Patent ID: 10631108

Abstract:
Various systems and methods are disclosed herein to increase the quality of the sound and intelligibility of speech delivered to a user by combining electric audio signals from more than one hearing assistance device that incorporates an active signal enhancement system. The method includes receiving electric audio signals at a first hearing assistance device, and sending electric audio signals to a second hearing assistance device. The electric audio signal is encoded as a replacement for input to an microphone channel located at the second hearing assistance device. The electric audio signals from the microphone located at the first hearing assistance device and the microphone located at the second hearing assistance device are combined. The combined electric audio signals are processed through a digital signal processor in the first hearing assistance device to enhance the amplitude of the desired signal via constructive interference. The combined signal is then routed through a multi-channel compressor in the first hearing assistance device to apply gain and frequency shaping as appropriate for the hearing profile of the listener, converted to an analog signal in a digital-analog converter, and then transduced and output to the user.