Hearing Aid Vent Cutoff Steering for Noise Reduction Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices often do not provide optimal initial sound processing settings due to insufficient consideration of individual aspects during the fitting process, leading to suboptimal performance for end users.
Innovation Solution
A method and software system that automatically adjusts sound enhancement settings in hearing devices based on the vent cut-off frequency, using a fitting software to calculate and apply a strength value that optimizes noise reduction and speech enhancement settings, incorporating a deep neural network (DNN) for improved signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reduction routines are applied at poor signal-to-noise ratios, then noise is suppressed, but the target audio signal is also corrupted and suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of noise reduction strength based on the vent cut-off frequency. By mapping different vent cut-off frequency ranges to different noise reduction strength values, the system adapts the noise reduction intensity to match the acoustic coupling characteristics, preventing over-suppression of the target signal while still suppressing noise effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vent cut-off frequency as a feedback parameter to automatically adjust the noise reduction strength. The fitting software determines the vent cut-off frequency and uses it to steer the noise reduction strength, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes noise reduction while preserving speech intelligibility.
2Reliability
If universal domes or tailored earpieces are used to establish acoustic coupling, then a snug fit is achieved, but optimal initial sound processing settings are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining the vent cut-off frequency from the acoustic coupling characteristics and using it to automatically set the optimal noise reduction strength. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment by the hearing care specialist, providing optimal initial settings automatically based on the fitted earpiece or dome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal noise reduction strength based on the vent cut-off frequency before the hearing device is used. The fitting software determines the appropriate settings in advance, so that when the device is fitted with universal domes or tailored earpieces, the optimal sound processing settings are already in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vent size is increased to lower occlusion effects, then acoustic openness is improved, but the cut-off frequency decreases and noise reduction effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the noise reduction strength parameter based on the vent cut-off frequency caused by different vent sizes. When the vent size is increased, the system automatically adjusts the noise reduction strength to compensate for the lower cut-off frequency, maintaining noise reduction effectiveness while preserving the benefits of acoustic openness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fitting a hearing device to an end user, wherein the hearing device has as a vent, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a hearing device having a first sound enhancement setting; b) providing a fitting software, c) feeding a vent cut-off frequency value of the hearing device to the fitting software, d) calculating a strength value based on the vent cut-off frequency value, e) calculating a second sound enhancement setting based on that strength value, f) replacing the first sound enhancement setting in the fitting software by the second sound enhancement setting, g) establishing a new set of hearing device settings for the hearing device, and h) transmitting the new set of hearing device settings to the hearing device.