Digital feedback suppression (DFS). Characterization of feedback-margin improvements in a DFS hearing instrument

The introduction of a new power behind-the-ear hearing instrument equipped with an integrated digital feedback suppression (DFS) system, based on adaptive, digital signal processing, creates the need for new methods for evaluating the characteristics of this new technology. A special measuring method based on determination of the complex loop gain of the DFS instrument and the associated feedback path is described. This method yields information about the static feedback-margin improvement due to the DFS system, and the method is usable especially in connection with measurements on real ears. It requires fairly advanced test facilities, including a dual-channel FFT analyzer and, by preference, an anechoic room. Loop gain measurements on the new DFS power behind-the-ear hearing instrument show encouraging results. Groups of profoundly hearing-impaired children and adults were tested, and static feedback-margin improvements in the order of 10 dB for the new DFS power hearing instrument were seen. Variations were largest for groups using own ear moulds and individually fitted instruments.