Abstract: A hearing device test adapter is provided in order to connect a hearing device output to a test microphone in a soundproof manner. The hearing device test adapter has an expandable first section for enclosing one section of a hearing device shell or an earmold piece in a soundproof manner such that the sound output of the hearing device shell or of the earmold piece points to the tip of the first section. In addition, the hearing device test adapter has an expandable second section for enclosing a section of the test microphone in a soundproof manner, with the tip of the first section directly connecting to the second section and both being connected to one another via a sound transmission.

Abstract: A method for fitting a hearing instrument comprises placing the hearing instrument in situ includes receiving an audiogram of the user, determining a target gain for the hearing instrument as a function of the audiogram, exposing a reference sensor located adjacent the hearing instrument to an external speech signal, measuring an external sound pressure level (SPL) via the reference sensor, exposing a probe sensor coupled to the inside of the ear to the output of the hearing instrument while the hearing instrument is in situ, measuring an internal sound pressure level (“SPL”) inside the ear of the user via the probe sensor, determining an offset gain as a function of the external SPL, the target gain and the internal SPL, and automatically adjusting a gain of the hearing instrument according to the offset gain.

Abstract: A hearing device fitting device that includes a computing device (3), connected on an input side with a connection (E3) for data entry and on an output side with a connection (A3) for a hearing device. The hearing device fitting device further includes an audio storage medium play-back unit having a control input (E9) connected to a computing device (3) output and having an audio output (A3) connectable to a loud speaker unit (11) input. The device supports a method a method for fitting the hearing device in situ by applying the hearing device to an individual; subjecting the individual to an audio test signal; having the individual appraise said audio test signal; and automatically selecting, in dependency of said appraising, a subsequent audio test signal.

Abstract: A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. The invention utilizes an externally positioned measurement device to obtain a test measure of the electrical signal passing through an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. In one embodiment, the measurement device may comprise a pair of coils for measuring the magnetic field generated by an implanted actuator utilized to simulate the middle ear of a patient. The magnetic field strength is directly related to the amount of current passing through the actuator. In turn, such current is inversely related to the electrical impedance present at the implanted actuator. Such electrical impedance is directly related to the mechanical impedance present at the interface between the implanted actuator and middle ear of a patient.

Abstract: In a method and system for fitting the gain of a hearing aid (300) for a hearing impaired person, a loop gain of the hearing aid in the ear canal (350) of the hearing impaired person is measured for at least one frequency band. An effective vent parameter such as a corresponding vent diameter for the hearing aid by determining a vent parameter that generates the best fit between a modelled and the measured loop gain is estimated, a vent effect value based on the estimated effective vent parameter is determined, and a corrected hearing aid gain is provided by means of the determined vent effect value. The invention provides a method, a computer program, a system for fitting a hearing aid, a hearing aid and a computer system.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for and method of remotely, automatically, and routinely conducting diagnostic testing on a programmable hearing aid to ensure that it is functioning as intended when optimized for an individual's needs and preferences. Because hearing aids deteriorate with time and buildup of earwax, individuals can be uncertain whether their hearing is worsening or the hearing aid is malfunctioning. The net effect is diminished hearing aid performance and thus diminished quality of life. The present invention tests the hearing aid for proper function as frequently as daily. Additionally, the present invention includes elements (201, 202) that enable the apparatus to perform a cleaning process to effectively remove earwax and other undesirable debris from the hearing aid. The cleaning process can occur prior to the diagnostic testing or as a result of the diagnostic testing.

Abstract: A programming equipment (1) for programming (fitting) of a programmable hearing aid (2) comprises means for receiving information on the state of operation of signal processing systems included in the hearing aid. This information is utilized to present a graphical representation of the state of operation of these systems to the person performing the programming. The invention further provides a hearing aid and a method of programming a hearing aid.

