Hearing Device Frequency-Band Gain Control for Comb Filter Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices often produce non-linear artifacts due to superimposition of non-processed ambient sound with amplified output sound, causing discomfort and reducing the effectiveness of noise cancellation algorithms, and existing solutions either attenuate all frequencies or require computationally intensive estimations that can lead to further artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method to identify the ratio between non-processed ambient sound and output sound in different frequency bands, adjusting the amplitude of the output signal within specific limits to minimize the perception of artifacts, while reducing hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If frequencies likely to cause comb filter artifact are always attenuated, then the comb filter artifact becomes imperceptible, but noise cancellation algorithms become unavailable and overall hearing device benefit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the amplification of frequency bands based on real-time detection of comb filter artifacts. Instead of static attenuation, the hearing device continuously monitors for the presence of comb filter artifacts and adaptively modifies amplification parameters only when artifacts are detected, allowing noise cancellation to function normally when artifacts are absent
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to detect comb filter artifacts in the output signal and uses this information to adjust amplification parameters. The detected artifact presence feeds back into the signal processing chain, enabling real-time modification of frequency band amplification to eliminate artifacts while preserving noise cancellation capabilities
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency-specific amplification is adjusted to eliminate comb filter artifacts, then artifact perceivability decreases, but the complexity of signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the frequency spectrum into multiple frequency bands and processes each band independently. By dividing the broad frequency range into discrete segments, the device can apply targeted amplification adjustments to specific bands where comb filter artifacts occur, rather than processing the entire spectrum uniformly, thereby reducing overall computational complexity
3Reliability
If amplification is tuned to user-specific hearing loss, then hearing effectiveness improves, but comb filter artifact characteristics vary between users making universal solutions difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different amplification characteristics to different frequency bands based on local detection of comb filter artifacts. Each frequency band can have its own amplification profile tailored to the specific artifact conditions present, allowing the device to address user-specific variations in artifact characteristics while maintaining effective hearing enhancement across the full frequency spectrum
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user comfort by minimizing artifacts and allowing effective noise cancellation without complex computations, maintaining high perceivability and reducing hardware resources.
Implementation Method 1
The microphone has a microphone and a receiver
Implementation Method 2
emitting an output sound based on the output signal by means of a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A method operates a hearing device in which an input signal is created based on an ambient sound by a microphone. An output signal is provided based on the input signal, and an output sound is emitted based on the output signal by a receiver. The non-processed ambient sound present in the area of the receiver is identified, and the ratio between the non-processed ambient sound and the output sound is identified for different frequency bands. An amplitude of the output signal is changed for the frequency band in which the ratio is between an upper limit value and a lower limit value.