Remote Control, Wireless, Or Alarm Patents (Class 381/315)
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Patent number: 8666314Abstract: A wireless audio transmission, for example from a television to a hearing device, is to be achieved simply and with a low signal delay. For this purpose are proposed a transmission facility with a transmission device for transmitting audio data in a signal conforming to a Bluetooth® communications protocol, a hearing-aid-specific coder which is integrated into the transmission device for the purpose of compressing the audio data before its transmission, and a relay station for converting the Bluetooth® signal from the transmission device into a signal for inductive transmission to the hearing device. In the relay station, no recoding is performed during the conversion. The transmission device transmits in accordance with the Bluetooth® A2DP protocol. The hearing-aid-specific coder has a lower sampling rate than the standard Bluetooth® coder SBC. Encoding delays and processing delays in the relay station can be minimized by this system.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventors: Thomas Lotter, Jürgen Reithinger
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Publication number: 20140056451Abstract: Method for providing sound to at least one user, involves supplying audio signals from an audio signal source to a transmission unit; compressing the audio signals to generate compressed audio data; transmitting compressed audio data from the transmission unit to at least one receiver unit; decompressing the compressed audio data to generate decompressed audio signals; and stimulating the hearing of the user(s) according to decompressed audio signals supplied from the receiver unit. During certain time periods, transmission of compressed audio data is interrupted, and instead, at least one control data block is generated by the transmission unit in such a manner that audio data transmission is replaced by control data block transmission, thereby temporarily interrupting flow of received compressed audio data, each control data block includes a marker recognized by the at least one receiver unit as a control data block and a command for control of the receiver unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Amre El-Hoiydi, Marc Secall
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Patent number: 8655000Abstract: A hearing assistance device including a conductive member used for a touch or touch-less sensor for changing a setting, mode, or function of the hearing assistance device. In various applications, the conductive member is also used as an antenna for a wireless communication system.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Solum, Beau Jay Polinske
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Publication number: 20140044290Abstract: A device for use in a hearing aid system comprising a radio antenna for reception and/or transmission to/from other devices in the hearing aid system is arranged to register a radio disturbance received by the radio antenna at an occasion when the radio antenna is not used for reception and/or transmission to/from the other devices. The device further relates to a transmission system comprising a mini receiver connected to a hearing aid device and comprising a radio antenna for reception of communications, a setting device comprising a radio antenna for communication of settings and audio information to the mini receiver, a transmitter device comprising a radio antenna for transmission of audio information to the mini receiver. At least one of the mini receiver, setting device, or transmitter device is arranged to register a radio disturbance at an occasion when its radio antenna is not used for reception and/or transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: August Pansell, Carljohan Lagervall
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Patent number: 8649538Abstract: A multi-mode hearing aid includes a processor that is configured to selectively apply different hearing aid profiles to different input signals, such as a first sound signal received from a microphone and a second sound signal received from a transceiver, to produce first and second shaped output signals. The processor is configured to produce an output signal including at least one of the first shaped output signal and the second shaped output signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Audiotoniq, Inc.Inventors: Russell J. Apfel, David Matthew Landry
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Publication number: 20140029777Abstract: A wireless ITE (In-The-Ear) type hearing aid system having a remote control function, is provided, which includes: left and right hearing aids respectively inserted into ears and controls individually built-in features depending on a remote control signal applied in a near field magnetic induction (NFMI) method; a smart device that individually remote controls functions; and a wireless relay module that transmits and receives the audio signals and various information signals in the NFMI method, and that processes individual remote control signals in which the individual remote control signals are transmitted from the smart device via a near field communication (NFC) method. ITE type hearing aids are configured to operate with a smartphone in a wireless communication method, to then enable the smartphone to selectively control inherent functions, and to thereby maximize the ease of operation of a hearing aid wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Algor Korea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Soo JANG
