An audio processing device comprises a) at least one input unit for providing time-frequency representation Y(k,n) of an electric input signal representing sound consisting of target speech and noise signal components, where k and n are frequency band and time frame indices, respectively, b) a noise detection and/or reduction system configured to b1) determine an a posteriori signal to noise ratio estimate γ(k,n) of said electric input signal, and to b2) determine an a priori target signal to noise signal ratio estimate ζ(k,n) of said electric input signal from said a posteriori signal to noise ratio estimate γ(k,n) based on a recursive decision directed algorithm. The application further relates to a method of of estimating an a priori signal to noise ratio. The invention may e.g. be used for the hearing aids, headsets, ear phones, active ear protection systems, handsfree telephone systems, mobile telephones, etc.(Fig. 1A should be published)