scholarly journals Binaural Signal Processing in Hearing Aids

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 206-223
Author(s):  
Peter Derleth ◽  
Eleftheria Georganti ◽  
Matthias Latzel ◽  
Gilles Courtois ◽  
Markus Hofbauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
The Body ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Reverberant Environments ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Algorithmic Approaches

AbstractFor many years, clinicians have understood the advantages of listening with two ears compared with one. In addition to improved speech intelligibility in quiet, noisy, and reverberant environments, binaural versus monaural listening improves perceived sound quality and decreases the effort listeners must expend to understand a target voice of interest or to monitor a multitude of potential target voices. For most individuals with bilateral hearing impairment, the body of evidence collected across decades of research has also found that the provision of two compared with one hearing aid yields significant benefit for the user. This article briefly summarizes the major advantages of binaural compared with monaural hearing, followed by a detailed description of the related technological advances in modern hearing aids. Aspects related to the communication and exchange of data between the left and right hearing aids are discussed together with typical algorithmic approaches implemented in modern hearing aids.

scholarly journals Interactions Between Digital Noise Reduction and Reverberation: Acoustic and Behavioral Effects

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (01) ◽  
pp. 017-029
Author(s):  
Paul Reinhart ◽  
Pavel Zahorik ◽  
Pamela Souza
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Spectral Subtraction ◽  
Listening Effort ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Reverberant Environments ◽  
Speech Naturalness

AbstractDigital noise reduction (DNR) processing is used in hearing aids to enhance perception in noise by classifying and suppressing the noise acoustics. However, the efficacy of DNR processing is not known under reverberant conditions where the speech-in-noise acoustics are further degraded by reverberation.The purpose of this study was to investigate acoustic and perceptual effects of DNR processing across a range of reverberant conditions for individuals with hearing impairment.This study used an experimental design to investigate the effects of varying reverberation on speech-in-noise processed with DNR.Twenty-six listeners with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing impairment participated in the study.Speech stimuli were combined with unmodulated broadband noise at several signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). A range of reverberant conditions with realistic parameters were simulated, as well as an anechoic control condition without reverberation. Reverberant speech-in-noise signals were processed using a spectral subtraction DNR simulation. Signals were acoustically analyzed using a phase inversion technique to quantify improvement in SNR as a result of DNR processing. Sentence intelligibility and subjective ratings of listening effort, speech naturalness, and background noise comfort were examined with and without DNR processing across the conditions.Improvement in SNR was greatest in the anechoic control condition and decreased as the ratio of direct to reverberant energy decreased. There was no significant effect of DNR processing on speech intelligibility in the anechoic control condition, but there was a significant decrease in speech intelligibility with DNR processing in all of the reverberant conditions. Subjectively, listeners reported greater listening effort and lower speech naturalness with DNR processing in some of the reverberant conditions. Listeners reported higher background noise comfort with DNR processing only in the anechoic control condition.Results suggest that reverberation affects DNR processing using a spectral subtraction algorithm in such a way that decreases the ability of DNR to reduce noise without distorting the speech acoustics. Overall, DNR processing may be most beneficial in environments with little reverberation and that the use of DNR processing in highly reverberant environments may actually produce adverse perceptual effects. Further research is warranted using commercial hearing aids in realistic reverberant environments.

scholarly journals Listener Performance with a Novel Hearing Aid Frequency Lowering Technique

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (09) ◽  
pp. 810-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Kirby ◽  
Judy G. Kopun ◽  
Meredith Spratford ◽  
Clairissa M. Mollak ◽  
Marc A. Brennan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Processing Strategy ◽  
Listening Effort ◽  
At Home

