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http://dx.doi.org/10.9718/JBER.2016.37.6.209

Automatic Directional-gain Control for Binaural Hearing Aids using Geomagnetic Sensors  

Yang, Hyejin (Interdisciplinary Program of Medical & Biological Engineering, University of Ulsan)
An, Seonyoung (Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, University of Ulsan)
Jeong, Jaehyeon (Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, University of Ulsan)
Choi, Inyong (Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa)
Woo, Jihwan (Interdisciplinary Program of Medical & Biological Engineering, University of Ulsan)
Publication Information
Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research / v.37, no.6, 2016 , pp. 209-214 More about this Journal
Abstract
Binaural hearing aids with a voice transmitter have been widely used to enhance sound quality in noisy environment. However, this system has a limitation on sound-source localization. In this study, we investigated automatic directional-gain control method using geomagnetic sensors to provide directional information to binaural hearing aid user. The loudness gains of two hearing aids were differently controlled based on the directional information between a speaker position and a viewing direction of hearing aids user. This relative directional information was measured by two geomagnetic sensors on hearing aids user and a speaker. The results showed that the loudness gains were accurately controlled and could provide directional information based on the cue of interaural level differences.
Keywords
Binaural hearing aids; geomagnetic sensor; gain control; interaural level difference;
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