Hearing Aid Gain Control via Own-Voice Detection and Noise Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic gain adaptation in hearing aids based on user voice activity leads to frequent changes in gain factor, causing unpleasant modulation of ambient sounds, especially in communication situations.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a hearing aid that adjusts the gain factor based on both own-voice detection and ambient noise levels, using a noise estimator to identify stationary noise and adjust the gain factor accordingly, reducing modulation of ambient sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the gain factor is dynamically adjusted based on user voice activity, then the user's own voice is rendered correctly without distortion, but ambient sounds are modulated frequently causing unpleasant perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different gain adjustment strategies to different sound sources. Own voice signals receive dynamic gain adjustment to prevent distortion, while ambient sounds are excluded from this adjustment or receive different processing. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying quality improvement (accurate voice rendering) only where needed without causing the harmful effect (ambient sound modulation).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from voice activity detection to control gain adjustment. By continuously monitoring whether the detected sound is own voice or ambient sound, the system dynamically adjusts the gain factor accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables selective gain control that improves voice rendering while minimizing ambient sound modulation artifacts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gain factor is adjusted automatically depending on speech activity, then the user experience is improved in different situations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm is segmented into distinct functional modules: voice activity detection module, own voice identification module, and gain control module. Each module performs a specific function, making the overall system more manageable and implementable. This segmentation maintains adaptability while reducing the perceived complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing aid system performs self-adjustment of gain based on automatic voice activity detection and own voice identification. The device monitors its own input signals, identifies own voice versus ambient sound, and automatically adjusts gain without user intervention. This self-service capability provides situation-dependent adaptability while minimizing the need for complex user controls or manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating a hearing aid, an input signal is generated by way of one or more microphones. The input signal is amplified in an amplifier with an adjustable gain factor and output as an amplified input signal by way of a receiver. Furthermore, an OVD (own-voice-detection) parameter is established by an OVD unit. The OVD parameter specifies whether or not the user themselves is speaking. The gain factor is adjusted in a manner dependent on the OVD parameter and additionally adjusted in a manner dependent on noise, in particular stationary noise.