EP2357850B1 - Method and hearing aid for recognising and suppressing feedback from a directional microphone - Google Patents

Method and hearing aid for recognising and suppressing feedback from a directional microphone Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2357850B1
EP2357850B1 EP10191186.5A EP10191186A EP2357850B1 EP 2357850 B1 EP2357850 B1 EP 2357850B1 EP 10191186 A EP10191186 A EP 10191186A EP 2357850 B1 EP2357850 B1 EP 2357850B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal
feedback
compensation filter
acoustic feedback
detection unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP10191186.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2357850A2 (en
EP2357850A3 (en
Inventor
Sebastian Pape
Stefan Petrausch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sivantos Pte Ltd filed Critical Sivantos Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2357850A2 publication Critical patent/EP2357850A2/en
Publication of EP2357850A3 publication Critical patent/EP2357850A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2357850B1 publication Critical patent/EP2357850B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/45—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback
    • H04R25/453—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback electronically
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/405—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic by combining a plurality of transducers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a hearing device with an improved feedback detection and feedback suppression by the use of a directional microphone.
  • FIG. 1 shows the principle of acoustic feedback.
  • a hearing device 1 has a microphone 2, which receives an acoustic useful signal 10, converts it into an electrical microphone signal 11 and emits it to a signal processing unit 3.
  • the microphone signal 11 is, among other things, processed and amplified and delivered to a receiver 4 as an electrical receiver signal 12.
  • the electrical receiver signal 12 is again converted into an acoustic output signal 13 and delivered to the eardrum 7 of a hearing aid wearer.
  • the acoustic feedback path 14 is reproduced digitally in the hearing aid 1.
  • the replication takes place, for example, by means of an adaptive compensation filter 5, which is fed by the receiver signal 12.
  • a filtered compensation signal 15 is subtracted from the microphone signal 11.
  • the effect of the acoustic feedback path 14 is thereby canceled and there is a feedback-free input signal 16 for the signal processing unit.
  • the microphone signal 11 is evaluated with the aid of a detection unit 6 and examined for possible feedback.
  • artefacts can also be created, however, since additional signal components are generated or feedback whistling occurs in the case of an adaptive compensation filter which is not set optimally.
  • EP 1 033 063 B1 discloses a hearing aid with a feedback suppression, wherein two parallel adaptive compensation filters are used to improve the feedback suppression.
  • the useful signal 10 is the biggest problem because it represents a noise signal from the perspective of a feedback suppression system.
  • the feedback signal 14 is highly correlated with the useful signal 10, as a result of which the detection unit 6 can make it more difficult to distinguish between the feedback 14 and the useful signal 10.
  • Directional microphone systems are among the methods of noise suppression that have been established for years and demonstrably improve speech intelligibility in listening situations in which the useful signal and the interference signals come from different directions.
  • the directivity is generated by differential processing of two or more adjacent microphones with omnidirectional characteristics.
  • FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a directional microphone system 1st order with two microphones 21, 22 at a distance of about 10 to 15 mm.
  • This results for sound signals coming from the front V an external delay of T2 between the first and the second microphone 21, 22, which corresponds for example to the distance of the microphones 21, 22 to each other.
  • the signal R2 of the second microphone 22 is delayed by the time T1 in a delay unit 23, inverted in the inverter 24 and added to the signal R1 of the first microphone 21 in the first adder 25.
  • the sum results in the directional microphone signal RA, which can be supplied to a listener, for example via signal processing.
  • the direction-dependent sensitivity arises essentially from a subtraction of the second microphone signal R2 delayed by the time T2 from the first signal R1. Sound signals from the front V are thus, after appropriate equalization, not attenuated, while, for example, sound signals are extinguished from behind S.
  • Adaptive directional microphones are microphones that are able to adapt to different environmental conditions during operation.
  • the goal is usually pursued as well as possible to receive useful sound emitted by a useful sound source and forward, during the outgoing from one or more Störschallánn Störschall in the output from the adaptive directional microphone output signal should be as well attenuated.
  • a hearing aid with an adaptive directional microphone is known in which the directional gain / attenuation can be varied according to the result of a signal analysis.
  • a hearing aid with two directional microphone units is known in which the directional microphone units each have a fixed directivity.
  • the directivity signals generated by the directional microphone units are combined by means of a combiner into an input signal which is fed to a detection unit for feedback recognition.
  • the invention claims a method for operating a hearing device with at least two omnidirectional microphones emitting microphones and a detection unit for detecting or detecting or detecting an acoustic feedback.
  • the microphones are electrically interconnected to form a first directivity signal.
  • the directivity of the first signal is adjusted so that the acoustic feedback in the first signal is maximized or maximally amplified.
  • the first signal is analyzed by the detection unit for detecting a possible acoustic feedback.
  • the invention offers the advantage that a detection of the feedback by a signal with improved signal / noise ratio can be done. Feedback is thus detected more reliably and faster.
  • the microphones can be interconnected with each other to form a second signal with directivity.
  • the directivity of the second signal can be adjusted so that the acoustic feedback in the second signal is minimized, that is, that as far as possible only the useful signal is included.
  • the acoustic feedback in the second signal can be reduced by a second adaptive compensation filter, being controllable by the detection unit. The advantage of this is that a feedback suppression is reliable and faster executable.
  • a second signal can be formed from one of the microphone signals.
  • the acoustic feedback in the second signal can be reduced by a second adaptive compensation filter controllable by the detection unit.
  • the acoustic feedback in the first signal may be reduced by a first adaptive compensation filter controllable by the detection unit.
  • the acoustic feedback in the second signal may be reduced by the second adaptive compensation filter controllable by the first compensation filter.
  • an acoustic output signal can be formed from the feedback-reduced second signal. This is presented to the eardrum of a hearing aid wearer.
  • the method can be carried out separately for several frequency bands.
  • the invention also provides a hearing aid with at least two omnidirectional microphones emitting microphones and a detection unit for detecting an acoustic Feedback on.
  • the hearing aid also includes a first directional microphone unit for electrically interconnecting the microphones with each other to form a first directivity signal, wherein the directivity of the first signal is adjusted to maximize the acoustic feedback in the first signal.
  • the hearing aid also includes a detection unit which analyzes the first signal for determining the acoustic feedback.
  • the hearing aid comprises a second directional microphone unit for electrically interconnecting the microphones with one another to form a second signal with directivity, wherein the directivity of the second signal is adjusted such that the acoustic feedback in the second signal is minimized.
  • the hearing aid also includes a second adaptive compensation filter for reducing the acoustic feedback in the second signal, wherein the second compensation filter is controllable by the detection unit.
  • the hearing device also comprises a second adaptive compensation filter for reducing the acoustic feedback in a second signal formed by one of the microphone signals, wherein the second compensation filter can be controlled by the detection unit.
  • the hearing device also comprises a first adaptive compensation filter for reducing the acoustic feedback in the first signal, wherein the first compensation filter is controllable by the detection unit, and wherein the acoustic feedback in the second signal is reduced by the second adaptive compensation filter controllable by the first compensation filter.
  • the hearing aid may comprise a receiver which forms an acoustic output signal from the feedback-reduced second signal.
  • FIG. 3 2 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid 30 with two microphones 31 for receiving an acoustic input signal 50 and with a receiver 32 for outputting an acoustic output signal 43.
  • a part of the acoustic output signal 43 is fed back to the microphones 31 via an acoustic feedback path 34, resulting in an undesired one Can cause feedback whistles.
  • the unwanted feedback signal superimposes a desired payload signal 49 on the input signal 50.
  • the feedback path 34 is reproduced as exactly as possible with the aid of a second adaptive compensation filter 39.
  • An output of the second compensation filter 39 supplies a compensation signal 48, which is subtracted from a second signal 42 at an input of a signal processor 33 of the hearing device 30.
  • the second signal 42 may be either one of the microphone signals 40 of the microphones 31 (in FIG FIG. 3 dashed lines drawn), or it is a signal formed by the two microphone signals 40 by means of a second adaptive directional microphone unit 36 with directivity.
  • the directivity of the second signal 42 is set such that the useful signal 49 is as strong as possible and the feedback signal 34 is as weak as possible.
  • the second adaptive compensation filter 39 is controlled by a first control signal 44 of a detection unit 37. That is, the filter parameters of the second compensation filter 39 may be changed by the detection unit 37.
  • the task of the detection unit 37 is to effectively detect feedback in the input signal 50.
  • a first adaptive directional microphone unit 35 the two microphone signals 40 are electrically interconnected, so that a first signal 41 with directional effect is formed.
  • the directional microphone unit 35 is adapted such that in the first signal 41, the acoustic feedback occurs maximally amplified. In other words, the directional microphone formed by the two microphones 31 "looks" in the direction of the feedback path 34. Thus, the signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal 41 is maximized.
  • the first signal 41 is then fed to the detection unit 37, which can detect acoustic feedback in a known manner.
  • FIG. 4 2 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid 30 with two microphones 31 for receiving an acoustic input signal 50 and with a receiver 32 for outputting an acoustic output signal 43.
  • a part of the acoustic output signal 43 is fed back to the microphones 31 via an acoustic feedback path 34, resulting in an undesired one Can cause feedback whistles.
  • the unwanted feedback signal superimposes a desired payload signal 49 on the input signal 50.
  • the feedback path 34 is reproduced as exactly as possible with the aid of a second adaptive compensation filter 39.
  • An output of the second compensation filter 39 supplies a compensation signal 48, which from a second Signal 42 is subtracted at an input of a signal processing 33 of the hearing aid 30.
  • the second signal 42 may be either one of the microphone signals 40 of the microphones 31 (in FIG FIG. 4 dashed lines drawn), or it is a signal formed by the two microphone signals 40 by means of a second adaptive directional microphone unit 36 with directivity.
  • the directivity of the second signal 42 is set such that the useful signal 49 is as strong as possible and the feedback signal 34 is as weak as possible.
  • the second adaptive compensation filter 39 is controlled by a first control signal 44 of a detection unit 37. That is, the filter parameters of the second compensation filter 39 may be changed by the detection unit 37.
  • the task of the detection unit 37 is to effectively detect feedback in the input signal 50.
  • a first adaptive directional microphone unit 35 the two microphone signals 40 are electrically interconnected, so that a first signal 41 with directional effect is formed.
  • the directional microphone unit 35 is adapted such that in the first signal 41, the acoustic feedback occurs maximally amplified. In other words, the directional microphone formed by the two microphones 31 "looks" in the direction of the feedback path 34. Thus, the signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal 41 is maximized.
  • the first signal 41 is then fed to the detection unit 37, which can detect acoustic feedback in a known manner.
  • the hearing aid 30 also comprises a first adaptive compensation filter 38, which is arranged in the path between the output of the signal processing unit 33 and the first signal 41.
  • This so-called “shadow filter” 38 is controlled by a second control signal 45 of the detection unit 37 in such a way that a first compensation signal 47 of the first compensation filter 38 corresponds as accurately as possible to the fed-back signal.
  • the first compensation signal 47 is subtracted from the first signal 41 and supplied to an input of the first compensation filter 38.
  • An output of the first compensation filter 38 provides a third control signal 46 which is used to control the second compensation filter 39.
  • the filter parameters of the second compensation filter 39 can be "overwritten" with the aid of the first compensation filter 38.
  • the second compensation filter 39 is controlled both by the detection unit 37 directly and indirectly via the "shadow filter" 38.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und ein Hörgerät mit einer verbesserten Rückkopplungserkennung und Rückkopplungsunterdrückung durch den Einsatz eines Richtmikrofons.The invention relates to a method and a hearing device with an improved feedback detection and feedback suppression by the use of a directional microphone.

