Binaural signal processing

人类听觉系统能够使用双耳线索来确定声源位置并提高噪声中的语音清晰度。然而，由于技术限制，助听技术传统上都是独立应用于两只耳朵的。这种独立的操作可能会导致对听力很重要的双耳线索的破坏。然而，在未来几年内，预计低功耗数字信号处理器和无线技术的进步将使助听器和其他耳戴设备的连接成为可能。具有这种功能的助听器将远远超过当今的声学放大器：它将成为真正的双耳听力系统。不幸的是，人们对如何以实现有效的双耳听力系统的方式适应当今助听器中常见的功能知之甚少。

The human auditory system is able to use binaural cues to determine sound-source locations and to increase speech intelligibility in noise. Due to technical limitations, however, hearing-aid technology has traditionally been applied independently to the two ears. Such independent operation can lead to the disruption of the binaural cues that are important to hearing. Within the next few years, however, it is anticipated that advances in low-power digital signal processors and wireless technology will enable the linking of hearing aids and other ear-worn devices. A hearing aid with this capability will be much more than today's acoustic amplifier: it will become a true binaural hearing system. Unfortunately, little is known about how to adapt the features common in today's hearing aids in a manner that will achieve an effective binaural hearing system.