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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for providing speech enhancement in noise reduction systems include spectral subtraction algorithms using linear convolution, causal filtering and/or spectrum dependent exponential averaging of the spectral subtraction gain function. According to exemplary embodiments, low order spectrum estimates are developed which have less frequency resolution and reduced variance as compared to spectrum estimates in conventional spectral subtraction systems. The low order spectra are used to form a gain function having a desired low variance which in turn reduces musical tones in the spectral subtraction output signal. Advantageously, the gain function can be further smoothed across blocks using input spectrum dependent exponential averaging. Additionally, the low order of the gain function permits a phase to be added during interpolation so that the spectral subtraction gain filter is causal and prevents discontinuities between blocks.

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