Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, a low power audio processing circuitry is provided. A first converter may be used to convert a received audio signal into a digital input signal. A programmable audio processor may be used to receive audio processing algorithms from an external data port and to store the audio processing algorithms in a memory device. The programmable audio processor may also be used to receive the digital input signal and to process the digital input signal using the audio processing algorithms to generate a digital output signal. A second converter may be used to convert the digital output signal into an audio output signal.

Abstract: Binaural hearing instrument systems and methods are provided. The binaural hearing instrument system may include communications circuitry that is used to transmit data between left and right hearing instruments. The left and right hearing instruments may include binaural processing circuits that generate left and right audio output signals, respectively, as a function of the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of both the left and right audio input signals. The data transmitted between the left and right hearing instruments by the communications circuitry may be used to provide the SNR of the left audio input signal to the right hearing instrument and to provide the SNR of the right audio input signal to the left hearing instrument. In one example, the data transmitted between the left and right hearing instruments may include audio signals that may be used to determine the SNRs of the left and right audio input signals.