Abstract: An application sends the redundant instances of the data packet via an audio frequency speaker built into that external computing device to the microphone of the hearing assistance device. A microphone receives a wireless communication including a command that contains two or more redundant instances of a data packet, each instance contains a same command. Each redundant data packet is sent on its own carrier frequency in an audio frequency band. A configurable filter engine passes a signal corresponding to the same command transmitted by the audio frequency speaker built into that external computing device through one or more audio band band-pass filters. A control processor examines the band-passed signal and extracts information to extract the content payload of the data packet. A signal processor carries out an operation corresponding to the command from the content payload of the data packet in the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and diagnosing causes of subpar performance of a hearing device are provided for a user. The hearing device may include a housing, a receiver and a sound processor configured to send signals to the receiver. The receiver may be configured to output audio signals from the signals sent by the sound processor. A base unit may include a main body having a cradle formed therein. The cradle may be configured to receive the hearing device therein. A base unit microphone interfaces with the cradle and may be configured to receive output audio signals from the receiver when the hearing device is received in the cradle. The base unit microphone and the receiver remain in open communication with a space exterior of the base unit when the hearing device has been received in the cradle.

Abstract: A fixture assembly can be used for testing and calibrating hearing devices in a fast, reliable and repeatable manner. The fixture assembly includes a support frame that supports an arm assembly with a holder to hold acoustics coupler(s) and hearing device for the purpose of acoustic testing and calibration.

Abstract: The flexible attachable tip is manufactured to repeatedly connect as well as disconnect to a body of a hearing assistance device. The flexible attachable tip is manufactured to have two or more offset layers of flexible earmolds. The tip has a dome-shaped earmold that is separated by an air gap from offset layers of inner earmolds. Each layer of ear mold has multiple bendable members with an air vent constructed into the bendable members for that earmold. Air space is formed in between each of the individual bendable members making up the flexible earmold for a given layer of the offset layers. The flexible earmolds including their bendable members bend to a deformed state in order to secure the hearing assistance device in position inside an ear canal, which prevents the device from falling out of an ear, while still providing both a sound path and an airflow path through the ear canal.

Abstract: A magnet in a wireless charger and a ferromagnetic target plate in a hearing assistance device are used to create a magnetic retention force to hold the hearing assistance device in place when charging in order to control an amount of interference with a wireless charging occurring between the wireless charger and the hearing assistance device. A housing for the wireless charger has one or more storage areas. The contours of the storage areas each conform to a shape of the hearing assistance device that will be stored in that storage area.

Abstract: A wireless charger for a hearing assistance device can include a microphone and a wireless charging circuit. The microphone is configured to receive a wireless communication, including data, in an audio frequency range from a speaker built into a hearing assistance device. The hearing assistance device is configured to amplify sound into a user's ear. The wireless charging circuit of the wireless charger is configured to act as a wireless data transmitter to transmit wireless data in an ultrasonic frequency range, via a charging coil, to the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signal processing an audio signal in a hearing device to detect when feedback path change occurs and controlling an adaptive feedback canceler to remove the feedback are provided. The hearing device includes a receiver and a microphone. An exemplary method includes detecting whether a tonal signal is caused by a feedback path change by estimating a product of a subband error signal and a subband output signal generated in response to a subband audio input signal; estimating a fast metric based on the estimated product and estimating a slow metric; and applying or maintaining an adaptation rate to the adaptive feedback canceler of the hearing device, wherein the adaptation rate applied or maintained is selected based upon a value of the difference between the fast and slow metrics compared to a threshold value.

Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device is discussed that has one or more accelerometers, a user interface, and optionally a left/right determination module is configured to receive input data from the one or more accelerometers from user actions causing control signals as sensed by the accelerometers to trigger a program change for an audio configuration for the device selected from a group consisting of a change in amplification/volume control, a change in a mute mode, a change of a hear loss profile loaded into that hearing assistance device, and a change in a play-pause mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signal processing an audio signal in a hearing device to detect when feedback path change occurs and controlling an adaptive feedback canceler to remove the feedback are provided. The hearing device includes a receiver and a microphone. An exemplary method includes detecting whether a tonal signal is caused by a feedback path change by estimating a product of a subband error signal and a subband output signal generated in response to a subband audio input signal; estimating a fast metric based on the estimated product and estimating a slow metric; and applying or maintaining an adaptation rate to the adaptive feedback canceler of the hearing device, wherein the adaptation rate applied or maintained is selected based upon a value of the difference between the fast and slow metrics compared to a threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and diagnosing causes of subpar performance of a hearing device are provided for a user. The hearing device may include a housing, a receiver and a sound processor configured to send signals to the receiver. The receiver may be configured to output audio signals from the signals sent by the sound processor. A base unit may include a main body having a cradle formed therein. The cradle may be configured to receive the hearing device therein. A base unit microphone interfaces with the cradle and may be configured to receive output audio signals from the receiver when the hearing device is received in the cradle. The base unit microphone and the receiver remain in open communication with a space exterior of the base unit when the hearing device has been received in the cradle.

