Comparison of advanced monaural and binaural noise reduction algorithms for hearing aids

Coming generations of digital hearing aids will allow the implementation of advanced noise reduction techniques. Moreover, the future availability of wireless technology to link left and right hearing instrument will facilitate the application of binaural noise reduction strategies. Therefore, efficient signal processing algorithms converting this technological progress into substantial benefit for the hearing impaired have to be identified and developed now. In this paper the performance of two advanced monaural and binaural spectral subtraction approaches is investigated and benchmarked with a conventional directional microphone. The evaluation is based on computer simulations with signals recorded in everyday-life listening conditions with two hearing aids mounted on a dummy head. In a second step, suitable combinations of the different approaches are investigated.