Patents Assigned to Micro Ear Technology
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Publication number: 20130108093Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing aid include a mechanism to detect the presence of a magnetic field using a magnetic sensing device disposed in a hearing aid, to digitally modify a frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the detection of the presence, and to modify the frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the magnetic sensing device determining removal of the magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc., d/b/a MICRO-TECHInventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
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Patent number: 8412100Abstract: An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jorge F. Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Publication number: 20120269369Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc., d/b/a MICRO-TECHInventors: Jerry L. Yanz, Blane A. Anderson, Michael J. John
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Patent number: 8259973Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing aid include a mechanism to detect the presence of a magnetic field using a magnetic sensing device disposed in a hearing aid, to digitally modify a frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the detection of the presence, and to modify the frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the magnetic sensing device determining removal of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
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Publication number: 20120163640Abstract: An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: MICRO EAR TECHNOLOGY, INC. d/b/a Micro-TechInventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 8027638Abstract: An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 7929723Abstract: A system for programming one or more hearing aids with a host computer, the system including a hearing aid programmer for wireless communications with the host computer. In various embodiments, the hearing aid programmer has at least one interface connector for communication with at least one hearing aid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the system includes a wireless interface adapted for connecting to the at least one interface connector of the hearing aid programmer, the wireless interface further adapted for wireless communication with one or more hearing aids. Varying embodiments of the present subject matter include a wireless interface which contains signal processing electronics, a memory connected to the signal processing electronics; and a wireless module connected to the signal processing electronics and adapted for wireless communications.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves, James Newton, Garry Richardson
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Patent number: 7822217Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for diotically presenting second-order gradient directional hearing aid signals. The present subject matter provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and presents a desired directional signal to each ear. One aspect is a hearing aid system. In one embodiment, the system includes a first microphone system in a first device and a second microphone system in a second device. The first microphone system has a first output signal, and the second microphone system has a second output signal. Each output signal includes a first-order directional signal. The system further includes a first receiver circuit and a second receiver circuit. The combination of the first output signal and the second output signal provides a diotic presentation of a second-order gradient signal to both the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit. Other aspects are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
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Patent number: 7813762Abstract: A wireless communications adapter adapted for connection to a direct audio input of a hearing assistance device, the wireless communications adapter adapted for radio frequency communications with a remote device. Varying embodiments enable communication using a protocol compatible with a BLUETOOTH standard to reach a hearing assistance device through a direct audio input. Some examples of the wireless communication adapter offer microphone options to receive audio information and transmit it with far field communications.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 7787647Abstract: A system for programming one or more hearing aids with a host computer, the system including a hearing aid programmer for wireless communications with the host computer. In various embodiments, the hearing aid programmer has at least one interface connector for communication with at least one hearing aid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the system includes a wireless interface adapted for connecting to the at least one interface connector of the hearing aid programmer, the wireless interface further adapted for wireless communication with one or more hearing aids. Varying embodiments of the present subject matter include a wireless interface which contains signal processing electronics, a memory connected to the signal processing electronics; and a wireless module connected to the signal processing electronics and adapted for wireless communications.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves, James Newton, Garry Richardson
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Patent number: 7451256Abstract: A hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A portable programming arrangement utilizes a portable multiprogram unit to store one or more hearing aid programs which may be downloaded from the host computer. The portable multiprogram unit includes a wireless interconnection for transmitting selected ones of the programs to hearing aids to be programmed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
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Patent number: 7447325Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for selectively coupling hearing aids to electromagnetic fields. One aspect relates to a hearing aid device. In various embodiments, the hearing aid device includes an induction signal receiver for receiving induction signals, a microphone system for receiving acoustic signals, a hearing aid receiver, and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit includes a proximity sensor for detecting an induction source. The signal processing circuit presents a first signal to the hearing aid receiver that is representative of the acoustic signals. When the induction source is detected, the signal processing circuit presents a second signal to the hearing aid receiver that is representative of the induction signals and transmits a third signal representative of the induction signals from the hearing aid device to a second hearing aid device. Other aspects are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts, Blane Anderson, Mike K. Sacha
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Publication number: 20080137888Abstract: Provided herein is a device for wirelessly communicating with hearing assistance devices. According to various embodiments, the device includes a first interface for communicating with a programmer and a second interface for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. The second interface is adapted to receive a plurality of communication modules. Each of the modules is adapted for communication with at least one specific type of hearing assistance device. The device includes a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces. The housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc. D/B/A Micro TechInventors: James Newton, Mark Seel, Matthias Mullenborn, Per Kokholm Sorensen, Garry Richardson
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Patent number: 7369669Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for diotically presenting second-order gradient directional hearing aid signals. The present subject matter provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and presents a desired directional signal to each ear. One aspect is a hearing aid system. In one embodiment, the system includes a first microphone system in a first device and a second microphone system in a second device. The first microphone system has a first output signal, and the second microphone system has a second output signal. Each output signal includes a first-order directional signal. The system further includes a first receiver circuit and a second receiver circuit. The combination of the first output signal and the second output signal provides a diotic presentation of a second-order gradient signal to both the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit. Other aspects are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
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Patent number: 7366307Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jerry L. Yanz, Blane A. Anderson, Michael J. John
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Patent number: 7054957Abstract: A hearing aid programming system with a host computer system including a program for programming a hearing aid. The host computer system includes a first communication interface for sending and receiving control and data signals. A hearing aid programming interface device is connected to the communication interface of the host computer system and includes a second communication interface for sending and receiving control and data signals. The hearing aid programming interface device also includes circuitry for electrically isolating the hearing aid to be programmed from the host computer. The first communication interface may be PCMCIA, USB, RS-232, SCSI or IEEE 1394 interfaces, which are arranged to send and receive serial data and control signals to the hearing aid programming interface device. The first communication interface may also be a wireless communications interface which wirelessly sends and receives control and data signals with the hearing aid programming interface device.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventor: Scott T. Armitage
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Patent number: 7010136Abstract: An apparatus for and method of employing an electronic hearing aid device to assist a hearing impaired patient. The resonance curve of the outer auditory canal of the patient is determined. A device in accordance with the present invention is tuned to a frequency response curve which matches the measured resonance curve. The device is tuned by adjusting the overshoot of a low pass filter stage which is interposed between the microphone input and a class D output stage.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Randall W. Roberts, David A. Preves, Mark A. Bren
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Patent number: 6895345Abstract: An improved hearing-related analysis programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA Card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling hearing-related analysis or programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA Card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA Card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA Card executes hearing-related analysis or the programming software. A hearing aid interface for adjusting voltage levels and impedance levels is adapted for coupling signals to the hearing aid being programmed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gordon J. Bye, Jeffrey C. Erdahl, David A. Preves
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Patent number: 6888948Abstract: An improved hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A hearing aid interface for adjusting voltage levels and impedance levels is adapted for coupling signals to the hearing aid being programmed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
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Patent number: 6851048Abstract: A hearing aid programming system with a host computer system including a program for programming a hearing aid. The host computer system includes a first communication interface for sending and receiving control and data signals. A hearing aid programming interface device is connected to the communication interface of the host computer system and includes a second communication interface for sending and receiving control and data signals. The hearing aid programming interface device also includes circuitry for electrically isolating the hearing aid to be programmed from the host computer. The first communication interface may be PCMCIA, USB, RS-232, SCSI or IEEE 1394 interfaces, which are arranged to send and receive serial data and control signals to the hearing aid programming interface device. The first communication interface may also be a wireless communications interface which wirelessly sends and receives control and data signals with the hearing aid programming interface device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventor: Scott T. Armitage