Abstract: A microphone assembly generally for hearing aid and communications applications is disclosed. The microphone assembly operates in both directional and non-directional or omni-directional modes. The microphone assembly has front and rear sound inlet tubes, and an actuator switch that may be moved between a first position in which the rear tube is plugged, defining the omni-directional mode, and a second position in which the rear tube is unplugged, defining the directional mode. Circuitry senses the position of the actuator switch and selects a microphone output based on the position sensed.

Abstract: A microphone assembly generally for hearing aid and communications applications is disclosed. The microphone assembly operates in both directional and non-directional or omni-directional modes. The microphone assembly has front and rear sound inlet tubes, and an actuator switch that may be moved between a first position in which the rear tube is plugged, defining the omni-directional mode, and a second position in which the rear tube is unplugged, defining the directional mode. Circuitry senses the position of the actuator switch and selects a microphone output based on the position sensed.

Abstract: A hearing aid system for selecting one of two audio sources is disclosed. The hearing aid system comprises hearing aid circuitry, such as, for example, a hearing aid amplifier and speaker, as well as a primary source for audio, such as, for example, a hearing aid microphone. The hearing aid system also comprises a secondary source for audio, such as, for example, a directional microphone worn or otherwise supported by a person speaking or by the hearing aid user, as well as detection and switch circuitry to select which of the primary and secondary audio sources should be directed to the hearing aid circuitry. In operation, the detection and switch circuitry receives a signal transmission (preferably wireless) from the secondary audio source and determines whether the signal received is desirable. If the signal transmission is desirable, the circuitry selects that signal for coupling with the hearing aid circuitry.

Abstract: A receiver for converting electrical energy to acoustical energy, and a method of manufacturing the receiver, are disclosed. The receiver comprises an armature having a peripheral edge, a magnet stack and a weld joint for attaching the armature to the magnet stack at the peripheral edge of said armature. The method comprises providing an armature having a peripheral edge, providing a magnet stack adjacent said armature, and welding said armature to the magnet stack at the peripheral edge of said armature.

Abstract: A hearing aid system for selecting one of two audio sources is disclosed. The hearing aid system comprises hearing aid circuitry, such as, for example, a hearing aid amplifier and speaker, as well as a primary source for audio, such as, for example, a hearing aid microphone. The hearing aid system also comprises a secondary source for audio, such as, for example, a directional microphone worn or otherwise supported by a person speaking or by the hearing aid user, as well as detection and switch circuitry to select which of the primary and secondary audio sources should be directed to the hearing aid circuitry. In operation, the detection and switch circuitry receives a signal transmission (preferably wireless) from the secondary audio source and determines whether the signal received is desirable. If the signal transmission is desirable, the circuitry selects that signal for coupling with the hearing aid circuitry.

Abstract: A filter for a hearing aid is disclosed. The hearing aid comprises a microphone, an amplifier and a receiver. The filter mitigates the interfering effect of an RF burst on the hearing aid.

Abstract: A tiny electret assembly for an electroacoustic hearing aid transducer, either a microphone or a sound reproducer, includes a thin, flexible, planar diaphragm and a planar backplate, the diaphragm and the backplate constituting the electret electrodes. One of the two electrodes is permanently charged to a given differential voltage relative to the other and the two electrodes are mounted, in the transducer, in fixed, spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other; the differential voltage between the electrodes pulls a central portion of the diaphragm toward the backplate, tensioning and stiffening the diaphragm. The mount for the diaphragm permits movement of the diaphragm rim in the plane of the diaphragm but precludes movement of the rim of the diaphragm perpendicular to the plane of the diaphragm (and the backplate) so that the diaphragm cannot buckle. Different rim mounts for the diaphragm are described.

Abstract: An ear insertable hearing aid having both a miniature microphone and a magnetic induction pickup which can be used simultaneously or alternately. The invention includes a core for the magnetic induction device that maximizes the surface area usable for sensing changes in magnetic flux but which is yet of a size that can act as a surrounding emplacement for the miniature microphone disposed between the plates of the substantially U-shaped core.