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Patent number: 8638949Abstract: The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and more particularly to a system for evaluating hearing assistance device settings using detected sound environment. Various examples of a hearing assistance device and method using actual use and hypothetical use logs are provided. Such logs provide a dispenser or audiologist the ability to see how a device is operating with actual settings and how the device would have operated had hypothetical settings been used instead. In various examples, the system allows for collection of statistical information about actual and hypothetical use which can assist in parameter setting determinations for a specific user. The settings may be tailored to that user's commonly experienced sound environment. Wireless communications of usage logs is discussed. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Tao Zhang, Jon S. Kindred
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Publication number: 20140023216Abstract: The present disclosure related to hearing assistance devices such as hearing aids, and in particular to a hearing assistance device with wireless communication for on- and off-body accessories. In various embodiments, a hearing aid includes a housing, hearing assistance electronics within the housing, and conductive material incorporated into a portion of the housing. According to various embodiments, the conductive material includes a transmission line portion configured to conduct a signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an antenna portion of the conductive material on an exterior surface of the housing. In various applications, the conductive material includes a first antenna configured for short range communication with other body worn devices or accessories. The hearing aid also includes a second antenna within the housing, the second antenna configured for conducting RF radiation for long range communication, in various embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Solum, Michael Karl Sacha
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Publication number: 20140023217Abstract: Methods and devices are described for improves speech understanding by hearing aid users in crowded environments. In one embodiment, a hearing aid wearer's speech signal is extracted using the microphone or microphones in the hearing aid. The hearing aid is configured to wirelessly transmit the extracted speech signals to a central processing station that enhances the extracted speech signals received from all registered hearing aids. The central processing station processes the received speech signals individually based on provided hearing losses mixes the signals based on the provided preferences, wirelessly transmits the mixed signal to each registered hearing aid for play back.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: STARKEY LABORATORIES, INC.Inventor: Tao Zhang
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Patent number: 8634580Abstract: A system for recording and playing sound messages to be applied for the indication of a status in a hearing aid (25), said system comprising a fitted hearing aid and recording means (1, 2, 3) adapted for being operated by the hearing aid user to record and save sound messages. The system also comprises editing means (11) for editing a group of sound messages with respect to sound level normalization between individual sound messages, and formatting means (12) adapted for formatting said sound messages into a format suitable for storing and playing in the hearing aid. The invention further provides a method for recording and playing sound messages.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Widex A/SInventors: Kim Hjortggard Nielsen, Andreas Gregers Gregersen, Mike Lind Rank, Morten Holm Jensen
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Publication number: 20140016806Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Beau Jay Polinske
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Publication number: 20140016807Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Beau Jay Polinske, Jorge F. Sanguino, Jay Rabel, Jeffrey Paul Solum, Michael Helgeson, David Tourtelotte
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Patent number: 8630431Abstract: A hearing aid system includes a first microphone and a second microphone for provision of electrical input signals, a beamformer for provision of a first audio signal based at least in part on the electrical input signals, the first audio signal having a directional spatial characteristic, wherein the beamformer is configured to provide a second audio signal based at least in part on the electrical input signals, the second audio signal having a spatial characteristic that is different from the directional spatial characteristic of the first audio signal, and a mixer configured for mixing the first audio signal and the second audio signal in order to provide an output signal to be heard by a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: GN Resound A/SInventor: Karl-Fredrik Johan Gran
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Patent number: 8630432Abstract: In one aspect, a programmable hearing apparatus is provided to allow a convenient programming of the hearing apparatus with minimal effort. To this end, programming data is stored in a transponder. The transponder is activated by the hearing apparatus. Consequently, programming data is transmitted from the transponder to the hearing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventor: Uwe Rass
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Publication number: 20140010392Abstract: A behind the ear hearing aid includes: a signal processor for processing a first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid; a receiver that is connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the second audio signal into an output sound signal; and a transceiver for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field; wherein the antenna comprises a first actively fed resonant structure provided proximate a first side of the hearing aid, a second actively fed resonant structure provided proximate a second side of the hearing aid, and a conducting segment short circuiting the first resonant structure and the second resonant structure to provide a current bridge between the first side of the hearing aid and the second side of the hearing aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: GN RESOUND A/SInventor: Soren Kvist