Ein häufiges Problem bei Hörgeräten ist die Rückkopplung zwischen dem Ausgang des Hörgeräts und dem Eingang, die sich als Pfeifen störend bemerkbar macht. Figur 1 zeigt das Prinzip einer akustischen Rückkopplung. Ein Hörgerät 1 weist ein Mikrofon 2 auf, das ein akustisches Nutzsignal 10 aufnimmt, in ein elektrisches Mikrofonsignal 11 umwandelt und an eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 abgibt. In der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird das Mikrofonsignal 11 u.a. aufbereitet und verstärkt und als elektrisches Hörersignal 12 an einen Hörer 4 abgegeben. Im Hörer 4 wird das elektrische Hörersignal 12 wieder in ein akustisches Ausgangssignal 13 gewandelt und an das Trommelfell 7 eines Hörgeräteträgers abgegeben.A common problem with hearing aids is the feedback between the output of the hearing aid and the input, which makes disturbing as a whistle. FIG. 1 shows the principle of acoustic feedback. A hearing device 1 has a microphone 2, which receives an acoustic useful signal 10, converts it into an electrical microphone signal 11 and emits it to a signal processing unit 3. In the signal processing unit 3, the microphone signal 11 is, among other things, processed and amplified and delivered to a receiver 4 as an electrical receiver signal 12. In the receiver 4, the electrical receiver signal 12 is again converted into an acoustic output signal 13 and delivered to the eardrum 7 of a hearing aid wearer.

Das Problem besteht nun darin, dass ein Teil des akustischen Ausgangssignals 13 über einen akustischen Rückkopplungspfad 14 zum Eingang des Hörgeräts 1 gelangt, wo es sich mit dem Nutzsignal 10 überlagert und als Summensignal vom Mikrofon 2 aufgenommen wird. Bei einer ungünstgen Phasenlage und Amplitude des rückgekoppelten Ausgangssignals kommt es zu dem besagten störenden Rückkopplungspfeifen. Insbesondere bei einer offenen Hörgeräteversorgung ist die Dämpfung der akustischen Rückkopplung gering, wodurch das Problem verschärft wird.The problem now is that a part of the acoustic output signal 13 passes through an acoustic feedback path 14 to the input of the hearing device 1, where it is superimposed on the useful signal 10 and recorded as a sum signal from the microphone 2. With an unfavorable phase position and amplitude of the fed-back output signal, the said disturbing feedback whistling occurs. In particular, in an open hearing aid supply, the attenuation of the acoustic feedback is low, whereby the problem is exacerbated.

