Hearing Device Anti-Feedback Power Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face challenges in managing power consumption while maintaining effective feedback suppression, as existing algorithms require constant activation to prevent howl-buildup, which rapidly changes and demands timely reaction to avoid user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a multi-detector system that dynamically switches between power modes based on acoustic environment conditions, using fast-acting detectors to quickly activate or deactivate the anti-feedback system, reducing power consumption without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anti-feedback system is kept constantly active to prevent howl-buildup, then feedback suppression performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-feedback system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time acoustic environment detection. The system transitions between active feedback suppression mode and power-saving mode according to whether feedback risk is detected, making the system adaptable rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by activating full performance only when necessary while saving power during safe periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power state) based on detected acoustic conditions. When detectors identify dynamic acoustics indicating feedback risk, the system switches to high-performance mode with full anti-feedback processing. When static conditions are detected, the system transitions to low-power mode, adjusting parameters to balance performance and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the anti-feedback system is deactivated to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the system cannot react rapidly to feedback situations
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system continuously monitors acoustic conditions even when the anti-feedback system is in power-saving mode. By detecting dynamic acoustics in advance that indicate potential feedback risk, the system prepares for rapid activation. This preliminary detection action enables the system to transition from power-saving to active mode quickly when feedback conditions emerge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detector feedback about acoustic environment conditions to control the operational state of the anti-feedback system. The detectors continuously provide information about dynamic vs. static acoustics, and this feedback loop enables timely switching between power modes, ensuring rapid response to feedback situations while maintaining power efficiency during safe periods.
3Speed
If fast-acting detectors are used to quickly detect dynamic acoustics, then reaction time to feedback is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into multiple specialized detectors rather than one complex detector. The system uses detectors such as autocorrelation detectors, spectral flatness detectors, and level detectors, each optimized for specific aspects of feedback detection. This segmentation allows faster, simpler individual detection operations while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability through the combination of multiple detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The detectors utilize existing signal processing components and signals already present in the hearing device's audio processing chain. By self-serviceing from available internal signals rather than requiring external or additional dedicated sensing hardware, the system achieves fast detection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity. The detectors work with signals already being processed for other hearing aid functions.
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a hearing device comprising a) a forward path between an input transducer for converting an input sound to an electric input signal and an output transducer for converting an electric output signal to an output sound, the forward path comprising a signal processing unit for applying a level and/or frequency dependent gain to the electric input signal or a signal originating therefrom and for providing a processed signal, and feeding the processed signal or a signal originating therefrom to the output transducer, an acoustic feedback path being defined from said output transducer to said input transducer; b) a configurable anti-feedback system comprising a feedback estimation unit for providing an estimate of said acoustic feedback path; c) a number of detectors, each providing a detector signal for characterizing a signal of the forward path. The object of the present application is to save power in a hearing device.