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Publication number: 20140010393Abstract: A behind the ear hearing aid includes: a transceiver for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna for electromagnetic field emission and electromagnetic field reception, the antenna extending on a first side of a hearing aid and a second side of the hearing aid, a first segment of the antenna extending from proximate the first side of the hearing aid to proximate the second side of the hearing aid; and a feed system configured for exciting the antenna to induce a current in at least the first segment, the current having a first local maxima proximate the first side of the hearing aid and a second local maxima proximate the second side of the hearing aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventor: Soren KVIST
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Publication number: 20140010394Abstract: A behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid includes: a microphone; a signal processor; a receiver; a partition plane extending between a first side of the hearing aid and a second side of the hearing aid; and a transceiver for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna for electromagnetic field emission and electromagnetic field reception, the antenna having a first feed point and a second feed point; wherein at least a part of the antenna intersects the partition plane at an intersection so that a relative difference between a first distance from the first feed point to the intersection and a second distance from the second feed point to the intersection is less than or equal a first threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventor: Soren KVIST
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Publication number: 20140003639Abstract: Examples of systems and methods of wireless control of a canal hearing device by applying a magnetic field on the skin at the temporomandibular region of the head are described. An exemplary hearing device may include one or more magnetic sensors for wireless activation by the magnetic end of a remote control device applied inconspicuously to the anterior of the external ear. The activation of a reed switch magnetic sensor within the canal hearing device may be decoded by the electronics of the hearing device to implement a control command, such as volume change, program setting change, ON, or OFF. According to examples described, wireless control of the canal hearing device may be implemented with a natural, comfortable, and inconspicuous hand-arm motion. In some embodiments, multiple reed switches may be arranged to selectively respond to a magnetic field applied within distinct “hot spot” regions, for separate remote control commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: iHear Medical, Inc.Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Jesse Lee Jones
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Patent number: 8620013Abstract: A communication system has a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The transmitter is built into a hearing device to be worn at one or both ears of an individual. The hearing device has an input acoustical-to-electrical converter unit and an output electrical-to-mechanical converter unit. The wireless transmitter is operationally connectable to the output of the input converter unit. The receiver is remote from the hearing device by a distance larger than any distance between two areas at one single individual. The transmitter and receiver form a wireless communication link at least for audio representing signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Hans-Ueli Roeck
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Publication number: 20130343585Abstract: A hearing assist device is associated with an ear of a user. Health characteristics of the user are measured by sensors of the hearing assist device. The measured health characteristics may be analyzed in the hearing assist device, or transmitted from the hearing assist device for remote analysis. Based on the analysis, alerts, instructions, and other information may be displayed to the user in the form of text or graphics, or may be played by the hearing assist device in the form of sound/voice. Medical personnel may be alerted when problems with the user are detected by the hearing assist device. The user may provide verbal commands to the hearing assist device. The hearing assist device may be configured to filter sounds, and may be configured for a personal hearing frequency response of the user. The hearing assist device may be configured for speech recognition to recognize commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventors: James D. Bennett, John Walley
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Publication number: 20130343586Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a signal processor for processing a first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid; a receiver that is coupled to an output of the signal processor for converting the second audio signal into an output sound signal; and a transceiver for wireless data communication, wherein the transceiver is connected with an antenna for electromagnetic field emission and electromagnetic field reception; wherein the antenna comprises an electrically conductive material, and a slot provided in the electrically conductive material, the slot extending in a plane being substantially orthogonal with an ear to ear axis of the user when the hearing aid is worn in its operational position by the user, the antenna with the slot being configured to emit an electromagnetic field upon excitation of the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: GN RESOUND A/SInventors: Soren Kvist, Jesper Thaysen
