Abstract: The invention describes a Hearing Aid device composed of a cellphone and eyeglasses where some of the programs are carried out by components embedded onto the temples of eyeglasses and some programs by components which are inherently part of cellphones. The combined device improves the intelligibility of voice messages arriving both through the cellphone speaker, the connected earphones and directly through the free air. The user can call diverse programs suitable for different situations, by using inertial sensors embedded either in the eyeglasses or are inherently part of the cellphone.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for wirelessly communicating with hearing assistance devices. According to various embodiments, the device includes a first interface for communicating with a programmer and a second interface for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. The second interface is adapted to receive a plurality of communication modules. Each of the modules is adapted for communication with at least one specific type of hearing assistance device. The device includes a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces. The housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: A graphical interface is provided to select parameters for fitting a hearing device. The graphical interface provides a mechanism to visually represent and control values of these parameters.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a method and apparatus for a compact programming block for a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. In one embodiment, the compact programming block is formed in a programming block module with another component and the programming block module includes a flexible circuit design. The design incorporates a first flexible circuit disposed in a programming module that receives a second flexible circuit connection. The programming block module includes a plurality of contact springs and is shaped to provide a small profile that is integrated with a microphone housing. The integrated microphone and programming block module can be used in a hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the programming block is integrated with a pushbutton, and the integrated pushbutton and programming block can be used in a hearing assistance device.

Abstract: A hearing aid (1) has means for entering or leaving a stand-by mode initiated by a remote control (14). During use, a dedicated stand-by command issued by the remote control is received and decoded in the hearing aid. When a stand-by command is recognized, a clock signal to the signal-processing parts (3) of the hearing aid (1) is disabled, effectively halting the signal processing. In the stand-by mode, the hearing aid circuitry draws very little power from the battery. Reception of a similar command in the hearing aid during the stand-by mode enables the clock signal to the signal-processing parts of the hearing aid, enabling signal processing. A method to manage the stand-by mode involves the step of calling a soft-boot routine when the hearing aid leaves stand-by mode and resumes normal operation.

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 method and device for activating a media player enables efficient and convenient access to media files. The method includes determining that a wireless communication device is not operatively coupled to a network. An operative coupling of a speaker system to the wireless communication device is detected. The media player is then activated automatically in response to detecting the operative coupling of the speaker system to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A hearing aid has an operating device with an operating element for activating a first operating function and a second operating function of the hearing aid. The operating device is configured to cause an execution of an operating function of the hearing aid by activating the corresponding operating function via the operating element. The operating device suppresses the execution of the first operating function by activating the first operating function via the operating element if the second operating function is activated via the operating element.

Abstract: A power management system (1) for a digital processing core (12) of a battery-powered hearing aid is adapted for providing power to the hearing aid circuit in a particularly efficient manner. The power management system (1) comprises a first linear voltage regulator (25, 26, 28), and a second linear voltage regulator (25, 27) in series with a switched-capacitor 2:1 SC converter (21), a positive bulk biasing voltage supply (10), and a negative bulk biasing voltage supply (11), for controlling the switching speed, threshold voltage, and current leak from the semiconductor elements (13, 14) of the digital processing core (12) when the core (12) is operated at the reduced voltage provided by the power management system (1). The power management system (1) may save between 50% and 70% of the power consumed by the digital processing core (12) of the hearing aid circuit when compared to existing hearing aids, and may thus prolong the battery life.

Abstract: A method comprises deriving a control signal (3) from an input signal (1). The process of deriving the control signal comprises a standard processing (6) so as to provide a standard processed control signal component (7) based on a standard compressor characteristic, and an individualized processing (10) so as to provide an individualized processed control signal component (11) based on an individualized compressor characteristic. The standard and individualized processed control signal components are multiplied together to form the control signal. The invention further provides a hearing aid.

Abstract: The patient is presented with an audio sound. The patient is also presented with a visual representation of the sound at a visual display. A response to the audio sound and the visual representation is received from the patient via a first interface and the response indicates a perception of sound from the patient. Based upon the response from the patient, a first adjustment to the base setting parameters of the hearing instrument is performed that is effective to adjust the sound. The audio sound is re-presented to the patient with the adjusted sound. Subsequently, fine-tuning commands are received from the patient via a second interface that fine-tuning commands are effective to make a fine-tuning adjustment to the hearing instrument.