Abstract: An improved high-frequency characteristic is achieved, in an otherwise conventional hearing aid receiver transducer, by connecting each of the acoustic chambers on the two sides of the receiver diaphragm, in the receiver housing, directly through an outlet port and a sound transmission tube coupled into the ear canal of the hearing aid user; phase reversals due to resonances in the receiving acoustic chambers and tubes produce a high pass band in the output of the receiver as applied to the user's ear. An acoustically transparent contamination stop prevents contaminants (e.g. cerumen) from reaching the transducer motor but does not interfere with acoustic performance.

Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer including a diaphragm mechanically connected to an armature, a coil wound tranversely around the armature, a permanent magnet adjacent the armature, and one or more additional magnetic members completing a magnetic circuit having a plane of symmetry longitudinally bisecting the armature, has a magnetic shield formed by two high-permeability casing halves joined together along a joint plane substantially concident with the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a hearing aid including a microphone, an adjustable amplifier, and an acoustic transducer positioned within a first, large acoustic chamber defined by an in-the-ear housing. The acoustic transducer is in communication with a sound outlet passage which leads into the user's ear canal. The acoustic transducer includes a sound generating diaphragm driven by an acoustic driver. The diaphragm and driver are mounted in the acoustic transducer, with the diaphragm dividing the transducer into second and third acoustic chambers. A vent passage is provided between the first and third acoustic chambers. An acoustic resistance is mounted in the vent passage to modify the operating characteristics of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A passive ear protector device for positioning in the ear of the user for protecting the ear from sounds of high intensity. The device attenuates sound in a manner which tends to preserve the natural quality of the incoming sound, in particular with respect to the natural resonance of the ear canal.

Abstract: A hearing aid including a microphone, an adjustable amplifier, and a transducer comprising an acoustic driver driving a diaphragm disposed within an acoustic chamber, all mounted in an in-the-ear housing having a sound outlet passage leading from the acoustic chamber into the user's ear canal, is provided with a cleaning passage that is accessible from the outside of the housing and that connects to the inner end of the sound outlet passage, through a portion of the acoustic chamber. Throughout internal cleaning is effected by pumping a solvent through the continuous conduit formed by the cleaning passage, the acoustic chamber, and the sound outlet passage, without disassembly of the hearing aid.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer with an improved electret assembly mounting for providing spacings between the fixed and movable electrodes, and having as one feature the lowering of the undesired capacitance therebetween.

Abstract: A battery-powered miniature acoustical transducer system for a hearing aid, including a microphone and an amplifier, has a combination filter and voltage regulator incorporated in its power supply circuit; the filter/regulator includes a field-effect transistor having its drain and source electrodes interposed in series between one battery terminal and a first power terminal of the amplifier, a resistor connecting the source and gate electrodes of the FET, a transistor having its emitter and collector interposed in series between the other power terminal of the amplifier and the gate electrode of the FET, and a junction diode connected from the FET source electrode to the transistor base, the diode junction and the base-emitter junction of the transistor both having highly non-linear voltage/current characteristics.

Abstract: An improved transducer construction of the type having a U-shaped armature mounted to have a vibrating arm extending through the tunnel of a cooperating coil. The arms of the armature are joined by a smooth bend to provide improved shock-resistant characteristics. The coil is initially located and properly positioned relative to the arm extending through the tunnel by means of shims. The transducer includes a case comprising a cup, and a cover for the cup, both being of a magnetic material. The cup and cover are joined together by welding to insure low reluctance flux paths therebetween to retain the magnetic fields developed by the transducer within the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic transducer including an improved electret assembly mounted in an improved case and having an electronic amplifier circuit comprising FET transistors. The electronic circuit further includes means for protecting the FET transistors against current surges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic transducer including an improved electret assembly mounted in an improved case and having an electronic amplifier circuit comprising FET transistors. The electronic circuit further includes means for protecting the FET transistors against current surges.

Abstract: A transmission system is disclosed having an improved means for coupling sound to and from a transducer. The system includes a main sound channel and an associated cavity; damping elements are selectively positioned in or adjacent the cavity to provide a suitable acoustic impedance in the desired operating frequency range to effect a smooth acoustical operation.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer with an improved electret assembly mounting for providing spacings between the fixed and movable electrodes, and having as one feature the lowering of the undesired capacitance therebetween.