Hearing Aid Enriched Sound Generation via Frequency Band Processing
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hearing aid systems and tinnitus relief methods often provide sounds that are uncomfortable for prolonged use due to monotony, even when attempting to alleviate hearing loss and tinnitus with enriched sound.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid system that generates enriched sound with a broad frequency spectrum by using a Maximum Length Sequence (MLS) generator to produce white noise split into multiple frequency bands, with a signal level estimator and expander to adjust signal levels, and a gain equalizer to compensate for hearing loss, resulting in a sound that resembles natural occurrences like bubbling water, and optionally incorporating phase reversal and modulation for enhanced comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If white noise is used to mask tinnitus and provide enriched sound, then the monotony of the noise signal is reduced, but many users still find the sounds uncomfortable to listen to for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by processing different frequency bands of white noise differently through individual gain values and selective harmonic generation. Each frequency band is tailored with specific characteristics rather than uniform processing, creating localized improvements in sound quality that collectively enhance overall listening comfort while maintaining tinnitus masking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting gain values for different frequency bands, selectively generating harmonics at specific frequencies, and modulating the enriched sound signal with varying parameters. These parameter modifications transform the harsh characteristics of white noise into a more pleasant soundscape that remains effective for tinnitus relief over prolonged periods.
2Loss of information
If random modulation of amplitude and frequency characteristics is applied to reduce monotony, then the noise signal becomes less monotonous, but the listening comfort does not significantly improve for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the white noise signal into multiple frequency bands and processes each band independently with specific gain values and harmonic generation. This segmentation allows for targeted manipulation of different frequency components, creating a more structured and pleasant soundscape compared to uniform random modulation, thereby improving prolonged listening comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through selective harmonic generation at specific frequencies and rhythmic modulation patterns. Rather than purely random modulation, the system introduces periodic structures that create musically pleasing patterns, enhancing listening comfort for extended periods while maintaining the enrichment effect.
3Reliability
If enriched sound is generated to compensate for hearing loss and mask tinnitus, then the hearing deficit is alleviated and tinnitus is masked, but the sound becomes uncomfortable for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adapting the processing parameters based on the input signal characteristics and user needs. The system dynamically adjusts gain values, selectively generates harmonics, and modulates the enriched sound in real-time, creating a living, evolving soundscape that maintains effectiveness for hearing loss compensation and tinnitus masking while remaining comfortable for prolonged use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite soundscape by combining processed frequency bands, generated harmonics, and modulation components into an enriched sound signal. This composite structure integrates multiple elements with different characteristics, achieving both the therapeutic goals of hearing loss compensation and tinnitus masking while providing a pleasant listening experience for extended periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a hearing aid system and a hearing aid system, the method comprising the steps of generating a first electrical signal representing noise; filtering said first electrical signal in a filter bank hereby providing a plurality of frequency band signals, determining a reference level for a frequency band signal; estimating a signal level for said frequency band signal; calculating a level difference between the estimated signal level and the reference level for said frequency band signal; determining a gain value to be applied to said frequency band signal based on said level difference and an expansion factor; applying said gain value to said frequency band signal hereby providing a processed frequency band signal; providing a plurality of processed frequency band signals; summing said plurality of processed frequency band signals into an output signal; and presenting said output signal to the output transducer of a hearing aid.