Method for generating acoustical speech signals which can be understood by persons extremely hard of hearing and a device for the implementation of said method
US4403118A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 1981 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R25/505
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In the illustrated embodiments, the signals to be transmitted are converted into electrical signals and are divided by means of filters into a plurality of frequency bands. The envelopes of the signals coming out of the filters are then employed for the modulation of tones. Finally, the original tones and the modulated tones are supplied to the hearing-impaired person as an audio signal. To this end, the disclosure provides that the original signal to be transmitted is transmitted together with the modulated tones, and that the ratio of the volumes of the original tones and those of the modulated tones is set to a ratio which is comfortable for the hearing-impaired person. The transmission of the modulated tones is at least partially interrupted for voiced sounds. Standard ear sets or implanted devices with direct electrical transmission of the signals to the auditory nerve can be employed for transmission to the hearing-impaired person. Disclosed methods and devices are particularly employable as a hearing aid for persons who are extremely hard of hearing or who have suffered total hearing loss.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.