Binaural Hearing Aid Unidirectional Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binaural hearing aid systems face processing delays due to bi-directional communication, which disrupts spatial perception and reduces the benefits of listening with two ears, as they typically cannot transmit and receive audio signals simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting a unidirectional transmission direction in a binaural hearing aid system by determining the presence of usable information content in audio signals at each hearing instrument and comparing these quantities to decide whether to transmit from one instrument to the other, thereby reducing processing delays and maintaining spatial perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bi-directional communication is used between hearing instruments, then both instruments can exchange audio signals, but processing delay increases due to waiting for signals in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by determining a transmission direction from a first hearing instrument to a second hearing instrument based on comparing quantities of usable information content. Instead of symmetric bi-directional transmission where both instruments wait for each other, the system asymmetrically selects one direction for transmission based on which instrument has more usable information, thereby reducing processing delay while maintaining binaural processing benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the transmission direction before actual audio signal transmission occurs. The system compares quantities of usable information content at both hearing instruments in advance, decides the optimal direction, and then transmits signals only in that direction, avoiding the need to wait for signals from the opposite direction
2Loss of time
If unidirectional transmission is used, then processing delay is reduced, but the system must decide which direction to transmit signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using quantities characterizing the presence of usable information content as the basis for transmission direction selection. The system compares these quantities (such as signal-to-noise ratio, speech energy, or other information content metrics) to dynamically determine which hearing instrument should transmit to the other, providing a systematic and adaptive method for direction selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using information about the current audio signal quality and usable information content at each hearing instrument to make real-time decisions about transmission direction. The system continuously monitors signal conditions and adjusts transmission direction based on this feedback, ensuring optimal performance varying conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to binaural hearing instruments and more particularly to reduction of processing time required in a binaural hearing aid system. According to the disclosure, there is provided a method comprising mono-directional transmission of data blocks comprising audio and/or information frames from one hearing instrument to the other hearing instrument or vice versa in a binaural hearing aid. According to the disclosure, the direction of transmission is determined by a quantity characterizing the presence of usable information content in the sound signal picked up by the hearing instruments of the binaural hearing aid. It is proposed to use one or more of local SNR, local voice activity detection indication, local level, local speech intelligibility estimate to determine the direction of transmission, although other quantities may be used.