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Publication number: 20130343584Abstract: Hearing assist devices and devices and services that are capable of providing external operational support thereto are described. In accordance with various embodiments, the performance of one or more functions by a hearing assist device is assisted or improved in some manner by utilizing resources of an external device and/or service to which the hearing assist device may be communicatively connected. Such performance assistance or improvement may be achieved, for example and without limitation, by utilizing power resources, processing resources, storage resources, sensor resources, and/or user interface resources of an external device or service to which the hearing assist device may be communicatively connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATIONInventors: James D. Bennett, John Walley
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Patent number: 8605924Abstract: The object of the invention is to enable a hearing apparatus and more particularly a hearing device to be controlled automatically in a more reliable manner by means of an external device. For that purpose there is provided in the hearing apparatus a transponder detection unit for detecting a transponder and providing a corresponding detection signal. Signal processing in the hearing apparatus is performed as a function of the detection signal. An external device, e.g. a telephone is physically joined to the transponder. This enables the hearing apparatus to detect the presence of the external device and control its own signal processing accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventor: Uwe Rass
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Patent number: 8605923Abstract: A method for operating a hearing prosthesis is provided. A plurality of settings are provided, each setting providing a different operating functionality for the hearing prosthesis suitable for different situations. A signal analysis is executed on input signals to the hearing prosthesis. The signal analysis monitors characteristics of a current situation to detect any change and, in the case of detecting change, classifies the current situation into one of a plurality of predefined states. The suitability of the settings is compared with the determined state. One or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is identified for the current situation. The one or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is presented to a user. The user is then allowed to make a selection from the presented choice(s) of setting(s). If a selection is received from the user, the selected setting is executed. A hearing prosthesis is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Michael Goorevich, Kyriaky Griffin, Timothy Neal
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Publication number: 20130322670Abstract: The hearing system comprises a finger ring and a hearing device body. The finger ring includes: a first short-distance wireless communication portion; a vibration output portion disposed at a position that contacts a finger to convert a voice signal, which is received by the first short-distance wireless communication portion, into a cartilage conduction vibration and outputs it; and a first power source portion that supplies power to the first short-distance wireless communication portion and the vibration output portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicants: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Hosoi, Yoji Hosoi, Masahide Tanaka
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Patent number: 8600088Abstract: The present invention refers to a hearing device system which comprises: at least a first hearing device (10) including a first control unit (14) and a second hearing device (30) including a second control unit (37) for processing acoustic signals. Each of the hearing devices includes a transceiver (20, 34) for establishing a data communications link (40) between the first and the second hearing devices. At least one of the hearing devices including a sensing means (18, 33) for detecting, whether a telephone handset (19) is placed close to the hearing device. Each of the control units includes at least a first and a second control mode. Both hearing devices are adapted for outputting the processed acoustic signals in the first control mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: OTICON A/SInventor: Karsten Bo Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20130308804Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for determining a data rate for a communication between bilateral hearing prostheses are disclosed. A first hearing prosthesis transmits a first signal to a second hearing prosthesis during a first transmission interval. The second hearing prosthesis transmits a second signal to the first hearing prosthesis during a second transmission interval. The first signal includes an indication of a data rate for the second signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: COCHLEAR LIMITEDInventor: Werner Meskens
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Publication number: 20130308805Abstract: An antenna device configured to be used at or in proximity to a user, the antenna device includes: an antenna structure having a conducting element, the conducting element extending over a length of between 1/16 of a wavelength and a full wavelength in a direction substantially orthogonal to a surface of the user, when the antenna device is provided in an intended operational position. A device includes: a housing having an operational position with respect to a user of the device; and an antenna structure coupled to the housing and having a conducting element, wherein the antenna structure is configured to emit an electromagnetic field so that the electromagnetic field propagates in a direction having a major directional vector that corresponds with a surface of a user using the device when the housing is at the operative position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventor: Sinasi Özden