Abstract: A binaural hearing instrument set is described in which algorithms are split into a server part and a thin-client part. The respective server part of the algorithm is located in a first hearing instrument unit, while the thin-client part is located in a second unit in the binaural hearing instrument set. This is advantageous in that it enables optimization of the usage of combined processing resources in the two units.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to methods and apparatus for using text messages to distribute ring tones to adjust and fit hearing assistance devices. In an embodiment, a text message is programmed including information regarding a hearing assistance device adjustment for a wearer. The text message identifies a ring tone playback sequence associated with the adjustment, and is sent to a cellular telephone via a text messaging network. When the ring tone playback sequence is played on the cellular telephone, the hearing assistance device senses the sequence and makes the programmed adjustment.

Abstract: A listening system, e.g. a hearing aid system, including a charging station and one or more listening devices, e.g. hearing instruments. The hearing aid system includes a) a hearing instrument including a rechargeable battery for energizing the hearing instrument, and a volatile data memory, wherein basic data for the configuration of the hearing instrument are stored during normal operation, b) a charging station adapted for allowing a hearing instrument to be mounted and the battery to be recharged without removing the battery from the hearing instrument, and c) a connection allowing communication between the charging station and the hearing instrument, to allow the basic data for the configuration of the hearing instrument to be transferred from the data memory of the charging station to the data memory of the hearing instrument, when the hearing instrument is mounted in the charging station.

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: The provision of an individually adapted hearing aid for a patient is intended to be effected more quickly. A method is therefore provided by which, firstly, hearing loss data, in particular an audiogram, are generated by a person skilled in the art for example an ENT specialist, and the hearing loss data are transmitted to a manufacturer. Using a perceptive model based on the hearing loss data, the manufacturer selects a hearing aid and matches the hearing aid to the patient by means of the perceptive model. Finally, the manufacturer delivers the adapted hearing aid directly or indirectly to the patient. Due to the simplified workflow during the adaptation, the waiting times for the provision of the hearing aid are reduced for the patient.

Abstract: A Hearing apparatuses is provided. The hearing apparatus includes a programming socket that features at least a first connection and a second connection, with a signal processing system that is connected to the second connection, and with a control system. The control system taps the potential of the first connection. The control system furthermore engages the signal processing system in a first function when the first connection reaches the predetermined potential and in a second function when the potential of the first connection deviates from the predetermined potential. This enables multiple usages for example of the input of a programming interface of a signal processing IC.

Abstract: An earpiece (100) is provided. The earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) configured to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Microphone (123) configured to capture internal sound in the ear canal, a memory (208) configured to record at least a portion of the history of the ambient sound and the internal sound, and a processor (121) configured to save a recent portion of the history responsive to an event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the configuration of at least one adjustment option on a hearing device, with the hearing device wearer having the task of setting the hearing device by ear with the aid of the adjustment option to be configured such that a predetermined characteristic on the hearing device is adjusted, with the adjustment option being enabled if the characteristics set by the hearing device wearer equate to the predetermined characteristics or has deviations herefrom, which lie within a predetermined tolerance range.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a hearing device, by registering characteristics of an individual (I) a personality vector (K(CI)) is established in a fitting machine. The personality vector (K(CI)) of the individual (I) momentarily involved is compared with stored personality vectors (K1(C) to Kn(C)). That stored personality vector which is most similar to that of the individual (I) is selected and therefrom a personality profile (PP) which is assigned to such personality vector. There is assigned to the personality profile which accords to the most similar personality vector, a respective fitting vector which controls subsequent manufacturing of the hearing device.

Abstract: A hearing system is described comprising a hearing device with a signal processing unit and at least one analogue control element (5) with a selector (6) with a delimited selecting range for selecting at least one particular setting of the hearing system. Each setting controls one or multiple parameters of the hearing device (1), and the analogue control element (5) is operatively connected to the signal processing unit. Furthermore, the selecting range of the analogue control element (5) is partitioned into discrete segments, each identified by a distinctive identification digit, and at least two successive segments define a section (Pos 1, . . . , Pos 4), each section is identified by a distinctive section digit; wherein each section (Pos 1, . . . , Pos 4) represents a particular setting of the hearing system.

