Hearing Instrument Speech-Rate Detection for Adaptive Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing instruments struggle to provide adequate support for improved speech perception and reduced listening effort in challenging listening situations, particularly when users exhibit an abnormally low speech rate, which is not effectively recognized by current methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adapt signal processing parameters in hearing instruments based on the user's speech rate, specifically increasing gain, noise reduction, and beamforming when the speech rate falls below a threshold, and adjusting these parameters dynamically to enhance speech perception and reduce listening effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal processing parameters are increased to improve speech perception in challenging listening situations, then speech perception is improved, but listening effort increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of signal processing parameters based on real-time detection of abnormally low speech rates. The system continuously monitors speech rate and adjusts gain, noise reduction, and beamforming parameters dynamically, transitioning from static to adaptive processing based on detected speech characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by detecting the user's speech rate and using this information to adjust signal processing parameters. The speech rate detection creates a feedback loop that informs parameter adaptation, allowing the system to respond to the user's listening effort indicators
2Ease of operation
If signal processing parameters are dynamically adapted to reduce listening effort, then listening effort is reduced, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by detecting the user's own speech rate and automatically adjusting parameters without external intervention. The hearing instrument monitors its own performance indicators (speech rate) and self-regulates signal processing to optimize listening comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying signal processing parameters (gain, noise reduction, beamforming) based on detected speech rate variations. The system changes operational parameters in response to detected abnormalities in speech rate, adapting processing intensity to match user needs
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing system (2) including a hearing instrument (2) and a method for operating a hearing instrument (2) are provided. Therein, a sound signal is captured from an environment of the hearing instrument (2). The captured sound signal is analysed to recognize own-voice intervals, in which the user speaks. The captured sound signal is analysed, during recognized own-voice intervals, to determine a rate of speech (RU) of the user. The captured sound signal is processed in dependence of a set of signal processing parameters (G,NL,BW), and the processed sound signal is output to a user of the hearing instrument (2). Said set of signal processing parameters (G,NL,BW) is adapted if said determined rate of speech (RU) falls below a threshold (TRU).