim 12, wherein occlusion reduction comprises: performing active noise cancellation based on a limited bandwidth of the second acoustic signal, wherein the limited bandwidth is in a frequency range between 100 Hz and 1 KHz. [16] The system of claim 12, wherein the occlusion reduction and the ANR are performed by a module configured to operate in a first mode for performing the occlusion reduction and in a second mode for performing the ANR based on the determination of the quality of the seal. [17] The system of claim 16, further comprising: at least one processor (510) configured to determine the quality of the seal based on a comparison of noise in the first and second acoustic signals. [18] The system of claim 13, wherein the ANR comprises: Distinguishing between the voice component and noise and reducing the noise based on discrimination results. [19] The system of claim 18, wherein the discriminating is based on data from an accelerometer located within the ear canal, the accelerometer detecting at least one movement indicating that the user is speaking. [20] The system of claim 12, wherein the occlusion reduction comprises: activating a mechanical vent so that sound waves from outside the ear canal can penetrate into the ear canal, wherein the mechanical vent is activated in response to a determination that the quality of the seal is above a predetermined threshold; and Canceling background noise entering the user's ear canal through mechanical ventilation. [21] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions therein that, when executed by at least one processor (510), cause the at least one processor to perform a method comprising: Receiving two acoustic signals by means of two microphones (106, 108), the acoustic signals comprising a first acoustic signal detected outside the ear canal and a second acoustic signal detected inside the ear canal, one of the acoustic signals comprising a voice component and the other comprising a noise; determining, based at least in part on the two acoustic signals, a quality of a seal provided by an in-ear module (202) worn by a user; Checking the determined quality of the sealing with respect to a predetermined threshold, and on the basis of the checking: Performing occlusion reduction based on the second acoustic signal to improve sound within the user's ear when the quality of the seal is above the predetermined threshold; and Performing active noise reduction (ANR) based on the first acoustic signal to reduce unwanted noise within the user's ear when the seal quality is below the predetermined threshold.

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