Abstract: A system for adapting a hearing aid to a user includes a unit generating an image of the user's ear together with a model of the hearing aid, wherein the model of the hearing aid in-situ includes a physical model of the hearing aid inserted in the user's ear prior to generating the image. The system also generates a mesh based on the image, calculates acoustic response to a simulated acoustic signal in the mesh, calculates a frequency response curve for a fixed position in the mesh, and identifies an optimal position of a microphone of the hearing aid in-situ from the acoustic response. They system also includes a comparator configured to compare the frequency response curve for the fixed position in the mesh with a maximum frequency response curve for the mesh stored by the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus configure a handheld audio device to communicate audio information by identifying an ear being used with the handheld audio device and by configuring the handheld audio device in response to the ear identification to communicate audio information to the ear. The identification may use sonic or visual techniques to identify the ear.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a transceiver configurable to communicate with a hearing aid through a radio frequency (RF) communication channel and a memory configured to store a plurality of hearing aid profiles executable by a digital signal processor of the hearing aid to shape audio signals to compensate for a user's hearing deficiency. The portable electronic device further includes a circuit configured to receive a selection corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of hearing aid profiles and to provide the selected one to the hearing aid in response to receiving the selection.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a second hearing device in dependence of a first hearing device is proposed. Therein, the first hearing device has been, by means of a first fitting system, individually adjusted to needs and preferences of a specific hearing device user. The method comprises the steps of a1) providing data (165) related to the first hearing device; a2) providing data (155) related to the first fitting system; d1?) adjusting the second hearing device in dependence of the data (165) related to said first hearing device and of the data (155) related to said first fitting system. The corresponding apparatus is disclosed, too. A fitting can be transferred from the first hearing device to the second hearing device.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe replacing a current hearing aid profile stored in a hearing aid.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe a social network tailored to meet the needs of individuals having impaired hearing. More specifically the social network provides a mechanism by which members of the social network can communicate with each other information related to improvement the overall quality of life of the members. In a particular embodiment, audio processing characteristics of hearing aids worn by and used by members of the social network can be modified based upon at least some of the information passed between members of the social network.

Abstract: A hearing system includes a hearing device with a signal processing unit. A control input of the signal processing unit is connected to a device communication port. A remote control device has a wireless communication port for single or bi-directional wireless communication with the device communication port. A computer is embedded in the remote control device. An output of the computer is connected to the wireless communication port and to a machine/man interface at the remote control device. An input of the computer is connected to a man/machine interface at the remote control device. A set of application programs is executable by the computer.

Abstract: A hearing apparatus includes a charging contact being movable relative to an accumulator and being electrically conductively connected to the accumulator in a first position and less effectively conductively connected thereto in a second position. A spring-elastic element engages with the charging contact in order to push the charging contact into the second position with a predetermined force, so that the charging contact can only be pushed into the first position by overcoming the predetermined force. As a result, the charging contact configuration obtains a switching function, so that electro-corrosion on the charging contacts can be prevented. Therefore, charging an accumulator of a hearing apparatus and in particular of a hearing device using a direct conductive contact is possible, with zero potential of the charging contacts which are accessible from the outside being ensured during normal operation of the hearing apparatus.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprising a time domain codec. The codec comprises a decoder adapted to generate a decoded output signal based on an input quantization index and an encoder for generating an output quantization index based on an input signal, said encoder comprising said decoder and a predictor receiving an excitation signal derived from said decoder output signal and outputting a prediction signal. The output quantization index is determined by repeated decoding of the quantization indices in order to minimize the error between the input signal and the prediction signal, and the predictor uses a recursive autocorrelation estimate for the error minimization. The invention further provides a method of encoding an audio signal.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprises an amplifier (303, 309, 317), an input transducer (301), an output transducer (824) and a signal processing device (825). The amplifier (303, 309, 317) and the signal processing device (825) are connected. The hearing aid further comprises at least two electrodes (201-205) adapted for detecting electrical signals such as brain waves, the at least two electrodes (201-205) being connected to a differential amplifier (303, 309, 317), which in turn is connected to the signal processing device, and means for modifying the operation of said hearing aid in dependence of the detected signals. The invention further provides a method for adaptation of a hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing system is provided that includes a left device that supplies an electrical sound signal for supplying the left ear of the user, and a right device that supplies an electrical sound signal for supplying the right ear of the user. A perceptive model for binaural hearing is implemented at least in one of the two devices or a further device belonging to the hearing system, with which a left setting value for the left device and/or a right setting value for the right device can be determined on the basis of the two sound signals. The left device can then be set with the left setting value and/or the right device with the right setting value. The entire process of the binaural hearing and not only the monaural hearing is thus taken into consideration for the setting of the hearing system.

