Individualized sound pressure equalization in hearing devices exploiting an electro-acoustic model

TL;DR

This paper presents a method for individualized sound pressure equalization in hearing devices using an electro-acoustic model and average transfer function estimates, achieving near-optimal sound quality without full transfer function measurements.

Contribution

The study introduces a practical approach for personalized sound equalization in hearing devices using modeling and average transfer functions, reducing measurement complexity.

Findings

Achieves near-optimal sound pressure equalization

Uses electro-acoustic modeling for transfer function prediction

Demonstrates feasibility with experimental results

Abstract

To improve sound quality in hearing devices, the hearing device output should be appropriately equalized. To achieve optimal individualized equalization typically requires knowledge of all transfer functions between the source, the hearing device, and the individual eardrum. However, in practice the measurement of all of these transfer functions is not feasible. This study investigates sound pressure equalization using different transfer function estimates. Specifically, an electro-acoustic model is used to predict the sound pressure at the individual eardrum, and average estimates are used to predict the remaining transfer functions. Experimental results show that using these assumptions a practically feasible and close-to-optimal individualized sound pressure equalization can be achieved.