Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically switches the hearing aid input from a microphone input to a voice coil input in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnet in a telephone handset.

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: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically switches the hearing aid input from a microphone input to a voice coil input in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnet in a telephone handset.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone for providing an electrical signal representative of a received acoustic signal, a means for filtering the electrical signal and a means for automatic switching. Upon detecting a presence of a magnetic field, the means for automatic switching enables the means for filtering to modify a frequency response of the hearing aid to boost a low frequency gain and reduce a high frequency gain. Such filtering can be used with or without a telecoil. A hearing aid including a telecoil is configured with a preamplifier, a inductive element, and a switch control integrated onto a single common circuit board.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for use as an in-the-ear hearing aid. The apparatus includes a housing having a shell and a face plate, wherein the shell is molded to custom fit a hearing aid wearer's ear. A first non-directional microphone system is included having a first output signal representative of the sound received. A second non-directional microphone system is included having a second output signal representative of the sound received. A switch mechanism is included having an operator extending through the housing for switching the in-the-ear hearing aid between a non-directional mode and a directional mode. In the directional mode, the microphone system is adjustable to account for component tolerances. The switched directional/non directional microphone feature is employed in a custom in-the-ear Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) or Bilateral Routing of Signals (BiCROS) two instrument hearing aid system.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically switches the hearing aid input from a microphone input to a voice coil input in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnet in a telephone handset.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An acoustic conditioning apparatus. The mechanism includes an attenuator to limit excessive noise levels. The attenuator includes a circuit for compressing an output sound pressure level below a desired level, such as 90 dBA over an eight-hour period. The mechanism also includes an amplifier for conditioning ambient sound level in accordance with the normal needs of a hearing impaired person using the conditioning apparatus. Additionally included is a switch in an electrical circuit to enable selection of attenuation of excessive noise levels or normal amplification. The switch can be controlled either manually by means of a toggle on a housing enclosing the various components, or automatically in response to the sensed noise level.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for use as an in-the-ear hearing aid. The apparatus includes a housing having a shell and a face plate, wherein the shell is molded to custom fit a hearing aid user's ear. A first non-directional microphone system is included having a first output signal representative of the sound received. A second non-directional microphone system is included having a second output signal representative of the sound received. A switch mechanism is included having an operator extending through the housing for switching the in-the-ear hearing aid between a non-directional mode and a directional mode. In the directional mode, the microphone system is adjustable between a cardioid and super cardioid polar output pattern.