Abstract: A tip for use in a hearing assistance device has multiple sound ports and is dimensioned for placement in the ear canal of a user. The tip includes a channel portion for conducting acoustic energy which includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a central channel that extends between the proximal end and distal end. The tip further includes a tip portion having at least two sound ports in direct communication with the central channel of the channel portion to receive the acoustic energy therefrom. Each of the sound ports conducts acoustic energy from the central channel of the channel portion into the ear canal of the user.

Abstract: A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by operating a single digital rocker switch on the hearing aid housing to switch from one program to the next. When a preferred program is active, the user can press and hold an up control or down control of the digital rocker switch for an extended time to select the currently active program. The user can then use the digital rocker switch to adjust the audio gain for the selected program. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed by operating the up and down controls of the digital rocker switch. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface.

Abstract: An electronic hearing aid apparatus comprises a first component, a second component and a cable assembly for electrically connecting the first component to the second component. The first component includes a vibration sensor generating a vibration signal based on sensed acoustic vibrations, electronics for processing and amplifying the vibration signal and an output port for providing access to the amplified vibration signal. The second component includes an input port for receiving the amplified vibration signal and a vibration generator for generating vibrations based on the amplified vibration signal. The cable assembly conducts the amplified vibration signal from the output port of the first component to the input port of the second component. The cable assembly includes a first connector for connecting to the first component, a second connector for connecting to the second component and a flexible cable portion for electrically connecting the first connector to the second connector.

Abstract: A programmable apparatus improves perception of sound by a person. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section and means for generating first and second control signals. The processor executes one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals based on control signals. The digital-to-analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to the person. The memory stores programs for processing the digital audio signals. Based on an action by the person, a first control signal is generated which causes the processor to switch from one available program to another available program so that the person may cycle through and evaluate each of the available programs.

Abstract: A hearing aid which is operable in an audiometric testing mode includes an audio output section, a volume control, a switching device, and a processor. The audio output section sequentially generates a number of testing sounds at a corresponding number of testing frequencies and provides each testing sound to the person who will be using the hearing aid. The volume control is used to adjust the amplitude of each testing sound to a level of audibility just above the person's threshold of hearing at the corresponding testing frequency. When the appropriate threshold volume level is set, the switching device is operated to generate a control signal. Based on operation of the volume control and the switching device for each of the testing sounds at each of the testing frequencies, the processor sets a plurality of threshold hearing levels associated with the corresponding testing frequencies.

Abstract: An electronic hearing aid apparatus comprises a first component, a second component and a cable assembly for electrically connecting the first component to the second component. The first component includes a vibration sensor generating a vibration signal based on sensed acoustic vibrations, electronics for processing and amplifying the vibration signal and an output port for providing access to the amplified vibration signal. The second component includes an input port for receiving the amplified vibration signal and a vibration generator for generating vibrations based on the amplified vibration signal. The cable assembly conducts the amplified vibration signal from the output port of the first component to the input port of the second component. The cable assembly includes a first connector for connecting to the first component, a second connector for connecting to the second component and a flexible cable portion for electrically connecting the first connector to the second connector.

Abstract: An electronic hearing aid apparatus comprises a first component, a second component and a cable assembly for electrically connecting the first component to the second component. The first component includes a vibration sensor for sensing acoustic vibrations and generating a vibration signal based on the sensed acoustic vibrations, electronics for processing and amplifying the vibration signal and an output port for providing access to the amplified vibration signal. The second component includes an input port for receiving the amplified vibration signal and a vibration generator for generating vibrations based on the amplified vibration signal. The cable assembly conducts the amplified vibration signal from the output port of the first component to the input port of the second component.

Abstract: A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by operating a single digital rocker switch on the hearing aid housing to switch from one program to the next. When a preferred program is active, the user can press and hold an up control or down control of the digital rocker switch for an extended time to select the currently active program. The user can then use the digital rocker switch to adjust the audio gain for the selected program. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed by operating the up and down controls of the digital rocker switch. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface.

Abstract: An earplug shaping device shapes a compressible earplug prior to insertion of the earplug into a user's ear canal. The device includes upper and lower structural elements which slidingly engage one another. Each of the upper and lower structural elements include a shaping surface. The shaping surfaces oppose one another and are inclined relative to one another. Various embodiments of the earplug shaper employ a slot in communication with a receiver which allows for the shaping of earplugs attached to a cord.

Abstract: A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by rotating a scroll wheel on the hearing aid housing to switch from one program to the next. When a preferred program is active, the user can press a push button on the housing for an extended time to select the currently active program. The user can then use the scroll wheel to adjust the audio gain for the selected program. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed using the scroll wheel and the push button. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface.

Abstract: A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by momentarily pressing a push button on the hearing aid housing. When a preferred program is active, the user can press the push button for an extended time to designate that program as a selected program. The acoustical configuration programs include initial-tuning programs that are operable in an initial-tuning mode and fine-tuning programs that are operable in a fine-tuning mode. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed using the push button and a volume control. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface.

Abstract: A programmable apparatus improves perception of sound by a person. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section and means for generating first and second control signals. The processor executes one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals based on control signals. The digital-to-analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to the person. The memory stores programs for processing the digital audio signals. Based on an action by the person, a first control signal is generated which causes the processor to switch from one available program to another available program so that the person may cycle through and evaluate each of the available programs.

Abstract: A programmable hearing aid apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section, memory and a counter. The processor executes one or more available programs, which are stored in the memory, for processing digital audio signals. The digital-to-analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to a person using the hearing aid. The counter generates a counter value based on a count of events that are indicative of the application of power to or the removal of power from the apparatus. After a predetermined elapsed time, the processor determines which of the available programs has been used most in processing the digital audio signals, where the determination of elapsed time is based at least in part on the counter value.

Abstract: A bone conduction hearing aid includes an in-the-ear (ITE) component and a behind-the-ear (BTE) component. A bone vibrator is carried by the ITE component and positioned in the concha of the ear when in use. A vibrationally conductive structural member of the ITE component conducts vibration produced by the vibrator into the ear canal. From there, the vibration is transferred to a cochlea of the user by way of the mastoid bone, enabling enhanced hearing perception in patients with hearing loss.

Abstract: A bone conduction hearing aid includes a vibrator carried by the insertion end of the hearing aid. When the hearing aid is inserted into the ear canal of a patient, the vibrator is positioned in the ear canal adjacent the mastoid bone. A microphone receives sound waves and outputs a microphone signal to the hearing aid electronics where the microphone signal is amplified and then sent to the vibrator, causing the vibrator to vibrate. Vibrations produced by the vibrator are transferred to the opposite cochlea by way of the mastoid bone, enabling enhanced hearing perception in patients with hearing loss in one ear. Transfer of vibrations to the bones of the middle ear also assists patients with conductive pathology in one ear. The hearing aid may also function to enhance communication in high noise environments. Feedback from the vibrator to the microphone is eliminated electronically. Various alternate forms of feedback elimination are also contemplated by the invention.