Hearing Device Noise Attenuation via Real Ear Reducible Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing devices lack an effective method to identify and improve noise attenuation, which is crucial for both hearing-impaired individuals and non-impaired users seeking high-quality sound reproduction with minimized noise disturbance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the Real Ear Occluded Gain (REOG) and Real Ear Aided Gain (REAG) measures to calculate the Real Ear Reducible Gain (RERG), which indicates the amount of noise attenuation possible, and using this information to control the hearing device's operation for enhanced noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If noise attenuation is increased in hearing devices, then noise reduction performance is improved, but sound quality and hearing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic noise attenuation adjustment by continuously monitoring acoustic scenes and adapting the noise reduction level in real-time. The system transitions from static noise attenuation to dynamic control based on environmental conditions, allowing optimal balance between noise reduction and sound quality preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of noise attenuation level based on acoustic scene classification. By monitoring parameters such as sound pressure level, frequency spectrum, and temporal characteristics, the system adjusts the noise attenuation parameter dynamically to match the current acoustic environment, preventing over-attenuation in quiet scenes while maintaining protection in noisy scenes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise attenuation is applied to improve hearing protection, then noise reduction is enhanced, but ambient sound reproduction and situational awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts noise attenuation levels based on real-time acoustic scene analysis. In noisy environments, high attenuation is applied for hearing protection, while in quiet or music scenes, attenuation is reduced or suspended to preserve ambient sound reproduction and situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the acoustic scene monitor continuously analyzes the environment and provides input to the noise attenuation controller. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that noise attenuation is adjusted according to actual acoustic conditions, maintaining balance between hearing protection and ambient sound perception.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method of operating a hearing device configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal of a user, the method comprising receiving an input audio signal; amplifying the input audio signal; and outputting, by an output transducer included in the hearing device, an output audio signal based on the amplified audio signal so as to stimulate the user's hearing.