Method for generating and modifying narrow-band noise waveform for pure tone audiometer

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of audiometer, in particular to a narrow-band noise waveform generation and modification method for pure tone audiometer, comprising a method for generating narrow-band noise with specific spectrum according to modified picture waveform, wherein the generation algorithm can generate narrow-band noise meeting the requirements of the audiometer according to the picture waveform, and the waveform can be quickly adjusted according to the picture intuitively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of audiometers, and in particular to a method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for pure-tone audiometers. Background Technology

[0002] Pure-tone audiometry uses narrowband noise waveforms to perform hearing tests. This testing method aims to assess an individual's ability to perceive and distinguish sounds at different frequencies. By introducing narrowband noise at specific frequencies, the tester can determine the subject's auditory sensitivity to those frequencies. This helps to pinpoint the specific range of hearing loss or hearing problems and provides medical professionals with information on how to adjust hearing aids or treatment plans.

[0003] In this test, narrowband noise waveforms are generated using equipment or software. These noise waveforms are typically sound signals within a specific frequency range and can be presented to the test subject individually or sequentially. The test subject is asked to respond to or identify these sounds, thus providing information about their auditory response. This testing method is extremely useful for assessing the type and degree of hearing loss, as well as determining appropriate hearing aids and treatments. The use of narrowband noise waveforms allows hearing professionals to gain a more precise understanding of the test subject's auditory needs.

[0004] In the existing technology, white noise is filtered by a bandpass filter consisting of a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter connected in series, thereby generating a narrowband noise file of the corresponding frequency. This file is then converted into an electrical signal by digital-to-analog conversion and output through an electroacoustic transducer. However, the generated narrowband noise waveform differs from the requirements after passing through the electroacoustic transducer, with more noise and difficulty in correction, and cannot meet the requirements of audiometer standards. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for pure-tone audiometers, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, where the generated narrowband noise waveforms differ from the requirements after passing through an electroacoustic transducer, have many noises, are difficult to correct, and cannot meet the audiometer standard requirements.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for a pure-tone audiometer, comprising generating narrowband noise of a specific spectrum based on a modified image waveform, including: S1: Create a waveform diagram according to the narrowband noise requirements of the audiometer, calculate the sound intensity sequence of the corresponding frequency through the program, and use the sound intensity sequence and the corresponding frequency as parameters of the narrowband noise digital filter. S2: Use software to generate white noise; S3: Extract the filter for each frame, perform a fast Fourier transform to generate a phase value sequence and an amplitude value sequence, and then replace the amplitude data sequence with the sound intensity generated above. S4: Parse the white noise file and generate a narrowband noise sequence; S5: Forward and reverse splicing of narrowband noise, and simultaneous amplification of narrowband noise calculation: Calculate the maximum amplitude of the sound sequence, the amplification factor is 32768, and the output digital sequence after rounding to the integer is the 16-bit mono narrowband noise with a sampling rate of 192k. S6: Input the sound values ​​into the audiometer software, calculate the actual waveform, and adjust the waveform to obtain the desired narrowband noise waveform.

[0007] Preferably, the background plot of the audiometer narrowband noise waveform in step one is required to be as follows: The n pixel values ​​on the horizontal axis represent a frequency of 1; The sound intensity values ​​on the vertical axis are converted to -1dB with 180 pixels representing 1 dB.

[0008] The graphs generated by the above calculations represent the sound intensity values ​​at different frequencies, providing an intuitive way to observe the spectral characteristics of narrowband noise and helping to better understand and analyze the properties of sound signals.

[0009] Preferably, in step one, the 8000Hz narrowband noise waveform program calculates a sound intensity sequence of 20,000 values ​​corresponding to the frequency.

[0010] The 8000Hz frequency and the calculated sound intensity sequence have 20,000 values, which is a demonstration of the algorithm.

[0011] Preferably, in step two, Adobe Audition software is used to generate white noise of a specific duration at a frequency of 192000.

[0012] Adobe Audition is a professional audio editing software used for recording, editing, mixing, and repairing audio. Users can use it to edit and enhance audio materials, record sound, mix different audio tracks, fix noise and problems in audio, and finally export high-quality audio files. White noise at a frequency of 192,000 can be used to test the effectiveness of algorithms such as noise reduction, equalization, and compression.

[0013] Preferably, in step three, the extraction of sound intensity values ​​for a specific frequency requires calculating the corresponding sound intensity using a linear interpolation algorithm based on the parameters of the narrowband noise digital filter, and then performing a fast inverse Fourier transform to obtain 1 second of time-domain noise data.

