Binaural technology

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The term binaural technology (also binaural technology ) refers to a field of psychoacoustics or hearing aid technology .

Background and description

Hearing aid technology is currently developing at a rapid pace. Modern hearing similar to a microcomputer , which on the outer ear striking sound waves in different frequency ranges disassembled, these analyzes and a new digital sound reassembles. In this way, the signal recording can be individually tailored to the hearing sensation. The acoustic signals are amplified in separate frequency ranges. The progress in hearing aid technology can be reduced to one common denominator: binaural technology . Binaural hearing systems exchange large amounts of data between the right and left ears via radio , recalculate them and adapt them precisely to every acoustic situation. They represent real progress because they create an authentic surround sound . They also improve speech understanding in noisy situations - which used to be the “ Achilles' heel ” of hearing aids.

Binaural functions

Basically, a distinction is made between the following three binaural functions:

  1. Binaural coordination: It makes it possible to control the hearing systems via a "built-in remote control". The hearing systems of the right and left ears interact with each other. An example: If the volume on one device is changed on one side, the other device automatically adopts this setting. The different hearing programs are also operated in this way: both hearing systems can be switched over at the same time - by operating just one device. The binaural coordination makes it easier to use the hearing systems.
  2. Binaural synchronization: includes the ability to activate various automatic functions, such as noise suppression, in two devices at the same time. This ensures that the right and left hearing aids coordinate with each other and react uniformly. The binaural synchronization creates a more harmonious and comfortable hearing impression.
  3. Binaural signal processing: This function allows the right and left devices to process the ambient noise at the same time. As a result, the information that is so important for directional hearing, which is different due to the head shadowing effect on the right and left ears, can be processed in such a way that directions can be recognized. At the same time, the binaural signal processing makes it possible to hear selectively. This enables the user to concentrate on individual noises, for example a voice, in a noisy environment. The binaural signal processing enables better directional hearing and more precise acoustic orientation. It significantly improves speech understanding in noise.

Progress and user satisfaction

Unfortunately, this progress only reaches the vast majority of users with a considerable delay. Because the average wearing time of hearing aids is five to six years - an eternity in the high-tech world. In addition, around three-quarters of all hearing aid users opt for models with a limited range of features. In doing so, they limit their hearing and quality of life. In 2008 around 750,000 hearing aids were sold in Germany. Of this total, less than 25 percent was attributable to high-quality upper-class devices. It follows from this: Only a minority make use of solutions that correspond to the current state of science. It is true that hearing systems of all quality classes are effective and reliable solutions to enable people with hearing impairments to hear clearly again. But: The scope of services, features and sound resolution differ considerably from segment to segment. For hearing aid wearers this means: the higher quality the hearing systems, the greater and more effective the effect. Research confirms this relationship between user satisfaction and technical progress. The audiologist Sergej Kochkin has found that users of hearing systems who are not older than a year are more satisfied with their devices than those with older models. The advantages of modern technology are particularly evident in complex listening situations, as they provide better sound quality and better speech understanding.

literature

  • Horst Warncke: Binaural signal processing: The heart of binaural technology. In: Hearing Acoustics. No. 5, 2009, pp. 14-17.
  • Horst Warncke, Björn Feist, Ascan Gossler: Not all wireless are the same. In: Hearing Acoustics. No. 9, 2010, pp. 38-42.