Zur Lösung stehen seit einiger Zeit adaptive Systeme zur Rückkopplungsunterdrückung zur Verfügung. Dazu wird der akustische Rückkopplungspfad 14 im Hörgerät 1 digital nachgebildet. Die Nachbildung erfolgt beispielsweise mittels eines adaptiven Kompensationsfilters 5, das von dem Hörersignal 12 gespeist wird. Nach einer Filterung im Kompensationsfilter 5 wird ein gefiltertes Kompensationssignal 15 vom Mikrofonsignal 11 subtrahiert. Im Idealfall wird die Wirkung des akustischen Rückkopplungspfads 14 dadurch aufgehoben und es entsteht ein rückkopplungsfreies Eingangssignal 16 für die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3.For some time adaptive systems for feedback suppression have been available. For this purpose, the acoustic feedback path 14 is reproduced digitally in the hearing aid 1. The replication takes place, for example, by means of an adaptive compensation filter 5, which is fed by the receiver signal 12. After filtering in the compensation filter 5 a filtered compensation signal 15 is subtracted from the microphone signal 11. Ideally, the effect of the acoustic feedback path 14 is thereby canceled and there is a feedback-free input signal 16 for the signal processing unit. 3

Für eine effektive Rückkopplungsunterdrückung ist eine Regelung bzw. Anpassung von Filterkoeffizienten des adaptiven Kompensationsfilters 5 erforderlich. Dazu wird mit Hilfe einer Detektionseinheit 6 das Mikrofonsignal 11 ausgewertet und auf mögliche Rückkopplungen untersucht. Durch die Regelung bzw. Anpassung der Filterkoeffizienten können aber auch Artefakte entstehen, da bei einem nicht optimal eingestellten adaptiven Kompensationsfilter 5 zusätzliche Signalkomponenten erzeugt werden oder ein Rückkopplungspfeifen auftritt. In der EP 1 033 063 B1 ist ein Hörgerät mit einer Rückkopplungsunterdrückung offenbart, wobei zur Verbesserung der Rückkopplungsunterdrückung zwei parallel arbeitende adaptive Kompensationsfilter eingesetzt werden.For effective feedback suppression, adjustment of filter coefficients of the adaptive compensation filter 5 is required. For this purpose, the microphone signal 11 is evaluated with the aid of a detection unit 6 and examined for possible feedback. By regulating or adapting the filter coefficients, artefacts can also be created, however, since additional signal components are generated or feedback whistling occurs in the case of an adaptive compensation filter which is not set optimally. In the EP 1 033 063 B1 discloses a hearing aid with a feedback suppression, wherein two parallel adaptive compensation filters are used to improve the feedback suppression.

Für eine optimale Rückkopplungsunterdrückung stellt das Nutzsignal 10 das größte Problem dar, weil es aus Sicht eines Systems zur Rückkopplungsunterdrückung ein Störsignal darstellt. Schlimmer noch, infolge der Verstärkung des Nutzsignals 10 durch die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 ist das Rückkopplungssignal 14 hoch korreliert mit dem Nutzsignal 10, wodurch die Detektionseinheit 6 zwischen Rückkopplung 14 und Nutzsignal 10 erschwert unterscheiden kann.For optimal feedback rejection, the useful signal 10 is the biggest problem because it represents a noise signal from the perspective of a feedback suppression system. Worse, as a result of the amplification of the useful signal 10 by the signal processing unit 3, the feedback signal 14 is highly correlated with the useful signal 10, as a result of which the detection unit 6 can make it more difficult to distinguish between the feedback 14 and the useful signal 10.

Folglich ist eine richtige Einstellung der Adaptionsgeschwindigkeit des Kompensationsfilters 5 von großer Bedeutung. Ist die Adaption zu langsam, tritt das Rückkopplungspfeifen einige Zeit auf, bis die Unterdrückung anspricht. Ist die Adaption zu schnell, treten sogenannte "musikalische" Artefakte (musical noise) auf, da das Kompensationsfilter 5 auch das Nutzsignal zu kompensieren versucht. Daher ist eine Detektionseinheit 6 zur Rückkopplungserkennung erforderlich, die immer die optimale Adaptionsgeschwindigkeit wählt. Das heißt, das Verhalten der Detektionseinheit 6 ist maßgeblich verantwortlich für eine reibungslose Funktion der Rückkopplungsunterdrückung.Consequently, a proper adjustment of the adaptation speed of the compensation filter 5 is of great importance. If the adaptation is too slow, the feedback whistling occurs for some time until the suppression responds. If the adaptation is too fast, so-called "musical" artifacts (musical noise) occur because the compensation filter 5 also attempts to compensate the useful signal. Therefore, a detection unit 6 for feedback recognition is required, which always selects the optimum adaptation speed. This means, the behavior of the detection unit 6 is significantly responsible for a smooth function of the feedback suppression.

Richtmikrofonsysteme zählen zu den seit Jahren etablierten Methoden der Störgeräuschunterdrückung und führen nachweislich zur Verbesserung der Sprachverständlichkeit in Hörsituationen, in denen das Nutzsignal und die Störsignale aus unterschiedlichen Richtungen einfallen. In modernen Hörgeräten wird die Richtwirkung durch differentielle Verarbeitung zweier oder mehrerer benachbarter Mikrofone mit omnidirektionaler Charakteristik erzeugt.Directional microphone systems are among the methods of noise suppression that have been established for years and demonstrably improve speech intelligibility in listening situations in which the useful signal and the interference signals come from different directions. In modern hearing aids, the directivity is generated by differential processing of two or more adjacent microphones with omnidirectional characteristics.

