Abstract: A speech enhancement system that improves the intelligibility and the perceived quality of processed speech includes a frequency transformer and a spectral compressor. The frequency transformer converts speech signals from the time domain to the frequency domain. The spectral compressor compresses a pre-selected portion of the high frequency band and maps the compressed high frequency band to a lower band limited frequency range.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone package includes a substrate, a micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip mounted on the substrate, and a cover attached to the substrate to cover the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip. The cover is provided with a sound inlet through which the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone receives external sound. The micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip includes a conductive base connected to a constant voltage, a shielding layer supported by the conductive base and connected to the constant voltage, a diaphragm disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer, and a back plate also disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer.

Abstract: Provided is an audio playback system, which reduces a restriction on a place of installation and which reduces the dispersion of characteristics of sound pressures in a low frequency range due to the seats in a passenger interior of a vehicle so that a comfortable bass sound can be enjoyed at any seat.

Abstract: In acoustic systems, especially with hearing aids, feedback whistling keeps occurring. To avoid this, a limit gain frequency response of the amplification device, which represents the limits of feedback whistling, is thus recorded. On the basis of the curve recorded a required gain frequency response with a number of interpolation points is created, with each interpolation point having a predetermined minimum distance in each case to the limit gain frequency response in at least two different directions. This enables feedback whistling to be largely avoided, even with shifts in resonant frequencies.

Abstract: A hearing aid that can reflect setting change of the hearing aid responsive to a sound environment by the user as intended, prevent the user from feeling inconvenience or displeasure caused by changing setting of the hearing aid, and enable the user to easily change the setting is provided. A hearing aid of the invention includes a microphone 101 configured to generate an input signal from an input sound, a signal processing unit 120 configured to process the input signal and generating an output signal, and a receiver 103 configured to play an output sound from the output signal. The signal processing unit 120 determines a time response of the input signal based on a contact sound generated when the hearing aid is contacted in a predetermined time period, and changes setting of the hearing aid based on the time response.

Abstract: The application relates to a method of improving a user's perception of an input sound. The application further relates to an audio processing device and to its use. The object of the present application is to increase the sound quality of a sound signal as perceived by a user, e.g. a hearing impaired user. The method comprises a) Defining a critical frequency fcrit between a low frequency range and a high frequency range; b) Analyzing an input sound in a number of frequency bands below and above said critical frequency; c) Defining a cut-off frequency fcut below said critical frequency fcrit; d) Identifying a source frequency band above said cut-off frequency fcut; e) Extracting the envelope of said source band; f) Identifying a corresponding target band below said critical frequency fcrit; g) Extracting the phase of said target band; h) Combining the envelope of said source band with the phase of said target band.

Abstract: A hearing aid (50) comprises means (55, 56, 57, 58) for reproducing frequencies above the upper frequency limit of a hearing impaired user. The hearing aid (50) according to the invention comprises means (55, 57) for transposing higher bands of frequencies from outside the upper frequency limit of a hearing impaired user down in frequency based on a detected frequency in order to coincide with a lower band of frequencies within the frequency range perceivable by the hearing impaired user. The transposing means (55, 57) comprise an adaptive notch filter (15) for detecting a dominant frequency in the lower band of frequencies, adaptation means (16) controlled by the adaptive notch filter (15), an oscillator (3) controlled by the adaptation means (16), and a multiplier (4) for performing the actual frequency transposition of the signal. The invention further provides a method for processing a signal in a hearing aid.

Abstract: A dynamic range compression system is provided, using either a sample-by-sample or a block processing system. Such a system can be used, for example, in a hearing aid. The system, using a frequency-warped processing system, is comprised of a cascade of all-pass filters with the outputs of the all-pass filters providing the input to the frequency analysis used to compute the filter coefficients. The compression filter is then designed in the frequency domain. Using a compression filter having even symmetry guarantees that the group delay is constant and does not depend on the compression gains at any given time. Additionally, due to the use of all-pass filters, the compression filter group delay more closely matches human auditory latency. An inverse frequency transform back into the warped time domain is used to produce the compression filter coefficients that are convolved with the outputs of the all-pass delay line to give the processed output signal.

