Binaural Hearing AGC Coordination for Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binaural hearing systems with independent automatic gain control (AGC) in each ear distort interaural level differences, leading to incorrect acoustic localization of sound sources.
Innovation Solution
Adjust the AGC parameters in both hearing instruments to minimize the difference between instantaneous gain parameters, preserving natural volume differences and using directionality analysis to optimize sound source localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent AGC is applied in each hearing instrument, then local sound level control is improved, but interaural level differences are distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AGC parameters of one hearing instrument are adjusted based on the instantaneous gain parameters of the other hearing instrument. This cross-channel feedback ensures that both hearing instruments maintain consistent gain levels, preserving interaural level differences while still providing local sound level control. The system continuously monitors and adjusts parameters to minimize differences between channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts AGC parameters (such as gain, compression ratio, attack time, release time) based on the instantaneous gain parameters from the other hearing instrument. By changing these parameters in real-time and coordinating them across both hearing instruments, the system maintains accurate interaural level differences while providing effective local sound level control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic compression is applied to even out level peaks, then protection from loud sounds is improved, but natural interaural level differences are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback to coordinate compression parameters between the two hearing instruments. By monitoring the instantaneous gain parameters from both channels and adjusting compression settings accordingly, the system applies dynamic compression for protection while maintaining consistent compression levels across both ears, thus preserving the natural interaural level differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts compression parameters (gain, compression ratio, attack time, release time) based on real-time monitoring of instantaneous gain parameters from the other hearing instrument. This coordinated parameter adjustment ensures that both hearing instruments apply compression in a balanced manner, protecting from loud sounds while preserving spatial localization information.
3Measurement precision
If AGC parameters are adjusted to minimize gain parameter differences, then acoustic localization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based adjustment mechanism where each hearing instrument monitors the instantaneous gain parameters of the other and adjusts its own AGC parameters accordingly. This coordinated feedback approach achieves accurate acoustic localization by minimizing gain parameter differences while maintaining relatively simple processing logic based on established AGC principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts AGC parameters (gain, compression ratio, attack time, release time) dynamically based on instantaneous gain parameters from the other hearing instrument. By focusing adjustments on key parameters and using coordinated changes between channels, the system achieves improved acoustic localization without excessively increasing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a binaural hearing system having first and second hearing instruments includes using respective electroacoustic first and second input transducers of the first and second hearing instruments to generate first and second input signals from ambient sound. The first and second input signals are used to ascertain respective first and second instantaneous gain parameters. A first parameter of an automatic gain control for the first input signal and/or a second parameter of an automatic gain control for the second input signal is/are adjusted so that the adjustment results in a difference between the first and second instantaneous gain parameters being decreased. Signal processing for the first or second input signal using the thus adjusted first or second parameter of the automatic gain control is performed in the first or second hearing instrument. A binaural hearing system is also provided.