Binaural Hearing Aid Feedback Reduction via Cross-Device Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aid systems inadequately address feedback issues due to the close proximity of microphones and receivers, leading to unwanted sound transmission and whistling.
Innovation Solution
The method involves separating the signal paths between microphones and receivers in a binaural hearing aid system by transmitting audio signals from one hearing aid device to the other, effectively increasing the distance between the microphone and receiver, thereby reducing feedback. This is achieved through wireless or wired signal transmission, with the option to cross-transmit specific frequency ranges or channels, particularly during high amplification or high sound pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the microphone and receiver are placed close together in a hearing aid device, then the device size is reduced, but feedback and whistling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hearing aid system into two separate devices (first and second hearing aid devices), placing the microphone in one device and the receiver in the other. This segmentation physically separates the acoustic path, preventing feedback while maintaining compact individual device sizes. The signal is transmitted wirelessly between the two devices, achieving feedback elimination without compromising miniaturization.
2Power
If high amplification is applied to compensate for severe hearing loss, then hearing ability is improved, but feedback and whistling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless signal transmission system as an intermediary between the microphone and receiver. The audio signal captured by the microphone is transmitted to the other hearing aid device, effectively creating a long acoustic path through the user's head. This intermediary transmission path allows high amplification to be applied without creating feedback, as the signal does not loop back through the same device.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If directional microphones are used to reduce feedback, then feedback is reduced, but directional characteristics limit natural sound perception
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using directional microphones to block feedback paths, the patent inverts the approach by using omnidirectional microphones that capture sound from all directions and transmitting the signal to the other ear. This inversion allows natural sound perception to be maintained while eliminating feedback through the cross-device transmission path, achieving both feedback reduction and versatile sound perception.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces feedback by increasing the distance between the microphone and receiver, improving wearing comfort and reducing the occurrence of whistling, especially in severe hearing loss cases, where high amplification is required, and allows the human brain to adapt to the signal interchanging, making it less disturbing over time.
Implementation Method 1
each having at least one microphone for recording an acoustic input signal and converting it into a audio signal
Implementation Method 2
an output converter for converting a processed audio signal into a signal that the user can perceive as an acoustic signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The system has first and second hearing aids (1,1') for the left and right ears of the user, each with a microphone (2,2'), a signal processor (3,3'; 4,4') and an output transducer and an arrangement for transferring an audio signal between hearing aid. At least for a defined frequency range the acoustic output signal output by the earpiece (5,5') of the second hearing aid originates exclusively from the first audio signal and the acoustic output signal output by the earpiece of the first hearing aid originates exclusively from the second audio signal. An independent claim is also included for (A) an arrangement for implementing the inventive method (B) and a method of.