Abstract: A device is discussed, such as the hearing assistance device itself and/or an electrical charger cooperating with the hearing assistance device. The device can have one or more accelerometers and a power control module to receive input data indicating a change in acceleration of the device over time from the one or more accelerometers in order to make a determination to autonomously change a power mode for the hearing assistance device based on at least whether the power control module senses movement of the hearing assistance device as indicated by the accelerometers.

Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.

Abstract: Guards for a space access device are configured to be attached to, as well as removed from the space access device by hand, without the need to resort to any tools to perform the attachment or the removal. A distal guard includes at least first and second filters separated by at least one convoluted pathway, and also includes outwardly extending members projecting outwardly from a base of the distal guard. A proximal guard forms at least one convoluted pathway with a cap forming a proximal end of the space access device. A pull tab provides redundancy against failure. The pull tab may be incorporated into the distal guard.

Abstract: A guard configured to form an air flow channel with a space access device and to clear debris therefrom includes a surface configured to interface with an opposing surface of the space access device to form the air flow channel. A connector is configured to attach the guard to the space access device so that the surface and the opposing surface are oriented in predetermined positions to establish the air flow channel. A wiper extends from at least a portion of the surface, the wiper being configured such that upon rotation of the guard relative to the space access device, the wiper contacts and moves the debris.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device is discussed that has one or more accelerometers, a user interface, and optionally a left/right determination module is configured to receive input data from the one or more accelerometers from user actions causing control signals as sensed by the accelerometers to trigger a program change for an audio configuration for the device selected from a group consisting of a change in amplification/volume control, a change in a mute mode, a change of a hearing loss profile loaded into that hearing assistance device, and a change in a play-pause mode.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for reducing feedback in a hearing aid that includes a transducer configured to detect sound, a sound processor configured to process signals from the transducer, a receiver configured to receive signals outputted from the sound processor, and an acoustic feedback reduction system. The acoustic feedback reduction system is configured to provide signals to the sound processor to produce a null targeting signal steerable toward a source of feedback.

Abstract: Securing mechanisms for space access devices, such as an audio signal transmitting device, include a plurality of flattened members that are configured to transition from a relaxed state to a securing state when the space access device is inserted into an internal space or opening that has an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the flattened members in the relaxed state. The flattened members securely engage a surface of the internal space and conform to the shape and size of the internal space. An amount of force applied by the flattened members to the surface of the internal space can be tuned by changing a stiffness of a rib supporting the flattened member.

Abstract: Securing mechanisms for space access devices, such as an audio signal transmitting device, include a plurality of outwardly projecting members that are configured to transition from a relaxed state to a securing state when the space access device is inserted into an internal space or opening that has an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the outwardly projecting members in the relaxed state. The outwardly projecting members securely engage a surface of the internal space and conform to the shape and size of the internal space. A sound blocking portion can be provided to substantially prevent air/sound flow past the sound blocking portion of the securing mechanism.

Abstract: A method for generating a control signal from an inaudible acoustic signal comprising modulating the inaudible acoustic signal, wherein the inaudible signal is converted to a modulated inaudible acoustic signal comprising a first frequency comprising 17 kHz over a time duration of 50 ms, a first null over a time duration of 50 ms, a second frequency comprising 18 kHz over a time duration of 100 ms followed by a second null over a time duration of 50 ms, transmitting the modulated inaudible acoustic signal and an audio signal to a signal receiving device, sampling the modulated inaudible acoustic signal at a frequency of 16 kHz, wherein the modulated inaudible acoustic signal is converted to a digitally modulated inaudible acoustic signal, filtering the digitally modulated inaudible acoustic signal to provide an acoustic filter response signal comprising an acoustic null component and an acoustic down-converted component, demodulating the acoustic filter response signal, wherein the acoustic down-converted com