Figur 2 zeigt ein vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild eines Richtmikrofonsystems 1. Ordnung mit zwei Mikrofonen 21, 22 im Abstand von etwa 10 bis 15 mm. Dadurch entsteht für Schallsignale die von vorne V kommen eine externe Verzögerung von T2 zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Mikrofon 21, 22, welche beispielsweise dem Abstand der Mikrofone 21, 22 zueinander entspricht. Das Signal R2 des zweiten Mikrofons 22 wird um die Zeit T1 in einer Verzögerungseinheit 23 verzögert, im Inverter 24 invertiert und mit dem Signal R1 des ersten Mikrofons 21 im ersten Addierer 25 addiert. Die Summe ergibt das Richtmikrofonsignal RA, das beispielsweise über eine Signalverarbeitung einem Hörer zugeführt werden kann. Die richtungsabhängige Empfindlichkeit entsteht im Wesentlichen aus einer Subtraktion des um die Zeit T2 verzögerten zweiten Mikrofonsignals R2 vom ersten Signal R1. Schallsignale von vorne V werden somit, nach geeigneter Entzerrung, nicht gedämpft, während beispielsweise Schallsignale von hinten S ausgelöscht werden. FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a directional microphone system 1st order with two microphones 21, 22 at a distance of about 10 to 15 mm. This results for sound signals coming from the front V an external delay of T2 between the first and the second microphone 21, 22, which corresponds for example to the distance of the microphones 21, 22 to each other. The signal R2 of the second microphone 22 is delayed by the time T1 in a delay unit 23, inverted in the inverter 24 and added to the signal R1 of the first microphone 21 in the first adder 25. The sum results in the directional microphone signal RA, which can be supplied to a listener, for example via signal processing. The direction-dependent sensitivity arises essentially from a subtraction of the second microphone signal R2 delayed by the time T2 from the first signal R1. Sound signals from the front V are thus, after appropriate equalization, not attenuated, while, for example, sound signals are extinguished from behind S.

Adaptive Richtmikrofone sind Mikrofone, die in der Lage sind, sich während des laufenden Betriebs an unterschiedliche Umgebungssituationen anzupassen. Dabei wird zumeist das Ziel verfolgt, von einer Nutzschallquelle abgegebenen Nutzschall möglichst gut zu empfangen und weiterzuleiten, während der von einer oder mehreren Störschallquellen ausgehende Störschall in dem von dem adaptiven Richtmikrofon abgegebenen Ausgangssignal möglichst gut gedämpft werden soll. Aus der WO 00/19770 A1 ist ein Hörgerät mit einem adaptiven Richtmikrofon bekannt, bei dem die richtungsabhängige Verstärkung/Dämpfung entsprechend dem Ergebnis einer Signalanalyse variiert werden kann.Adaptive directional microphones are microphones that are able to adapt to different environmental conditions during operation. In this case, the goal is usually pursued as well as possible to receive useful sound emitted by a useful sound source and forward, during the outgoing from one or more Störschallquellen Störschall in the output from the adaptive directional microphone output signal should be as well attenuated. From the WO 00/19770 A1 a hearing aid with an adaptive directional microphone is known in which the directional gain / attenuation can be varied according to the result of a signal analysis.

Aus der WO 2007/042025 A1 ist ein Hörgerät mit zwei Richtmikrofoneinheiten bekannt, bei welchem die Richtmikrofoneinheiten jeweils eine fest eingestellte Richtwirkung aufweisen. Die von den Richtmikrofoneinheiten erzeugten Signale mit Richtwirkung werden mittels eines Kombinierers zu einem Eingangssignal kombiniert, welches einer Detektionseinheit zur Rückkopplungserkennung zugeführt wird.From the WO 2007/042025 A1 a hearing aid with two directional microphone units is known in which the directional microphone units each have a fixed directivity. The directivity signals generated by the directional microphone units are combined by means of a combiner into an input signal which is fed to a detection unit for feedback recognition.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung ein Verfahren und ein Hörgerät mit einer verbesserten Rückkopplungsunterdrückung anzugeben.It is an object of the invention to provide a method and a hearing aid with improved feedback suppression.

Gemäß der Erfindung wird die gestellte Aufgabe mit dem Verfahren und dem Hörgerät der unabhängigen Patentansprüche gelöst.According to the invention, the stated object is achieved with the method and the hearing device of the independent claims.

Die Erfindung beansprucht ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Hörgeräts mit mindestens zwei omnidirektionalen, Mikrofonsignale abgebenden Mikrofonen und einer Detektionseinheit zum Feststellen bzw. zum Erkennen bzw. zum Erfassen einer akustischen Rückkopplung. Die Mikrofone werden zur Bildung eines ersten Signals mit Richtwirkung elektrisch miteinander verschaltet. Die Richtwirkung des ersten Signals wird so eingestellt, dass die akustische Rückkopplung im ersten Signal maximiert bzw. maximal verstärkt wird. Das erste Signal wird durch die Detektionseinheit zum Feststellen einer möglichen akustischen Rückkopplung analysiert bzw. ausgewertet. Die Erfindung bietet den Vorteil, dass eine Detektion der Rückkopplung durch ein Signal mit verbessertem Signal/Rauschverhältnis erfolgen kann. Rückkopplungen werden so verlässlicher und schneller erkannt.The invention claims a method for operating a hearing device with at least two omnidirectional microphones emitting microphones and a detection unit for detecting or detecting or detecting an acoustic feedback. The microphones are electrically interconnected to form a first directivity signal. The directivity of the first signal is adjusted so that the acoustic feedback in the first signal is maximized or maximally amplified. The first signal is analyzed by the detection unit for detecting a possible acoustic feedback. The invention offers the advantage that a detection of the feedback by a signal with improved signal / noise ratio can be done. Feedback is thus detected more reliably and faster.

In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung können die Mikrofone miteinander zur Bildung eines zweiten Signals mit Richtwirkung verschaltet sein. Die Richtwirkung des zweiten Signals kann so eingestellt werden, dass die akustische Rückkopplung im zweiten Signal minimiert wird, das heißt, dass möglichst nur das Nutzsignal enthalten ist. Die akustische Rückkopplung im zweiten Signal kann durch ein zweites adaptives Kompensationsfilter reduziert werden, wobei es durch die Detektionseinheit steuerbar ist. Vorteilhaft daran ist, dass eine Rückkopplungsunterdrückung verlässlicher und schneller ausführbar ist.In one development of the invention, the microphones can be interconnected with each other to form a second signal with directivity. The directivity of the second signal can be adjusted so that the acoustic feedback in the second signal is minimized, that is, that as far as possible only the useful signal is included. The acoustic feedback in the second signal can be reduced by a second adaptive compensation filter, being controllable by the detection unit. The advantage of this is that a feedback suppression is reliable and faster executable.

In einer weiteren Ausgestaltung kann ein zweitens Signal aus einem der Mikrofonsignale gebildet werden. Die akustische Rückkopplung im zweiten Signal kann durch ein zweites adaptives Kompensationsfilter, das durch die Detektionseinheit steuerbar ist, reduziert werden.In a further embodiment, a second signal can be formed from one of the microphone signals. The acoustic feedback in the second signal can be reduced by a second adaptive compensation filter controllable by the detection unit.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann die akustische Rückkopplung im ersten Signal durch ein erstes adaptives Kompensationsfilter, das durch die Detektionseinheit steuerbar ist, reduziert werden. Die akustische Rückkopplung im zweiten Signal kann durch das zweite adaptive Kompensationsfilter, das durch das erste Kompensationsfilter steuerbar ist, reduziert werden. Mit Hilfe eines ersten Kompensationsfilters als "Schattenfilter" können Filterparameter des zweiten Kompensationsfilters angepasst bzw. "überschrieben" werden.In another embodiment, the acoustic feedback in the first signal may be reduced by a first adaptive compensation filter controllable by the detection unit. The acoustic feedback in the second signal may be reduced by the second adaptive compensation filter controllable by the first compensation filter. With the aid of a first compensation filter as a "shadow filter", filter parameters of the second compensation filter can be adapted or "overwritten".

