Hearing Aid Noise Reduction With Local and External Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids face limitations in noise reduction due to limited computational power and battery capacity, preventing the execution of computationally demanding algorithms like deep neural networks, and transmission delays occur when using external devices for enhanced noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A hearing system comprising a hearing aid and an external processing device that collaboratively estimate and transmit noise reduction parameters, allowing for enhanced noise reduction by combining local and external computations while minimizing transmission delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noise reduction algorithms are executed in the hearing aid, then noise reduction capability is improved, but computational power and battery power limitations prevent execution of computationally demanding algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the noise reduction processing into two segments: the hearing aid performs local noise reduction with limited computational resources, while an external processing device handles computationally demanding tasks such as deep neural network-based noise reduction. This segmentation allows the hearing aid to conserve battery power while still achieving enhanced noise reduction through collaboration with the external device.
2Reliability
If audio is transmitted from hearing aid microphones to external device for enhancement, then noise reduction is improved, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external processing device performs noise reduction processing in advance on the audio signal before it needs to be delivered to the hearing aid. By preparing the enhanced audio signal ahead of time and transmitting it to the hearing aid, the system minimizes the perceived delay and ensures that the noise-reduced audio is ready for immediate playback when needed.
3Power
If external processing device is used for noise reduction, then computational capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid and external processing device communicate through standardized data formats and protocols, with the hearing aid acting as an intermediary that receives processed audio or noise reduction parameters from the external device and integrates them into its local audio processing pipeline. This intermediary role simplifies the integration complexity by providing a clear interface between the two devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing system comprises at least one hearing aid (HA) configured to be worn by a user at or in an ear of the user, and an external, portable processing device (EPD). The at least one hearing aid comprises a) at least one HA-input transducer for providing at least one HA-electric input signal representing sound in the environment of the hearing aid; b) a configurable noise reduction system for reducing noise in the at least one HA-electric input signal or in a signal originating therefrom based on a resulting set of noise reduction parameters; c) a noise reduction controller configured to determine a local set of noise reduction parameters; and d) a data receiver configured to receive data via a communication link from the external processing device. The external processing device comprises A) at least one EPD-input transducer for providing at least one EPD-electric input signal representing sound in the environment of the external processing device; B) a parameter estimator for providing an external set of noise reduction parameters configured to reduce noise in the at least one EPD-electric input signal, or in the at least one HA-electric input signal, or in a signal originating therefrom; and C) a data transmitter configured to transmit data, including said external set of noise reduction parameters, via said communication link to the hearing aid. The noise reduction controller is configured to determine said resulting set of noise reduction parameters based on said local set of noise reduction parameters, or on said external set of noise reduction parameters, or on a mixture thereof, in dependence of a noise reduction control signal. A hearing aid and a method of operating a hearing system is further disclosed.