Using Active Noise Cancellation Technology to Enhance Streaming Audio Listening Benefits for Hearing-Impaired Individuals in Noisy Environments
摘要
Although the application of hearing aids in streaming audio is increasingly gaining attention, several challenges to the application remain, such as the need to (1) accurately compensate for the characteristics of hearing loss in streaming audio and (2) reduce the impact of noise leakage on audio quality in a noisy environment. Therefore, this study proposes a system that combines true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, active noise cancellation (ANC), and a deep learning gain control model to enhance the quality and comprehension of streaming audio for users in noisy environments. We tested 16 common types of hearing loss and adjusted for the appropriate compensation gain using the proposed model. Subsequently, we processed the speech using the KEMAR artificial ear recording device and evaluated the benefits using the Hearing Aid Speech Quality Index (HASQI) and Hearing Aid Speech Perception Index (HASPI). In addition, two flagship commercial hearing aids were used for comparison to determine the benefits of the proposed system. The experimental results showed that the proposed method achieved average HASQI and HASPI scores of [0.47, 0.99], which were significantly higher than those of the two commercial hearing aids [0.31, 0.94] and [0.27, 0.88]. Furthermore, we found that that the results were significantly superior when the ANC function was enabled than when it was disabled [0.32, 0.81]. Hence, the proposed method has the potential to significantly improve the quality of streaming audio for hearing-impaired individuals in noisy environments, thereby enhancing the listening benefits for users.