Des Weiteren kann aus dem rückkopplungsreduzierten zweiten Signal ein akustisches Ausgangssignal gebildet werden. Dieses wird dem Trommelfell eines Hörgeräteträgers dargeboten.Furthermore, an acoustic output signal can be formed from the feedback-reduced second signal. This is presented to the eardrum of a hearing aid wearer.

Außerdem kann das Verfahren für mehrere Frequenzbänder getrennt ausgeführt werden.In addition, the method can be carried out separately for several frequency bands.

Die Erfindung gibt auch ein Hörgerät mit mindestens zwei omnidirektionalen, Mikrofonsignale abgebenden Mikrofonen und einer Detektionseinheit zum Feststellen einer akustischen Rückkopplung an. Das Hörgerät umfasst außerdem eine erste Richtmikrofoneinheit zur elektrischen Verschaltung der Mikrofone miteinander, um ein erstes Signal mit Richtwirkung zu bilden, wobei die Richtwirkung des ersten Signals derart eingestellt wird, dass die akustische Rückkopplung im ersten Signal maximiert wird. Das Hörgerät umfasst auch eine Detektionseinheit, die das erste Signal zum Feststellen der akustischen Rückkopplung analysiert.The invention also provides a hearing aid with at least two omnidirectional microphones emitting microphones and a detection unit for detecting an acoustic Feedback on. The hearing aid also includes a first directional microphone unit for electrically interconnecting the microphones with each other to form a first directivity signal, wherein the directivity of the first signal is adjusted to maximize the acoustic feedback in the first signal. The hearing aid also includes a detection unit which analyzes the first signal for determining the acoustic feedback.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform umfasst das Hörgerät eine zweite Richtmikrofoneinheit zur elektrischen Verschaltung der Mikrofone miteinander, um ein zweites Signal mit Richtwirkung zu bilden, wobei die Richtwirkung des zweiten Signals derart eingestellt wird, dass die akustische Rückkopplung im zweiten Signal minimiert wird. Das Hörgerät umfasst auch ein zweites adaptives Kompensationsfilter zur Reduktion der akustischen Rückkopplung im zweiten Signal, wobei das zweite Kompensationsfilter durch die Detektionseinheit steuerbar ist.In another embodiment, the hearing aid comprises a second directional microphone unit for electrically interconnecting the microphones with one another to form a second signal with directivity, wherein the directivity of the second signal is adjusted such that the acoustic feedback in the second signal is minimized. The hearing aid also includes a second adaptive compensation filter for reducing the acoustic feedback in the second signal, wherein the second compensation filter is controllable by the detection unit.

In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung umfasst das Hörgerät auch ein zweites adaptives Kompensationsfilter zur Reduktion der akustischen Rückkopplung in einem durch eines der Mikrofonsignale gebildeten zweiten Signal, wobei das zweite Kompensationsfilter durch die Detektionseinheit steuerbar ist.In a development of the invention, the hearing device also comprises a second adaptive compensation filter for reducing the acoustic feedback in a second signal formed by one of the microphone signals, wherein the second compensation filter can be controlled by the detection unit.

Des Weiteren umfasst das Hörgerät auch ein erstes adaptives Kompensationsfilter zur Reduktion der akustischen Rückkopplung im ersten Signal, wobei das erste Kompensationsfilter durch die Detektionseinheit steuerbar ist, und wobei die akustische Rückkopplung im zweiten Signal durch das durch das erste Kompensationsfilter steuerbare zweite adaptive Kompensationsfilter reduziert wird.Furthermore, the hearing device also comprises a first adaptive compensation filter for reducing the acoustic feedback in the first signal, wherein the first compensation filter is controllable by the detection unit, and wherein the acoustic feedback in the second signal is reduced by the second adaptive compensation filter controllable by the first compensation filter.

Außerdem kann das Hörgerät einen Hörer umfassen, der aus dem rückkopplungsreduzierten zweiten Signal ein akustisches Ausgangssignal bildet.In addition, the hearing aid may comprise a receiver which forms an acoustic output signal from the feedback-reduced second signal.

Weitere Besonderheiten und Vorteile der Erfindung werden aus den nachfolgenden Erläuterungen mehrerer Ausführungsbeispiele anhand von schematischen Zeichnungen ersichtlich.Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following explanations of several embodiments with reference to schematic drawings.

Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
ein Blockschaltbild einer adaptiven Rückkopplungsunterdrückung gemäß Stand der Technik,
Figur 2:
ein Blockschaltbild eines Richtmikrofons gemäß Stand der Technik,
Figur 3:
ein Blockschaltbild eines Hörgeräts mit einem Richtmikrofon und einem adaptiven Kompensationsfilter und
Figur 4:
ein Blockschaltbild eines Hörgeräts mit einem Richtmikrofon und einem adaptiven SchattenKompensationsfilter.
Show it:
FIG. 1:
2 is a block diagram of adaptive feedback suppression according to the prior art,
FIG. 2:
a block diagram of a directional microphone according to the prior art,
FIG. 3:
a block diagram of a hearing aid with a directional microphone and an adaptive compensation filter and
FIG. 4:
a block diagram of a hearing aid with a directional microphone and an adaptive shadow compensation filter.

Figur 3 zeigt ein Blockschaltbild eines Hörgeräts 30 mit zwei Mikrofonen 31 zur Aufnahme eines akustischen Eingangssignals 50 und mit einem Hörer 32 zur Abgabe eines akustischen Ausgangssignals 43. Ein Teil des akustischen Ausgangssignals 43 wird über einen akustischen Rückkopplungspfad 34 zu den Mikrofonen 31 rückgekoppelt, was zu einem unerwünschten Rückkopplungspfeifen führen kann. Das unerwünschte rückgekoppelte Signal überlagert sich mit einem erwünschten Nutzsignal 49 zu dem Eingangssignal 50. FIG. 3 2 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid 30 with two microphones 31 for receiving an acoustic input signal 50 and with a receiver 32 for outputting an acoustic output signal 43. A part of the acoustic output signal 43 is fed back to the microphones 31 via an acoustic feedback path 34, resulting in an undesired one Can cause feedback whistles. The unwanted feedback signal superimposes a desired payload signal 49 on the input signal 50.