Abstract: Method for accurately measuring hearing loss includes the steps of selecting a series of audio tones within the normal range of hearing (502) and then measuring a relative sensitivity of a test subject with respect to the ability to hear each of the audio tones, exclusive of the effects of tinnitus. (504, 506, 508, 510, 512) The relative sensitivity of the test subject to hear the tones can be measured by determining (510) for each tone an intensity necessary for the test subject to hear the tones at a subjectively equal loudness level which is selected to exceed a perceived level of noise attributable to tinnitus for the test subject.

Abstract: A method is presented of evaluating a wireless connection while fitting a hearing aid. The method comprises the steps of sending a signal via the wireless connection from a computer system (103) to a portable device (102), receiving the signal in the computer system via the wireless connection from the portable device, thereby obtaining information about the wireless connection, evaluating the information in the computer system through retrieving a current value representative of the quality of the wireless communication, smoothing the current value thereby obtaining a smoothed value, and providing a quality parameter based on the smoothed value. Also a system for fitting a hearing aid, a computer program, and a computer system adapted to the use of such a method are presented.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for transmitting audio via the serial data port of a hearing instrument. At least one hearing instrument microphone may be used for receiving an audio input signal. A sound processor may be used for processing the audio input signal to compensate for a hearing impairment and generate a processed audio signal. At least one hearing instrument receiver may be used for converting the processed audio signal into an audio output signal. A serial data port may be used to couple the hearing instrument to an external device in order to transmit bi-directional audio signals between the hearing instrument and the external device. The serial data port may be coupled to the external device to transmit at least one of the audio input signal, the processed audio signal and the audio output signal to the external device.

Abstract: A method for providing optimal dynamic techniques for custom-fit ear hearing devices, includes mounting pressure and motion sensors in a ear-enclosing hearing device, transmitting data produced by the sensors during actual operation of the ear-enclosing hearing device worn by a specific individual, receiving the sensor signals for subsequent analysis by a computer, creating a stress-and-motion map based on the sensor-based data, and creating a virtual hearing device model for optimal support and comfort based on the stress-and-motion map.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for and method of training an individual on the use of a hearing aid. The training is conducted based on the individuals hearing profile such that specific words that are troublesome to the user are played to the user after changing the frequency and amplitude of the words, i.e. the user is trained on how the words will sound after wearing a hearing aid. The user can further fine-tune the frequency and amplitude of the words, and the modifications can be saved and used while ordering and fitting a hearing aid.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of monitoring hearing health comprising: measuring a first acoustic sound pressure level due to an ambient audio signal; measuring a second acoustic sound pressure level due to an emitted audio signal from a speaker; calculating a total sound pressure level dosage, where the total sound pressure level dosage is calculated using the first acoustic sound pressure level and a first time span, and the second acoustic sound pressure level and a second time span associated, where the first time span is the time associated with the measured first acoustic sound pressure level and second time span is the time associated with the measured second acoustic sound pressure level; and sending a notification signal when total sound pressure level dosage is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: Method and system (400) for becoming aware of some hearing loss and the need for a professional hearing test. Simple and professional hearing testing provide an understanding of the improvement in the quality of life that can be achieved through use of a hearing aid. Ordering and fitting of the hearing aid, and training on use of a hearing aid, are performed to further demonstrate and provide for improved quality of life. The system (400) includes a user (410), a hearing test unit (415), a test administrator computer (420), a pair of headphones (422), a keyboard (423), a monitor (426), a series of hearing test programs (446), a central hearing health system (440), a database, a device (433), and a set of individual results.

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

Abstract: The acoustic properties of so-called instant fit ear tips, which in contrast to otoplastics are not produced individually, should be able to be better taken into consideration when adjusting a hearing aid for an individual wearer. To this end a method is proposed in which an OLG measurement, in other words an open loop gain measurement, is performed on the hearing aid when it is being worn. The OLG measurement curve obtained is compared with an OLG reference curve. A value is ascertained from the comparison which represents the level of closure of the hearing aid or of its otoplastic in the ear of the wearer. On the basis of this value the gain of the hearing aid is finally corrected. Furthermore, a corresponding adjustment device is provided. It is thus possible in a simple manner to take into consideration the individual, current level of closure during the adjustment.

