ReSound’s Tamara Stender, Au.D., Erica Koehler, Au.D., Snehal Kulkarni, Au.D., & Rena Appleby, Au.D. discussed Binaural Fusion at AudiologyNOW!
Binaural Fusion is a new, revolutionary approach to hearing instrument signal processing. Taking advantage of wireless information exchange between the hearing instruments, it optimizes the signal while allowing for patient intent of the signal of interest.
What can Binaural Fusion do?
MODEL: The signal is modeled to replicate the way the natural ear processes sound.
CLEAN: Unwanted noise is removed from the signal.
BALANCE: The signal is adjusted to achieve the proper balance between low and high pitches and soft and loud sounds.
STABILIZE: The signal is corrected before it enters the receiver.
Still incorporating ReSound’s Surround Sound experience, Binaural Fusion is characterized by two new features introduced with the ReSound Verso product line: Binaural Directionality and Binaural Environmental Optimizer II.
Binaural Directionality
In a normal, natural hearing experience the person decides which sounds to focus on and which to ignore. ReSound’s Binaural Fusion brings this choice back to the patient by using a Binaural Directionality Processing strategy versus a Bilateral Processing strategy. In a Binaural Processing strategy the focus is on the patient and the natural sound delivery process to the brain. A Bilateral Processing strategy focuses first on the hearing instruments and machine processes therefore it is not able to achieve a true, natural listening experience.
Binaural Environmental Optimizer II
The Binaural Environmental Optimizer II chooses the correct gain and noise reduction settings for each distinct listening environment and ensures they are symmetrical between hearing instruments in the binaural fitting. First, it analyzes the environment at each ear. Then the 2.4 GHz wireless information exchange occurs allowing it to classify the environment based on inputs from both hearing instruments. As well as, noise reduction and gain adjustments are synchronized and optimized between the two hearing instruments.
Binaural Fusion allows for the brain to receive the best possible representation of the sound by focusing on the patient and natural sound processing as opposed to the hearing instrument and their prescribed “signal of interest.” ReSound has incorporated Binaural Fusion into its Surround Sound experience assuring the best possible sound quality for the patient.
