Personalized Audio Equalization Using Equal-Loudness Hearing Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio equalization methods rely on standard audiograms, which are inadequate for personalized audio listening due to noise interference and device-specific frequency responses, failing to accurately compensate for hearing profiles at higher volumes and varying listening environments.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating personalized equalization filters by measuring the listener's hearing profile in their preferred listening environment, using a hearing test that adjusts for noise and device-specific characteristics, and adapting the filter to match equal-loudness contours at different phon levels, allowing for real-time adjustments based on volume changes and device fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard audiogram-based equalization is used, then hearing threshold compensation is provided, but accuracy deteriorates at higher listening volumes and in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the equalization filter based on actual listening conditions including volume level and ambient noise. Instead of using a static audiogram-based filter, the system adjusts equalization parameters in real-time to match the listener's actual listening environment and volume preferences, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for equalization from threshold-based audiogram data to equal-loudness contour data collected at actual listening volumes. By collecting hearing profile data at multiple phon levels and adjusting equalization parameters based on the actual listening volume, the system maintains accuracy across different listening conditions.
2Measurement precision
If audiometric booth testing is used, then threshold hearing level measurement is accurate, but the testing environment requirement increases complexity and reduces accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of ambient noise into a beneficial feature by using the listener's own listening environment as the testing context. Rather than requiring a quiet audiometric booth, the system collects equal-loudness contour data in the listener's natural listening environment, turning the previously problematic noise factor into an acceptable and even advantageous condition for personalized equalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the listener to perform the hearing profile measurement themselves in their own listening environment using their preferred listening device. The listener actively participates by adjusting volume levels and providing feedback, eliminating the need for specialized audiometric equipment and professional testing environments.
3Measurement precision
If equal-loudness contour measurement is performed, then accurate equalization at listening volumes is achieved, but the measurement process becomes more complex requiring multiple phon level tests
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single hearing test procedure that collects equal-loudness contour data across multiple phon levels, which can then be used to generate appropriate equalization filters for any listening volume. This multi-functional approach allows the same test data to serve multiple purposes (different volume levels and listening conditions), reducing the need for separate testing procedures while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to synthesizing a personalized audio equalization filter based on an individual's hearing profile when listening to audio signals using a preferred electronic means of transduction and production of the audio signals through headphones, earphones, or loudspeakers and is presented in two steps. In the first step, the deviation of the listener's hearing profile, when the preferred listening device is donned, is measured and recorded relative to predetermined equal-loudness contours (e.g., ISO standard equal-loudness contours). The hearing profile is used to compute an equalization filter such that when the audio signal to be reproduced is played through the filter, the equal-loudness contour for a specified phon level is restored. Thus, the invention compensates for deviations of the user's listening device, the user's own hearing profile from a standard hearing profile that represents natural hearing, and other factors. The equalization filter can be adapted to any phon level through adaptation of filter coefficients as a function of the volume of the listening level.