Abstract: There is described a hearing aid comprising input transducer means for converting input acoustic signals into electrical input signals, signal processor means and output transducer means. The signal processor means is operable to divide said electrical input signals into a plurality of frequency bands and to perform a contrast enhancement operation in each said frequency band, to increase the difference between the amplitudes of those frequency components of the input electrical signals having a relatively high amplitude and those frequency components thereof having a relatively low amplitude to produce output electrical signals in each said respective frequency bands. The output transducer means is operable to produce an output acoustic signal corresponding to a combination of said output electrical signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping in hearing assistance devices. The present subject matter relates to improved speech intelligibility in a hearing assistance device using frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping. The system described herein implements an algorithm for performing frequency translation in an audio signal processing device for the purpose of improving perceived sound quality and speech intelligibility in an audio signal when presented using a system having reduced bandwidth relative to the original signal, or when presented to a hearing-impaired listener sensitive to only a reduced range of acoustic frequencies.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing sound includes a means (401) for analyzing a sound signal into a number of frequency bands and a means (403) for applying variable gain to each frequency band independently. Gain in applied under control of a number of gain comparator means (409) each of which generates a number of statistical distribution estimates in respect of each signal and compares those estimates to predetermined hearing response parameters stored in memory (411). The numerous gain compensated frequency bands are then combined (415) in order to generate a single sound signal. The apparatus may be implemented in dedicated hardware embodiment or by software running on a microprocessor.

Abstract: In a digital hearing aid device (1) frequency modification is employed above a lower spectral bound and in accordance with a compression factor. The frequency modification is dynamically adjusted in dependence on a sound environment analysis (10) or an end-user input (30), by modifying the frequency modification parameters such as a lower spectral bound and a compression factor. The adjustment can be based on an interpolation between predefined parameters. In certain sound environments, such as loud noise, own-voice and telephone conversations, frequency modification is reduced or switched off. The proposed solutions have the advantage that the occurrence of disturbing noise and of distortions of harmonic relationships at the end-user's ear is reduced and signal processing resources as well as battery resources are saved.

Abstract: In a hearing aid offering the option of frequency transposition, sounds should still be perceivable as sounds, even after the frequency transposition. To this end, it is proposed first of all to establish sounds present in the input signal and, more particularly, the fundamental frequencies thereof and to carry out the frequency transposition as a function of the established fundamental frequencies. Here, transposed overtones are returned to the frequency grid of the fundamental frequency, and so the sound property is maintained even after the frequency transposition.

Abstract: A hearing device has an adjustable transfer function comprising M?1 sub-functions (M is an integer). A method for operating the hearing device includes deriving input audio signals from a current acoustic environment. For each of the M sub-functions, derive, based on the input audio signals and for each class of N?2 classes that describe a predetermined acoustic environment, a class similarity factor indicative of the similarity of the current acoustic environment with the predetermined acoustic environment described by the respective class (N is an integer). Derive from N predetermined base parameter sets assigned to the respective sub-function and in dependence of the class similarity factors, an activity parameter set for the respective sub-function. Each of the N base parameter sets assigned to the respective sub-function is assigned to a different class of the N classes. Adjust the respective sub-function by means of the activity parameter set.

Abstract: A hearing aid device for processing an input sound signal via a microphone so as to output a sound signal from an earphone comprises a signal processing element, a couple of acoustic nerve excitation pattern calculation elements, a couple of acoustic filter shape memory elements, a comparison element, a correction processing element, etc. The couple of acoustic nerve excitation pattern calculation elements calculate acoustic nerve excitation patterns of a normal hearing person and a hearing impaired person based on an output signal of the signal processing element and acoustic filter shapes of the normal hearing person and the hearing impaired person which are stored in the couple of acoustic filter shape memory elements. Each of the acoustic nerve excitation patterns is compared via the comparison element.

Abstract: A method provides time-dependent automatic acclimatization of at least one parameter of a hearing device, for example the volume, to a predeterminable target. In the method the speed of the automatic acclimatization is influenced by parameter changes made by a wearer of the hearing device himself. Advantageously this makes it possible to address the individual familiarizing phase and requirements of the wearer of the hearing device and finally to set an optimum parameter value.