Um die eventuell auftretenden Rückkopplungen wirksam zu unterdrücken, wird mit Hilfe eines zweiten adaptiven Kompensationsfilters 39 der Rückkopplungspfad 34 möglichst exakt nachgebildet. Ein Ausgang des zweiten Kompensationsfilters 39 liefert ein Kompensationssignal 48, das von einem zweiten Signal 42 an einem Eingang einer Signalverarbeitung 33 des Hörgeräts 30 subtrahiert wird. Das zweite Signal 42 kann entweder eines der Mikrofonsignale 40 der Mikrofone 31 sein (in Figur 3 gestrichelt gezeichnet), oder es ist ein aus den beiden Mikrofonsignalen 40 mit Hilfe einer zweiten adaptiven Richtmikrofoneinheit 36 gebildetes Signal mit Richtwirkung.In order to effectively suppress the possibly occurring feedback, the feedback path 34 is reproduced as exactly as possible with the aid of a second adaptive compensation filter 39. An output of the second compensation filter 39 supplies a compensation signal 48, which is subtracted from a second signal 42 at an input of a signal processor 33 of the hearing device 30. The second signal 42 may be either one of the microphone signals 40 of the microphones 31 (in FIG FIG. 3 dashed lines drawn), or it is a signal formed by the two microphone signals 40 by means of a second adaptive directional microphone unit 36 with directivity.

Die Richtwirkung des zweiten Signals 42 wird derart eingestellt, dass das Nutzsignal 49 möglichst stark und das Rückkopplungssignal 34 möglichst schwach ist.The directivity of the second signal 42 is set such that the useful signal 49 is as strong as possible and the feedback signal 34 is as weak as possible.

Das zweite adaptive Kompensationsfilter 39 wird von einem ersten Steuersignal 44 einer Detektionseinheit 37 gesteuert. Das heißt, die Filterparameter des zweiten Kompensationsfilters 39 können durch die Detektionseinheit 37 verändert werden. Aufgabe der Detektionseinheit 37 ist es, Rückkopplungen in dem Eingangssignal 50 wirksam zu erkennen. Dazu werden erfindungsgemäß in einer ersten adaptiven Richtmikrofoneinheit 35 die beiden Mikrofonsignale 40 elektrisch miteinander verschaltet, so dass ein erstes Signal 41 mit Richtwirkung entsteht. Die Richtmikrofoneinheit 35 wird derart angepasst, dass im ersten Signal 41 die akustische Rückkopplung maximal verstärkt auftritt. Anders ausgedrückt, das durch die beiden Mikrofone 31 gebildete Richtmikrofon "schaut" in die Richtung des Rückkopplungspfads 34. Dadurch wird das Signal/Rauschverhältnis des ersten Signals 41 maximiert. Das erste Signal 41 wird nun der Detektionseinheit 37 zugeführt, die auf bekannte Weise akustische Rückkopplungen erkennen kann.The second adaptive compensation filter 39 is controlled by a first control signal 44 of a detection unit 37. That is, the filter parameters of the second compensation filter 39 may be changed by the detection unit 37. The task of the detection unit 37 is to effectively detect feedback in the input signal 50. For this purpose, according to the invention, in a first adaptive directional microphone unit 35, the two microphone signals 40 are electrically interconnected, so that a first signal 41 with directional effect is formed. The directional microphone unit 35 is adapted such that in the first signal 41, the acoustic feedback occurs maximally amplified. In other words, the directional microphone formed by the two microphones 31 "looks" in the direction of the feedback path 34. Thus, the signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal 41 is maximized. The first signal 41 is then fed to the detection unit 37, which can detect acoustic feedback in a known manner.

Figur 4 zeigt ein Blockschaltbild eines Hörgeräts 30 mit zwei Mikrofonen 31 zur Aufnahme eines akustischen Eingangssignals 50 und mit einem Hörer 32 zur Abgabe eines akustischen Ausgangssignals 43. Ein Teil des akustischen Ausgangssignals 43 wird über einen akustischen Rückkopplungspfad 34 zu den Mikrofonen 31 rückgekoppelt, was zu einem unerwünschten Rückkopplungspfeifen führen kann. Das unerwünschte rückgekoppelte Signal überlagert sich mit einem erwünschten Nutzsignal 49 zu dem Eingangssignal 50. FIG. 4 2 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid 30 with two microphones 31 for receiving an acoustic input signal 50 and with a receiver 32 for outputting an acoustic output signal 43. A part of the acoustic output signal 43 is fed back to the microphones 31 via an acoustic feedback path 34, resulting in an undesired one Can cause feedback whistles. The unwanted feedback signal superimposes a desired payload signal 49 on the input signal 50.

Um die eventuell auftretenden Rückkopplungen wirksam zu unterdrücken, wird mit Hilfe eines zweiten adaptiven Kompensationsfilters 39 der Rückkopplungspfad 34 möglichst exakt nachgebildet. Ein Ausgang des zweiten Kompensationsfilters 39 liefert ein Kompensationssignal 48, das von einem zweiten Signal 42 an einem Eingang einer Signalverarbeitung 33 des Hörgeräts 30 subtrahiert wird. Das zweite Signal 42 kann entweder eines der Mikrofonsignale 40 der Mikrofone 31 sein (in Figur 4 gestrichelt gezeichnet), oder es ist ein aus den beiden Mikrofonsignalen 40 mit Hilfe einer zweiten adaptiven Richtmikrofoneinheit 36 gebildetes Signal mit Richtwirkung. Die Richtwirkung des zweiten Signals 42 wird derart eingestellt, dass das Nutzsignal 49 möglichst stark und das Rückkopplungssignal 34 möglichst schwach ist.In order to effectively suppress the possibly occurring feedback, the feedback path 34 is reproduced as exactly as possible with the aid of a second adaptive compensation filter 39. An output of the second compensation filter 39 supplies a compensation signal 48, which from a second Signal 42 is subtracted at an input of a signal processing 33 of the hearing aid 30. The second signal 42 may be either one of the microphone signals 40 of the microphones 31 (in FIG FIG. 4 dashed lines drawn), or it is a signal formed by the two microphone signals 40 by means of a second adaptive directional microphone unit 36 with directivity. The directivity of the second signal 42 is set such that the useful signal 49 is as strong as possible and the feedback signal 34 is as weak as possible.

Das zweite adaptive Kompensationsfilter 39 wird von einem ersten Steuersignal 44 einer Detektionseinheit 37 gesteuert. Das heißt, die Filterparameter des zweiten Kompensationsfilters 39 können durch die Detektionseinheit 37 verändert werden. Aufgabe der Detektionseinheit 37 ist es, Rückkopplungen in dem Eingangssignal 50 wirksam zu erkennen. Dazu werden erfindungsgemäß in einer ersten adaptiven Richtmikrofoneinheit 35 die beiden Mikrofonsignale 40 elektrisch miteinander verschaltet, so dass ein erstes Signal 41 mit Richtwirkung entsteht. Die Richtmikrofoneinheit 35 wird derart angepasst, dass im ersten Signal 41 die akustische Rückkopplung maximal verstärkt auftritt. Anders ausgedrückt, das durch die beiden Mikrofone 31 gebildete Richtmikrofon "schaut" in die Richtung des Rückkopplungspfads 34. Dadurch wird das Signal/Rauschverhältnis des ersten Signals 41 maximiert. Das erste Signal 41 wird nun der Detektionseinheit 37 zugeführt, die auf bekannte Weise akustische Rückkopplungen erkennen kann.The second adaptive compensation filter 39 is controlled by a first control signal 44 of a detection unit 37. That is, the filter parameters of the second compensation filter 39 may be changed by the detection unit 37. The task of the detection unit 37 is to effectively detect feedback in the input signal 50. For this purpose, according to the invention, in a first adaptive directional microphone unit 35, the two microphone signals 40 are electrically interconnected, so that a first signal 41 with directional effect is formed. The directional microphone unit 35 is adapted such that in the first signal 41, the acoustic feedback occurs maximally amplified. In other words, the directional microphone formed by the two microphones 31 "looks" in the direction of the feedback path 34. Thus, the signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal 41 is maximized. The first signal 41 is then fed to the detection unit 37, which can detect acoustic feedback in a known manner.

