Adaptive Occlusion Reduction in Hearing Aids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aids struggle to effectively reduce occlusion effects, which cause amplified and distorted self-voice perception due to the closure of the auditory channel, and are not optimized for varying conditions such as changes in the auditory channel or external noise links.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a signal processing unit and an occlusion reduction unit with a variable loop filter, where the loop filter is adaptively controlled based on signals from the transmission path and feedback loop, allowing real-time adjustment of filter coefficients to match changing conditions and reduce occlusion effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static loop filter with predetermined coefficients is used for occlusion reduction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adaptive filtering where the loop filter coefficients are dynamically adjusted based on real-time analysis of the audio signal characteristics and occlusion detection. This allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions such as different speech levels, background noise, and occlusion severity, resolving the contradiction between static simplicity and dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes filter parameters (coefficients, cutoff frequencies, gain values) adaptively based on detected occlusion conditions and signal characteristics. By dynamically modifying these parameters rather than using fixed predetermined values, the system achieves versatility across different operating scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through parameterized filter designs.
2Ease of operation
If the auditory channel is widened when wearing a hearing aid, then the comfort is improved, but the transfer function changes causing degradation in occlusion reduction performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the output of the auditory channel microphone is fed back to continuously monitor changes in the transfer function. When the auditory channel geometry changes (e.g., widening for comfort), the feedback signal detects this change and triggers adaptive recalibration of the occlusion reduction filter, thereby maintaining reliable occlusion reduction performance despite anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the user's auditory channel transfer function during initial fitting and uses this information to pre-configurate the occlusion reduction parameters. When wearing conditions change, the system can quickly adapt from this baseline, ensuring continuous optimal performance without requiring complete re-measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external noise links vary during operation, then the environmental adaptability is improved, but the stability of occlusion reduction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts occlusion reduction parameters based on real-time noise level detection and classification. By continuously monitoring the acoustic environment and adapting filter characteristics to match current noise conditions, the system achieves environmental versatility while maintaining stability through controlled, gradual adjustments rather than abrupt changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion reduction system monitors its own performance and automatically adjusts its parameters in response to environmental changes without external intervention. This self-regulating capability allows the system to adapt to varying noise conditions while maintaining stable occlusion reduction through internal feedback loops that detect and compensate for environmental variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for reduction of occlusion effects in an acoustic appliance which closes an auditory channel, wherein an audio signal in the transmission path of the acoustic appliance is processed by a signal processing unit and is emitted via an output transducer, which is arranged in the auditory channel, as an acoustic signal. A resultant sound signal is then detected by an auditory channel microphone and is supplied to a variable loop filter which is arranged in a feedback loop of an occlusion reduction unit for the acoustic appliance. The output signal from the loop filter is injected into the transmission path of the audio signal. The occlusion reduction unit is in this case controlled adaptively, with at least one signal from the transmission path of the audio signal and/or from the feedback loop being used to control the loop filter for the occlusion reduction unit.