Abstract: There is provided hearing device improvements using modulation techniques adapted to the characteristics of auditory and vestibular hearing. One embodiment provides for extending hearing to the infrasonic range by extracting sounds from the high ambient noise in this range and applying them to a carrier in the ultrasonic “quiet zone.” Further extension of hearing into the ultrasonic range is provided by a modulation scheme which uses a fluid conduction coupler to match impedance for a vibration transducer applied to the skin. A variation on this embodiment integrates this ultrasonic hearing extension with normal acoustic headphones. Another embodiment compensates for high frequency hearing loss by a modulation scheme which uses middle ear resonance as an amplifier. A further embodiment combines ultrasonic transposition with wireless modulation to obtain secure communication.

Abstract: In the case of binaural coverage, the perception with one-sided sound reception should be improved. Provision is made for this purpose to transmit the receive signals of the hearing devices alternately and if necessary to generate a mono signal from the input signals with a specific weighting, said mono signal being presented at both ears. It is likewise conceivable to use only those spectral components of the input signals to generate the mono signal, said spectral portions having the higher level in each instance.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing system to the hearing preferences of a user of said hearing system is disclosed, wherein said hearing system is capable of carrying out frequency transposition of audio signals, which frequency transposition depends on at least one parameter. The method comprises the steps of A) carrying out a distinction test for examining said user's ability to distinguish between two stimulus signals which differ in their frequency contents; B) adjusting said at least one parameter in dependence of the result of said distinction test. The distinction test comprises the steps a2) consecutively playing said two stimulus signals to said user; b2) receiving from said user information indicative of whether said user perceived said two stimulus signals as two times the same sound or as two different sounds; c2) deriving a value from said information received from said user; wherein said result of said distinction test is dependent on said value.

Abstract: A mobile station (100) that includes a processor (212) that selectively disables at least one station component to reduce electromagnetic noise generated by the station in the frequency range below 20 kHz when the mobile station is operated in the hearing aid compatible mode. The component can be, for example, a display (204), a light (206) or a wireless interface (208). The processor also can optimize characteristics of audio signals transmitted from the mobile station to the hearing aid for reproduction by the hearing aid. For instance, the processor can selectively adjust filter parameters (216) and/or a signal gain (218) applied to audio signals. A user interface (220) having a soft-key can be provided to cycle through various HAC options.

Abstract: A method of adjusting frequency-dependent amplification in an audio amplification apparatus. The audio amplification apparatus includes a forward transfer path (2) connectable to an output transducer, the forward transfer path including a frequency transposing element. The method includes the steps of: presenting stimuli to the output transducer at a plurality of frequencies; adjusting the stimulus level (C) at each frequency to meet a predefined loudness perception level or detection threshold of the listener; deriving an equal loudness contour of output transducer levels from the adjusted stimuli levels; and deriving the frequency-dependent amplification of levels of input signals (I) at each frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating an audio processing device. The invention further relates to an audio processing device, to a software program and to a medium having instructions stored thereon. The object of the present invention is to provide improvements in the processing of sounds in listening devices. The problem is solved by a method comprising a) receiving an electric input signal representing an audio signal; b) providing an event-control parameter indicative of changes related to the electric input signal and for controlling the processing of the electric input signal; c) storing a representation of the electric input signal or a part thereof; d) providing a processed electric output signal with a configurable delay based on the stored representation of the electric input signal or a part thereof and controlled by the event-control parameter. The invention may e.g. be used in hearing instruments, headphones or headsets or active ear plugs.

Abstract: Method and system for automatically adjusting a hearing aid. The method includes measuring an acoustic reflectance associated with an ear canal as a function of an incident pressure and an acoustic frequency, processing information associated with the measured acoustic reflectance, determining a reflectance slope based on, at least, information associated with the measured acoustic reflectance, and adjusting, at least, one parameter associated with the hearing aid based on, at least, information associated with the reflectance slope. The reflectance slope is associated with a reflectance component varying with the incident pressure.

Abstract: A hearing prosthesis, including receiver means for receiving a signal representative of a signal over a frequency range; a first filter bank, having a relatively higher resolution, adapted to process said received signal and produce a first set of channel outputs relating to a selected region or regions of said frequency range; and a second filter bank having a relatively lower resolution, adapted to process said received signal and produce a second set of channel outputs relating to at least the rest of said frequency range; combination means to combine the first and second sets of channel outputs, and processing means operative upon the combined outputs so as to produce a set of stimulation signals for said hearing prosthesis.

