Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the wireless stereo reception of first and second audio information by wireless hearing communication devices. One type of device which may employ the present subject matter is a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. Various forms and protocols of signal transmission are employed in varying embodiments. The present subject matter includes various communication modes such as eavesdropping modes and relaying modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for audio synchronization for hearing devices. An audio packet is received from a host device at a first hearing device configured to be worn in a first ear of a wearer, the audio packet compatible with a wireless low energy digital communication protocol, and the audio packet is received from the host device at a second hearing device configured to be worn in a second ear of the wearer. Upon one or more programmable conditions, a synchronization packet is sent from the first hearing device to the second hearing device. An acknowledgment packet is sent from the second hearing device to the first hearing device upon receipt of the synchronization packet, and a first transducer at the first hearing device and a second transducer at the second hearing device are unmuted to deliver synchronized audio to the first ear and to the second ear.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a local assistant system responding to voice input using an ear-wearable device. The system detects a wake-up signal and receives a first voice input communicating a first query content. The system includes speech recognition circuitry to determine the first query content, speech generation circuitry, and an input database of locally-handled user inputs. If the first audio input matches one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system takes a local responsive action. If the first audio input does not match one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system transmits at least a portion of the first query content over a wireless network to a network resource.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the wireless communication of information for a hearing assistance device including a multi-mode radio adapted to provide communications at different frequencies using frequency control. In applications of hearing aids, the processor is adapted to perform correction of sound for a hearing impaired user. In certain examples the present subject matter provides an inductive portion for inductive communications. In various applications the multi-mode radio can be used for long range and short range communications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing a time-stamp based controller for synchronization of sink or source sampling rate with external packet rate. A method for wireless communications includes receiving a transmission of a packet using a wireless transceiver of an electronic device, and using a processor of the electronic device to read a first value of a system timer and store the first value as an arrival time-stamp. The packet is decoded and processed by the processor, and sent to an output. When the processed packet is sent, a second value of the system timer is read, adjusted and stored as a departure time-stamp. The arrival time-stamp and the departure time-stamp are used to calculate an adjustment stimulus for a sample rate actuator of the electronic device. The sample rate actuator is configured to maintain synchronization of sampling rate with an external packet rate.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a local assistant system responding to voice input using an ear-wearable device. The system detects a wake-up signal and receives a first voice input communicating a first query content. The system includes speech recognition circuitry to determine the first query content, speech generation circuitry, and an input database of locally-handled user inputs. If the first audio input matches one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system takes a local responsive action. If the first audio input does not match one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system transmits at least a portion of the first query content over a wireless network to a network resource.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device to provide sound to the ear of a user, the device comprising a housing, hearing assistance electronics enclosed in the housing, an acoustic transducer adapted to be worn in the ear, a cable assembly adapted to connect the acoustic transducer to the hearing assistance electronics, a wireless communications receiver connected to the hearing assistance electronics, and an antenna comprising one or more conductors forming at least a portion of the cable assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to assistive listening devices and systems for providing audio streams to device wearers within sound fields. In an embodiment an assistive listening device is included having a control circuit, an electroacoustic transducer for generating sound in electrical communication with the control circuit, a power supply circuit in electrical communication with the control circuit, and a communications circuit in electrical communication with the control circuit. The control circuit can be configured to issue a communication to an audio communication device or audio provisioning device including at least one of a language preference, a set of hearing requirements, data regarding a presentation delay, and an authorization status identifier, digital code, digital token, or digital key specific to a wearer of the assistive listening device. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the wireless communication of information for a hearing assistance device including a multi-mode radio adapted to provide communications at different frequencies using frequency control. In applications of hearing aids, the processor is adapted to perform correction of sound for a hearing impaired user. In certain examples the present subject matter provides an inductive portion for inductive communications. In various applications the multi-mode radio can be used for long range and short range communications.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the wireless stereo reception of first and second audio information by wireless hearing communication devices. One type of device which may employ the present subject matter is a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. Various forms and protocols of signal transmission are employed in varying embodiments. The present subject matter includes various communication modes such as eavesdropping modes and relaying modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for authentication and encryption key exchange with an ALD for hearing device applications. A method includes receiving an acoustic input at a microphone of a hearing device, and receiving a wireless signal over a wireless link from an assistive listening device (ALD) at an antenna of the hearing device, the wireless signal including digital audio information. The acoustic input is compared to the digital audio information using a processor of the hearing device. Upon determining that the acoustic input and the digital audio information are correlated at a threshold level, the processor is used to create and distribute an encryption key to the ALD to secure the wireless link. The ALD may include a processor for correlating the input and the information, and for creating and distributing the encryption key, in some embodiments.

