Fast dynamic range compression method for multichannel hearing aids

Hearing loss with recruitment results in a frequency‐dependent reduced effective dynamic range of the ear. The advance of digital hearing aid capabilities has led to the proliferation of multiband, compression algorithms directed at the recruitment problem. However, results have been mixed at best. We propose an alternative design methodology to designing multiband compressive aids based on attack and release times. In particular, multiband compression hearing aids should be matched to certain characteristics of the ear with a memoryless gain based on the bandlimited envelope function of each band. Under the proposed design method each band has a different effective time‐constant.