MULTIPLE MODALITY ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICE

该项目的长期目标是开发一个多功能的 帮助听力受损者的模态助听器 人在高环境噪声中理解语音。 两个重要 问题是：该系统与所有现有的ALD兼容 类型（FM，IR和感应）;并且手持高度 包括定向麦克风阵列。 该系统有两个主要 模块：一个头戴式耳机，带有三种模式接收器（IR，FM和“T”） 线圈）;以及笔形单元， 高度定向的麦克风阵列和适当的支持 用于耳机或助听器的电路 含有“T”形线圈。 麦克风会放在口袋里 类似于笔，当不使用时，手持并瞄准 需要时的信号源。 从笔耦合的方法 对于助听器用户来说， 和电感或FM到集成FM接收器， 助听器使用者 尽管经过多年的研究，助听器在以下方面表现不佳： 噪声 此外，我们的老龄人口中有许多人患有 噪音条件下的听力限制，即使它们不是 助听器使用者 据信，上述装置是负责 满足这两个群体的需求，因为它将提供一个 本发明提供了一种在噪声中提高听力的有效方法， 与目前ALD传输的三种模式兼容 在使用中。

The long range goal of this project is to develop a multiple modality assistive listening device which helps hearing impaired individuals understand speech in high ambient noise. Two important issues are: that the system be compatible with all existing ALD types (FM, IR and Induction); and that a hand-held highly directional microphone array be included. The system has two main modules: A head set with a three-mode receiver (IR, FM AND "T" coil) for users without a hearing aid; and a pen shaped unit with a highly directional microphone array and appropriate supporting circuits for use with either the headset or with a hearing aid containing a "T" coil. The microphone would be stored in a pocket similarly to a pen when not used, and hand held and aimed at the signal source when required. The method od coupling form the pen to the ear would be inductive to a "T" coil for a hearing aid user and either inductive or FM to the integral FM receiver for the non- hearing aid user. In spite of many years of research, hearing aids perform poorly in noise. Also, many members of our aging population suffer from hearing limitations under noisy conditions, even if they are not hearing aid users. It is believed this above device is responsible to the needs of both these populations in that it would provide an effective method for improving hearing in noise and provide compatibility with the three modes of ALD transmission currently in use.