Remote Control, Wireless, Or Alarm Patents (Class 381/315)
  • Patent number: 8938077
    Abstract: A method of selecting a compensation method to compensate a sound source signal output from a sound source playing apparatus includes; displaying a plurality of areas indicating each of a plurality of compensation methods with respect to a signal output from the sound source playing apparatus, outputting a test signal compensated by a compensation method of the plurality of compensation methods, the compensation method corresponding to at least one area of the plurality of areas, selecting any one of the plurality of areas based on a response of a user to the output test signal, and storing the compensation method corresponding to the selected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-il Shon, Dong-wook Kim
  • Publication number: 20150016646
    Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Beau Jay Polinske, Jorge F. Sanguino, Jay Rabel, Jeffrey Paul Solum, Michael Helgeson, David Tourtelotte
  • Publication number: 20150016645
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes an antenna for wireless communication with another device. The antenna includes a primary element connected to the circuit of the hearing aid and one or more secondary elements parasitically coupled to the primary element. This antenna configuration substantially increases radiation efficiency when compared to an antenna with the primary element alone, without substantially increasing the size, power consumption, and complexity of the hearing aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Bauman, Jorge F. Sanguino, Greg Haubrich
  • Publication number: 20150010180
    Abstract: According to various embodiment of a method of operating a hearing instrument, an acoustic signal pathway is provided from a microphone through a signal processor to a hearing instrument (HI) receiver in an acoustic mode of operation. An RF transmit signal pathway is provided from the microphone to an RF transmitter, and an RF receive signal pathway is provided from the RF receiver through the signal processor to the HI receiver in an RF mode of operation. An input signal representative of sound detected by the microphone is adaptively filtered. A first adaptation rate is used for the acoustic mode of operation and a second adaptation rate is used for the RF mode of operation. The second adaptation rate is faster than the first adaptation rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Jon S. Kindred, Jeffrey Paul Solum
  • Publication number: 20150010179
    Abstract: A hearing assistance system provides for wireless communication between hearing assistance devices that are in a Bluetooth connection with a host device. In various embodiments, during a Bluetooth connection interval, one or more time slots are used for communication between the host device and one or more of the hearing assistance devices, while one or more additional time slots are reserved for communication between the hearing assistance devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: STARKEY LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Solum
  • Publication number: 20150010181
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for outputting a sound with Hearing Aids Compatibility (HAC) in a mobile terminal. The sound output apparatus includes a modem chip including a first amplifier amplifying and transferring an electric signal to a switch, a switch that selectively connects an output line of the first amplifier to a receiver or a second amplifier, a second amplifier connected with the receiver and the switch and that amplifies and transfers an electric signal received from the first amplifier to the receiver when the switch connects the output line of the first amplifier to the second amplifier, and a receiver connected with the switch and the second amplifier and that converts and outputs an electric signal received from the first amplifier or the second amplifier into a sound. This allows for the stable transfer of a sound to hearing handicapped persons with HAC without distortion of the sound quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Ji Sang Jang, Chul Hyo Yoon, Jae Woon Park
  • Publication number: 20150003654
    Abstract: A hearing aid compatible mobile electronic device is provided. The hearing aid compatible mobile electronic device includes a wireless communication unit including a power amplification module, a power source configured to transfer a first current to the power amplification module through a sending end thereof and to receive a second current from the power amplification module through a ground terminal thereof, a line unit connected between the power amplification module and the power source and including a first line through which the first current flows and a second line through which the second current flows in an opposite direction to the first current, and a receiver configured to generate a magnetic signal for hearing aid compatibility and to receive a first magnetic field generated by the first current and a second magnetic field generated by the second current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Youngjong KIM, Byungseol CHO, Jaehyung CHO, Youngjae KWON, Jaeyoung JANG
  • Publication number: 20150003653
