Hearing Device Noise Reduction via Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing impaired individuals face difficulties in noisy environments and in distinguishing audio sources from distant or multiple positions, as existing hearing devices struggle to effectively filter out background noise and prioritize relevant sound signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an input transducer to pick up audio signals, an interface unit to receive transmission signals containing disturbing signal features, and signal processing to eliminate noise by calculating correlation functions and adjusting audio signals, allowing users to control noise reduction, with options for wireless or wired transmission and various noise feature types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hearing devices amplify all sounds equally, then hearing sensitivity is improved, but noise from disturbing sources also increases making it difficult to distinguish relevant sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into multiple components using independent component analysis (ICA), separating the mixture of sounds from different sources (disturbing sources and relevant sound sources) into individual independent components that can be processed separately
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing strategies are applied to different signal components based on their characteristics. The system identifies and selectively suppresses components corresponding to disturbing sources while preserving or enhancing components from relevant sound sources, applying local quality enhancement rather than uniform processing
2Measurement precision
If the hearing device uses complex signal processing to filter noise, then sound clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the statistical properties and temporal characteristics of the audio signals themselves to automatically identify and separate sources. The ICA algorithm autonomously decomposes the mixed signal into independent components without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration, allowing the device to self-adjust to different acoustic environments
3Ease of operation
If the hearing device prioritizes certain sound sources, then communication in noisy environments is improved, but the ability to hear multiple audio sources simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing of different audio components based on real-time analysis of signal characteristics, temporal patterns, and user behavior. The prioritization of sound sources is not fixed but adapts continuously to the acoustic environment and communication needs, allowing flexible switching between different listening scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a hearing device worn by a hearing device user. The method includes picking up an audio signal (a) by an input transducer of the hearing device. The audio signal (a) includes a source signal (s) of a sound source (SS) and a disturbing signal (d) of a disturbing source (DS). The method also includes receiving a transmission signal (d_AIS) via an interface unit of the hearing device. The transmission signal (d_AIS) includes the disturbing signal (d) or at least characteristic features of the disturbing signal (d). The method also includes at least partially eliminating the disturbing signal (d) from the audio signal (a) by using the disturbing signal (d) transmitted by the transmission signal (d_AIS) or by using the characteristic features of the disturbing signal (d) transmitted by the transmission signal (d_AIS) for obtaining an adjusted audio signal (a*), and processing the adjusted audio signal (a*).