[0014] The Fast Inverse Fourier Transform (IFFT) is the inverse process of the FFT, primarily used to convert data in the frequency domain (usually spectral data) back to the time domain. In the Fourier Transform, a signal can be decomposed into components of different frequencies, while the IFFT can recombine these components back into the original signal.

[0015] Preferably, in step four, the previous operation is performed on the white noise data within 0-1 seconds to obtain the data for 0-0.25 seconds, and then the previous operation is performed on the white noise data for 0.25-1.25 seconds to obtain the data for 0.25-0.5 seconds. This process is repeated until the white noise file is parsed.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The generation algorithm proposed in this invention can generate narrowband noise that meets the requirements of audiometers based on the waveform of an image, and can also intuitively and quickly adjust the waveform based on the image. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A background diagram illustrating the waveforms for this invention; Figure 2 This is a simplified waveform sketch of the 8000Hz waveform of this invention; Figure 3 A flowchart of the data filtering process for each frame; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the overall data filtering process of the present invention; Figure 5a A 2000Hz narrowband noise spectrum generated by existing methods; Figure 5b The 2000Hz narrowband noise spectrum generated by the method of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of the present invention, a detailed description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0019] It should be noted that many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral unit; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. However, specifying a direct connection indicates that the two connected entities do not establish a connection relationship through an intermediate structure, but are simply connected to form a whole through a connecting structure. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "on" or "below" the second feature may be in direct contact with the first and second features, or indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0023] A method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for a pure-tone audiometer, comprising generating narrowband noise of a specific spectrum based on a modified image waveform, including: S1: Create a waveform diagram according to the narrowband noise requirements of the audiometer, calculate the sound intensity sequence of the corresponding frequency through the program, and use the sound intensity sequence and the corresponding frequency as parameters of the narrowband noise digital filter. The background plot requirements for the narrowband noise waveform of the audiometer in step one are as follows: The n pixel values ​​on the horizontal axis represent a frequency of 1; The sound intensity values ​​on the vertical axis are converted to represent -1dB with 180 pixels. The graph generated based on the above calculations represents the sound intensity values ​​at different frequencies, providing an intuitive way to observe the spectral characteristics of narrowband noise and helping to better understand and analyze the properties of sound signals. In step one, the program calculates a sound intensity sequence of 20,000 values ​​for the corresponding frequency of the 8000Hz narrowband noise waveform. This 20,000 values ​​for the calculated sound intensity sequence at 8000Hz serve as a demonstration of the algorithm.

[0024] S2: Use software to generate white noise; Step two involves using Adobe Audition software to generate white noise of a specific duration at a frequency of 192,000. Adobe Audition is a professional audio editing software used for recording, editing, mixing, and repairing audio. Users can use it to edit and enhance audio materials, record sound, mix different audio tracks, fix noise and problems in audio, and ultimately export high-quality audio files. The 192,000 frequency white noise can be used to test the effects of noise reduction, equalization, compression, and other algorithms. S3: Extract the filter for each frame, perform a fast Fourier transform to generate a phase value sequence and an amplitude value sequence, and then replace the amplitude data sequence with the sound intensity generated above. In step three, to extract the sound intensity value for a specific frequency, the corresponding sound intensity needs to be calculated using a linear interpolation algorithm based on the parameters of the narrowband noise digital filter, and then a fast inverse Fourier transform is performed to obtain 1 second of time-domain noise data. The Fast Inverse Fourier Transform (IFFT) is the inverse process of the FFT, primarily used to convert data in the frequency domain (usually spectral data) back to the time domain. In the Fourier Transform, a signal can be decomposed into components of different frequencies, while the IFFT can recombine these components back into the original signal.

[0025] S4: Parse the white noise file and generate a narrowband noise sequence; Step four involves performing the previous operation on the white noise data within the range of 0-1 seconds to obtain the data from 0-0.25 seconds. Then, the previous operation is performed on the white noise data from 0.25-1.25 seconds to obtain the data from 0.25-0.5 seconds. This process is repeated until the white noise file parsing is complete. S5: Narrowband Noise Splicing: To achieve smooth loop playback of narrowband noise, due to the reversibility of noise, the new narrowband noise sequence = narrowband noise sequence + its reverse sequence. Narrowband Noise Amplification Calculation: Calculate the maximum amplitude of the sound sequence, the amplification factor is 32768 / (maximum amplitude), and the output digital sequence after rounding to the nearest integer is the 16-bit mono narrowband noise with a sampling rate of 192kbps. S6: Import the sound value sequence into the audiometer software, obtain the actual waveform using the hearing test waveform device, adjust the waveform for frequencies that do not meet the sound intensity requirements, repeat the above calculation steps, and conduct repeated tests until the result approaches the waveform required by the audiometer's narrowband noise.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is an 8000Hz narrowband noise background map, where one pixel value represents one frequency. The sound intensity values ​​on the vertical axis are converted according to 180 pixels representing -1dB (180 pixels is not a special requirement and other pixel values ​​can be used). For example ( Figure 1 The image shown is a 20000x21610 pixel image. After conversion, the horizontal axis (frequency Hz) ranges from 0Hz to 20kHz, and the vertical axis (sound intensity dB) ranges from 0dB to -120dB. Point P represents (8kHz, -70dB).

