A sound processing process, device and software are disclosed which seek
to improve pitch perception, with particular application to auditory
prostheses. After input sound signals are processed into channels, an
algorithm is applied to selectively increase the modulation depth of the
envelope signals. In certain embodiments, the channelized signals are
adjusted in timing so as to align the phase of modulated envelope signals
in different channels. This results in provision of synchronous (phase
aligned) modulation periodicity across channels and hence less pitch
ambiguity for listeners to the processed signal, or for application of
the signal to hearing prostheses such as cochlear implants. In some
embodiments, a broadband envelope signal is used to modulate the level of
the narrow band channel signals, so that voicing frequency modulation
information in the broadband envelope signal is provided in all narrow
band channel signals and the phase of modulated signals in the channels
are aligned. A preferred form uses an envelope signal which is modified
to increase its modulation depth, and is normalized so as to allow for
modulation of the channel signals.