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

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention the hearing aid programmer includes a program memory for receiving firmware programming instructions and a parameter memory for receiving patient-specific hearing aid parameters to be programmed into a coupled programmable hearing aid. A software hearing aid fitting system executed on a computer such as a PC provides the parameters. In response to a user command, the computer causes a firmware program (selected from one or more firmware programs stored on the computer) appropriate to the hearing aid to be programmed to be downloaded to the programmer.

Abstract: Optimized hearing aid parameter settings are automatically determined from a multiplicity of data obtained by applying different test methods for testing the auditory perception of a person. Data pertaining to the auditory perception (audiological data) of the user are first obtained by different test methods. The data from the individual tests can be incomplete, inconsistent or untypical, or even erroneous. However, the subsequent combination of where possible all available data in a computational unit affords the possibility of automatically obtaining hearing aid parameter settings by way of which a hearing aid operated thereby compensates the present loss of hearing of the relevant user in an optimized fashion.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for obtaining hearing enhancement fittings for a hearing aid device is described. A plurality of audiograms is collected. The plurality of audiograms is divided into one or more sets of audiograms. A representative audiogram is created for each set of audiograms. A hearing enhancement fitting is computed from each representative audiogram. A hearing aid device is programmed with one or more hearing enhancement fittings computed from each representative audiogram.

Abstract: If a hearing device user has become accustomed to the tone of a hearing device, it is difficult for him to change over to a new hearing device, since this normally possesses a different tone. Therefore, given a treatment with a second or subsequent device, the settings of the old hearing device can be acquired with a computer-controlled event and be considered in a first adjustment given the adaptation of the new hearing device. The new setting then results from the audiometric measurements, the data of the previous device, and if necessary further data. The tone of the new device is thus approximated to the old device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing instrument which comprises: (a) a housing; (b) an RF receiver; (c) plurality of conductive elements, each conductive element has the form of a plate, is positioned on said housing so it provides coupling with the device wearer's skin while the instrument is in use, thereby forming an antenna element together with the wearer's body; (d) a switch for each conductive element, for connecting or disconnecting the respective antenna element from the receiver; (e) a controller for periodically initiating a testing cycle wherein during said cycle: (e.1) the controller sequentially scans said switches by closing each time another switch, thereby to connect each time a respective antenna element to said receiver; (e.

Abstract: For the visualization of the hearing ability or hearing recognition respectively of a person with or without a hearing device at least one hearing dimension as for instance the loudness recognition is being made visible by means of a picture by varying at least one picture parameter such as for instance the brightness. The visualization can also be achieved by fade-in or fade-out of individual objects or a plurality of objects within a picture.

Abstract: For modifying or adapting at least one basic hearing aid setting such as volume, low/high frequency balance etc., it is suggested that at particular time intervals at least one current user-selected setting entered on the hearing aid is registered and combined or linked with the existing basic setting in or on the hearing aid by means of a predefined algorithm in order to arrive at a new basic setting and to store same in or on the hearing aid. The current user setting is acquired for instance in sound-specific fashion, i.e. with reference to a specific registered sound category or at least one hearing-related ambient parameter, and is linked with the corresponding, associated sound-specific basic setting in order to arrive at the new sound-specific basic setting.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing an acoustical front end customization are disclosed. The customization is implemented to optimize the sound level for each individual cochlear implant user. A known audio signal is generated using a sound source and captured by a microphone system. The captured sound signal is sampled at one or more locations along the signal processing pathway, and a spectrum is determined for the sampled signal and the known signal. A ratio of the two spectrums is related to the undesired transformation of the sampled signal, and a digital filter is designed based on the ratio to filter out the undesired transformation.

Abstract: The risk of inadequate hearing device provision for the hearing-impaired is to be reduced. To this end provision is made to determine the correct fit of the hearing device or the hearing device component in an auditory canal. To this end an acoustic measurement signal is output into the auditory canal. The measurement signal influenced in the auditory canal by the hearing device or the hearing device component is received and compared with a reference signal. Information about the fit of the hearing device is determined from the comparison. This information is transmitted with a status report to an external unit. Objective information about the fit of the hearing device can thus be obtained, particularly in the case of provision for children.

Abstract: A method determines a frequency response of a hearing apparatus in any acoustic environment situation as well as an associated hearing apparatus. Here the frequency response of the hearing apparatus is determined in dependence on at least one preset, user-independent frequency response and at least one user-dependent frequency response. As a result, a frequency response is advantageously prespecified to the user of the hearing apparatus in any acoustic environment situation, said frequency response being individually matched to said wearer.

