Detection of feedback path change

A method of signal processing an audio signal in a hearing device to detect when feedback path change occurs and controlling an adaptive feedback canceler to remove the feedback, the hearing device including a receiver, a processor and a microphone, the method comprising:

• detecting whether a tonal signal is caused by feedback path change;
• estimating a metric based upon calculations performed during said detecting;
• and
• applying or maintaining an adaptation rate to the adaptive feedback canceler of the hearing device, wherein the adaptation rate applied or maintained is based on a value of the metric.

A hearing device comprising:

• a microphone;
• a receiver;
• and
• a processor connected to said microphone and said receiver, said processor configured to receive audio signals from said microphone and process the audio signals and said receiver configured to provide output signals to a user, the processor further configured to:
• detect whether a tonal signal is due to feedback onset by estimating a product of a subband error signal and a subband output signal generated in response to a subband audio input signal;
• and
• estimate a metric based upon the estimated product;
• wherein it is detected that said feedback path change occurs when the metric is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.