NOISE REDUCTION FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

描述（由申请人提供）：本项目旨在开发降噪算法，以提高人工耳蜗使用者的语音清晰度。第一阶段的工作表明，使用定向麦克风阵列与双通道降噪算法相结合，可以改善人工耳蜗用户在噪声中的语音接收。拟议的第二阶段工作将扩大范围，包括在人工耳蜗声学拾取和信号处理链的每个可能点上的降噪技术。这项工作考虑了单和双麦克风阵列，单或双通道预处理算法，以及新颖的通道内压缩器控制算法。这些方法中的每一种都将使用从计算机模拟和自动可理解性预测（用于快速系统评估）到人工耳蜗用户的语音接收测试和听力质量评级（用于正式评估的便携式实时信号处理）的方法进行研究。声学测试环境（模拟或实际）在混响程度、干扰源的数量和平稳性方面将是真实的。最后的综合研究将评估优化信号处理算法与四种不同麦克风阵列配置的贡献。这项工作的结果将量化优化降噪方案对人工耳蜗用户的好处。最有前途的算法将通过与商业伙伴的合同协议在第三阶段的工作中开发。人工耳蜗是唯一可行的方法来恢复听力严重失聪的人的感觉。人工耳蜗技术的进步已经达到了这样的程度：许多听者可以不借助唇读而安静地理解别人说话；然而，与听力正常的听众相比，接受者对背景噪音的敏感性仍然要差得多。本项目的目标是开发降噪系统，以改善人工耳蜗使用者在存在背景噪音的情况下的语音接收。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project is aimed at developing noise reduction algorithms for improving the intelligibility of speech for cochlear implant users. Phase 1 work showed that using directional microphone arrays in conjunction with dual-channel noise reduction algorithms improves speech reception in noise for cochlear implant users. The proposed Phase 2 work will expand the scope to include noise reduction techniques at every possible point in the cochlear implant acoustic pick-up and signal processing chain. The work considers single and dual microphone arrays, single- or dual-channel preprocessing algorithms, and novel within-channel compressor- control algorithms. Each of these approaches will be studied using methods that range from computer simulations and automatic intelligibility prediction, for rapid system assessments, to speech-reception testing and listening-quality ratings by cochlear implant users with portable real-time signal processing for formal evaluations. Acoustic test environments (simulated or actual) will be realistic with respect to the degree of reverberation, and the number and stationarity of interference sources. A final comprehensive study will evaluate the contributions of optimized signal-processing algorithms in conjunction with four different microphone-array configurations. The results of this work will quantify the benefits of optimized noise reduction options for cochlear implant users. The most promising algorithms will be developed in Phase 3 work through contractual agreements with commercial partners. Cochlear implants are the only viable procedure for restoring a sense of hearing to profoundly deafened individuals. Progress in cochlear implants has increased to the point where many recipients can understand speech in quiet without the aid of lip-reading; however, susceptibility to background noise continues to be much worse for recipients than for normal hearing listeners. The goal of this project is to develop noise reduction systems to improve speech reception for cochlear implant users in the presence of background noise.