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Patent number: 8588445Abstract: A hearing aid processing apparatus includes audio input units that receive input audio; hearing aid signal processing units that generate first and second output signals each having different frequency characteristics, from the input audio received by the audio input units, based on the characteristics of the band pass filter having the greatest bandwidth among virtual band pass filters composing an auditory filter of a listener. A first audio output unit outputs, as an audio, the first output signal generated by the hearing aid signal processing unit to the left ear of the listener; and a second audio output unit outputs, as an audio, the second output signal generated by the hearing aid signal processing unit to the right ear of the listener.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Gempo Ito, Atsunobu Murase, Megumi Yokokura
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Patent number: 8588443Abstract: The method of operating a hearing system comprising at least two devices comprises the step of establishing a common network time among said at least two devices. Said at least two devices can be provided with information on the number of network time units that passed since a time zero point of said common network time. Information on the common network time can be communicated from one device to another device. A wireless link can be used for establishing said common network time. The common network time not only allows for a precise synchronization of events within the hearing system, but also for ordering and sequencing events. A priorization of events, like tasks and actions, is enabled, based on the common network time. Doubly-received or obsolete commands can be recognized and deleted, and tasks can be scheduled.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Raoul Glatt, Micha Knaus, Rolf Laich
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Patent number: 8587488Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna unit for wireless communication to a multitude of wireless interfaces comprising a multitude of individual antennas, each antenna comprising a coil comprising at least one winding and the individual antennas embrace the same volume and to a hearing aid comprising such antenna unit. The object of the present invention is to provide an antenna unit and a hearing aid providing several wireless interfaces at a relatively small volume. The problem is solved in that at least one of the coils is adapted for providing an inductive coupling to another device. Among the advantages are reduced space/volume, reduced cost and reduced sensitivity to production tolerances compared to a solution comprising individual, separate antennas. The invention may e.g. be used in wireless communication devices, e.g. mobile telephones, head phones, head sets, hearing aids, etc.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Oticon A/SInventors: Ove Knudsen, Poul Henriksen
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Publication number: 20130301858Abstract: A hearing device includes: a processing unit; a filter; and a wireless receiver; wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a time difference between a start of the wireless receiver and a reception of a corresponding data packet from a transmitter; wherein the filter is configured to determine a time period as a function of a plurality of time differences that include the time difference determined by the processing unit; and wherein the processing unit is further configured to control the wireless receiver such that the wireless receiver is started in the time period before reception of a subsequent data packet from the transmitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: GN ReSound A/SInventors: Brian Dam Pedersen, Karsten Filsø Jørgensen
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Publication number: 20130301859Abstract: Sound processors with light transmissive seals and systems including such sound processors are disclosed. A seal, formed in part from substantially translucent material and having at least a portion of the substantially translucent material associated with the housing exterior of the sound processor, transmits light from a light emitter carried within the housing to indicate an operational aspect of the sound processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: Advanced Bionics AGInventor: James P. Goodman
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Patent number: 8582782Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Personics Holdings Inc.Inventors: Steven W. Goldstein, John Usher, Marc Andre Boillot
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Patent number: 8581700Abstract: A wearable device is worn by a person participating in an event in which a plurality of other people are participating and wearing other wearable devices. The wearable device includes a request unit for transmitting a request signal to other wearable devices that are in a predetermined range, and receiving a response to the request signal from each of the other wearable devices, and a communication unit for determining, with use of the received responses, one or more of the other wearable devices to be a communication partner, and performing data communication with the determined one or more other wearable devices. The data received in the communication is data collected by the one or more other wearable devices determined to be communication partners, and the data is used as a profile component when creating a profile of the event.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takashi Kawamura, Masayuki Misaki, Ryouichi Kawanishi, Masaki Yamauchi