AbstractSloping hearing loss imposes limits on audibility for high-frequency sounds in many hearing aid users. Signal processing algorithms that shift high-frequency sounds to lower frequencies have been introduced in hearing aids to address this challenge by improving audibility of high-frequency sounds.This study examined speech perception performance, listening effort, and subjective sound quality ratings with conventional hearing aid processing and a new frequency-lowering signal processing strategy called frequency composition (FC) in adults and children.Participants wore the study hearing aids in two signal processing conditions (conventional processing versus FC) at an initial laboratory visit and subsequently at home during two approximately six-week long trials, with the order of conditions counterbalanced across individuals in a double-blind paradigm.Children (N = 12, 7 females, mean age in years = 12.0, SD = 3.0) and adults (N = 12, 6 females, mean age in years = 56.2, SD = 17.6) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who were full-time hearing aid users.Individual performance with each type of processing was assessed using speech perception tasks, a measure of listening effort, and subjective sound quality surveys at an initial visit. At the conclusion of each subsequent at-home trial, participants were retested in the laboratory. Linear mixed effects analyses were completed for each outcome measure with signal processing condition, age group, visit (prehome versus posthome trial), and measures of aided audibility as predictors.Overall, there were few significant differences in speech perception, listening effort, or subjective sound quality between FC and conventional processing, effects of listener age, or longitudinal changes in performance. Listeners preferred FC to conventional processing on one of six subjective sound quality metrics. Better speech perception performance was consistently related to higher aided audibility.These results indicate that when high-frequency speech sounds are made audible with conventional processing, speech recognition ability and listening effort are similar between conventional processing and FC. Despite the lack of benefit to speech perception, some listeners still preferred FC, suggesting that qualitative measures should be considered when evaluating candidacy for this signal processing strategy.

Peaks in the Frequency Response of Hearing Aids: Evaluation of the Effects on Speech Intelligibility and Sound Quality

1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald A. van Buuren ◽  
Joost M. Festen ◽  
Tammo Houtgast
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Response ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Reference Frequency ◽  
Impaired Hearing ◽  
Speech Spectrum ◽  
Series Of Experiments

In a series of experiments, we introduced peaks of 10, 20, and 30 dB, in various combinations, onto a smooth reference frequency response. For each of the conditions, we evaluated speech intelligibility in noise, using a test as developed by Plomp and Mimpen (1979), and sound quality (for both speech and music), using a rating-scale procedure. We performed the experiments with 26 listeners with sensorineurally impaired hearing and 10 listeners with normal hearing. Signal processing was accomplished digitally; for each listener, the stimuli were filtered and subsequently amplified so that the average speech spectrum was well above the threshold of hearing at all frequencies. The results show that, as a result of the introduction of peaks onto the frequency response, speech intelligibility is affected more for the listeners with impaired hearing than for those with normal hearing. Sound-quality judgments tend to be less different between the listener groups. Conditions with 30-dB peaks especially show serious effects on both speech intelligibility and sound quality.

A Comparison of Personal Sound Amplification Products and Hearing Aids in Ecologically Relevant Test Environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 581-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Brody ◽  
Yu-Hsiang Wu ◽  
Elizabeth Stangl
Keyword(s):  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Recognition Performance ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Listening Effort ◽  
Speech Intelligibility Index ◽  
Sound Amplification

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the benefit of self-adjusted personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) to audiologist-fitted hearing aids based on speech recognition, listening effort, and sound quality in ecologically relevant test conditions to estimate real-world effectiveness. Method Twenty-five older adults with bilateral mild-to-moderate hearing loss completed the single-blinded, crossover study. Participants underwent aided testing using 3 PSAPs and a traditional hearing aid, as well as unaided testing. PSAPs were adjusted based on participant preference, whereas the hearing aid was configured using best-practice verification protocols. Audibility provided by the devices was quantified using the Speech Intelligibility Index (American National Standards Institute, 2012). Outcome measures assessing speech recognition, listening effort, and sound quality were administered in ecologically relevant laboratory conditions designed to represent real-world speech listening situations. Results All devices significantly improved Speech Intelligibility Index compared to unaided listening, with the hearing aid providing more audibility than all PSAPs. Results further revealed that, in general, the hearing aid improved speech recognition performance and reduced listening effort significantly more than all PSAPs. Few differences in sound quality were observed between devices. All PSAPs improved speech recognition and listening effort compared to unaided testing. Conclusions Hearing aids fitted using best-practice verification protocols were capable of providing more aided audibility, better speech recognition performance, and lower listening effort compared to the PSAPs tested in the current study. Differences in sound quality between the devices were minimal. However, because all PSAPs tested in the study significantly improved participants' speech recognition performance and reduced listening effort compared to unaided listening, PSAPs could serve as a budget-friendly option for those who cannot afford traditional amplification.