Abstract: A method of generating a personalized sound system hearing profile for a user. The method begins by selecting an initial profile, based on selected factors of user input. In an embodiment, the initial profile is selected based on demographic factors. Then the system identifies one or more alternate profiles, each having a selected relationship with the initial profile. The relationship between alternate profiles and the initial profile can be based on gain as a function of frequency, one alternate profile having a higher sensitivity at given frequencies and the other a lower sensitivity. The next step links at least one audio sample with the initial and alternate profiles and then plays the selected samples for the user. The system then receives identification of the preferred sample from the user; and selects a final profile based on the user's preference. An embodiment offers multiple sound samples in different modes, resulting in the selection of multiple final profiles for the different modes.

Abstract: A portable audiometer for performing hearing testing enclosed within a patient response mechanism housing is disclosed. The audiometer may include a printed circuit board containing circuitry, plugs or other connectors for wired or wireless headphones and bone conductor, a battery charging unit, and one or more buttons for indicating response to pure tone and other stimuli, including, but not limited to noise, speech, and visual and audio instructions and graphical representations of objects or concepts used in a comprehensive hearing test. The instrument can be connected via a wired or wireless interface to a variety of controlling devices, including PC's, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cellular phones, smartphones, including hybrid phone and PDA, and other devices such as media players, gaming systems, personal audio players, and other devices that can operatively communicate with the portable device.

Abstract: The hearing system comprises at least one request-receiving unit for receiving requests for assistance from a user of said hearing system and an assistance unit operationally connected to said request-receiving unit adapted to carrying out an assistance function providing assistance for said user. Preferably, said assistance unit is adapted to carrying out an analysis of a current status of at least one device of said hearing system. Preferably, said assistance unit is furthermore adapted to attempting to correct said current status if a faulty or inappropriate current status has been detected. Preferably, the hearing system comprises a communication interface, wherein said assistance unit is adapted to attempting to establish a communication link to a remote assistance provider using said communication interface.

Abstract: A programmable hearing aid (100) combined with a headphone apparatus. The headphone apparatus may be directly interfaced with various types of electronic equipment so that the user is able to listen to music recordings, voice recordings, or other types of sound signals that are then corrected, via programming, for the user's particular hearing needs (104). A method of using the hearing aid combined with the headphones, including the associated programming system (102) for making corrections for the particular hearing needs are also provided.

Abstract: A graphical interface is provided to select parameters for fitting a hearing device. The graphical interface provides means visually representing and controlling values of these parameters using a common reference axis for multiple parameters related by a programmable constraint. The common reference multiple parameter structures convey information to a user about the interactions between parameters and the limits of the parameters. Further, parameters related by a constraint relation are displayed on graphical structures having a common path, such that movement of a slider representing a parameter can be limited within the bounds of the programmed constraints. Such limited movement is visually conveyed to the user allowing the user to make appropriate adjustment to remain within the limits of the constraint while programming a hearing device for improving performance.

Abstract: A sound recording and reproduction system for testing hearing and hearing aids is disclosed. Recordings of sound are made in a real word acoustic environment, for example, which are stored as audio signals. In a testing environment, a plurality of loudspeakers is located about a listening position where a test subject is placed during a testing procedure. The plurality of loudspeakers receive at least a portion of the plurality of the stored audio signals, and convert those audio signals received into a combination of sounds that produce, at the listening position, acoustic elements of the real world acoustic environment where the recordings were made. The system enables, in a clinical or other test setting, the evaluation of hearing and/or hearing aid performance as if in a real world environment.

Abstract: Measuring the hearing ability or the diagnosis of the hearing loss of a person can be achieved by the recognition of a plurality of sound samples by said person. The initiation of the sound samples to be recognized is performed by said person itself. In other words the various sound samples at different frequencies or for different sound types and different sound pressure levels are initiated by the person whose hearing ability or hearing loss is to be determined. The sound samples are generated in situ, which means within a hearing aid worn by the person.

