Sound volume limiter using continuous evaluation of the incurred sound exposure dose to prevent hearing damage without degrading the user experience

Abstract

A system and method is described for automatically limiting the sound exposure incurred by users of sound reproducing devices, by continuously tracking and evaluating the cumulative sound exposure dose. Instead of limiting the average sound level to a fixed maximum, the user retains freedom to adjust the sound volume to higher or lower levels. However, if the system determines that the overall cumulative sound dose is approaching a certain pre-set value presumed to be potentially hazardous, the gain and compression settings of the sound reproducing device are modified in order to limit sound exposure. This is done in such a way that the interference with the user experience is minimized. Optionally, the user is also provided with controls to temporarily boost the sound level, which then gradually falls back to a level that is acceptable for prolonged exposure. The sound limiting system starts acting more quickly and aggressively as the tracked sound exposure dose becomes higher.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.