scholarly journals Effect of Multichannel Digital Signal Processing on Loudness Comfort, Sentence Recognition, and Sound Quality

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 681-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen M. Mispagel ◽  
Michael Valente
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Digital Signal ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Subjective Loudness ◽  
Noise Test

This study evaluated the effect of increasing the number of processing channels from 32- to 64-signal processing channels on subjects' loudness comfort and satisfaction, sentence recognition, and sound quality of his or her own voice. Ten experienced hearing aid users with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss wore behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids with Adaptive Dynamic Range Optimization (ADRO™) signal processing for a period of six weeks in the 32-channel and 64-channel conditions. Results revealed no significant differences in loudness comfort or satisfaction for the majority of sound samples as measured by the Subjective Loudness Test and Environmental Sounds Questionnaire. No significant differences in sentence recognition between the two processing conditions were found as measured by the Hearing In Noise Test (HINT). Additionally, no subjective differences in sound quality of subjects' own voice were determined by the Listening Tasks Questionnaire.

scholarly journals A Bayesian Modeling Approach to Situated Design of Personalized Soundscaping Algorithms

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (20) ◽  
pp. 9535
Author(s):  
Bart van van Erp ◽  
Albert Podusenko ◽  
Tanya Ignatenko ◽  
Bert de de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Bayesian Modeling ◽  
Message Passing ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Model Design ◽  
Source Modeling ◽  
Acoustic Sources

Effective noise reduction and speech enhancement algorithms have great potential to enhance lives of hearing aid users by restoring speech intelligibility. An open problem in today’s commercial hearing aids is how to take into account users’ preferences, indicating which acoustic sources should be suppressed or enhanced, since they are not only user-specific but also depend on many situational factors. In this paper, we develop a fully probabilistic approach to “situated soundscaping”, which aims at enabling users to make on-the-spot (“situated”) decisions about the enhancement or suppression of individual acoustic sources. The approach rests on a compact generative probabilistic model for acoustic signals. In this framework, all signal processing tasks (source modeling, source separation and soundscaping) are framed as automatable probabilistic inference tasks. These tasks can be efficiently executed using message passing-based inference on factor graphs. Since all signal processing tasks are automatable, the approach supports fast future model design cycles in an effort to reach commercializable performance levels. The presented results show promising performance in terms of SNR, PESQ and STOI improvements in a situated setting.

Automated Methods of Assessing Hearing Aid Performance in Listeners With Impaired Hearing

1994 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
Todd W. Fortune
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Impaired Hearing ◽  
Maximum Benefit ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Behavioral Methods ◽  
Automated Methods ◽  
Over Time

The methods that have been described, although still under development, are intended to demonstrate that the issues of sound quality, speech intelligibility, and loudness may be addressed in a clinical setting in a reasonable amount of time. Being automated, these methods are relatively time-efficient, and may become more so as they are refined. Being database oriented, these methods make it easy to monitor individual clients over time, and also provide an efficient way to evaluate the success rate of individual circuits across listeners with similar hearing losses. Individually, these techniques provide only some of the information that may indicate whether a particular fitting may succeed. Taken together, these behavioral methods will provide a great deal of both subjective and objective information that will help the dispenser not only decide which of several hearing aids may be best for a user, but also how a given instrument may be adjusted to provide the maximum benefit. By including the formal assessment of sound quality, speech intelligibility, and loudness in the hearing aid evaluation, the needs of the user are more likely to be met, and the degree of satisfaction achieved is likely to be higher than if the evaluation consists solely of matching the real ear insertion response to a prescribed target.

