Hearing Aid Neural Network Adaptation for Acoustic Scene Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hearing aid systems face challenges in accurately detecting parameters relevant to signal processing based on ambient situations, requiring complex resource allocation and adaptation to varying acoustic conditions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an artificial neural network (DNN) within the hearing aid system, where the topology and weights are defined and adjusted according to the operation, ambient situation, and user input, allowing for optimized signal processing and resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex algorithms with variable parameters are used to adapt to individual hearing aid wearers and varying acoustic conditions, then the adaptability and reliability of signal processing is improved, but the device complexity and computational resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual hearing aid wearers and acoustic conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of signal processing algorithms and resource allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation by enabling the hearing aid to automatically adjust algorithm parameters and select different processing strategies based on real-time detection of acoustic conditions and listening situations. The system transitions from static pre-programmed settings to dynamic adaptive processing that responds to environmental changes, user behavior patterns, and acoustic scene characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying algorithm variables, gain settings, and processing thresholds according to detected acoustic conditions and user profiles. The system adjusts multiple parameters simultaneously to optimize performance for different listening situations, including noise levels, speech frequencies, and ambient sound characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If resource-intensive signal processing is performed to accurately detect parameters in different listening situations, then the measurement precision and reliability of signal processing is improved, but the energy consumption and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of parameter detection in signal processingVSAvoidenergy consumption of signal processing operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing selective signal processing that focuses computational resources on critical parameters and frequency ranges relevant to speech understanding. Instead of processing the entire audio spectrum with equal intensity, the system identifies and prioritizes processing of speech-related frequencies and parameters, reducing overall computational load while maintaining precision where it matters most.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the signal processing task into multiple stages and frequency bands, allowing parallel processing of different audio components. The system divides the acoustic input into distinct frequency ranges and processes each segment with appropriate algorithms, enabling more efficient resource utilization while maintaining comprehensive analysis of the acoustic environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple listening situations are detected and processed with different algorithms, then the versatility and applicability of the hearing aid is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility across different listening situationsVSAvoidease of operation for users
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the hearing aid to automatically detect listening situations and select appropriate processing algorithms without user intervention. The system autonomously monitors acoustic conditions, identifies the current listening environment, and adjusts processing parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually configure settings for different situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the effectiveness of signal processing and adjusting algorithms based on user response and acoustic scene changes. The system incorporates feedback from microphones, sensors, and user interactions to refine its detection and processing strategies, improving versatility while maintaining simple operation through automatic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11889268B2Method for operating a hearing aid system having a hearing instrument, hearing aid system and hearing instrument
Publication Date: 2024.01.30 SIVANTOS PTE LTD
  • US11889268B2 patent drawing
  • US11889268B2 patent drawing
  • US11889268B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method operates a hearing aid system having a hearing instrument. An electro-acoustic input transducer of the hearing instrument generates an input signal from an acoustic signal from the environment, and an output signal is generated from the input signal by a signal processor. An output acoustic signal is generated from the output signal by an electro-acoustic output transducer of the hearing instrument. For at least one sub-process of the signal processing an artificial neural network is used which is implemented in the hearing instrument. A topology of the artificial neural network is defined and/or weights between individual neurons of the artificial neural network are selected according to an operation to be performed in the sub-process and/or according to an ambient situation and/or according to a user input by a user of the hearing aid system.