    Abstract: A hearing assistance system streams audio signals from one or more streaming sources to a hearing aid set and enhances the audio signals such that the output sounds transmitted to the hearing aid wearer include a spatialization effect allowing for localization of each of the one more streaming sources. The system determines the position of the hearing aid set relative to each streaming source in real time and introduces the spatialization effect for that streaming source dynamically based on the determined position, such that the hearing aid wearer can experience a natural feeing of the acoustic environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Karrie LaRae Recker, Eric A. Durant
  • Patent number: 8923539
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing aid include a mechanism to detect the presence of a magnetic field using a magnetic sensing device disposed in a hearing aid, to digitally modify a frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the detection of the presence, and to modify the frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the magnetic sensing device determining removal of the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8917890
    Abstract: A system and method for relieving tinnitus, hyperacusis, and/or hearing loss is described. One method described includes manipulating an audio signal, associating an audio signal with synchronization information, and transmitting the audio signal and associated synchronization information to a first ear level device and a second ear level device. The method further includes outputting the audio signal substantially simultaneously in the first ear level device and the second ear level device, based at least in part on the synchronization information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sanuthera, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. DiGiovanni, Stephen Rizzo
  • Patent number: 8917894
    Abstract: Earpieces and methods for acute sound detection and reproduction are provided. A method can include measuring an ambient sound level external to an ear canal at least partially occluded by the earpiece, monitoring a change in the ambient sound level for detecting an acute sound, estimating a proximity of the acute sound, and reproducing the acute sound within the ear canal responsive to detecting the acute sound and the proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLC.
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Goldstein, Marc Andre Boillot, John Usher
  • Publication number: 20140369539
    Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
  • Publication number: 20140369538
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems that can allow a digital signal processor (DSP) in an ultrasonic audio system to be adjusted according to a listener's preferences. In one embodiment, the listener or user can attempt to configure a DSP through a plurality of user interfaces. In another embodiment, the listener can provide an audiogram, previously generated by an audiologist, and send said audiogram to the manufacturer in order to adjust the DSP in the ultrasonic sound system to his/her hearing preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Elwood G. Norris, John Bolton
  • Patent number: 8913771
    Abstract: Electronic devices such as compact portable media players are provided. A housing for an electronic device may be relatively compact. The housing may include a door assembly with an attached spring-loaded clip. The electronic device may include a hold switch. Depending on the state of the hold switch, the electronic device may be in an off mode, a continuous playback mode, or a shuffle playback mode. The electronic device may not have integrated media playback controls such as play, pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. As one example, the electronic device may connect to an accessory that has media playback controls. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessory and user input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using a wired path including audio connectors. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board assembly that is nested together with a battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Benjamin Filson, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Emery Sanford
  • Patent number: 8908889
    Abstract: A buzzer includes a piezoelectric diaphragm and a housing enclosing the diaphragm and defining a resonating chamber. The chamber includes a sound port and has an optimal resonating frequency fHt at a temperature T defined by fHt=(vt/2?)(?(A/voL)) were vt is the velocity of sound waves in air at a temperature T, A is the effective area of the sound port, vo is the volume of the resonating chamber, and L is the effective length of the sound port. A temperature compensating member moves in response to changes in temperature to change the value of ?(A/voL) at a rate and in a manner that balances the change in 1/vt across that same temperature range, thereby reducing changes in the product (vt/2?)(?(A/voL)) and consequently reducing any changes that would otherwise occur in fHt across that temperature range, thereby holding the value of fH substantially constant across the temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Piezotech, LLC
    Inventors: Frans Lautzenhiser, Fredric Bernard Grossman, Michael H. Phillips, Ramesh Janardhanam
  • Publication number: 20140355799
    Abstract: A system includes: an external input device having a housing accommodating at least two telecoils having different orientations with respect to the housing, and an orientation sensor configured for sensing an orientation of the housing; and a selector configured for controlling connection of one of the at least two telecoils to an input of a hearing aid based on the sensed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Kim RASMUSSEN, Ivar Wolf LARSEN
