Application of a human auditory model to loudness perception and hearing compensation

COMPENSATION Douglas M. Chabries, David V. Anderson, Thomas G. Stockham, Jr., and Richard W. Christiansen Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah ABSTRACT A model is proposed which mathematically transforms an acoustic stimulus into a form which is believed to be more nearly related to that used by the auditory cortex to interpret the sound. The model is based upon recent research towards understanding the response of the human auditory system to sound stimuli. The motivation and approach in developing this model follow the philosophy pursued in the development of a similar model for the human visual system [1]. Application of this model to the problem of hearing compensation for impaired individuals is shown to yield a bank of bandpass lters each followed by a homomorphic multiplicative AGC. Clinical tests on hearing impaired subjects suggest that this approach is far superior to other current hearing compensation schemes. 1. A Process Model of the Human Auditory System Several treatments of the auditory system describe in detail the functioning of the ear [2], [3], [4], [5]. One particularly insightful discussion is provided by Lyon and Mead [6].