Abstract: The automatic switching of acoustic systems and especially of hearing aids into different processing programs is to be improved. To this end there is provision for the signal processing device of the acoustic system to feature a high-frequency detector for analysis of an input signal, with the output signal of said device being able to be used for processing one or more input signals by the signal processing unit. Specifically the presence of an active mobile telephone which emits electromagnetic radiation in the high-frequency range can be established in this way. This enables the system to be switched into telephone made with a high degree of certainty to suit a particular situation.

Abstract: A programmable digital hearing aid circuit and method for operating and programming same are disclosed. The device provides a flexible means to compensate for undesirable frequency response distortion normally due to the electro-acoustical characteristics of the microphone, receiver, and sound coupling mechanisms employed in hearing aid design. Parameters of the programmable hearing aid circuit may also be set to tailor the hearing aid response characteristics for the frequency-dependent hearing loss of an individual hearing aid user. The device is intended to make available a significant improvement in audio fidelity to users of hearing aid devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a hearing aid as well as a hearing aid which is operated with the method. An original acoustic signal is detected. At least one original signal amplitude of the original signal is determined in the frequency domains. At least one discrete transposition signal amplitude is shifted from its original frequency to a transposition frequency. A signal change which can be perceived by the human ear is impressed onto the transposition signal amplitude. The hearing aid includes a microphone, a receiver and a signal processing apparatus. The signal processing apparatus executes the method according to the invention. The invention enables a hearing aid wearer to render distinguishable the frequency transposed signal parts in a superimposition region and the non-transposed signal parts which are available there from the outset.

Abstract: Speech is modulated and processed to provide a signal that is intelligible in high noise environments. Also, a device (and method of using said device) for improving the perception of acoustic signals comprising non-vocal patterns such as music is presented which utilizes high-frequency carriers in conjunction with signal modulation. Finally, a signal containing acoustic information is presented to a listener using multiple modalities including ultrasonic perception via brain demodulation, air-conduction, and tactile stimulation to provide an enhanced perception of sound.

Abstract: With a hearing aid device which can be worn in the ear, a barometric pressure equalization which is needed for the sound transducer, such as a microphone or receiver, is to be achieved in a simple and cost-effective fashion. To this end, a converter protection facility is proposed with a membrane, with a pressure equalization channel, which connects a sound channel to the interior of the hearing aid device, extends through the transducer protection facility at least in one section. Replacing the transducer protection facility thus also replaces this subsection of the pressure equalization channel. A possible blockage of the pressure equalization channel which exists in this region as a result of dirt or moisture is eliminated as a result.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improving hearing and for treating hearing disorders, such as auditory neuropathies. A hearing enhancement system of this invention generally comprises; an amplitude modulation processor, a frequency high-pass processor, a frequency upward-shifting processor and a formant upward-shifting processor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping in hearing assistance devices. The present subject matter relates to improved speech intelligibility in a hearing assistance device using frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping. The system described herein implements an algorithm for performing frequency translation in an audio signal processing device for the purpose of improving perceived sound quality and speech intelligibility in an audio signal when presented using a system having reduced bandwidth relative to the original signal, or when presented to a hearing-impaired listener sensitive to only a reduced range of acoustic frequencies.

Abstract: A hearing aid with wireless signal transmission is provided which includes a radio reception unit for wireless reception of modulated and/or coded audio signals, a device to estimate the reception quality of the received audio signal, a device to generate an acoustic limit signal whose level increases when the estimated reception quality of the received audio signal decreases, a device to heterodyne a demodulated and/or decoded audio signal with the limit signal, and a device to output the audio signal heterodyned with the limit signal to a hearing aid wearer. To generate a limit signal, the hearing aid includes a device to generate an impulse response and a device to perform the operation of convolving the demodulated and/or decoded audio signal with the impulse response. This convolution produces a desired signal which appears closer to the hearing aid wearer when the estimated reception quality is better.

Abstract: A method of enhancing sound heard by a hearing-impaired listener comprises monitoring the sound in an environment in which the listener is located; and manipulating the frequency of high frequency components of the sound in a high frequency band, with little, if any, distortion to components of the sound in a speech frequency band, to enhance spectral cues to aid the listener in sound externalisation and spatialisation.