  • Publication number: 20140355801
    Abstract: A method includes determining a first feature of a first audio signal at a first location in a signal processing path and determining, using the first feature, a first environmental classification of the first signal. Further, the method includes, based on the first environmental classification, enabling, modifying or disabling one or both of a first signal processing mode at the first location and a second signal processing mode at a second location in the signal processing path. The method also includes determining a second feature of a second audio signal at the second location and determining, using the second feature, a second environmental classification of the second signal. Further, the method includes, based on the second environmental classification, enabling, modifying or disabling one or both of the first signal processing mode at the first location and the second signal processing mode at the second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Goorevich, Kyriaky Griffin
  • Publication number: 20140355800
    Abstract: A hearing-aid apparatus using ultrasonic waves is inserted and mounted within an external auditory meatus of an ear, generates an ultrasonic wave band signal by single side band amplitude modulation of a sound signal that is received through a microphone, and outputs the ultrasonic wave band signal and a carrier signal that is used for single side band amplitude modulation as an ultrasonic wave signal to a transfer medium in a predetermined beam direction. Therefore, the ultrasonic wave signal forms a focal area in a damaged hearing organ area, the ultrasonic wave band signal is restored to a sound signal by nonlinear characteristics of a transfer medium in the focal area, and the damaged hearing organ detects the sound signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Tae Wook KANG, Jung Hwan HWANG, Sung Eun KIM, Sung Weon KANG, Chang Hee HYOUNG, Kyung Hwan PARK, Sung Won SOHN
  • Publication number: 20140341407
    Abstract: A method for beam-forming for a hearing aid system is disclosed. The hearing aid system has a left and a right hearing aid device for disposal on a head of a wearer. The hearing aid devices each have microphones for converting the sound into a left and a right input signal and also a signal processing device which receives the two input signals. In the method a number of different linear combinations of the left and the right input signal are provided, are assessed according to a predetermined signal criterion and, in dependence thereof, one of the linear combinations is selected as a beam signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: EGHART FISCHER, HOMAYOUN KAMKAR PARSI
  • Publication number: 20140341405
    Abstract: A hearing instrument includes: a radio for reception of a broadcasted message; an authenticator configured for authentication of a transmitter of the broadcasted message; and a receiver configured for converting the broadcasted message into an acoustic signal for transmission towards an eardrum of a user of the hearing instrument upon successful authentication of the transmitter of the broadcasted message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: GN ReSound A/S
    Inventors: Brian Dam PEDERSEN, Peter SIEGUMFELDT, Hans Henrik BJOERSTRUP
  • Publication number: 20140341408
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing a gateway for a wireless hearing assistance device. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. One or more message and alert inputs are received and the message and alert inputs are processed to obtain an output. The output is wirelessly transmitted to a hearing assistance device, and the output is configured to be played via audio to a wearer of the hearing assistance device and to interrupt a current audio stream being played to the wearer, in various embodiments. Another aspect of the present subject matter relates to the one or more message and alert inputs being received from one or more home appliances through a hub device. The output informs the wearer of the hearing assistance device of states of the one or more home appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Preetham Varghese, Jeffrey Paul Solum
  • Publication number: 20140341406
    Abstract: A method for receiving wireless audio streams in a hearing device includes: receiving audio packages of a primary audio stream from a primary transmitter unit having a primary transmitter unit address; evaluating a first parameter of the primary audio stream; and if the first parameter fulfills a search criterion: searching for pilot packages from available transmitter units; determining an optimum transmitter unit based on one or more pilot package parameters of the pilot packages from the available transmitter units; and receiving audio packages of an audio stream from the optimum transmitter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: GN ReSound A/S
    Inventor: Ole GUDIKSEN
  • Patent number: 8891794
    Abstract: Method and devices for processing audio signals based on sound profiles are provided. A reproduction device can request a sound profile based on user information, device information, media metadata or a combination. The sound profiles can be customized and shared across multiple devices. User interfaces allow for the input of information that allows the reproduction device or a server in the cloud to select, modify, store, and analyze sound profiles. Deeper analysis allows for the improvement of sound profiles for individuals and groups. Intensity scoring of a music library can also be conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics of Silicon Valley, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky Chau-Hsiung Lin, Thomas Yamasaki, Hiroyuki Toki, Koichiro Kanda
