A hybrid real-time auralization system for binaural reproduction of virtual acoustic environments with simulated room acoustics adapted for hearing aid users

Abstract

A recently developed binaural real-time reproduction system has been extended with an interface to research hearing aids allowing for the conduction of auditory research on subjects with hearing loss. Simulated hearing aid signals based on measurements of generic hearing aid-related transfer functions are additionally processed on a master hearing aid to emulate conventional hearing aid algorithms and played back through the hearing aid receivers. Designed for subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss, the system also facilitates the use of residual hearing capabilities by simulating an external sound field based on generic head-related transfer functions which is reproduced via loudspeakers and acoustic crosstalk cancellation filters. For increased ecological validity, plausible room acoustics are simulated using adjusted simulation models relying on geometrical acoustics. The proposed system was evaluated objectively on different levels by investigating the listening environment and various system components, running a benchmark analysis on the acoustical simulation and auralization, and measuring the combined system latency.