OpenSound Optimizer™ (OSO) is a technological first to detect and prevent feedback from occurring. It is a transformative and multi-patented technology that controls Feedback Shield LX.^[1] It is a new first line of defense against feedback buildup, which allows the second line of defense, the updated underlying feedback management system, more time to be precisely deployed when it is needed.

How does OpenSound Optimizer work?

The new OpenSound Optimizer defies conventional technology with a new, unique, and patented approach to feedback management.  OSO is proactive and can detect and prevent audible feedback from occurring.

The OpenSound Optimizer uses spectro-temporal modulation (STM) to disrupt the positive loop gain and break a potential feedback buildup before it occurs. It is designed to work as a proactive system that prevents audible feedback from occurring by monitoring the microphone input sound in 28 frequency channels, 56,000 times per second. A soft and non-intrusive spectro-temporal modulation is briefly applied in select frequency channels where there is a potential for feedback^[1] and this effectively stops feedback as we know it before it occurs.

Spectro-temporal modulations are modulations or patterns that change over time and across the 28 frequency channels. The modulations can be seen on a spectrogram as a striped pattern in certain frequency regions where dark stripes indicate areas of low energy (figure below). These stripes show that the output is very briefly reduced. The low energy areas are extremely short (16ms), and they are followed by short periods (16ms) of fully restored gain. One low energy and one high energy period is equal to one 32ms cycle. It typically takes around 60ms for audible feedback to be fully detected and prevented in the system, which is different than traditional hearing aids that typically take 500ms or more to eliminate audible feedback instability in dynamic environments.^[1]

Spectrogram showing the patented breaker signal made using STM

Premium sound without audible feedback

The benefit is that patients can enjoy the full dynamics of sound without having to worry about any unwanted sound interference, because the OpenSound Optimizer technology prevents audible feedback before it occurs.^[2]

Optimal gain throughout the day

Traditionally, in order to prevent feedback with conventional technology, the system is reactive to audible feedback and the gain on the device is lowered, which means less than ideal sound for the user due to reduced access to sounds. With OpenSound Optimizer, users now benefit from stable gain throughout the day with no audible feedback, as the feedback is mitigated before it is about to occur. This provides an overall improvement in sound quality due to the increase in headroom, the additional available stable gain, and prevention of whistling.

More sound to the brain – an impact beyond better hearing

With BrainHearing™ technologies such as OpenSound Navigator™ and OpenSound Optimizer, patients now have access to more sound and higher signal integrity than ever before. A study conducted by Oticon using OPN S hearing aids with OpenSound Optimizer^[1,2] has demonstrated 30% more speech cues throughout the day, improvement in speech understanding and reduction in listening effort, due to its feedback management algorithm.

Ponto 5 Mini bone conduction hearing system features OSO

Powered by the Velox S™ platform, OpenSound Optimizer enables Ponto 5 Mini users with 6 dB more gain without the risk of feedback.^[1] This unique approach to feedback gives users a stable speech signal and more sound dynamics in their daily life. The Ponto 5 Mini provides more sound to the brain and a better listening experience for patients.

Do you have patients who still haven’t experienced the benefits of OpenSound Navigator, OpenSound Optimizer and other BrainHearing technologies? To learn more about the revolutionary Ponto 5 Mini sound processor and its many features, we are offering a one-hour CEU course through Audiology Online on October 27, 2021 at 12 PM Eastern (please click through link to register). For brochures and a product demonstration contact your regional clinical specialist.

About the Author

Gail Leininger, Au.D., CCC-A is an audiologist who has worked with implantable technologies for over twenty years. She is an Auditory Technical Specialist for Oticon Medical.

References

[1] Callaway 2019 INTRODUCTION TO OPENSOUND OPTIMIZER Oticon White Paper
[2] Data on file at Oticon Medical