Abstract: The invention specifies a hearing device, which has at least one contact means which can be flush with the hearing device housing. The contact means contacts an external unit, for instance a battery charging unit, when in an extended or folded-out position. The unit has a corresponding opening for receiving the contact means. As a result, a reliable connection can be established between the hearing device and the charging device when charging a rechargeable battery of the hearing device for instance. The contact means can comprise first and second contact elements, and third contact elements which correspond to the external unit.

Abstract: The setting and/or adjustment of a hearing device for a user is provided. The hearing device includes a signal processing facility for processing an input sound to form an output sound, with a perceptive model being implemented in the signal processing facility or in a processing facility connected in a data link therewith, with which perceptive model a psychoacoustic variable can be provided in respect of the output sound. A visualization facility, for instance integrated in a remote control comprising the processing facility, is preferably wirelessly connected to the signal processing facility. A value of the psychoacoustic variable can thus be visualized accordingly. In this way an assisting person obtains an item of information relating to the perception of the sound supplied by the hearing device by the user, as a result of which the setting is facilitated for the assisting person.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable hearing aid to which at least one parameter which influences the response and amplification characteristics of the hearing aid can be adjusted, with means being included which carry out testing of the effectiveness of an adjustment of this parameter in the prevailing auditory situation, and means being included which, given the existence of a minimum effectiveness, enable the adjustment option of this parameter.

Abstract: An exemplary hearing aid compatibility (HAC) module includes an insulative substrate and a ground member. The substrate includes a first mounting surface, and a second mounting surface at opposite sides thereof, and a third mounting surface between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. The ground member includes two ground portions respectively attached to the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, and a connecting portion attached to the third mounting surface. The connecting portion comprises two or more parts. One of the parts connects one of the ground portions, and another of the parts connects the other ground portion.

Abstract: An unintentional adjustment of the user-controlled control elements on the device can result within the scope of the activation of a hearing device, after a switch-on delay has elapsed. To reduce this risk, a delay in the release of the user-controlled control elements attached to the device is provided in accordance with the invention in addition to the said switch-on delay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid with a sound receiver for generating a microphone signal representing a sound wave received and a sound generator for generating a sound depending on a power signal received. The hearing aid has a transmission unit which on the input side is connected to the sound receiver and on the output side to the sound generator and generates a power signal depending on a microphone signal received. The transmission unit modifies a transmission characteristic of the transmission unit as a function of a tag signal received. The hearing aid has a radio frequency detection device connected to the transmission unit, with a spatial detection zone where the radio frequency detection device detects, electromagnetically and in particular inductively, a radio frequency tag and, depending on the radio frequency tag, to generate a tag signal and to output this to the transmission unit.

Abstract: The hearing system (1) comprises at least one hearing device which comprises an operability control unit (3) and, operationally connectable thereto, a storage unit (4) in which operability data (5) are stored. The operability control unit (3) is structured and configured to either disable or not disable the hearing device (2) from functioning as a hearing device in dependence of the operability data (5), and the hearing system comprises no means for modifying the operability data (5), more particularly comprises no means for modifying the operability data stored in the storage unit (4). The method for operating a hearing system (1) comprises providing a hearing system (1) comprising at least one hearing device (2) comprising an operability control unit (3) and, operationally connected thereto a storage unit (4) in which operability data (5) are stored, wherein the hearing system comprises no means for modifying the operability data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fitting a hearing aid to the needs of a hearing aid user, the method comprising collecting statistical data characterizing physical or psychological properties of environments in which use of the hearing aid is desired and utilizing the statistical values for the adjustment of the signal processing in the hearing aid, such statistical data having influence even though they may have been collected prior to the wearer's first or current period of listening via the hearing aid. The invention further relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method for programming a hearing device is described, in which audio data and programming data is transmitted from a programming device to the hearing device, with the audio data and the programming data being converted into data packets and transmitted via a common channel of a digital radio connection from the programming device to the hearing device.

