Microprocessor-based signal processing for the perceptually deaf

Abstract

A two-band compression system is being designed to improve the intelligibility of speech in noise for persons suffering from sensori-neural hearing impairment, The compressor is microprocessor based allowing variable thresholds, compression ratios above threshold, and expansion below threshold. The compressor will have significantly lower cost than commercial units based completely on analog devices. Although the compressor is too large to be used as a hearing aid, it has potential as a speech trainer in a one-to-one basis between teacher and student or a multi-student environment where many of the devices may be time-shared among students.