Abstract: A programmable hearing aid has a serial data interface for receiving data transmissions, a decoder for decoding data transmissions, a program memory which stores program data values received via the serial interface, and read control logic that transmits the program data stored in the program memory when the decoder detects the receipt of a predefined read signal. Programming begins with the sending a set of program data values to the programmable hearing aid, preceded by a predefined write signal. The hearing aid automatically mutes or inhibits its operation upon receiving the write signal. A first checksum value corresponding to the program data values sent to the programmable hearing aid is calculated. Next, the data stored in the hearing aid is checked by sending a predefined read signal to the hearing aid, causing the hearing aid to transmitting the program data stored in its program memory.

Abstract: A programmable hearing aid having a battery compartment which holds a battery under normal operating conditions is also adapted to hold a coupler member for connecting an external programming device to the hearing aid. To connect an external programming device to the hearing aid, lead wires in contact with the programming device are contacted with battery and programming terminals in the battery compartment by means of a coupling member. The coupling member is shaped to fit in the battery compartment and has electrodes in contact with the lead wires from the programming device arranged for contacting the battery and programming terminals in the battery compartment.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for holding a probe tube in the ear canal of a person's ear. The device includes two members. The first member has a clip for clipping the first member to an ear lobe, and a first magnetic member coupled to the clip. The second member has a microphone coupled to a probe tube, and a housing for holding the probe tube at fixed position relative to the housing. The microphone generates amplified signals corresponding to sound conducted by the probe tube. In addition, a second magnetic member is coupled to the housing of the second member so that the second member can be held in a selected position relative to the first member by the magnetic attraction of the first and second magnetic members. The first and second magnetic members preferably each have a flat surface which enables the relative positions of the first and second members to be adjusted both angularly and laterally.