  • Patent number: 8891793
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides systems and methods for remotely controlling a hearing assistance device, including using a personal wireless device such as a cellular telephone. One embodiment includes a communication system for controlling a hearing assistance device. The system includes a personal wireless device including a short range radio transmitter. The short range radio transmitter is programmed to transmit instructions to the hearing assistance device by conversion of inputs to the personal wireless device into control signals for the hearing assistance device using on/off keying of the short range radio transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Karl Sacha, Wei Li Lin, Jay Ashwin Shah
  • Patent number: 8885857
    Abstract: A system for establishing within a communication network a conversation group between a number of hearing aids (1, 2; 3, 4, 5) used by different users, comprises a number of hearing aids (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) adapted for wireless communication, means for detecting hearing aids (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) available for participation in the communication network, means for selecting hearing aids for participation (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in said network, and a shared wireless communication unit (10) adapted for transmitting to and from the hearing aids (1, 2; 3, 4, 5) participating in said communication network. The invention further provides a method for establishing a conversation group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Widex A/S
    Inventors: Mike Lind Rank, Jakob Nielsen, Michael Ungstrup, Kristian Thygesen Gjesse
  • Publication number: 20140328507
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for increasing antenna performance for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing assistance device for a wearer including an antenna within a device housing, an audio receiver configured to be worn in an ear canal of a wearer, and a cable assembly configured to connect the audio receiver to the device housing. A circuit component, such as a ferrite bead or an inductor, is connected to the cable assembly and configured to adjust coupling between the cable assembly and the antenna by modifying high frequency current through the wires of the cable assembly. According to various embodiments, the circuit component is configured to enhance radiation from the cable assembly conductors to assist in wireless communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jay Rabel, Jorge F. Sanguino
  • Patent number: 8879764
    Abstract: Hearing system comprising a hearing device and an FM receiver, the FM receiver being adapted to be operationally connected to the hearing device and to communicate wirelessly with an FM transmitter on an FM channel, the hearing device comprising memory storing configuration data indicating the FM channel and transferring means for transferring the stored configuration data to the FM receiver, the hearing system further comprising a configurator adapted to configure the FM receiver to use the indicated FM channel for communicating wirelessly with the FM transmitter. The hearing system further comprises a detector adapted to detect whether the FM receiver is operationally connected to the hearing device, and the transferring means further is adapted to transfer the stored configuration data to the FM receiver in response to the FM receiver going from not being operationally connected to being operationally connected to the hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Marinus Andersen
  • Publication number: 20140321682
    Abstract: A portable hearing assistance device comprises an input unit, an output unit, a forward path between the input unit and the output unit, and an energy source for energizing components of the hearing assistance device. The hearing assistance device further comprises a control unit to control activation (or deactivation) of a low-power mode of operation of the hearing assistance device. When the low-power mode is activated—the draw of current from said energy source is reduced compared to a normal mode of operation of the device, the activation (or deactivation) being influenced by a combination of at least two different control input signals to the control unit, each control input signal being a signal selected from 1) signals relating to current physical environment, 2) signals relating to current acoustic environment, 3) signals relating to current wearer state, and 4) signals relating to current state or operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicants: Bernafon AG, Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Andreas KOFOD-HANSEN, Svend Oscar PETERSEN, Gabriel ALDAZ, Gunnar GUDNASON, Michael Syskind PEDERSEN, Dennis PRESUTTI, Björn LEGLER, Poul Hilding ANDERSSON, Christian MÜLLER, Jesko LAMM, Monika Bertges REBER
  • Patent number: 8873767