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown in one embodiment of the present invention, a thumbnail sketch of an 8000Hz narrowband noise waveform is provided. The program automatically calculates the sound intensity (dB) of the corresponding frequencies (0Hz-20kHz) based on the waveform, obtaining a sound intensity sequence of 20,000 values ​​for each frequency. This sound intensity sequence and the corresponding frequencies are saved as parameters for the narrowband noise digital filter.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a frame of white noise with a duration of 1 second (with 192,000 samples) is taken and subjected to Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to generate a phase value sequence (96,000 values) and an amplitude value sequence (96,000 values). The amplitude data sequence is replaced with the generated sound intensity (in dB) values. Before replacement, a conversion is required. The sound intensity to amplitude conversion formula is (amplitude = 10.0 (sound intensity / 20.0)). For the extraction of sound intensity values ​​at a specific frequency, the corresponding sound intensity needs to be calculated using a linear interpolation algorithm based on the narrowband noise digital filter parameters (for example, the sound intensity of 1000.25 Hz = the sound intensity of 1000 Hz + (the sound intensity of 1001 Hz - the sound intensity of 1000 Hz) * 0.25; if the frequency is greater than the maximum value of the filter parameter frequency, the sound intensity corresponding to the maximum value of the filter parameter frequency is taken). Then, Fast Inverse Fourier Transform (IFFT) is performed to obtain 1 second of time-domain noise data.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is a specific method for generating narrowband noise sequences.

[0030] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of the invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.

[0031] This invention is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for a pure-tone audiometer, characterized in that: include: S1: Create a waveform diagram according to the narrowband noise requirements of the audiometer, calculate the sound intensity sequence of the corresponding frequency through the narrowband noise waveform program, and use the sound intensity sequence and the corresponding frequency as the parameters of the narrowband noise digital filter. S2: Use software to generate white noise; S3: Extract a data segment of one second length from the white noise sequence, perform a fast Fourier transform to generate a phase value sequence and an amplitude value sequence, then replace the amplitude data sequence with the sound intensity in the sound intensity sequence in S1, and then perform a fast inverse Fourier transform to obtain 1 second of time-domain noise data. S4: Parse the white noise file generated in S2 to generate a narrowband noise sequence. The parsing specifically involves performing the operation in S3 on the white noise data within 0-1 seconds to obtain data from 0-0.25 seconds, then performing the operation in S3 on the white noise data from 0.25-1.25 seconds to obtain data from 0.25-0.5 seconds, and repeating this process until the white noise file parsing is complete. S5: Forward and reverse splicing of narrowband noise. The narrowband noise sequence after forward and reverse splicing is amplified: the maximum amplitude of the new narrowband noise sequence is calculated, the amplification factor is 32768, and the output digital sequence after taking the integer is the 16-bit mono narrowband noise with a sampling rate of 192k. S6: Input the mono narrowband noise output from S5 into the audiometer software, calculate the actual waveform, and adjust the waveform to obtain the desired narrowband noise waveform.

2. The method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for a pure-tone audiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The background plot requirements for the narrowband noise waveform of the audiometer in S1 are as follows: One pixel value on the horizontal axis represents one frequency. The sound intensity values ​​on the vertical axis are converted to -1dB with 180 pixels representing 1 dB.

3. The method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for a pure-tone audiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the narrowband noise in S1 is 8000Hz, the narrowband noise waveform program calculates a sound intensity sequence of 20000 values ​​corresponding to the frequency.

4. The method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for a pure-tone audiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S2, Adobe Audition software is used to generate white noise of a specific duration at 192000Hz.

5. The method for generating and modifying narrowband noise waveforms for a pure-tone audiometer according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the extraction of sound intensity values ​​at a specific frequency requires calculating the corresponding sound intensity using a linear interpolation algorithm based on the parameters of the narrowband noise digital filter.

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