Abstract: A hearing aid having a microphone for converting an ambient sound signal to an electric sound signal, a voice detector adapted to determine if a voice is present in said electric sound signal and a frequency analyzer to determine a fundamental frequency of a voice present in said electric sound signal, a signal processor adapted to process said electric sound signal, or an electric signal derived from it, independent of adjustable processing parameters, a memory having corresponding sets of processing parameters and fundamental voice frequencies, a decision unit to select and forward from the memory to the signal processor a set of processing parameters in accordance with a fundamental frequency determined by the frequency analyzer. Further, a method of adapting a hearing aid and to the use of such hearing aid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an envelope of an audio signal, and a method and apparatus for enhancing the pitch cue of an audio signal perceived by a cochlear implant patient where the audio signal is processed and input to an implant device of the recipient. The methods and apparatuses use techniques such as filtering, rectifying, detecting peak values, sampling, resetting, comparing and multiplying various signals to detect the envelope or enhance the pitch cue of the audio signal.

Abstract: The stimulation provided in the electrically stimulated cochlea is modulated in accordance with the amplitude of a received acoustic signal and the onset of a sound in a received acoustic signal to provide increased sound perception. An onset time that corresponds to the onset of a sound is detected in an acoustic signal associated with a frequency band. A forcing voltage and a transmitting factor are determined, wherein the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor are associated with the frequency band at the detected onset time. The acoustic signal is modulated as a function of the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor to generate an output signal. The generated output signal can be used to stimulate the cochlea. The modulation strategy can be used in conjunction with sound processing strategies that employ frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of frequency and amplitude modulation.

Abstract: A hearing aid circuit includes a correlation detector that detects correlation at a feedforward path input and that provides a correlation output to a phase shifter. The phase shifter introduces a phase shift along a feedforward path. A phase measurement circuit measures a phase shift at a feedforward path input, and provides a phase measurement output to an internal feedback processor. The internal feedback processor adjusts internal feedback as a function of the phase measurement to suppress coupling of external audio feedback along the feedforward path.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an acoustical device, especially a hearing device. A device casing is provided with an acoustical/electrical input converter arrangement with an electric output. An audio signal processing unit establishes audio signal processing of the device according to individual needs and/or purpose of the device. At least one electrical/mechanical output converter is provided. A filter arrangement with adjustable high-pass characteristic has a control input for the characteristic. The following operational connections are established: between the output of the input converter arrangement and the input of the filter arrangement, between the output of the filter arrangement and the control input, between said output of the filter arrangement and the input of the processing unit, between the output of the processing unit and the input of the at least once output converter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing aid having feedback signal reduction function.

Abstract: A dynamic range compression system is provided, using either a sample-by-sample or a block processing system. Such a system can be used, for example, in a hearing aid. The system, using a frequency-warped processing system, is comprised of a cascade of all-pass filters with the outputs of the all-pass filters providing the input to the frequency analysis used to compute the filter coefficients. The compression filter is then designed in the frequency domain. Using a compression filter having even symmetry guarantees that the group delay is constant and does not depend on the compression gains at any given time. Additionally, due to the use of all-pass filters, the compression filter group delay more closely matches human auditory latency. An inverse frequency transform back into the warped time domain is used to produce the compression filter coefficients that are convolved with the outputs of the all-pass delay line to give the processed output signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing sound includes a means (401) for analysing a sound signal into a number of frequency bands and a means (403) for applying variable gain to each frequency band independently. Gain in applied under control of a number of gain comparator means (409) each of which generates a number ot statistical distribution estimates in respect of each signal and compares those estimates to predetermined hearing presponse parameters stored in memory (411). The numerous gain compensated frequency bands are then combined (415) in order to generate a single sound signal. The apparatus may be implemented in dedicated hardware embodiment or by software running on a microprocessor.

Abstract: A frequency-warped processing system using either sample-by-sample or block processing is provided. Such a system can be used, for example, in a hearing aid to increase the dynamic-range contrast in the speech spectrum, thus improving ease of listening and possibly speech intelligibility. The processing system is comprised of a cascade of all-pass filters that provide the frequency warping. The power spectrum is computed from the warped sequence and then compression gains are computed from the warped power spectrum for the auditory analysis bands. Spectral enhancement gains are also computed in the warped sequence allowing a net compression-plus-enhancement gain function to be produced. The gain versus frequency function is a set of pure real numbers, so the inverse frequency domain transform gives a set of time-domain filter coefficients. The speech segment is convolved with the enhancement filter in the warped time-domain to give the processed output signal.

