USER ADJUSTABLE VOLUME CONTROL THAT ACCOMMODATES HEARING

摘要

The present invention is a method for mixing audio signals based on the preference from hearing impaired listeners, as well as non-hearing impaired listeners, without forcing hearing impaired individuals to employ special hearing-impaired equipment. A user activated controller (10, 11) controls a mixture of a preferred audio signal and a remaining audio signal across a range sufficiently wide enough to encompass all individuals. The preferred audio is recorded and maintained separated from all remaining audio and delivered to the listener in a manner that maintains this separation. The controller (10, 11) enables the user to specify a range about the ratio in which the audio may vary, which permits the listener to expand the audio across a continuous range to whatever dynamic range his hearing can accommodate. The controller (10, 11) automatically adjusts to changes in incoming audio. The controller (10, 11) can react to relatively slowly moving changes or prevent short bursts of sound in remaining audio from modifying the signal levels. The combination of the ability to control the mixing ratio and to specify the dynamic range of the ratio in which the audio may vary, coupled with the ability to automatically adjust the signal levels in response to sudden changes in incoming audio, provides a powerful user capability that truly optimizes the listening experience for any listener.