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Abstract

The invention provides a method to initialize an iterative signal estimation algorithm, such as an expectation-maximization type algorithm, the method including the step of performing a non-parametric noise reduction method. Preferably, the non-parametric noise reduction method includes performing a spectral subtraction such as a power spectral subtraction and more preferably a weighted power spectral subtraction. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the iterative signal estimation algorithm includes performing an expectation-maximization algorithm. Especially, the initialization may be used for an iterative signal estimation algorithm that includes performing a prediction error Kalman filtering followed by a local variance estimation. Preferably, the iterative signal estimation algorithm includes performing a signal estimation step including a Kalman filtering, and the iterations in the iterative signal estimation algorithm are preferably performed inter-frame sequentially. The invention also provides a noise reduction method based on performing the initialization method and an iterative signal estimation algorithm thus providing a noise suppressed signal. In addition, the methods may form part of a speech enhancement for enhancing speech in a noisy signal. In addition, the invention provides a device such as a headset, a hearing aid, or a mobile phone including a processor adapted to perform the described methods.

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First Claim