Abstract: A hearing aid device for processing an input sound signal via a microphone so as to output a sound signal from an earphone comprises a signal processing element, a couple of acoustic nerve excitation pattern calculation elements, a couple of acoustic filter shape memory elements, a comparison element, a correction processing element, etc. The couple of acoustic nerve excitation pattern calculation elements calculate acoustic nerve excitation patterns of a normal hearing person and a hearing impaired person based on an output signal of the signal processing element and acoustic filter shapes of the normal hearing person and the hearing impaired person which are stored in the couple of acoustic filter shape memory elements. Each of the acoustic nerve excitation patterns is compared via the comparison element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fitting system with intelligent visual tools may included calculating a response curve of a hearing assistance device, wherein the response curve indicating sound level pressure level compared to frequency. Additionally it may include, displaying, on a display device, the response curve and displaying concurrently with the response curve, a visual cue, wherein the visual cue represents data including at least one of: gain of the response curve, a comparison between a target response curve and the response curve, and a comparison between binaural response curve.

Abstract: The invention regards a hearing aid comprising a receiver and a signal processing device, wherein the signal processing device is electrically coupled to a connection socket operable to detachably connect the receiver to the socket and whereby the signal processing device further comprise a detector operable to detect a characteristics of the receiver which is connected to the signal processing device through the connection socket. The present invention addresses the problem of identification of individual receiver properties as well as of identifying different types of receivers.

Abstract: A device for acoustic analysis has a first hearing device with a first sound input and a first sound output and a second hearing device with a second sound input and a second sound output. The first hearing device is in acoustic communication with the second hearing device. The first hearing device can analyze the acoustic communication and output a corresponding result. Consequently, two hearing aids, for example, can test each other, and permit a user to check hearing devices and, in particular, hearing aids in a simple fashion without the hearing aid wearer having to visit an audiologist for the test.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal interacts with a digital hearing aid and a wireless hearing aid uses the mobile communication terminal. When a user having the mobile communication terminal interworking with the digital hearing aid operates the hearing aid, an amplification function suitable for auditory characteristics of the user is performed. That is, when auditory information of the user is sent to the terminal, the terminal adjusts an amplification gain to prevent the acoustic shock by measuring an environmental signal. The terminal computes an environment profile by analyzing the measured environmental signal and auditory information of the user sent from the hearing aid and automatically adjusts a non-linear amplification level according to a user environment by sending the environment profile to the hearing aid.

Abstract: A method and an associated hearing aid for loudness-based adjustment of the amplification of the hearing aid by presenting test signals of a predefinable level and predefinable frequency. Blind signals are presented before and between the test signals, but the blind signals are not taken into account for the adjustment of the amplification of the hearing aid at the predefinable level and predefinable frequency. A method for binaural loudness-based adjustment of the amplification of a left hearing aid and a right hearing aid is also specified. An advantage of the invention is that it is easier for a hearing aid wearer to rank the presented test signals in his individual loudness value system and to assess them accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for improving testing of hearing devices, including soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants. In particular, the present invention provides a microphone system utilizing reverse transfer function to assess the operability of implanted hearing improvement devices, including but not limited to soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants.

Abstract: An individual with a hearing loss often experiences at least two distinct problems: 1) the hearing loss itself i.e. an increase in hearing threshold level, and 2) a signal-to-noise ratio loss (SNR loss) i.e. a loss of ability to understand high level speech in noise as compared to normal hearing individuals. According to one aspect of the present invention, this problem is solved by selecting parameter values of a noise reduction algorithm or algorithms based on the individual user's SNR loss. Thereby, a degree of restoration/improvement of the SNR of noise-contaminated input signals of the hearing prosthesis has been made dependent on user specific loss data. According to another aspect of the present invention, a hearing prosthesis capable of controlling parameters of a noise reduction algorithms in dependence on the user's current listening environment as recognized and indicated by the environmental classifier has been provided.

Abstract: The aim is to improve the adjustment of the directional characteristic of a hearing apparatus, and in particular of a hearing aid. A method is therefore provided in which a microphone signal having a plurality of frequency bands is derived from an input sound being obtained by a microphone system containing at least two microphones. A characteristic of the microphone signal is then determined, for example the level. The directional characteristic of the microphone system is adjusted in dependence on the determined characteristic of the microphone signal. In order to adjust the directional characteristic, two or more frequency bands are combined in dependence on the determined characteristic of the microphone signal. Alternatively, one of the microphones can also be attenuated, thus deliberately reducing the directionality of the directional microphone.

