Hearing Device Audio Processing Algorithm Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face challenges in balancing the benefits of sophisticated audio processing algorithms with the drawbacks of increased power consumption, battery life reduction, and signal processing artefacts, which can limit user acceptance and benefit.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a hearing device that selects and applies an optimal audio processing algorithm based on a target performance index, considering the impact on resources and user preferences, to adapt to current hearing situations and minimize negative side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated audio processing algorithms are applied to improve hearing enhancement and speech clarity, then the hearing performance is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of audio processing algorithms based on real-time analysis of the acoustic environment and user activity. The system transitions between different processing modes (e.g., from sophisticated algorithms in noisy environments to simpler processing in quiet environments) to optimize the balance between hearing performance and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes processing parameters by selecting from multiple audio processing algorithms with different complexity levels. Each algorithm is associated with performance indices that guide selection based on current conditions, allowing the system to adjust processing intensity to match environmental requirements and conserve energy when full processing power is not needed.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated audio processing algorithms are applied to enhance speech clarity, then the hearing benefit is improved, but signal processing artefacts increase which limit user acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the degree of signal processing applied based on environmental conditions. In situations where speech clarity is most needed (noisy environments), more sophisticated algorithms are selected. In other situations, simpler processing is applied to avoid introducing artefacts, thus maintaining natural sound quality and user acceptance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple audio processing algorithms with different characteristics and associated performance indices. The selection process considers not only speech clarity improvement but also the potential for artefact generation, choosing algorithms that provide the best overall quality without excessive processing artefacts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio processing algorithms are provided with different performance indices, then the adaptability to different hearing situations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing functionality into multiple distinct algorithms, each optimized for specific hearing situations and characterized by different performance indices. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate processing strategies for different environments without requiring a single complex algorithm to handle all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses performance indices as feedback mechanisms to guide algorithm selection. By evaluating acoustic environment characteristics and comparing them against known performance profiles of different algorithms, the system can automatically select the most appropriate processing approach, reducing the complexity of manual configuration while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method of operating a hearing device configured be worn at an ear of a user, the method comprising receiving an audio signal; processing the audio signal by at least one audio processing algorithm to generate a processed audio signal; and outputting, by an output transducer included in the hearing device, an output audio signal based on the processed audio signal so as to stimulate the user's hearing. The disclosure further relates to a hearing device configured to perform the method.