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an audio switching device for an audio or audio/video entertainment system having multiple audio channels; the device comprising at least two audio inputs for receiving at least two respective input signals from a media source on respective input channels, and switching means for selectively switching the device, independently of an actuating signal embedded in the input signals, between a first mode of operation in which respective audio input signals are output to respective audio reproduction means for stereo/multi-channel reproduction of the audio content of the said audio signals, and a second mode in which at least one of the said audio channels is switched to a respective audio output connected to a wireless transmitter for transmission of a media source input signal, including control and or audio information, to at least one remote device for controlling movement/animation of the said remote device and/or reproducing audio content of the signal at the said remote device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: RB Concepts Limited
    Inventor: Jason Regler
  • Patent number: 8873780
    Abstract: A method for operating a hearing system comprises the steps of: a) replacing the current settings by the former settings upon operation of a reset user control; and one of the steps of: b1) automatically replacing the former settings by new former settings upon receiving a request for adjusting at least one setting of the current settings, provided that no adjustment to the current settings has been carried out for at least a pre-defined time span up to the receiving of that request; or b2) automatically replacing the former settings by new former settings upon receiving a request for adjusting at least one setting of the current settings, provided that a difference between the current settings and the former settings caused by one or more adjustments to the current settings carried out during a pre-defined time span up to the receiving of that request is larger than a pre-defined difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventor: Andreas Gerber
  • Patent number: 8867765
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Solum
  • Publication number: 20140307903
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the adjusting of a binaural hearing system and devices being operable according to said method. The hearing system comprises two hearing devices (10, 20), each comprising a signal processing unit (12, 22) for processing an audio input signal according to at least one hearing program (P) to provide an output signal being forwarded to an output transducer (13, 23) of the respective hearing device (10, 20). The method comprises the steps of: determining device information (ACCorr(P)ipsi, ACCorr(P)contra) being related to the hearing devices (10, 20) and to at least one hearing device specific adjustment having been applied earlier to the at least one hearing program (P); calculating synchronization data (learnt_pref(P)) according to a function that depends on the device information (ACCorr(P)ipsi, ACCorr(P)contra); and; synchronizing the hearing devices (10, 20) by taking into account the synchronization data (learnt_pref(P)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventor: Elmar Fichtl
  • Publication number: 20140307901
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for low power operation of a binaural hearing aid, the method including determining whether a residual battery exceeds a predetermined threshold level, collecting an external audio signal, in response to whether the residual battery exceeds the predetermined threshold level, and transmitting the collected audio signal to a second hearing aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicants: The Industry & Academic Cooperation in Chungnam National University (IAC), SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun Seo KU, Jong Jin KIM, Jun Il SOHN, Jong Hee HAN, Dong Wook KIM, Ji Hoon KIM
  • Publication number: 20140307902
    Abstract: A hearing apparatus includes a coil and a coil operation mode selector configured to select either a first coil operation mode for communicating with a wireless communication terminal, or a second coil operation mode for wirelessly charging a battery of the hearing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun Seo Ku, Jong Jin Kim, Jun Whon Uhm, Chang Wook Yoon, Dong Wook Kim, Jun Il Sohn, Jong Min Choi, Jong Hee Han
  • Publication number: 20140301583
    Abstract: A wireless asymmetrical control system for a personal communication device comprising a first receiver associated with the personal communications device, and a transmitter having an in-band (IE audible) signal device, the IE audible device being configured to generate and transmit a time modulated control signals, the time modulated control signals being generated by generating a first plurality of multi-frequency signals comprising a plurality of first time modulated frequency combinations, and applying the plurality of first time modulated frequency combinations to a first plurality of control signals in a first frequency domain, the receiver being configured to decode the time modulated control signals and generate and transmit response signals to the IE audible signal device in response to the time modulated control signals, each of the response signals comprising an ultra-wide band (UWB) electro-magnetic pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Bret Herscher
  • Patent number: 8855324
    Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for determining one or more configuration settings for a first hearing prosthesis based on configuration data associated with a second hearing prosthesis. In some embodiments, determining the one or more configuration settings for the first hearing prosthesis may include determining an acoustic operating range associated with the first hearing prosthesis based on whether a configured gain at one or more frequencies for the second hearing prosthesis meets or exceeds a target gain at the one or more frequencies. Some embodiments may also include storing the determined configuration settings in a tangible computer readable memory associated with the first hearing prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Franck