Abstract: With a hearing aid device, filter parameters of filters are to be adjusted for feedback suppression. It is hereby proposed that test signals are emitted via an earpiece in order to estimate the transmission behavior of the feedback path, and response signals to these test signals are recorded by a microphone and analyzed in the hearing aid device. In this way, information signals which are already occasionally emitted by the hearing aid device and can be perceived by the user are used as test signals. Information signals of this type are particularly well suited as test signals and are perceived by the user as non-interfering.

Abstract: A modular, cost effective customizable sound processing unit can provide enhanced audio from a displaced source to a user. The source can be wirelessly coupled to the unit via a short range transceiver. The processing unit can include circuitry and software to process incoming audio and to compensate for the loss of hearing due to the device been coupled to the user ear canal, making it acoustically transparent for sound sources picked by the on the unit microphone(s) and provide an enhanced audio experience for the user.

Abstract: A method of tuning a hearing device includes sending a test signal to a model of a hearing device that may be remote from the actual hearing device being tuned. The test signal is encoded by the model and sent to the hearing device being tuned. The user of that hearing device sends a response signal based at least in part on the encoded test signal. This response is received and compared to the original test signal. Thereafter, an operational parameter is sent to the hearing device based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method (10) for fabricating a hearing aid using a self-contained hearing aid production laboratory employing three dimensional printing technology. The method (10) comprises the steps of conducting audiometric testing of an individual with a hearing impairment (12, 14); selecting and customizing a product design for the hearing aid to be produced (16, 18); producing the selected and customized hearing aid (20, 22, 24); and performing final adjustments to the produced hearing aid (26, 28).

Abstract: In order to identify peripheral units (3A, 3E) on a hearing aid, said units are provided with an identification resistor (R) that is read through the configuration of the hearing aid.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a probe tube (6) for real ear measurements to a microphone of a hearing aid comprises a sleeve (2) adapted to be arranged around the housing (8) of a hearing aid. The sleeve comprises a sound opening allowing sound to pass from the probe tube to the microphone. The device may be used in a method for performing real ear measurements comprising the steps of providing the device, fitting the device around the housing of the hearing aid with the sound opening is placed over the microphone of the hearing aid, placing the probe tube in the ear in such a way that a free end thereof presents an opening in the cavity between the earplug and the tympanic membrane, and detecting the sound pressure from sounds produced by said hearing aid in the cavity using the microphone.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically collecting at a data repository operational data from remotely distributed medical apparatus via a network, is disclosed, the method comprising: automatically capturing operational data at said medical apparatus; automatically selecting a route through the network for transferring said captured operational data to said data repository; and automatically transmitting said captured operational data to said central medical location via said selected network route.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing system to the hearing preferences of a user of said hearing system is disclosed, wherein said hearing system is capable of carrying out frequency transposition of audio signals, which frequency transposition depends on at least one parameter. The method comprises the steps of A) carrying out a distinction test for examining said user's ability to distinguish between two stimulus signals which differ in their frequency contents; B) adjusting said at least one parameter in dependence of the result of said distinction test. The distinction test comprises the steps a2) consecutively playing said two stimulus signals to said user; b2) receiving from said user information indicative of whether said user perceived said two stimulus signals as two times the same sound or as two different sounds; c2) deriving a value from said information received from said user; wherein said result of said distinction test is dependent on said value.

Abstract: A hearing device and an associated method for tuning a hearing aid include at least one hearing aid and at least one external unit. The device includes the following: a memory unit in the hearing aid which stores the times and the listening situations for which at least one predefinable algorithm for signal processing is activated; an output unit in the hearing aid and/or in the external unit which outputs and/or displays the stored times, listening situations and the activated algorithm; an input unit in the hearing aid or in the external unit for inputting an assessment rating which expresses the hearing aid wearer's satisfaction with the algorithm activated, and a change unit in the hearing aid for changing at least one parameter of the algorithm as a function of the assessment rating. Even algorithms of very short duration, such as an MPO, for example, are trainable.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and measuring hearing assistance devices using a plane wave tube is provided. According to an embodiment, a hearing assistance device is mounted proximal to an acoustic waveguide having a soundfield with acoustic waves propagating down the waveguide. A microphone of the hearing assistance device is placed in the soundfield of the acoustic waveguide to increase a direct acoustic component and to reduce reflected acoustic components and scattered acoustic components of sound sensed by the microphone. Sound is generated using a sound generator to propagate sound of desired frequencies down the waveguide.