Abstract: Improved approaches of designing and fitting hearing aids to make hearing aids more accessible to people with hearing loss are disclosed. The hearing aids can be capable of being fitted by users themselves or by other non-hearing specialists. In one embodiment a hearing aid can be self-calibrating. In another embodiment, hearing aids can be fitted, i.e., configured, for individuals with hearing loss using a simplified procedure that hearing aid users or non-hearing specialists can easily follow.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of automatically monitoring and detecting indications indicative of a forthcoming event concerning hearing systems; if such an indication is detected, retrieving identification data identifying at least one device of the hearing system concerned, referred to as specific device, or a user of said hearing system concerned, referred to as specific user; ans using said identification data for retrieving further data related to said specific device as device data or related to said specific user as user data. The method and the corresponding system can be used for adjusting said specific hearing system or other support actions, like dispensing consumables for said specific hearing system, or preparatory actions, like launching a suitable fitting program or loading audiological data related to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiver system for an otological device. The receiver system has an oscillation receiver to receive a carrier signal with a carrier frequency. The receiver system is designed to change a receive frequency for the carrier signal. The receiver system has a frequency regulator which is designed to at least indirectly register the receive frequency and to change the receive frequency for the carrier signal to a predetermined receive frequency and to set it to the predetermined receive frequency. The frequency regulator is connected to the oscillation receiver at least at least indirectly and is designed to generate an excitation signal and to excite the oscillation receiver to oscillate by means of the excitation signal and thus to generate a response oscillation with a response frequency. The frequency regulator is also designed to ascertain the receive frequency depending on the response oscillation.

Abstract: To improve the adjustment of the settings of a hearing aid or a hearing instrument respectively, a method is proposed according to which at least one setting of the hearing aid or instrument respectively for a particular acoustic environment is changed or deviated from the actual setting without any preceding action or manipulation of the user to provoke the user to interact or to readjust e.g. said setting.

Abstract: A method for identifying hearing aids is described wherein a wireless connection is established between a control device and at least one unidentified hearing aid, and which comprises the following procedural steps: a request is sent by the control device to at least one unidentified hearing aid; b) the request is received by the hearing aid addressed; a response is provided in the hearing aid addressed, whereby the response contains an individual identifier of the respective hearing aid; and d) thee response is sent by the hearing aid addressed to the control device, whereby the response is transmitted at a point in time that is individually determined by the responding hearing aid.

Abstract: The present application provides method and apparatus for a binaural hearing assistance system using a monaural audio signal input. The system, in various examples, provides adjustable delay/phase adjustment and sound level adjustment. Different embodiments are provided for receiving the monaural signal and distributing it to a plurality of hearing assistance devices. Different relaying modes are provided. Special functions are supported, such as telecoil functions. The system also has examples that account for a head-related transfer function in providing advanced sound processing for the wearer. Other examples are provided that are described in the detailed description.

Abstract: For a hearing-impaired person provided with a hearing aid device with which sound acquisition ensues outside of the auditory canals of the person, the localization capability with regard to a signal source is lost. To compensate the information loss that occurs due to the acquisition of an acoustic signal outside of the auditory canals, in the signal processing in the hearing aid device of an acoustic input signal acquired by at least one microphone of the hearing aid device, the transfer function of the head or of the external ear is taken into account between the position at which the microphone is located and a position in the auditory canal of the hearing device user. The natural location capability of a person to localize a signal source in space thus is not lost given treatment with a hearing aid device that is not worn in the auditory canal.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing of a hearing device is described, which includes the following components: a housing with a test area embodied to accommodate a hearing device, with the test area including a microphone area and an earpiece area, a signal generator and a loudspeaker, to create a defined acoustic test signal in the microphone area, a microphone arranged in the earpiece area to detect an acoustic response signal emitted by the hearing device, an evaluation circuit to assess the functional state of the hearing device on the basis of the response signal, and a display device to display the functional state of the hearing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing custom shaped hearing instruments by arranging virtually all components of said hearing instrument within the shape of the shell to define the final locations of said components. Subsequently, support elements as support structure within the shell according the final locations of the components will be generated digitally, for manufacturing said shell using a digital printing technique considering the digitally processed data from said antecedent steps. Then, connecting the components together with any necessary wiring, placing the components into the manufactured shell at its designated locations into the respective support elements, placing and attaching a cover plate onto said opening of said shell, thereby clamping said components between the cover plate and the shell or the support elements respectively.

