Hearing device comprising a loop gain limiter

Abstract

A hearing device comprises an input transducer providing an input gain G, a signal processor comprising a compressor for determining a frequency and level dependent desired compressor gain Gto compensate for a hearing impairment of the user, and to provide a resulting compressor gain G', and an output transducer for providing output stimuli perceivable as sound for the user based on a processed signal, the output transducer providing an output gain, G. A resulting forward path gain G′ is defined in a logarithmic representation as G+G′+G. The hearing device further comprises a loop gain estimator for continuously estimating a current loop gain ΔL(n), configured to provide a loop gain estimate within a predefined number of feedback loop delays after a feedback buildup has started, and a loop gain controller for dynamically controlling said resulting forward path gain G′ in dependence of said estimate of said current loop gain ΔL(n). A resulting loop gain, LG′, is determined as a sum of the resulting forward path gain G′ and a feedback gain H when given in a logarithmic representation. The loop gain controller is configured to provide that the resulting loop gain is limited to stay below a predefined value.