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Publication number: 20130294626Abstract: A hearing aid system in communication with an adjusting apparatus which executes a fitting software is provided. The hearing aid system includes a hearing aid and an embedded integrated device. The hearing aid stores therein a first setting and is worn by the user. The user inputs setting data via the executed fitting software. The embedded integrated device receives the setting data from the electronic apparatus to program the hearing aid to change a first setting preciously stored in the hearing aid into a second setting associated with the setting data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: SHUENN-TSONG YOUNG
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Patent number: 8571611Abstract: System and method for wirelessly providing multimedia. A system includes a headset and a wireless communications device. The wireless communications device controls the operation of the headset with transmissions over a first wireless network. The headset includes a first ear piece, a second ear piece, and a connecting piece. The first ear piece has a first speaker, a first network interface to send and receive transmissions over the first wireless network, a second network interface to receive transmissions over a second wireless network, and a connecting piece. The connecting piece is coupled between the first ear piece and the second ear piece. The connecting piece includes a wire to electrically couple the second ear piece, the first ear piece, and the second network interface and to receive transmissions over the second wireless network. The wire may be made to any length since it may be embedded inside the connecting piece.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Yoram Solomon
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Patent number: 8571241Abstract: A hearing aid includes a transceiver for interconnection of the hearing aid with a wireless network, and a communication controller that is adapted for controlling data exchange through the network in accordance with a network protocol, wherein the controller is further adapted for initialisation of the network in an acquisition mode by controlling the transceiver to transmit interrogation data repetitively, and upon receipt of an interrogation data received message from another device, in a connected mode acting as a master of the network by repetitively transmitting synchronization data at intervals that are longer than the intervals between transmitted interrogation data in the acquisition mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: GN ReSound A/SInventor: Rene Rye Larsen
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Patent number: 8571246Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chang-Hsin Kuo, Chia-Ming Liang, Shih-Tsung Kan, Che-Yen Lin
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Publication number: 20130279727Abstract: A method in a wireless network comprising a plurality of frequency channels and a receiving participant, the method includes: receiving data on a first subset of the plurality of frequency channels, wherein the frequency channels in the first subset are utilized at least once; receiving data on a second subset of the plurality of frequency channels; determining packet error rates for the respective frequency channels in the first and the second subsets; and selecting one of the plurality of frequency channel as an optimal frequency channel based on a result from the act of determining.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: GN ReSound A/SInventors: Hong Liu, Brian Dam Pedersen
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Patent number: 8565457Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Beau Jay Polinske, Jorge F. Sanguino, Jay Rabel, Jeffrey Paul Solum, Michael Helgeson, David Tourtelotte
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Patent number: 8565458Abstract: A media player includes a processor configured to receive media content from a content source and to process the media content produce an audio signal. The media player further includes a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the audio signal to a hearing aid through a communication channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Audiotoniq, Inc.Inventors: Andrew L. Eisenberg, David Matthew Landry
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Publication number: 20130272554Abstract: A system for enabling a hearing device wireless access to a communication network includes a first transceiver unit in the hearing device communicating according to a first communication protocol. The system also includes a server device including an input/output unit connected to the communication network and configured to communicate according to a second communication protocol. A second transceiver unit is connected wirelessly to the first transceiver unit and configured to communicate according to the first communication protocol. A translator unit interconnects the second transceiver unit and the input/output unit and is configured to translate between the first and second communication protocol. The hearing device is configured to upload and download data to and from the communication network through the server device, and the server device is incorporated in a mobile or cellular telephone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Peter SOMMER, Carsten Trygve BOGH