Abstract: The process of adapting a hearing aid to its wearer is to be simplified. To this end the acoustic conditions in the auditory canal, especially the acoustic impedance, are estimated by measuring the input impedance of the earpiece on the hearing aid. For adjusting the hearing aid it is worthwhile using the mechanical resonance of the system of hearing aid and auditory canal which can be detected with the aid of the input impedance. This is produced by a simplified equivalent circuit diagram from which the corresponding acoustic variables can be obtained.

Abstract: The size of measuring boxes for hearing apparatuses and in particular for hearing devices is to be reduced, with the efficiency of the measuring box in respect of attenuating interference noises being maintained or improved. A measuring box is thus proposed, which comprises an interference signal recording facility for recording an interference signal. Furthermore, provision is made in the measuring box for a signal generating facility to generate a compensation signal which is phase-opposed to the recorded interference signal, so that the interference signal can be compensated for by the compensation signal. The interference noise attenuation is thus achieved here by an electronic active part, so that the quality demands on the measurement space can be reduced and its size thereby decreased as well.

Abstract: To determine target amplification curves in hearing devices, audiometric mismeasurements are to be corrected. To this end, it is proposed first to measure a bone conduction hearing threshold of a patient. Furthermore a database having typical sound conduction components for a number of typical hearing impairments is provided. One of these sound conduction components is selected in order to smooth the measured bone conduction hearing threshold, with a smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold resulting. One or a number of target amplification curves is formed from the smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold, if necessary with further hearing thresholds. Error corrections can be reliably carried out with the aid of the database.

Abstract: A hearing aid has an embedded Internet interface so that the hearing aid can automatically communicate error diagnosis data to a hearing aid acoustician via the Internet so that the hearing aid user need not visit the hearing aid acoustician and so that acoustician can initiate appropriate maintenance, training or repair measures. An appertaining method is also provided.

Abstract: A hearing test device and method are disclosed which involve the placement of a testing probe in the ear canal of a test subject. The device analyzes responses to stimuli applied to the ear canal to determine whether the testing probe has been properly placed in the ear canal. The device may determine, for example, whether the probe is stable, whether it is sealed in the ear canal, whether the resulting volume of the ear canal is acceptable, and/or whether the stimuli delivery system is blocked in any way. If the device determines that the testing probe has been properly placed in the ear canal, the device automatically starts a hearing test without requiring any operator input.

Abstract: A system for conducting multiple diagnostic hearing tests is disclosed. The system comprises a yoke wearable around the neck of a patient, for providing a housing for conduits and wiring to conduct the hearing tests. The yoke may also coupled to one or more ear probes for engaging the ear of the patient, and to at least one microphone for measuring ambient noise during at least a portion of a hearing test.

Abstract: The aim is to simplify resource planning in a clinic or by a hearing aid technician. For this purpose, an audiometer and a method for operating an audiometer are proposed in which, following a simple hearing test, in addition to information as to whether treatment of a user with a hearing aid is necessary, the presence of any hearing-loss class in which the user can be grouped is also shown. In this way, the expense with regard to time, materials and personnel required for matching a hearing aid to a particular user can be more easily estimated.

Abstract: It should be possible to balance microphones and hearing apparatus more reliably. To this end, provision is made for a method for checking a measuring situation, wherein at least two measurement points of a frequency response of the hearing apparatus are recorded. A check then establishes whether the at least two measurement points lie in a predetermined tolerance range above a threshold. If this is the case, an OK signal is output. Otherwise, if at least one of the measurement points lies outside the tolerance range, the position of the measurement point outside the tolerance range is ascertained and a fault signal is output depending on the ascertained position. It is therefore possible to establish, for example, whether a measuring chamber lacks proofness, a microphone is blocked or the microphone is completely malfunctioning.