Abstract: A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer comprises an audio streaming circuit configured to receive electromagnetic audio streaming via a first communication link. A configuration circuit is configured to receive configuration parameters via a second communication link different from the first communication link for configuring the hearing device to receive the electromagnetic audio streaming. Control circuitry of the hearing device configures the hearing device to enable reception of the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the received configuration parameters.

Abstract: Each accessory device in a set of accessory devices may establish a respective communication link between the accessory device and an ear-wearable device. A particular accessory device in the set of accessory devices may receive data via the communication link between the particular accessory device and the ear-wearable device. The data comprise information generated based on sensor signals from sensors that monitor a user of the ear-wearable device. The accessory devices perform a health monitoring activity based on the data.

Abstract: A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer comprises an audio streaming circuit configured to receive electromagnetic audio streaming via a first communication link. A configuration circuit is configured to receive configuration parameters via a second communication link different from the first communication link for configuring the hearing device to receive the electromagnetic audio streaming. Control circuitry of the hearing device configures the hearing device to enable reception of the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the received configuration parameters.

Abstract: Techniques to detect a non-alert state of a user may include receiving sensor data from an ear-worn electronic device worn by a user, automatically determining whether to initiate an alertness mode of the ear-worn electronic device based on the sensor data, and determining an alertness state of the user in response to determining to initiate the alertness mode.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device to provide sound to the ear of a user, the device comprising a housing, hearing assistance electronics enclosed in the housing, an acoustic transducer adapted to be worn in the ear, a cable assembly adapted to connect the acoustic transducer to the hearing assistance electronics, a wireless communications receiver connected to the hearing assistance electronics, and an antenna comprising one or more conductors forming at least a portion of the cable assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for obtaining stereo reception of an audio stream by multiple audio devices when only a single endpoint is the intended recipient. A system includes a first audio device and one or more second audio devices. The first audio device receives a first signal from a central device via a first wireless connection, transfers to the one or more second audio devices via a second wireless connection a second signal to enable the one or more second audio devices to eavesdrop on the first wireless connection, receives the incoming audio packet via the first wireless connection, and sends the incoming audio packet to the one or more second audio devices via the second wireless connection. The one or more second audio devices receives the incoming audio packet using the second wireless connection or by eavesdropping on the first wireless connection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for wireless electronics using a MEMS switch for a hearing assistance device. The present application relates to a hearing assistance device configured to be worn by a wearer. The hearing assistance device includes a housing for electronics of the hearing assistance device, including wireless electronics. The wireless electronics include a plurality of radio frequency (RF) MEMS switches, in various embodiments. A hearing assistance processor is adapted to process signals for the wearer of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device includes an antenna, and a switchable capacitor bank configured for tuning the antenna, the switchable capacitor bank including one or more of the plurality of RF MEMS switches. The plurality of RF MEMS switches include an electrostatically deformed RF MEMS membrane, in an embodiment. Different configurations and approaches are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the wireless communication of information for a hearing assistance device including a multi-mode radio adapted to provide communications at different frequencies using frequency control. In applications of hearing aids, the processor is adapted to perform correction of sound for a hearing impaired user. In certain examples the present subject matter provides an inductive portion for inductive communications. In various applications the multi-mode radio can be used for long range and short range communications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for audio synchronization for hearing devices. An audio packet is received from a host device at a first hearing device configured to be worn in a first ear of a wearer, the audio packet compatible with a wireless low energy digital communication protocol, and the audio packet is received from the host device at a second hearing device configured to be worn in a second ear of the wearer. Upon one or more programmable conditions, a synchronization packet is sent from the first hearing device to the second hearing device. An acknowledgment packet is sent from the second hearing device to the first hearing device upon receipt of the synchronization packet, and a first transducer at the first hearing device and a second transducer at the second hearing device are unmuted to deliver synchronized audio to the first ear and to the second ear.