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Patent number: 8559663Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to methods and apparatus for detecting cellular telephones using hearing assistance devices. In an embodiment, a hearing assistance device includes a processor and a radio frequency transceiver connected to the processor. A detection circuit is connected to the processor, the detection circuit including a band pass filter and where the detection circuit is adapted to monitor a radio frequency signal to detect a cellular telephone in proximity to the hearing assistance device based on the monitored signal. The hearing assistance device includes an acoustic input, a magnetic input, and a switch for selecting between the acoustic input and the magnetic input. The processor is adapted to actuate the switch from the acoustic input to the magnetic input when a cellular telephone is detected in proximity to the hearing assistance device.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Michael Karl Sacha, Yezihalem Mesfin, Jay Rabel
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Patent number: 8548179Abstract: This hearing aid fitting device (1) comprises a client data storage section (10) that stores a plurality of hearing ability data and hearing adjustment result data for each of hearing ability data, a close user determination section (11) to which the client data storage section (10) and a hearing ability input section (12) are connected on the input side, a clustering section (13) that is connected to the output side of the close user determination section (11), a representative characteristic determination section (14) that is connected to the output side of the clustering section (13), an initial adjustment candidate selector (15) that is connected to the input side of the representative characteristic determination section (14), and a fine tuner (16) that is connected to the output side of the representative characteristic determination section (15).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Makoto Nishizaki
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Patent number: 8548180Abstract: To provide a hearing aid system (1000) performing dichotic-listening binaural hearing aid processing which improves the clarity of speech and maintains the spatial perception ability. Each of first and second hearing aid devices (1100, 1200) includes a sound pickup unit (1110, 1210) and an output unit (1120, 1220) outputting a sound indicated by a suppressed acoustic signal. The hearing aid system (1000) includes: a first band suppression unit (1300) generating the suppressed acoustic signal indicating the sound outputted from the output unit (1120), by suppressing a signal in a first suppression-target band out of the acoustic signal outputted from the sound pickup unit (1110); and a second band suppression unit (1400) generating the suppressed acoustic signal indicating the sound outputted from the output unit (1220), by suppressing a signal in a second suppression-target band out of the acoustic signal outputted from the sound pickup unit (1210).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yoshiaki Takagi, Gempo Ito, Eiji Noguchi, Takashi Katayama
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Publication number: 20130251180Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise a plurality of devices adapted to wirelessly communicate with each other. The plurality of devices includes a battery-operated hearing assistance device adapted to be worn by a person. The hearing aid device includes a signal processing circuitry connected to a microphone and a receiver. At least one of the plurality of devices includes a link quality management device adapted to assess a link quality for a first wireless communication channel, provide channel metrics indicative of the assessed quality for the first wireless communication channel, and adjust wireless communication over the first wireless communication channel using the channel metrics for the first wireless communication channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Solum
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Patent number: 8542855Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid system comprising first and second spatially separated hearing instruments, the system being adapted for processing input sounds to output sounds according to a user's needs. The invention further relates to a method and use. The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative scheme for reducing the effect of acoustic feedback in a hearing aid system.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Oticon A/SInventors: Thomas Bo Elmedyb, Jesper Jensen, Meng Guo
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Patent number: 8542842Abstract: Bluetooth-enabled programmable digital hearing aids can be adjusted remotely and in real time. The hearing aid patient at home or a location convenient to the patient logs on to a hearing clinic web site to connect with a clinician, e.g. audiologist or hearing aid technician, at a central clinic location. The patient computer is provided with software for this and the patient is provided with a wireless hearing aid adjustment device. The clinician downloads the patient's hearing aid program and other data, and then makes adjustments and reprograms the hearing aids in real time.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventor: Richard Zaccaria
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Publication number: 20130243228Abstract: The disclosure describes a hearing aid part, a detection device for finding the hearing aid part when lost, and a hearing aid system comprising a hearing aid part and a detection device. The hearing aid part comprises, a control unit and an antenna circuit that are part of a wireless unit for wireless transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic signals. The antenna circuit comprises a capacitance and an inductance that together define a resonance frequency of the antenna circuit. The hearing aid part further comprises a dissipative resistance and a switch. The dissipative resistance and the switch are arranged to allow selective coupling or decoupling of the dissipative resistance to or from, respectively, the antenna circuit to thus allow controlling of the dissipative properties of the antenna circuit by the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Bernafon AGInventor: Christian Müller