  • Patent number: 8848929
    Abstract: A personal noise monitoring system and method for operating the same. Sound pressure data from inside the ears of a user of hearing protection device (HPD) are acquired from microphones in the HPD and reported to a master control unit. Simultaneously, the master control unit receives sound pressure data from the ambient environment in which the user is located. The data are reported to a central server for processing. The central server may use the data to determine in near real time or real time whether the user of the HPD is at risk for exposure to excess sound levels and to take remedial action while the user is still in the ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AEGISOUND
    Inventors: Ean H. Schiller, Jonathan M. Hager
  • Patent number: 8842862
    Abstract: The adjustment of a hearing device with regard to a current feedback path is to be designed in a more user-friendly manner. For this purpose, provision is made for hearing aid equipment, in particular a hearing device or a non-programmable device such as a headset, including a measuring device for measuring a feedback path and an operating facility for operating the hearing aid equipment by the wearer. The operating facility allows a measurement cycle to be activated to determine at least one characteristic of the feedback path. The hearing aid wearer can thus make adjustments themselves in terms of the feedback path and therefore does not have to rely on an acoustician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Tom Weidner
  • Publication number: 20140270287
    Abstract: A hearing aid device and methods implemented in hearing aid devices activate a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for communicating sounds signals for remote processing on a mobile computing device in response to the device detecting reception of meaningful sound, such as speech. Selectively activating the RF transceiver when sound is meaningful and avoiding powering the RF transceiver when detected sound is of little value to the wearer enables hearing aid to use the mobile computing device to process meaningful sound signals (e.g., speech from another person) while conserving batter power, thereby prolonging its battery life. The hearing aid device and methods may also deactivate the RF transceiver when the hearing aid device does not detect a meaningful sound signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kee-Hyun PARK
  • Patent number: 8837759
    Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
  • Patent number: 8831256
    Abstract: The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for determining prescription rules for a hearing prosthesis. A system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a receiver, a transmitter for wirelessly inducing electrical signals in the receiver, and first and second loads coupled to the receiver and associated with first and second applications, respectively. The system also includes a signal generator coupled to the transmitter. The signal generator is configured to energize the transmitter to transfer the electrical signals at a first duty cycle to the receiver for the first application and to energize the transmitter to transfer the electrical signals at a second duty cycle to the receiver for the second application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fort, Adam Schindhelm, Werner Meskens
  • Publication number: 20140241555
    Abstract: An electronic device may contain an input-output device such as a speaker, vibrator, or near field communications antenna. The input-output device may include an inductor. The inductor in the input-output device may be shared by wireless charging circuitry in the electronic device so that wireless charging signals can be converted into power to charge a battery in the electronic device. A separate inductor may also be provided within an input-output device to support wireless charging. A drive circuit may supply drive signals to the input-output device such as audio signals, vibrator control signals, or near field communications output signals for external near field communications equipment. An input amplifier that is coupled across the inductor in the input-output device may be used in receiving near field communications signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Publication number: 20140233774
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hearing aid using a portable terminal is provided. The method includes taking a photo, generating a control signal to control a hearing mode of the hearing aid according to an analysis of a surrounding condition based on the photo, and transmitting the control signal to the hearing aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Soo KIM, Ik-Soo KIM
  • Patent number: 8811643
    Abstract: An integrated headpiece for a cochlear implant system includes a microphone for outputting an audio signal; signal processing electronics for processing the audio signal; and a transmitter for transmitting a processed audio signal received from the electronics to an implanted receiver. All of the microphone, signal processing electronics, and transmitter are disposed in a common housing of the integrated headpiece. The headpiece may also be one of a set of headpieces that can be alternatively used as needed to suit power consumption requirements or environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics
    Inventors: Scott A. Crawford, Douglas P. Lynch, Carla Mann Woods
  • Patent number: 8811642
    Abstract: A hearing assistance device has one multipurpose control device that operates in an algorithm selection mode and a daily use mode. In the algorithm selection mode, the multipurpose control device is used to switch between amplification algorithms and select one of the algorithms to be implemented in an audio processing program. In the daily use mode, the multipurpose control device is used to adjust the volume of sound generated by an audio output section. A battery compartment door of the device has an open position in which the device is powered off, and a closed position in which the device is powered on. The multipurpose control device and the battery compartment door are the only user-operable controls on the hearing assistance device for controlling the device and powering the device on or off. No other controls are needed for adjusting volume, selecting algorithms, and switching between and selecting programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel R. Schumaier
  • Patent number: 8811639
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for wireless hearing assistance devices and in particular to a controllable range control for wireless hearing assistance device systems. An advertisement is used to allow the receiver to quickly receive streaming information, thus conserving power. In various embodiments, a system for communications with a hearing assistance device includes a wireless streaming device having a range control. The range control is configured to provide a first range for an advertisement transmission and a second range for a streaming information transmission. The first range is less than the second range, in various embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Solum, Edward John Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8811640
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for transmitting human sound that cancel an interference signal generated by a non-linear property of a human body around an ear by synthesizing and transmitting a sound signal modulated by a single side band (SSB) transmission method and a carrier to one output unit and by synthesizing and transmitting the sound signal modulated by the single side band (SSB) transmission method and a carrier in which a phase of a signal is transited to the other output unit, by using two signal output units in a sound transmitting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Tae Wook Kang, Jung Hwan Hwang, Sung Eun Kim, Sung Weon Kang, Sung Won Sohn
  • Publication number: 20140226844
    Abstract: An antenna, in particular a dipole antenna, for radio communication in a hearing aid, is disclosed. The antenna includes a solid three-dimensional dielectric support body, an electrically conductive first plate on a first surface of the support body and an electrically conductive second plate on a second surface of the support body. The first surface and the second surface are arranged on opposing ends of the support body. An electrically conductive filament is arranged on and/or in the support body, electrically coupling the first plate with the second plate, and comprising first sections and second sections. The second sections extend perpendicular to the first sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Anthony KERSELAERS
  • Patent number: 8798296
    Abstract: A method for better matching of the needs of mild to very mild hearing losses is obtained than with known hearing devices. The method comprising the steps of determining an acoustic situation by processing an input signal of a hearing device openly coupled to an ear of a user, selecting at least two hearing programs in dependence on the determined acoustic situation, at least one of the hearing programs being suitable for calm acoustic situations, and at least another one of the hearing programs being suitable for noisy acoustic situations, applying a gain only above a predefined frequency limit to the input signal if one of the hearing programs for calm acoustic situations is selected, and reducing noise in the input signal only in a frequency range within audible frequencies if one of the hearing programs for noisy acoustic situations is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Nicola Schmitt, Volker Kühnel, Michael Boretzki
  • Patent number: 8798294
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a device housing to be worn outside an ear of a user and which co-acts with an in-the-ear part provided with a sound-emitting opening and which is intended and adapted to be received at least substantially in the ear of the user. The in-the-ear part is physically separated from the device housing, wherein at least a microphone and a loudspeaker are accommodated together with the sound-emitting opening in the in-the-ear part. An electronic connection is present between the device housing and the in-the-ear part. A power supply of a hearing aid particularly includes a capacitor (40), more particularly an ultra-capacitor. The functionality of a hearing aid can be expanded with an expansion unit (50). For an accurate fit of the in-the-ear part use is made of a digital representation which has been modified on the basis of fitting data of a fitting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: ExSilent Research B.V.
    Inventors: Michel Martin Marie Havenith, Aeldrik Pander, Marcus Johannes Aloysius Kaal