Zusätzlich zum zweiten adaptiven Kompensationsfilter 39 umfasst das Hörgerät 30 erfindungsgemäß auch ein erstes adaptives Kompensationsfilter 38, das im Pfad zwischen dem Ausgang der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 33 und dem ersten Signal 41 angeordnet ist. Dieses sogenannte "Schattenfilter" 38 wird von einem zweiten Steuersignal 45 der Detektionseinheit 37 derart gesteuert, dass ein erstes Kompensationssignal 47 des ersten Kompensationsfilters 38 dem rückgekoppelten Signal möglichst genau entspricht. Das erste Kompensationssignal 47 wird vom ersten Signal 41 subtrahiert und einem Eingang des ersten Kompensationsfilters 38 zugeführt. Ein Ausgang des ersten Kompensationsfilters 38 liefert ein drittes Steuersignal 46, das zur Steuerung bzw. Anpassung des zweiten Kompensationsfilters 39 verwendet wird. Mit Hilfe des ersten Kompensationsfilters 38 können somit beispielsweise die Filterparameter des zweiten Kompensationsfilters 39 "überschrieben" werden.In addition to the second adaptive compensation filter 39, the hearing aid 30 according to the invention also comprises a first adaptive compensation filter 38, which is arranged in the path between the output of the signal processing unit 33 and the first signal 41. This so-called "shadow filter" 38 is controlled by a second control signal 45 of the detection unit 37 in such a way that a first compensation signal 47 of the first compensation filter 38 corresponds as accurately as possible to the fed-back signal. The first compensation signal 47 is subtracted from the first signal 41 and supplied to an input of the first compensation filter 38. An output of the first compensation filter 38 provides a third control signal 46 which is used to control the second compensation filter 39. Thus, for example, the filter parameters of the second compensation filter 39 can be "overwritten" with the aid of the first compensation filter 38.

Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung nach Figur 4 wird das zweite Kompensationsfilter 39 daher sowohl von der Detektionseinheit 37 direkt als auch indirekt über das "Schattenfilter" 38 gesteuert. With the solution according to the invention FIG. 4 Therefore, the second compensation filter 39 is controlled both by the detection unit 37 directly and indirectly via the "shadow filter" 38.

Claims (11)

  1. A method for operating a hearing device (30) having at least two omnidirectional microphones (31) emitting microphone signals (40) and a detection unit (37) for defining acoustic feedback (34), which comprises the steps of:
    - electrically connecting (35) the microphones (31) with one another a first time to form a first signal (41) with a directional effect;
    - adjusting the directional effect of the first signal (41) such that acoustic feedback in the first signal (41) is maximized; and
    - analyzing the first signal (41) via the detection unit (37) to define the acoustic feedback.
  2. The method according to Claim 1, which further comprises:
    - electrically connecting (36) the microphones (31) with one another a second time to form a second signal (42) with a directional effect;
    - adjusting the directional effect of the second signal (42) such that acoustic feedback in the second signal (42) is minimized; and
    - reducing the acoustic feedback in the second signal (42) via a second adaptive compensation filter (39), which can be controlled by means of the detection unit (37).
  3. The method according to Claim 1, which further comprises:
    - forming a second signal (42) from one of the microphone signals (40); and
    - reducing acoustic feedback in the second signal (42) via a second adaptive compensation filter (39), which can be controlled by means of the detection unit (37).
  4. The method according to Claim 2 or 3, which further comprises:
    - reducing the acoustic feedback in the first signal (41) via a first adaptive compensation filter (38), which can be controlled by means of the detection unit (37); and
    - reducing the acoustic feedback in the second signal (42) via the second adaptive compensation filter (39), which can be controlled by the first compensation filter (38).
  5. The method according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises forming an acoustic output signal (43) from the feedback-reduced second signal (42).
  6. The method according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises executing it separately for several frequency bands.
  7. A hearing device (30) having at least two omnidirectional microphones (31) emitting microphone signals (40) and a detection unit (37) for defining acoustic feedback, comprising:
    - a first directional microphone unit (35) for electrically connecting said microphones (31) to one another to form a first signal (41) with directional effect, with the directional effect of the first signal (41) being adjusted such that acoustic feedback in the first signal (41) is maximized; and
    - a detection unit (37), which analyzes the first signal (41) for defining the acoustic feedback.
  8. The hearing device (30) according to Claim 7, further comprising:
    - a second directional microphone unit (36) for electrically connecting said microphones (31) to one another to form a second signal (42) with directional effect, with the directional effect of the second signal (42) being adjusted such that acoustic feedback in the second signal (42) is minimized; and
    - a second adaptive compensation filter (39) for reducing the acoustic feedback in the second signal (42), with said second compensation filter (39) being controllable by said detection unit (37).
  9. The hearing device (30) according to Claim 7, further comprising:
    - a second adaptive compensation filter (39) for reducing the acoustic feedback in a second signal (42) formed by one of the microphone signals (40), with said second compensation filter (39) being controllable by said detection unit (37).
  10. The hearing device (30) according to Claim 8 or 9, further comprising:
    - a first adaptive compensation filter (38) for reducing the acoustic feedback in the first signal (41), with said first compensation filter (38) being controllable by said detection unit (37), and with the acoustic feedback in the second signal (42) being reduced by said second adaptive compensation filter (39) which can be controlled by said first compensation filter (38).
  11. The hearing device (30) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, further comprising:
    - a receiver (32), which forms an acoustic output signal (43) from the feedback-reduced second signal (42).
EP10191186.5A 2009-12-22 2010-11-15 Method and hearing aid for recognising and suppressing feedback from a directional microphone Not-in-force EP2357850B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102009060094A DE102009060094B4 (en) 2009-12-22 2009-12-22 Method and hearing aid for feedback detection and suppression with a directional microphone

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2357850A2 EP2357850A2 (en) 2011-08-17
EP2357850A3 EP2357850A3 (en) 2011-09-21
EP2357850B1 true EP2357850B1 (en) 2017-09-27

Family

ID=43640514

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10191186.5A Not-in-force EP2357850B1 (en) 2009-12-22 2010-11-15 Method and hearing aid for recognising and suppressing feedback from a directional microphone