Abstract: A wireless communications apparatus comprises a monitor component that analyzes transmitter operating parameters of the wireless communications apparatus. A generator component generates an acoustic anti-phase burst based at least in part upon the analyzed transmitter operating parameters, wherein the acoustic anti-phase burst reduces effects of radio frequency interference received at a hearing aid.

Abstract: The inventor has found that a considerable portion of hearing system users have a considerable lack of understanding the effect of adjusting adjustable audio processing parameters of the hearing system. Therefore, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of a) playing a first test sound to a user of a hearing system; r) receiving user input from said user in reaction to step a); s) interpreting said user input as a request for selecting and/or adjusting at least one audio processing parameter of a signal processing unit; h) calculating—based on said request obtained in step s), and in dependence of said first test sound played to said user—at least one value, which is related to said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. This method can be used for improving said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. A corresponding arrangement is disclosed, too.

Abstract: A method of adjusting frequency-dependent amplification in an audio amplification apparatus. The audio amplification apparatus includes a forward transfer path (2) connectable to an output transducer, the forward transfer path including a frequency transposing element. The method includes the steps of: presenting stimuli to the output transducer at a plurality of frequencies; adjusting the stimulus level (C) at each frequency to meet a predefined loudness perception level or detection threshold of the listener; deriving an equal loudness contour of output transducer levels from the adjusted stimuli levels; and deriving the frequency-dependent amplification of levels of input signals (I) at each frequency.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determination of gain margin of a hearing assistance device under test. In varying examples, the impulse response for multiple levels can be taken and used to arrive at a gain margin. The method and apparatus, in various examples, process critical portions of the resulting data for efficient processing and to increase accuracy of measurements. The method and apparatus performing a plurality of measurements to determine impulse responses and to derive gain margin as a function of frequency therefrom. The present subject matter includes principles which may are adapted for use within a hearing assistance device using a single white noise stimulus, according to one example. The principles set forth herein can be applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Abstract: A method of modelling a feedback path from a receiver to a microphone in a hearing instrument, includes applying an electronic probe signal with an increasing level as a function of time to the receiver for conversion of the electronic probe signal into an acoustic probe signal output by the receiver, monitoring values of a first quality parameter calculated based at least in part on recorded microphone output signal, and after the first quality parameter reaches a predetermined first threshold value, determining at least one parameter of the feedback path based at least in part on the recorded microphone output signal values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for improving testing of hearing devices, including soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants. In particular, the present invention provides a microphone system utilizing reverse transfer function to assess the operability of implanted hearing improvement devices, including but not limited to soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants.

Abstract: A hearing aid which is operable in an audiometric testing mode includes an audio output section, a volume control, a switching device, and a processor. The audio output section sequentially generates a number of testing sounds at a corresponding number of testing frequencies and provides each testing sound to the person who will be using the hearing aid. The volume control is used to adjust the amplitude of each testing sound to a level of audibility just above the person's threshold of hearing at the corresponding testing frequency. When the appropriate threshold volume level is set, the switching device is operated to generate a control signal. Based on operation of the volume control and the switching device for each of the testing sounds at each of the testing frequencies, the processor sets a plurality of threshold hearing levels associated with the corresponding testing frequencies.

Abstract: A hearing device is to be developed for hearing device wearers who speak different national languages. For this purpose, pro-vision is made to equip a hearing device with a storage facility for storing first data which is characteristic of a first language and a processing facility for processing an input signal. At least second data, which is characteristic of a second language, can be stored in the storage facility. The input signal can thus alternatively be processed as a function of the first or the second data. By way of example, the interference noise suppression or the microphone configuration can hereby be adjusted in a language-dependent manner.

Abstract: The training of a hearing aid for individual Situations is intended to be simpler and more comprehensive for the hearing aid wearer. The invention therefore provides for the hearing aid wearer just to have to associate a current acoustic Situation with a predetermined hearing Situation identification (3?). This association is learnt by a classifier, for example a neural network (5). After the training process, the neural network (5) can then reliably associate the corresponding hearing Situation identification (3?) with an acoustic input Signal (2). A current Parameter Set (4?) is varied or supplemented appropriately on the basis of this association.

