Robust constrained cosine arctangent based adaptive filtering for feedback control in hearing aids

The striking problem of acoustic feedback remains a persistent challenge in hearing aids (HAs), imposing limitations on attainable amplification and significantly deteriorating sound quality, often manifesting as disruptive howling artifacts. With the objective of feedback mitigation, the feedback path is estimated using an adaptive filter. The constrained least mean square (CLMS) technique is commonly employed in adaptive filtering applications where it is necessary to meet specific linear constraints. However, algorithm's robustness is compromised when impulsive or non-Gaussian noise interference occurs. In lieu of this, a novel algorithm known as the robust constrained cosine arctangent (CCAT) adaptive filtering is introduced to enhance the convergence behavior. This has been formulated with the inclusion of linear constraints to the suggested cosine function integrated with the arctangent technique. This algorithm aims to address the issue of feedback cancellation in hearing aids along a set of constraints. To achieve a minimal steady-state error and expedite the convergence of the method, a novel policy that adjusts the step factor has been suggested. CCAT-VSS is a modified version of CCAT that includes a variable step size (VSS). The simulation findings demonstrate that the suggested method exhibits superior performance for misalignment, added stable gain and certain voice quality assessments. •Acoustic feedback cancellation (AFC) in hearing aids in the presence of impulsive noise poses a serious problem.•A constrained cosine arctangent (CCAT) based cost function is suggested to improve the convergence characteristics for AFC.•A new variable step size (VSS) scheme is introduced with CCAT adaptive filtering (CCAT-VSS).•The convergence and MSD of the CCAT-VSS algorithm are evaluated for both Gaussian and non-Gaussian noises.