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US8588444B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2357850B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102104821B (en)
DE (1) DE102009060094B4 (en)
DK (1) DK2357850T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103329566A (en) * 2010-12-20 2013-09-25 峰力公司 Method and system for speech enhancement in a room
EP2890154B1 (en) * 2013-12-27 2017-12-13 GN Resound A/S Hearing aid with feedback suppression
US9628923B2 (en) 2013-12-27 2017-04-18 Gn Hearing A/S Feedback suppression
JP6019098B2 (en) * 2013-12-27 2016-11-02 ジーエヌ リザウンド エー／エスＧｎ Ｒｅｓｏｕｎｄ Ａ／Ｓ Feedback suppression
EP3038383A1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2016-06-29 Oticon A/s Hearing device with image capture capabilities
DK3245797T3 (en) * 2015-01-14 2019-03-04 Widex As PROCEDURE TO OPERATE A HEARING SYSTEM AND HEARING SYSTEM
US9838804B2 (en) * 2015-02-27 2017-12-05 Cochlear Limited Methods, systems, and devices for adaptively filtering audio signals
CN108630216B (en) * 2018-02-15 2021-08-27 湖北工业大学 MPNLMS acoustic feedback suppression method based on double-microphone model
EP3582051A1 (en) 2018-06-12 2019-12-18 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Comprehensive fault analysis for control devices and industrial technical installations
EP3799444A1 (en) 2019-09-25 2021-03-31 Oticon A/s A hearing aid comprising a directional microphone system
DE102020206367A1 (en) * 2020-05-20 2021-11-25 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Method for operating a hearing aid and hearing aid
EP4266706A4 (en) * 2022-03-04 2024-04-10 Shenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd. Hearing assistance device

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0855129A1 (en) * 1995-10-10 1998-07-29 AudioLogic, Incorporated Digital signal processing hearing aid with processing strategy selection
US6072884A (en) * 1997-11-18 2000-06-06 Audiologic Hearing Systems Lp Feedback cancellation apparatus and methods
US6275596B1 (en) * 1997-01-10 2001-08-14 Gn Resound Corporation Open ear canal hearing aid system
DE59911808D1 (en) 1998-09-29 2005-04-28 Siemens Audiologische Technik HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING MICROPHONE SIGNALS IN A HEARING DEVICE
AU2003277877B2 (en) * 2003-09-19 2006-11-27 Widex A/S A method for controlling the directionality of the sound receiving characteristic of a hearing aid and a signal processing apparatus for a hearing aid with a controllable directional characteristic
EP1469702B1 (en) * 2004-03-15 2016-11-23 Sonova AG Feedback suppression
US7324651B2 (en) * 2004-03-15 2008-01-29 Phonak Ag Feedback suppression
EP1730992B1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2017-05-10 Oticon A/S Hearing aid with anti feedback system
DE602005021259D1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2010-06-24 Widex As HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING INPUT SIGNALS IN A HEARING DEVICE
ATE511322T1 (en) * 2006-03-03 2011-06-15 Widex As HEARING AID AND METHOD FOR USING GAIN LIMITING IN A HEARING AID
CA2647462C (en) * 2006-04-01 2014-05-20 Widex A/S Hearing aid, and a method for control of adaptation rate in anti-feedback systems for hearing aids
US7826632B2 (en) * 2006-08-03 2010-11-02 Phonak Ag Method of adjusting a hearing instrument
DK2046073T3 (en) * 2007-10-03 2017-05-22 Oticon As Hearing aid system with feedback device for predicting and canceling acoustic feedback, method and application

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN102104821A (en) 2011-06-22
US8588444B2 (en) 2013-11-19
EP2357850A2 (en) 2011-08-17
DK2357850T3 (en) 2018-01-08
CN102104821B (en) 2015-12-02
DE102009060094A1 (en) 2011-06-30
DE102009060094B4 (en) 2013-03-14
US20110150250A1 (en) 2011-06-23
EP2357850A3 (en) 2011-09-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2357850B1 (en) Method and hearing aid for recognising and suppressing feedback from a directional microphone
EP3451705B1 (en) Method and apparatus for the rapid detection of own voice
DE102017215823B3 (en) Method for operating a hearing aid
DE102006047965A1 (en) Method for the reduction of occlusion effects with acoustic device locking an auditory passage, involves using signal from transmission path of audio signal, and transmission function is observed by output of output converter
EP3104627B1 (en) Method for improving a recording signal in a hearing system
DE102007037659B4 (en) Method for operating a hearing aid system and hearing aid system
EP2919485B1 (en) Transmission of a wind-reduced signal with reduced latency
DE102011006129B4 (en) Hearing device with feedback suppression device and method for operating the hearing device
DE10357800B3 (en) Hearing aid with noise suppression has signal processing device for simulating transmission function of acoustic path that applies function to noise signal to form noise output signal that is combined with useful output signal
DE102008046040B4 (en) Method for operating a hearing device with directivity and associated hearing device
DE102020207579A1 (en) Method for direction-dependent noise suppression for a hearing system which comprises a hearing device
EP2200345B1 (en) Method for selecting a preferred direction of a directional microphone and corresponding hearing device
EP3355592A1 (en) Method for operating a binaural hearing aid system
EP2360945B1 (en) Hearing aid with frequency shift and accompanying method
DE102008022533B3 (en) Method for operating a hearing device and microphone system for a hearing aid
DE102010025918B4 (en) Method for operating a hearing aid and hearing aid with variable frequency shift
EP1962554A2 (en) Hearing device with interference signal separation and corresponding method
DE102012206759B4 (en) Method for controlling a directional characteristic and hearing system
DE102006029268B4 (en) Hearing device with structure-borne noise detection device and corresponding method
DE102007001642A1 (en) Method for reducing interference power and corresponding acoustic system
DE102005019149B3 (en) Hearing aid system with compensation for acoustic and electromagnetic feedback signals and having a delay member between the receiver and the signal processor
DE102008036803B3 (en) Arrangement and method for controlling a feedback suppression in hearing devices
DE102019213810B3 (en) Method for operating a hearing aid and hearing aid
DE102009051200B4 (en) Hearing aid and method for feedback suppression with a directional microphone
WO2000041436A1 (en) Method for producing an electric signal or method for boosting acoustic signals from a preferred direction, transmitter and associated device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H04R 25/00 20060101AFI20110816BHEP

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20110905

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD.

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20160630

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20170510

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 933030

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

RIN2 Information on inventor provided after grant (corrected)

Inventor name: BEST, SEBASTIAN

Inventor name: PETRAUSCH, STEFAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502010014193

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: E. BLUM AND CO. AG PATENT- UND MARKENANWAELTE , CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

Effective date: 20180105

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171227

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20170927

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD.

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171228

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171227

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180127

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502010014193

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20171130

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20180628

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 933030

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171115

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20181126

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20181122

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20181126

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20181126

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20181127

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20101115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502010014193

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20191130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170927

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20191115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200603

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191130

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191115