Method for Useful Signal Adaptation in Binaural Hearing Aid Systems

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method for operating binaural hearing aid systems with advanced noise reduction. It uses two stages of filtering—first, a predetermined filter equalizes useful signal components from a specific spatial direction across both hearing aids, and then an adaptive filter further enhances this equalization. As a result, the noise suppression algorithms in hearing aids can more effectively distinguish between desired sounds (like speech) and background noise, leading to clearer hearing experiences.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hearing aids for people with bilateral hearing loss to improve speech clarity in noisy environments
• Assistive listening devices in public venues (e.g., auditoriums, theaters)
• Cochlear implant systems with binaural processing for better noise suppression
• Communication headsets in industrial or emergency settings to prioritize relevant signals over background noise
• Consumer earbuds or headphones with advanced noise cancellation for spatially selective listening

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improved suppression of background noise while maintaining the integrity of desired signals such as speech
• Faster and more accurate adaptation to changing acoustic environments thanks to accelerated convergence of filtering algorithms
• Reduces unwanted signal artifacts and preserves high audio quality
• Lower computational requirements and power consumption due to more efficient filtering processes
• Enhanced voice activity detection and more reliable communication in challenging soundscapes

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Patent Abstract

A method operates a hearing aid system and the hearing aid system has at least two hearing aid devices, between which a signal path is provided, and with at least one signal processing unit, which is provided to process audio signals. In the method the signal processing apparatus filters first audio signals with a filter predetermined for a defined spatial direction, from which a useful signal arrives, so that second audio signals are generated, in which the components of the useful signal in the second audio signals are equalized to a greater degree than in the first audio signals. The second audio signals are then filtered with an adaptive filter, so that third audio signals are generated, in which the components of the useful signal are equalized to an even greater degree than in the second audio signals.