Abstract: A volume control circuit for hearing aids is adjustable to vary a control signal supplied to an amplifier between a microphone and receiver of a hearing air. The volume control circuit includes a positive voltage source, a charge holding circuit, and a switch for alternatively connecting the holding circuit with the positive voltage source to increase its voltage, with ground to decrease voltage, and with an open circuit to maintain a constant voltage. The holding circuit voltage is inverted around a predetermined reference voltage level, with the inverted signal amplified and applied to the gate terminal of an n-channel field effect transistor having its source terminal biased to a predetermined source voltage level, and its drain terminal electrically connected to the amplifier to provide the control signal. In response to charging of the holding circuit, the gate voltage is reduced to increase the FET impedance, thus decreasing the gain of the amplifier.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit for hearing aids includes a broadband peak detector for generating a control voltage based upon the sound pressure level of an incoming acoustical signal over its entire frequency spectrum. The control signal is used to determine the cut-off frequency of a voltage controlled adaptive high-pass filter. An amplified electrical signal, corresponding to the acoustical signal, also is provided to the high-pass filter. In setting the cut-off frequency, the control voltage causes the high-pass filter to selectively suppress the low frequency portion of the signal, generating a modified signal in which the noise component is reduced.