Abstract: In a method and a device for the signal processing in a hearing aid, in which coefficients of a filter for the frequency-dependent amplitude adaptation of an input signal are adapted in accordance with this input signal, the following steps are carried out: Determining coefficients of a compression amplification gm, which describe a frequency-dependent adaptation of the input signal in accordance with frequency-dependent signal levels of the input signal, determining coefficients of a noise suppression am, which describe a frequency-dependent adaptation of the input signal in accordance with interference noises detected in the input signal, and the calculation of the coefficients of the filter (6) cm out of the coefficients of the compression amplification gm and the coefficients am of the noise suppression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid with a sound receiver for generating a microphone signal representing a sound wave received and a sound generator for generating a sound depending on a power signal received. The hearing aid has a transmission unit which on the input side is connected to the sound receiver and on the output side to the sound generator and generates a power signal depending on a microphone signal received. The transmission unit modifies a transmission characteristic of the transmission unit as a function of a tag signal received. The hearing aid has a radio frequency detection device connected to the transmission unit, with a spatial detection zone where the radio frequency detection device detects, electromagnetically and in particular inductively, a radio frequency tag and, depending on the radio frequency tag, to generate a tag signal and to output this to the transmission unit.

Abstract: To improve processing of audio signals such audio signal is split (7) in two parts, one thereof being processed in time-domain (5) and at least the other part by frequency-domain processing (3). Thereby, the advantages of both processing domains are specifically exploited for respective parts of the signal to be processed.

Abstract: The spontaneous acceptance of a hearing system is to be improved. To this end, a hearing aid apparatus and a corresponding method for adjusting the hearing aid apparatus are provided, with a part of an input signal spectrum first being amplified with a first frequency. This part of the input signal spectrum, which is to be amplified, is now automatically shifted from the first frequency to a second frequency as a function of the time. This allows a time-adaptive parameterization of the compression ratio. This in turn results in an increased spontaneous acceptance and in an acclimatization process to new frequency samples on the part of the hearing-impaired person being assisted.

Abstract: An audio signal processor includes a tone control (23). The tone control comprises two low-pass filters (221, 222) operating in current-mode and a subtractor (223) which subtracts the output currents of the filters to produce a band-pass characteristic. Each filter is a tuneable log-domain current-mode filter comprising MOS transistors operating in weak inversion. The tone control is useful in audio signal processors, hearing aids and single-channel and multi-channel Cochlear implants.

Abstract: A dynamic range compression system is provided, using either a sample-by-sample or a block processing system. Such a system can be used, for example, in a hearing aid. The system, using a frequency-warped processing system, is comprised of a cascade of all-pass filters with the outputs of the all-pass filters providing the input to the frequency analysis used to compute the filter coefficients. The compression filter is then designed in the frequency domain. Using a compression filter having even symmetry guarantees that the group delay is constant and does not depend on the compression gains at any given time. Additionally, due to the use of all-pass filters, the compression filter group delay more closely matches human auditory latency. An inverse frequency transform back into the warped time domain is used to produce the compression filter coefficients that are convolved with the outputs of the all-pass delay line to give the processed output signal.

Abstract: A method for frequency transposition in a communication device Or a hearing device, respectively, is disclosed by transforming an acoustical signal into an electrical signal (s) and by transforming the electrical signal from time domain into frequency domain to obtain a spectrum (S). A frequency transposition is being applied to the spectrum (S) in order to obtain a transposed spectrum (S?), whereby the frequency transposition is being defined by a nonlinear frequency transposition function. Thereby, it is possible to transpose lower frequencies almost linearly, while higher frequencies are transposed more strongly. As a result thereof, harmonic relationships are not distorted in the lower frequency range, and at the same time, higher frequencies can be moved to a lower frequency range, namely to an audible frequency range of the hearing impaired person.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cochlear stimulation system and method for capturing and translating FTS in incoming sounds and delivering this information spatially to the cochlea. An embodiment of the system may comprise an FTS estimator/analyzer and a current navigator. An embodiment of the method of the invention can comprise: analyzing the incoming sounds within a time frequency band, extracting the slowly varying frequency components and estimating the FTS to obtain a more precise dominant FTS component within a frequency band. After adding the fine structure to the carrier to identify a precise dominant FTS component in each frequency band (or stimulation channel), a stimulation current is steered to the precise spatial location on the cochlea that corresponds to the dominant FTS component, the steering accomplished by delivering non-simultaneous stimuli through at least two electrodes.