Patent ID: 9185505
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. A method of providing a long term feedback path estimate of a listening device, the listening device comprising a forward path between an input transducer for converting an input sound to an electric input signal and an output transducer for converting an electric output signal to a stimulus perceived by the user as an output sound, the forward path comprising a signal processing unit for applying a frequency dependent gain to the electric input signal or a signal originating therefrom and for providing a processed signal, and feeding the processed signal or a signal originating therefrom to the output transducer; an analysis path for analysing a signal of the forward path and comprising a feedback estimation unit for adaptively estimating a feedback path from the output transducer to the input transducer, the method comprising: a) providing an estimate of the current feedback path; b) providing a number ND of detectors of parameters or properties of the acoustic environment of the listening device and/or of a signal of the listening device, each detector providing one or more detector signals; c) providing a criterion for deciding whether an estimate of the current feedback path or an equivalent maximum allowable insertion gain IGmax used by the signal processing unit of the forward path derived therefrom is reliable based on said detector signals; d) using said estimate of the current feedback path or IGmax, if said criterion is fulfilled and neglecting said estimate of the current feedback path or IGmax, if said criterion is not fulfilled; and e) providing a long term estimate of the feedback path or IGmax based on said estimate(s) of the reliable current feedback path or IGmax.