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Real-time multiband dynamic compression and noise reduction for binaural hearing aids
B Kollmeier1, J Peissig, V Hohmann
1Drittes Physikalisches Institut, Universität Göttingen, Germany.
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study introduces real-time digital hearing aid algorithms for binaural signals. Carefully fitted algorithms, including dynamic compression and noise reduction, significantly improved speech intelligibility and user satisfaction for hearing impaired individuals.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Signal Processing
- Digital Hearing Aids
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing impairment affects speech perception, particularly in noisy environments.
- Traditional hearing aids often struggle to address complex auditory challenges like lateral noise and reverberation.
- Binaural signal processing offers potential for enhanced spatial awareness and improved sound localization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate real-time digital hearing aid algorithms for binaural input signals.
- To assess the efficacy of multiband dynamic compression and binaural noise reduction strategies.
- To optimize algorithm parameters for individual patient hearing profiles and minimize processing artifacts.
Main Methods:
- Real-time implementation of digital hearing aid algorithms using a multi-signal-processor setup.
- Development of a 24-channel multiband dynamic compression algorithm with inter-channel and stereo interaction.
- Implementation of a binaural noise reduction algorithm incorporating directional filtering and dereverberation.
- Subjective quality assessment and objective speech intelligibility measurements in six listeners with sensorineural hearing impairment.
Main Results:
- Linear frequency shaping was subjectively negative but improved speech intelligibility in noise.
- Additional compression was positively assessed and did not impair speech intelligibility when carefully fitted.
- All noise reduction strategies were subjectively positive.
- A combination of directional filtering and dereverberation significantly improved speech intelligibility in various acoustical situations.
Conclusions:
- Carefully designed and fitted binaural hearing aids can be highly beneficial for patients with sensorineural hearing impairment.
- Real-time implementation is crucial for optimizing and testing advanced hearing aid algorithms.
- Personalized fitting of dynamic compression and noise reduction parameters is key to maximizing benefits and user acceptance.