Hearing Aid Noise Reduction Using External Parameter 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 determine noise reduction parameters, with the external device providing additional computational power for complex noise reduction and the hearing aid integrating these parameters to enhance noise reduction capabilities while minimizing transmission delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computationally demanding noise reduction algorithms (e.g., deep neural networks) are executed in the hearing aid, then noise reduction performance is improved, but the limited computational power and battery capacity prevent execution
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the noise reduction task between two devices: the hearing aid performs local signal acquisition and preliminary processing, while the external processing device executes computationally demanding algorithms. This segmentation allows complex algorithms to be run without overloading the hearing aid's limited computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication link acts as an intermediary between the hearing aid and external processing device, enabling transfer of audio signals and processing parameters. This intermediary mechanism allows the hearing aid to leverage external computational power while maintaining operational independence.
2Reliability
If audio signal is transmitted to external device for enhancement and then returned to hearing aid, then noise reduction capability is improved, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting the full audio signal for processing, the system extracts only the essential audio data from the hearing aid microphones and sends this condensed information to the external device. This extraction minimizes the data volume and processing time required for transmission and external processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing aid performs preliminary processing of the audio signal locally before transmission to the external device. This preliminary action includes initial noise reduction and feature extraction, so that when the external device receives the signal, it requires less processing time, thereby reducing overall transmission delay.
3Power
If external processing device is used for noise reduction, then computational power is improved, but additional processing steps are required to compensate for hearing loss and integrate external sound with local signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the output of the external processing device with the local hearing aid signal processing pipeline. The externally generated noise reduction parameters are integrated with the hearing aid's existing signal processing steps, combining external computational power with local hearing loss compensation in a unified processing flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The external processing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it executes complex noise reduction algorithms, compensates for hearing loss, and integrates external sound with local signals. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate processing steps into a single external device, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a hearing system including 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 external processing device can include 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.