Abstract: A method of configuring a frequency transposition scheme for transposing a set of received frequencies of an audio signal received by a hearing aid worn by a subject to a transposed set of frequencies, wherein the method comprises determining at least one subject-dependent parameter indicative of the subject's ability to detect audio frequencies, and at least one subject-dependent parameter indicative of the location in frequency of one or more spectral cues, configuring a subject-dependent frequency transposition scheme based on the determined subject-dependent parameters, the subject-dependent frequency transposition scheme being configured so as to improve the subject's spatial hearing capabilities, and adapting the hearing aid to perform the configured subject-dependent frequency transposition scheme.

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

Abstract: The spontaneous acceptance by a hearing device wearer in respect of a new hearing device is to be improved. To this end, a method for adjusting the amplification of a hearing device to an individual hearing device wearer is proposed, with which a target amplification for the hearing device wearer is determined on the basis of his/her hearing loss. Data relating to the gender of the hearing device wearer is provided in order to improve the adjustment. The target amplification is then also determined on the basis of the gender of the hearing device wearer. With the gender-specific target amplification, it is possible for instance to take account of the fact that women exhibit a more sensitive perception for average voice levels than men, thereby allowing the target amplification to correspondingly drop much lower.

Abstract: A binaural supply with a hearing system is to be enabled, whereby the computing outlay and energy consumption are to be kept as minimal as possible. A hearing system comprising a first hearing apparatus including a first signal input facility and a first communication facility and a second hearing apparatus including a second signal input facility, a second communication facility for receiving a signal from the first communication facility and a second signal processing facility for processing signals from the second signal input facility and the second communication facility are provided to form a common output signal. The signal transmitted from the first to the second communication facility corresponds to a real spectral part of the overall frequency spectrum of the first input signal. As only one part of the overall spectrum is transmitted and/or binaurally processed, the computing outlay and energy consumption is reduced.

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; 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 the 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: Fine customization of a hearing aid to the individual hearing environments and habits of a user are to be simplified and improved. To this end, when the hearing aid is turned on or when the hearing aid is switched to a particular operating mode, neither the value most recently valid for the parameter prior to turning off or switching to a different operating mode nor the parameter value transferred to the hearing aid at the beginning of programming is set. Rather, from the changes to the value of the parameter taking place during operation of the hearing aid a new start value is ascertained and stored, which value is then set automatically after turning on or switching mode.

Abstract: A hearing device wearer is to have improved possibilities of being able to perform a fine adjustment of his/her hearing device according to a basic setting. To this end, each processing value of a multi-channel processing system is standardized, in particular a filter bank, to a respectively associated basic setting value. A fine adjustment of the processing values to the hearing device wearer can now be carried out in relation to the standardized processing values starting from a standardized base line. It is thus possible for the hearing device wearer to implement a standardization of the setting values at any point in time and based hereupon to intuitively perform his/her setting requests.

Abstract: Methods and devices to compensate for individual hearing loss when listening to audio systems are described. An individualized frequency configuration is applied to the output of an audio system wherein the volume of audio signals at one or more frequencies is adjusted to compensate for a user's hearing deficit. The devices are operable to work with multiple users.

Abstract: An auditory prosthesis (14, 14?) is adapted for compensation of hearing loss and for sound pressure determination. During calibration of the sound field to be used during fine-tuning of the auditory prosthesis, the auditory prosthesis is positioned at an observation point in the sound field, and the sound pressure at the auditory prosthesis is adjusted based on determinations of sound pressures performed with the auditory prosthesis. Thus, the need for dedicated calibrated sound pressure determining equipment is eliminated. The invention provides an auditory prosthesis, a method and a system for calibration of a sound field.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for adjusting parameters for binaural hearing assistance devices. A graphical user interface (GUI) control is provided for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the control is indicative of status of at least one parameter for at least one device. When a pointer, controlled by a mouse or other selecting device, is placed over the control, the control expands. In various applications the control expands to display options for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one device. In some applications, the control provides options to adjust at least one parameter of a left and a right device individually.

Abstract: There is described a hearing aid comprising input transducer means for converting input acoustic signals into electrical input signals, signal processor means and output transducer means. The signal processor means is operable to divide said electrical input signals into a plurality of frequency bands and to perform a contrast enhancement operation in each said frequency band, to increase the difference between the amplitudes of those frequency components of the input signals having a relatively high amplitude and those frequency components thereof having a relatively low amplitude to produce output electrical signals in each said respective frequency bands. The output transducer means is operable to produce an output acoustic signal corresponding to a combination of said output electrical signals.

