Preliminary findings with applications of Neon
Post-Auricular Digital Audio Chemistry by Puretone,
Ltd.DigiCare® Hearing Research & Rehabilitation
Digital Audio Chemistry R&D Notes
General Description
Digital Audio Chemistry is proprietary software driven
DSP hearing technology available in custom and
production hearing instruments from Puretone, LTD. DAC
circuitry continuously interacts with the sound
environment, and is programmed to monitor discrete
characteristics of speech and speech-like sound in the
presence of ambient, transient, and environmental noise.
Its primary function is to enhance speech sounds in the
environment, by dynamically adjusting in the domains of
loudness growth, timing, frequency, spectrum, spatial
and texture (simple vs complex).
Environmental to DSP “Chemistry”
Digital Audio Chemistry operates in a fluid
interrelationship with the sound environment.
Independently adjustable in 5 steps, its Speech
Management System (SMS) continuously samples the
environment in the time and frequency domains to enhance
speech cues while reducing “upward spread of masking”
from unwanted noise. Because DAC “reaches down” into the
environment in search of soft speech sounds, it can emit
a low-level microphone noise due to reduced input
sensitivity. To resolve this technological artifact, DAC
comes with Microphone Noise Reduction (MNR), which is
automatically activated when internal noise is
generated.
Continuously Self-Adjusting Programming
Utilizing multiple strategies for abnormal loudness
growth accommodation (WDRC, AGC-I, and AGC-o) and
multiple Threshold Kneepoint (TK) settings, the need for
constant program changes by the user has been reduced
when changing environments. A user-adjusted Volume
Control (VC) changes three dimensions of sound
simultaneously (gain, output, input sensitivity) to
produce improved signal-to-noise adjustments when
needed. Pre-set algorithms are available for a variety
of listening environment challenges: Speech in quiet,
speech in crowds, restaurants, while traveling, and
other listening situations. These algorithms can be
preset for automatic adjustment and are based upon
patient experiences.
Programmable Feedback Control
DAC features self-correction for harmonic and microphone
distortion, as well as adjustable acoustic feedback
control. Active notch-filtering allows strategic
utilization of individualized feedback control without
degrading the amplified signal.
Open Architecture Means Future Software Upgrades
Built on open architecture, each succeeding generation
of software renders DAC as “backwards compatible” to new
software algorithms and parameters. This means that DAC
instruments can be downloaded with future software
upgrades and more flexibility, increasing the investment
value of the instrument for a longer period of time.
9-14 Overlapping Bands
Probably one of the most innovative features of DAC is
its use of 9-14, independently programmable
“overlapping” frequency bands that more closely mimic
the cochlear microphonic dynamics of the human cochlea.
Instead of “squared” bands, which result in unnatural
and unequal amplification across the spectrum in music
and other complex sounds, DAC provides a smoother
replication. Its internal resolution is set at 30 bit,
providing higher definition and clarity in a larger
spatial bandwidth. Adjustable spectral peaks allow
better fine-tuning to meet audiometric and environmental
listening needs.
Telephone Compatibility
Two telephone listening formats are available in DAC: 1)
Acoustic microphone, which may require a downward
adjustment of the user VC, and 2) Power telecoil, which
may require an upward adjustment of the VC. Keep in mind
that telephone output levels vary significantly, and
there is no one setting that will work with all or even
most phones.
Speed, Energy Efficiency
DAC’s internal sampling rate is an incredible 22kHz.
Another of the outstanding features of DAC is its
exceptional energy efficiency @.65 mA drain. This is
exceptional for DSP technology, and closer to the lower
consumption of analogue. Since battery drain is
approximately one-half that most digitals on the market
today, batteries last about twice as long, and are not
as prone to underpower!
Range and Configurations of Fitted Losses
Mild, Moderate, Severe and Severe-to-Profound in
configurations of: Flat, Reverse, Precipitous,
Ski-Slope, Corner, and Cookie Bite
Types of Acoustic Couplers
Open-ear, Tube-fitting, COMPLY-tips, Full-shell,
Half-shell, Skeleton, CROS, Power and Standard. Because
of internal control of transients and self-correction
for distortion there is less resonant distortion and
feedback while wearing in vented or non-occluding
format.
'Dr. Fit' Software Problem Resolution
Most user complaints are resolved automatically by using
the “Dr. Fit” feature. These algorithms are based on
thousands of patient reports and field trial results.
Dr. Fit becomes a “fitting assistant” to the dispenser
and pre-empts most fitting problems before they occur.
Available in NOAH3 or Stand Alone. Programming software
instantaneously available by download from Internet. |
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