Abstract: A hearing device and method for handling data in a hearing device that enables writing of the data into a storage location only under certain conditions. The conditions are: the data is being entered by a person who has previously entered data to the hearing device or the data has not been copied from a hearing device of a predetermined type or the hearing device has been enabled to unconditionally accept the data.

Abstract: A composition for treating hearing loss includes components that function through different biological mechanisms to provide an additive effect that is equal to or greater than a sum of the effect of the individual components. The composition includes a biologically effective amount of at least one scavenger of singlet oxygen, a donor antioxidant, a third antioxidant, and a vasodilator. A method of treating hearing loss includes the step of internally administering the composition including a biologically effective amount of the at least one scavenger of singlet oxygen, the donor antioxidant, the third antioxidant, and the vasodilator to a mammal within three days of trauma to a middle or inner ear of the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of logging or recording input signal data of a hearing prosthesis in combination with values of one or several variables associated with the hearing prosthesis. The hearing prosthesis variable(s) may comprise logic states of a single or several user-controllable actuator(s) mounted on the prosthesis and/or values of algorithm parameters of a predetermined digital signal processing algorithm executed in the prosthesis. Hereby, error tracking and performance optimisation are facilitated since anomalous or sub-optimal operating conditions of signal processing algorithms and/or user interface control handling or other undesired events may be detected. By recording both the hearing prosthesis variable or variables and the input signal data, it is e.g. possible to identify and track correlations between one or several predetermined signal events in the input signal data and effects to the operation of the hearing prosthesis derived there from.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for a hearing instrument with self-diagnostics. A detection circuitry may be used to monitor the functional status of at least one transducer by measuring an energy level output of the transducer and comparing the energy level output to a pre-determined threshold level. The detection circuitry may generate an error message output if the measured energy level output of the transducer falls below the pre-determined threshold level. A memory device may be used to store the error message output generated by the detection circuitry.

Abstract: Hearing aid system for the in-situ fitting of hearing aids, said system comprising a separate control device, and a least one hearing aid, adapted for communication with each other, said hearing aid comprising at least one microphone, a signal processor for generating an output signal to a receiver, and means for receiving control signals form the control device. During the in-situ fitting the control device is in communication with said hearing aid for the activation of generation of test signals, which test signals are delivered to said receiver and emitted therefrom as acoustic test signals.

Abstract: An adjustment method for a hearing device and an apparatus to do it are proposed, by which a model for the perception of a psycho-acoustic variable, especially of the loudness, is parametrized for a standard group of individuals (LN) as well as for an individual (LI). On grounds of model differences, especially in relation to their parametrization, the adjustment values are determined, whereas the signal transmission is planned or adjusted at a hearing device (HG) ex situ or is guided in situ, respectively.

Abstract: In a method for individualized training of hearing aid users a number of hearing training courses are stored in a databank. An individual user profile is acquired in a training device. A transmission of the hearing training data from the databank to the training device and/or vice versa ensues via a data network before or during the implementation of the hearing training. The training thus ensues adapted to the respective user profile by means of one or more individualized hearing training courses.

Abstract: A method of tuning a digital hearing device can include playing portions of test audio, wherein each portion of test audio represents one or more distinctive features of speech. The method also can include receiving user responses to played portions of test audio heard through the digital hearing device and comparing the user responses with the portions of test audio. An operational parameter of the digital hearing device can be adjusted according to the comparing step, wherein the operational parameter is associated with one or more of the distinctive features of speech.

Abstract: A hearing aid that compensates for a patient's hearing deficit in a gradually progressing fashion. The hearing aid may be programmed to successively select in a defined sequence a parameter set that defines at least one operating characteristic of the signal processing circuit from a group of such parameter sets. The defined sequence may end in a parameter set that optimally compensates the patient's hearing.

Abstract: Improved approaches are disclosed to update existing hearing devices by downloading software resources over a network from a remote server to a local client. The software resources are then stored in the existing hearing devices, thereby upgrading the functionality or operation of the existing hearing devices. Accordingly, existing hearing devices are able to be upgraded at convenient locations in a largely automated fashion. The invention is particularly useful for hearing aids or other sound systems for the hearing impaired.