Abstract: A hearing device and method for monitoring the hearing ability of a person with impaired hearing allow changes of the hearing ability specifically of a person wearing a hearing aid are to be better able to be registered and taken into account. For this purpose, the setting of an operating element, this serves for setting an output sound level of a hearing device. Furthermore, the ambient sound level in the vicinity of the hearing device is measured. After that, the current setting is compared with the current, measured ambient sound level and a corresponding control signal is output dependent on the result of the comparison. This control signal serves, for example, for signaling to the wearer of a hearing aid the loss of hearing or the automatic adjustment of the hearing aid.

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: An audiogram classification system is provided. The classification system includes categories for configuration, severity, site of lesion and/or symmetry of an audiogram. A set of rules can be provided for selecting the categories, wherein the set of rules ignore one or more local irregularities on an audiogram and have been validated to maximize agreement with judges.

Abstract: A method for testing a wireless communication system is disclosed comprising a fitting device (1; IF, PC) and at least one of a hearing device (HD1, HD2) and an accessory device (ACC) to the hearing device (HD1, HD2). The fitting device (1; IF, PC) comprising means for communicating with at least one of the hearing device (HD1, HD2) and the accessory device (ACC). The method comprises the steps of: testing at least one of the following elements: a transceiver of the hearing device (HD1, HD2); a transceiver of the accessory device (ACC); a transceiver of the fitting device (1; IF, PC); quality of a link between two transceivers; comparing results of the testing with predefined values, presenting a result of the comparison to the user of the fitting device (1; IF, PC) by indicating failure or non-failure for the corresponding element tested, wherein the step of testing is controlled by the fitting device (1; IF, PC).

Abstract: A hearing aid (1) adapted for operation in a sound amplification mode and for operation in an occlusion measurement mode, has a microphone (10) adapted for transforming an acoustic sound level external to a hearing aid users ear canal (4) into a first electrical signal which is guided to an ND converter forming a first digitized electrical signal. The hearing aid has signal processing means with a filter bank (41, 42) with means for splitting an electrical signal into frequency bands, and a receiver (20) adapted for generating acoustic sounds in the ear canal of a user when in said amplification mode, and for transforming the acoustic sound level in the ear canal into a second electrical signal, when in occlusion measurement mode.

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; and 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: A personalized hearing profile is generated for an ear-level device comprising a memory, microphone, speaker and processor. Communication is established between the ear-level device and a companion device, having a user interface. A frame of reference in the user interface is provided, where positions in the frame of reference are associated with sound profile data. A position on the frame of reference is determined in response to user interaction with the user interface, and certain sound profile data associated with the position. Certain data is transmitted to the ear level device. Sound can be generated through the speaker based upon the audio stream data to provide real-time feedback to the user. The determining and transmitting steps are repeated until detection of an end event.

Abstract: A hearing aid (100) comprises at least one first microphone (10) generating a first input signal from sounds external to a user of the hearing aid, signal processing means, a receiver (30) and, a second microphone (40) generating a second input signal from sounds in the occluded ear of the user. In a measurement mode the signal processing means produces an occlusion effect value or directly transmitted sound value from the difference between the sound levels of the second and the first input signals generated both at the same time while the receiver is silent. The invention further provides a system and a method for determining an occlusion effect and a directly transmitted sound value.

Abstract: A method of compensating audio frequency response characteristics of a portable sound system can be performed using acoustic characteristics of a user measured in real-time. The method of compensating the audio frequency response characteristics can be used by a portable sound system. The method includes generating an acoustic characteristics curve of a user based on a minimum perception level of a user with respect to audible audio frequency bandwidths, generating an acoustic compensation curve of the user based on the acoustic characteristics curve of the user and a predetermined frequency characteristics target curve, and compensating the audio frequency response characteristics of a sound based on the acoustic compensation curve of the user.

Abstract: There is provided a hearing aid fitting apparatus with which the needs of a hearing aid user can be satisfied. The present invention is constituted such that this apparatus comprises an adjustment value input part 2 and a display part 3 on which is displayed hearing aid data set by this adjustment value input part 2, wherein first favorably assisted hearing aid data is selected from among first and second hearing aid data set by the adjustment value input part 2, then this selected first favorably assisted hearing aid data is compared with third hearing aid data set by the adjustment value input part and second favorably assisted hearing aid data is selected, after which the first and second favorably assisted hearing aid data are displayed on the display part, and hearing aid write data is selected from the first and second favorably assisted hearing aid data displayed on the display part.

