Abstract: A reconfigurable processing unit for a digital hearing instrument includes an IS processor module, a plurality of processing units and a crosspoint switch matrix. The IS processor module receives a hearing instrument configuration. Each of the processing modules are configured to process audio signals received by the digital hearing instrument. The crosspoint switch matrix is coupled to the IS processor module and each of the processing modules, and includes at least one crosspoint switch that is configured to route audio signals between processing modules and to combine at least two audio signals. In addition, the IS processor module uses the hearing instrument configuration to program the configuration of the crosspoint switch and thereby control how the crosspoint switch matrix routes and combines audio signals.

Abstract: A flexible air interface is provided. The air interface may include a frame synchronization word field to delineate the start of a frame structure, an out-of-band message channel field allowing a low speed communication link between a plurality of processors attached to wireless devices, and a configurable payload field to carry main payload information. In addition, the air interface may support a plurality of modes, including a first mode providing unidirectional communication to transport audio samples, a second mode providing bidirectional communication to transport audio samples, a third mode providing bidirectional communication to transport data, and a fourth mode providing bidirectional communication to provide low-power data communication.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for a hearing instrument having a wireless base unit. The base unit may include one or more microphones for generating an audio signal and communications circuitry for wirelessly transmitting the audio signal to the hearing instrument. The hearing instrument may include communications circuitry for receiving the audio signal from the base unit, and may further include a processing device operable to process the audio signal to compensate for a hearing impairment of a hearing instrument user and a speaker for transmitting the processed audio signal into an ear canal of the hearing instrument user. The base unit may be positioned to receive audio signals at a distance from the hearing instrument user.