scholarly journals Effects of Compression on Speech Acoustics, Intelligibility, and Sound Quality

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 131-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela E. Souza
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Signal ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Sound Quality ◽  
Speech Quality ◽  
Speech Acoustics ◽  
Clinical Procedures ◽  
Digitally Programmable

The topic of compression has been discussed quite extensively in the last 20 years (eg, Braida et al., 1982; Dillon, 1996 , 2000 ; Dreschler, 1992 ; Hickson, 1994 ; Kuk, 2000 and 2002; Kuk and Ludvigsen, 1999 ; Moore, 1990 ; Van Tasell, 1993 ; Venema, 2000 ; Verschuure et al., 1996; Walker and Dillon, 1982 ). However, the latest comprehensive update by this journal was published in 1996 ( Kuk, 1996 ). Since that time, use of compression hearing aids has increased dramatically, from half of hearing aids dispensed only 5 years ago to four out of five hearing aids dispensed today ( Strom, 2002b ). Most of today's digital and digitally programmable hearing aids are compression devices ( Strom, 2002a ). It is probable that within a few years, very few patients will be fit with linear hearing aids. Furthermore, compression has increased in complexity, with greater numbers of parameters under the clinician's control. Ideally, these changes will translate to greater flexibility and precision in fitting and selection. However, they also increase the need for information about the effects of compression amplification on speech perception and speech quality. As evidenced by the large number of sessions at professional conferences on fitting compression hearing aids, clinicians continue to have questions about compression technology and when and how it should be used. How does compression work? Who are the best candidates for this technology? How should adjustable parameters be set to provide optimal speech recognition? What effect will compression have on speech quality? These and other questions continue to drive our interest in this technology. This article reviews the effects of compression on the speech signal and the implications for speech intelligibility, quality, and design of clinical procedures.

scholarly journals Self-Reported Benefit and Satisfaction with a Beamforming Body-Worn Hearing Aid for Elderly Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Bradley McPherson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Form Factor ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Conventional Form

Hearing impairment is a leading cause of disability globally and is particularly prevalent in elderly populations. Hearing aids are commonly recommended to mitigate the adverse effects on communication associated with hearing loss. However, the acceptability of hearing aids to elderly individuals is low and the majority of potential users do not wear hearing aids. Most hearing aids are designed with a discreet form factor in mind, to minimize device visibility. Given the range of comorbidities associated with hearing loss in the elderly, this conventional form factor may not always be optimal. The present study examined the experiences of elderly individuals with a recently developed, unconventional, body-worn hearing instrument, the EasyHear™ Grand (Logital Co. Ltd., Hong Kong). The bilaterally fitted instrument incorporates large controls, a color display, beamforming sound processing, and Bluetooth capabilities. Forty-three elderly participants (mean age=71; range 46-88 years) were surveyed to gauge level of benefit and satisfaction with the device and opinions regarding the hearing aid. They were assessed using three standardized questionnaires (the International Outcome Inventory-Hearing Aids, the Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, and the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement) and through open-ended, structured interviews. Participants rated their EasyHear device fitting highly for hours of use and improved quality of life and rated the device favorably for improved communication and benefit in background noise. A majority of users felt the device improved listening ability in their expressed area of greatest need, and also for their second highest prioritized area of greatest need. Less than 10% of users felt their listening was only occasionally or hardly ever improved when using the body-worn device. Benefit and satisfaction ratings with the EasyHear Grand were comparable to those in studies involving conventional form factor devices. Interviews highlighted areas where users felt the device could be improved—extra noise reduction, changes to device dimensions, receiver/eartip fit, and cableless technology were among the areas mentioned. Many participants valued smartphone linkage and Bluetooth capability. The EasyHear Grand, with its body-worn design and large, simple controls, was well accepted by the majority of participants. Hearing aids that break from conventional design formats may benefit many elderly individuals with hearing impairment and promote increased user acceptability.

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