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: 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 storage case that detects and indicates presence of oscillating or quiescent activity of hearing aids is disclosed. Within the storage case, there is a transducer coupled to a logic circuit. The logic circuit is further coupled to one or more visual cues. The transducer picks up any sounds within the storage case and converts the sounds into electrical signals. The logic circuit receives the electrical signals and activates a visual cue that alerts the user if the logic circuit interprets at least one of the electrical signals to be from an oscillating or quiescent activity of the hearing aid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reproducing a music file in a terminal equipped to reproduce the music file, the method including determining equalizing reproduction characteristics of the music file when reproduction of the music file is requested, determining and setting an output equalizer setting value of an audio signal, according to the equalizing reproduction characteristics and pre-measured individual hearing ability state information representing hearing ability characteristics of a user, and reproducing the music file so as to output the audio signal according to the output equalizer setting value.

Abstract: The hearing device is adapted to automatically requesting an establishment of a communication connection to at least one hearing device support provider. The hearing device support provider may comprise a person knowledgeable in hearing devices, at the hearing device seller and/or at the hearing device manufacturer, and it may comprise a computer with a suitable software. Said automatically requesting said establishment of said communication connection will usually happen, when at least one change in internal status of the hearing device occurs, like a failure or a memory overflow or the upcome of a repeatedly occurring event. The hearing device may by itself decide upon the type of change in internal status, which hearing device support provider to connect to. Typically, at least one long-range communication connection is involved.

Abstract: A method of operating a hearing prosthesis. The hearing prosthesis includes memory and a clock and is configured to deliver stimuli to a user. The method includes determining the stimuli, with the hearing prosthesis, in response to a sound signal and at least in part by using one or more adjustable parameters stored in the memory. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a request to adjust at least one of the parameters, and determining whether to make the requested adjustment by reference to an amount of time, as determined by said clock, or a function based around an amount of time since a predefined event.

Abstract: A personal hearing control system includes a microphone located within a user's sealed ear canal, a speaker having a diaphragm which directs sound into the ear canal, and a controller which drives the speaker such that the system emulates the acoustics of the user's open ear canal. Also provided are a microphone located on the outer ear side of the sealed ear canal, which is coupled to a handheld interface unit having multiple inputs and operating modes. A user-selected input is processed by the interface unit, and the processed signal is coupled to the speaker. In one operating mode, the output of the outer ear mic is processed so as to cancel sound that leaks from the outer ear to the inner ear side of the seal.

Abstract: The hearing device system having at least one hearing device includes an input transducer for receiving incoming acoustical sound and converting the incoming acoustical sound into audio-representing signals; an output transducer for converting audio-representing signals obtained from the incoming acoustical sound into signals to be perceived by a user of the hearing device; and a transmitter for transmitting audio-representing signals obtained from the incoming acoustical sound to a long-range communication network. The method for maintaining a hearing device system includes the steps of receiving in the hearing device an incoming acoustical sound; converting in the hearing device the incoming acoustical sound into audio-representing signals; and transmitting the audio-representing signals from the hearing device to a long-range communication network. The audio-representing signals may be received by a hearing device support provider.

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: Provided is a method of automatically fitting a hearing aid. The method includes entering the audiogram of a test subject, defining criterion gains and SSPLs based on installed criterion gains and SSPLs according to the test subject's audiogram, generating sounds from automatic fitting device, measuring the sounds using probe microphone inserted in external earcanal, adjusting the criterion gain and SSPLs of the hearing aids based on differences between output sound amplitude and measured sound amplitude, and saving the changed values to the hearing aids automatically, in a state in which the hearing aid is worn by a test subject.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a hearing aid includes: an audio extraction section for, through an acoustic process of a collected audio signal, utilizing information of a phoneme or syllable contained in the audio signal to output time information, the time information identifying a point of uttering the phoneme or syllable; an electroencephalogram measurement section for measuring an electroencephalogram signal of a user; a determination section for determining a difficulty of hearing of the phoneme or syllable by relying on an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal based on the identified point of uttering the phoneme or syllable as a starting point; a phoneme identification section for, when a plurality of phonemes or syllables are determined as difficult to hear, identifying a chronologically preceding phoneme or syllable among them to be difficult to hear; and a gain adjustment section for, with respect to the phoneme or syllable identified by the phoneme identification section, determinin

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring noise exposure level of a person via measuring sound level within an ear canal of the person using a sound measurement means linked to a sound level recording device external to the ear canal, wherein the sound measurement means may be shielded from the environment by a hearing protective device, and wherein the cable does not interfere with the ability of the hearing protective device to reduce noise exposure level in the ear canal. Also provided are a system comprising a sound measurement means mounted within an ear canal of the person, an external sound level recording means and a linking cable.

Abstract: A programmable apparatus improves perception of sound by a person. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section and means for generating first and second control signals. The processor executes one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals based on control signals. The digital-to-analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to the person. The memory stores programs for processing the digital audio signals. Based on an action by the person, a first control signal is generated which causes the processor to switch from one available program to another available program so that the person may cycle through and evaluate each of the available programs.

