Hearing Aid Impulse Noise Management via Motion Sensor Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing prostheses, such as cochlear implants and hearing aids, face challenges in effectively managing impulsive noise, particularly body-borne noise, which can interfere with the perception of ambient sounds and lead to increased loudness of internal vibrations, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between external and internal sounds.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a microphone assembly with a motion sensor and signal processing circuitry that utilizes adaptive filters and gain compression to differentiate between ambient and body-borne noise, applying broadband or frequency-dependent gain compression based on the presence of impulsive energy to reduce the impact of noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If gain is applied to amplify ambient sounds, then sound perception is improved, but impulsive noise from body-borne vibrations is also amplified making internal sounds more loud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal processing into separate pathways: one for ambient sound capture and one for body-borne noise detection. By using distinct sensors (microphone for ambient sound, motion sensor for body noise) and separate processing chains, the system can independently control gain application to each signal type, preventing amplification of internal vibrations while maintaining ambient sound perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that detects body-borne vibrations and uses this information to modulate the gain applied to ambient sound signals. The motion sensor acts as an intermediary detector that provides feedback about internal vibrations, allowing the system to dynamically adjust amplification to suppress body noise while preserving ambient sound enhancement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If broadband gain compression is applied to reduce impulsive noise impact, then noise interference is reduced, but sound clarity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing frequency-dependent gain compression rather than uniform broadband compression. Different frequency regions receive different levels of gain reduction based on where impulsive noise is most prevalent. This allows the system to target noise suppression in specific frequency bands while preserving clarity in frequency regions where speech and ambient sounds are concentrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic gain compression that adapts in real-time based on detected body-borne vibration characteristics. The system continuously monitors motion sensor output and adjusts compression parameters dynamically, increasing suppression during periods of high body noise and reducing suppression when body vibrations are minimal, thereby maintaining sound clarity when it is safe to do so.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces the impact of impulsive noise, allowing for improved sound perception by varying the gain applied to the microphone signals, thereby enhancing the clarity of ambient sounds and reducing the loudness of internal vibrations, thus improving the overall hearing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first implantable transducer configured to transduce energy from an ambient signal and body noise
Implementation Method 2
a second implantable transducer configured to transduce energy from body noise
Implementation Method 3
applying broadband or frequency-dependent gain compression based on the presence of impulsive energy
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone system including a first sensor configured to output a first signal based on an ambient sound relative to a recipient of the system, a second sensor configured to output a second signal corresponding to a noise reference, and first signal processing circuitry configured to process the first signal based on the second signal and output a third signal based on the processed first signal, wherein the system is configured to limit a gain of the third signal based on the presence of impulsive energy in the second signal.