Measurement and prediction of the acceptable noise level for single-microphone noise reduction algorithms

作者：Fredelake Stefan^*; Holube Inga; Schlueter Anne; Hansen Martin

来源：International Journal of Audiology, 2012, 51(4): 299-308.

DOI：10.3109/14992027.2011.645075

• Hearing aids
• noise reduction algorithm
• acceptable noise level
• International Speech Test Signal (ISTS)

Objective: To measure the acceptable noise level (ANL) with and without noise reduction algorithms (NRAs), and to predict Delta ANL, i.e. the difference in acceptable noise level with and without NRAs. Design: The ANL test was applied to three NRAs. Furthermore, the measured Delta ANL was predicted using several methods based on either the calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio or correlation methods of the processed signals with an unprocessed reference signal. Study sample: Ten normal-hearing and eleven hearing-impaired subjects accomplished the ANL test. Results: In general, the ANL test could determine an increased acceptance of noise with some NRAs. However, great inter-individual differences also resulted that were attributed to audible distortions when an NRA was used. Prediction of the mean measured Delta ANL was possible, but individual prediction of Delta ANL failed due to inter-individual differences. Mean Delta ANL was predicted more accurately for hearing-impaired subjects when individual hearing loss was taken into account. Conclusions: The ANL test is a suitable tool for measuring the advantage of one NRA. A prediction of the measured individual Delta ANL failed. However, mean Delta ANL could be predicted with some methods. Furthermore, the individual hearing loss should be taken into account for a more accurate prediction for hearing-impaired subjects.

• 出版日期2012-4