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 the setting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for identifying one or more defective hearing aids. The present system provides a dichotic sound to the wearer that can be used to sense whether the aids are properly operating. Different types of dichotic sounds can be presented within the scope of the present subject matter. In various applications a Huggins pitch, a binaural edge pitch, a binaural coherence edge pitch, a Fourcin pitch or a dichotic repetition pitch is used for the dichotic sound. The pitch may be a pure-tone or complex-tone pitch. Various pure-tone frequencies and complex-tone fundamental frequencies may be used and may be customized for a particular application. In various applications, a dichotic sound is formed using left and right sounds each of which includes a noise and a desired signal component. The present system can be realized in a variety of implementations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tracking of acoustic feedback events of a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. Information about the acoustic feedback events is stored for analysis. Such information is useful for programming acoustic feedback cancellers and other parameters of a hearing assistance device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing various auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wireless testing device is provided. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem used to implement and analyze selected tests. Attached to the device, either directly or via a flexible cable, are one or more probes. A processor, storage means, input means and display means are included, thus allowing the device to process and store instructions as well as process, store and display data. A wireless networking subsystem is included, enabling the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, systems and devices within the device's communication range. Due to the inclusion of the wireless networking subsystem, the device can be configured to allow the user to transmit and/or print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates, and send and receive patient and office updates.

Abstract: A system and method of testing the audio performance of an acoustic device is provided. To test a device microphone, an audio signal is generated, provided to an external speaker, outputted to the device microphone, and routed to an auxiliary input/output device where it is outputted and analyzed. To test a device speaker, an audio signal is generated, inputted to an auxiliary input/output device, routed to the device speaker, outputted to an external microphone, and outputted to an audio analyzer.

Abstract: A hearing prosthesis whereby the change of a parameter by the user is only possible in discrete maximum steps, with the availability for further increments being dependant upon some conditional event or occurrence (“condition” herein) represented by one or more parameters such as the time which has elapsed since some previous event. In embodiments in which the parameter(s) include an event, such event may be, for example, the initial fitting or adjustment by a clinician, the last user adjustment, the last upward adjustment by the user, etc. In certain embodiments, the condition parameter(s) may include, for example, an elapsed period of time, a certain quantity of stimuli at a particular current level, or some combination of time, stimulation count and stimulation level. In alternative embodiments, there may be a tiered set of increasing increments, of which more gradually are available over time.

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 provides a method of providing input parameters for the fitting process of individually shaped or customized hearing devices by storing geometry data during the manufacturing process into data storage and selectively reading out data from this data storage during the manufacturing and/or fitting process of the hearing device. To improve the quality and to reduce the time required for the fitting process, all the data available from the manufacturing process, e.g. the geometry data, may be used during the final fitting process at the dispenser's office.

Abstract: The hearing device is operable in a fitting mode and in a listening mode and comprises a transducer for receiving, in the fitting mode, audio test signals, and for converting the audio test signals into signals to be perceived by the user in the fitting mode. It comprises a parameter memory means for storing parameter settings, which parameter settings are obtained from user input received through a user interface in response to the signals perceived by the user in the fitting mode. And it comprises a signal processor using the parameter settings for correcting audio signals at least in the listening mode. The user interface is comprised in the hearing device and the hearing device comprises an audio signal source, in which audio signal source the audio test signals are stored or generated.

Abstract: Pathological binaural phase time delay (PBTD) asynchrony is measured at a variety of frequencies and speech stimuli to develop a BPTD profile for a subject. A corrective device (600, 1000) is designed to apply clinical PBTD to compensate for the subject's pathological BPTD. An electronic device (500) is used to measure the subject's ability to comprehend words at a variety of relative time delays between ears to estimate the ideal overall relative time delay. The optimal relative phase shift at a variety of frequencies is also measured. An electronic device (600) may be used to correct the pathological BPTD by delaying sound in different frequency bands differently to the target ear, according to the BPTD profile, or a passive filtered earplug (1000) may be used to correct smaller amounts of BPTD.

Abstract: A method of deriving individual gain compensation curves for hearing aid fitting includes providing a system that detects, measures and records head azimuth for sound direction affirmation by a patient and provides a plurality of audio signals through a plurality of test sequences to the ears of the patient, including establishing a comfortable listening level of the patient, establishing binaural balance for right and left ars, establishing loudness discomfort levels of the patient, establishing thresholds-of-hearing levels of the patient and generating a binaurally balanced measurement array of measured equal-loudness levels and measured thresholds-of-hearing levels for both left and right ears.

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: 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.