Abstract: A binaural hearing aid system for a user is set forth. The system includes a casing adapted and constructed to encase a hearing aid system suitable for wearing below the neck of the user. A first digital signal processor, having an audio input from a first microphone of the hearing system, is also provided. The first digital signal processor produces a first audio output corresponding to a first hearing profile. A second digital signal processor having the audio input from the second microphone of the hearing system is also provided. The second digital signal processor produces a second audio output corresponding to a second hearing profile.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an acoustic apparatus comprises a measuring signal generator, a transducer configured to convert a measuring signal to a measuring sound and to convert a characteristic vibration of the transducer due to the measuring sound, to a characteristic vibration signal, an analysis module configured to analyze the characteristic vibration signal in order to output a physical quality of a characteristic vibration of the transducer, a controller configured to set a first state in which the transducer converts an electric signal to an acoustic signal or a second state in which the transducer converts an acoustic signal to an electric signal. The measuring signal generator is connected to the transducer in the first state and the analysis module is connected to the transducer in the second state.

Abstract: There is provided a method for adjusting a system for providing hearing assistance to a user (101), the system comprising a microphone arrangement (26) for capturing audio signals, a transmission unit (102) for transmitting the audio signals via a wireless link (107) to a receiver unit (103) worn by the user, a gain control unit (126) located in the receiver unit for setting the gain applied to the audio signals, and means (38) worn at or in a user's ear (39) for stimulating the hearing of the user according to the audio signals from the receiver unit (103), said method comprising: generating test audio signals, transmitting said test audio signals at a pre-defined level from the transmission unit via the wireless link to the receiver unit and stimulating the user's hearing with said test audio signals via said stimulating means; simultaneously transmitting gain control commands from the transmission unit to the gain control unit in order to selectively change the gain set by the gain control unit; repeating

Abstract: A system for providing a talk-over functionality from an attendant to a hearing aid user comprises a hearing aid (4), a link device (5) connected to the hearing aid (4), a computer (7) with a talk-over microphone (9), and a communications link (6) linking the computer (7) to the link device (5), the hearing aid user, the hearing aid (4), and the link device (5) being positioned in a sound-proof box (1). The computer (7) is adapted for receiving signals from the microphone (9), and for executing audio processing software for processing the microphone signals for converting them into compressed, digital audio signals and transmitting these signals via the communications link (6) to the link device (5). The link device (5) is adapted for decompressing the received signals and converting them into audio signals to be served to the hearing aid (4) in real-time. The system enables an attendant or a hearing aid fitter to talk to a hearing aid user via the communications link (6).

Abstract: A method for individually fitting a hearing instrument to a user, by: starting operation of the hearing instrument; pre-defining a desired target loudness function perceived by the user defined as function of frequency and input sound pressure level at the microphone; measuring for a given measurement parameter set of perceived loudness levels and frequencies or frequency bands the respective transducer input audio signal level to be applied to the transducer input to achieve the respective perceived loudness level at the respective frequency or frequency band, said measurement parameter set having at least a low, intermediate and high loudness levels, and said intermediate loudness level being measured for a larger number of frequencies or frequency bands and with a finer frequency resolution than said low and high loudness levels; calculating an individual gain function to be implemented in the audio signal processing unit to achieve the pre-defined target loudness function by taking into account the measur

Abstract: A method for identifying a receiver in a hearing aid of the RITE (Receiver In The Ear) type (1) comprises providing a hearing aid of the RITE-type (1), providing said hearing aid with a receiver (10), measuring the impedance of said receiver (10) using said hearing aid (1), identifying said receiver (10) as one of several predetermined receiver models on basis of said impedance measurement, and issuing a message regarding the result of the identification. The invention also provides a hearing aid and a system for fitting a hearing aid. The hearing aid may comprise the means for measuring receiver impedance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

Abstract: A method for developing and validating a quality assessment for a test is provided. A test method is also provided, which assesses the accuracy of a test. The methods include performing a behavioral test on a subject to measure a psychometric quantity, measuring one or more quality indicators, the quality indicators being any variables that are correlated with test accuracy, obtaining an independent measure of test accuracy, and deriving a predictive formula for estimating test accuracy from the quality indicators.

Abstract: A method and a hearing device are proposed to adapt at least one hearing device parameter. A first speech intelligibility threshold is determined. The determined first speech intelligibility threshold is compared with a predefinable reference value and is adapted the at least one hearing device parameter on the basis of the comparison. This is advantageous in that hearing device parameters, which could previously not be individually set as a result of objective measuring data, can be adjusted by an objective measurement.

Abstract: In a system and method for open fitting hearing aid frequency response sound measurements, a test space is provided having located therein a sound source, a hearing aid with a microphone, and an open fit receiver. An acoustic shield is provided and within the acoustic shield an ear simulator coupler is provided having an ear extension attached thereto, the ear extension having mounted thereto at least a portion of the open fit receiver. A measurement unit receives sound signals from the ear simulator coupler.