Abstract: A system for hearing assistance devices to assist hearing aid fitting applied to individual differences in hearing impairment. The system is also usable for assisting fitting and use of hearing assistance devices for listeners of music. The method uses a subjective space approach to reduce the dimensionality of the fitting problem and a non-linear regression technology to interpolate among hearing aid parameter settings. This listener-driven method provides not only a technique for preferred aid fitting, but also information on individual differences and the effects of gain compensation on different musical styles.

Abstract: A hearing aid (or other assistive listening device) that is suitable for limited use is disclosed. The hearing aid can be configured to be usable for a predetermined period of time. After the expiration of the predetermined period of time, the hearing aid can cease to operate or operate in a degraded manner. Once the hearing aid has become significantly degraded, it can be either disposed of or reconfigured (or reprogrammed) so as to be usable for an additional period of time.

Abstract: For the identification of peripheral devices on a hearing aid, these devices are provided with an identification resistor (R) that can be read out by the configuration of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid and a method for operating a hearing aid include a signal processing device operable by using different signal processing parameters and a UV sensor connected to the signal processing device. The signal processing device can set at least one signal processing parameter as a function of an output signal of the UV sensor. At least one predetermined signal processing parameter can be set in each case for within and outside of enclosed spaces. It is possible to reliably distinguish between environmental situations within and outside of enclosed spaces by using the UV light intensity in the environment to be measured by the UV sensor, so that the method of operation of the hearing aid, e.g. of an aural program, is advantageously automatically matched to these two environmental situations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a characteristic of a source hearing device on target hearing device are provided. A transformation database is created. A source hearing device including the setting of the source hearing device are identified, the characteristic of setting is to be set on the target hearing device. The setting which, according to the transformation database on the target hearing device, results in the characteristic corresponding to the characteristic of the identified source hearing device is recalled. The target hearing device is set using the recalled setting. Settings are stored in the transformation database during their creation, which have to be set to hearing devices of different types to be set in order to grant these hearing devices the characteristic of other identified hearing with identified settings.

Abstract: An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit provides a compact design for a hearing aid to communicate wirelessly with a system external to the hearing aid. In an embodiment, an antenna includes metallic traces in a hybrid circuit that is configured for use in a hearing aid. The antenna includes contacts in the hybrid circuit to couple the metallic traces to electronic devices in the hybrid circuit. In an embodiment, the metallic traces form a planar coil design having a number of turns of the coil in a substrate in the hybrid circuit. In another embodiment, the metallic traces are included in a flex circuit on a substrate in the hybrid circuit. An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit allows for use in a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid has a hearing aid housing and an associated method for operating the hearing aid. The hearing aid contains a first humidity sensor which determines a first ambient humidity and a modification unit, which modifies an operating state and/or an operating parameter of the hearing aid in dependence on the first ambient humidity detected. The hearing aid takes account of the effect of the humidity of the environment on the hearing aid properties and takes measures to compensate for the humidity.

Abstract: A hearing aid with a drop safeguard has an accelerometer, an electrical circuit, and a memory. The accelerometer generates an electrical signal in dependence on an acceleration of the hearing aid. The signal is transmitted to the electrical circuit which uses this to determine a jerky acceleration of the hearing aid. The electrical circuit saves the respectively current settings of the hearing aid to the memory in the case of a jerky acceleration of the hearing aid. After the hearing aid is dropped, the settings can be reconstructed from the memory so that as a result this prevents the settings of the hearing aid from being changed.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a system for wireless communications between one or more wireless audio devices and other electronics for providing a rich set of streaming audio, control, programming and enhanced hearing functions.