Optimizing Sound Localization using a Novel Noise Cancellation Method (Year 2)
Sky Shia · International journal of high school research · 2021
Hearing loss can be caused by multiple factors, such as genetics, aging, or exposure to noise or infections.It can contribute to the onset of depression and anxiety and was identified as an area of emerging research, particularly in its application to children.This study demonstrates the use of programming methodology and novel mathematical derivations to improve hearing aid functionality.In Year One of the research, a method was developed to localize environmental sound.An audio sample was played from a fixed position and recorded using four microphones.Recordings were compared by cross-correlation, yielding the calculated position of sound origin, and compared to actual origin.Then FFT-IFFT technique removed high-frequency noise.Analysis of data revealed most sounds were found within a 40-degree angle of error.In Year Two of the research, an additional method reduced ambient sound by removing object-reflected noise, interfering in sound localization.A formula was derived, audio input minus an error, representing object-reflected noise, and was then run using the Year 1 method.Results yielded data with half the margin of error as that of the Year One method, showing demonstrable improvement.Localization of sound, as opposed to only amplification of sound, can be a useful additional feature in hearing aids.