Hearing Aid Noise Reduction via Periodic Signal Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional noise reduction technologies in hearing aids are ineffective in addressing periodic noise signals like electromagnetic interference and acoustic feedback, often attenuating desired signals and failing to accurately distinguish between noise and desired signals.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method involving low-pass filtering of periodic samples, phase shifting, and synchronization to estimate and subtract noise signals from input signals, using multiple low-pass filters to isolate and cancel noise, particularly effective for electromagnetic interference and acoustic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency-gain approach is used to reduce noise in frequency subbands, then noise signals are attenuated, but desired signals are also attenuated along with noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the gain adjustment specific to time and frequency locations where noise is detected. The system dynamically adjusts gain only in frequency subbands and time periods where noise is present, while maintaining normal gain for desired signals in other conditions, thus achieving noise attenuation without unnecessary desired signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the gain parameter dynamically based on noise detection results. When noise is detected in a frequency subband, the gain for that specific subband is reduced; when no noise is detected, the gain remains at normal levels. This parameter change approach allows selective noise attenuation while preserving desired signals.
2Device complexity
If traditional algorithms are used for detecting noise frequency subbands, then detection is simple, but accuracy in distinguishing between noise and desired signals is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring frequency subbands for noise characteristics and using this information to adjust gain settings. The system detects noise in frequency subbands, feeds this information back to the gain control mechanism, and adjusts the gain accordingly. This closed-loop feedback approach improves noise detection accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional noise reduction techniques are used, then general noise may be reduced, but periodic noise signals like electromagnetic interference and acoustic feedback are inadequately handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by detecting periodic noise signals and applying gain reduction specifically during the periods when such noise occurs. The system identifies the periodic nature of interference signals and adjusts gain in sync with the noise periods, effectively reducing periodic noise while minimizing impact on desired signals that do not follow the same periodic pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method including receiving a first signal from an input device of a hearing aid. The first signal may include a noise signal. The computer-implemented method may include low-pass filtering first periodic samples of the first signal, and the first periodic samples may be approximately periodic with respect to a period of the noise signal. The computer-implemented method may further include low-pass filtering second periodic samples of the first signal, and the second periodic samples may be approximately periodic with respect to the period of the noise signal. The second periodic samples may also be phase shifted relative to the first periodic samples. Hearing aid systems and apparatuses are also disclosed.