Abstract: A hearing aid circuit includes a correlation detector that detects correlation at a feedforward path input and that provides a correlation output to a phase shifter. The phase shifter introduces a phase shift along a feedforward path. A phase measurement circuit measures a phase shift at a feedforward path input, and provides a phase measurement output to an internal feedback processor. The internal feedback processor adjusts internal feedback as a function of the phase measurement to suppress coupling of external audio feedback along the feedforward path.

Abstract: A hearing aid circuit includes a correlation detector that detects correlation at a feedforward path input and that provides a correlation output to a phase shifter. The phase shifter introduces a phase shift along a feedforward path. A phase measurement circuit measures a phase shift at a feedforward path input, and provides a phase measurement output to an internal feedback processor. The internal feedback processor adjusts internal feedback as a function of the phase measurement to suppress coupling of external audio feedback along the feedforward path.

Abstract: A microphone construction for use in a hearing aid wherein a faceplate separates a switching mechanism from a microphone having first and second acoustic ports. The first and second acoustic ports are placed into acoustic relationships with first and second acoustic opening within the faceplate by first and second acoustic passages, respectively. The switching mechanism is positionable between a first position wherein the first and second acoustic ports are in an acoustically receptive state and a second position wherein either the first or second acoustic port is in an acoustically receptive state and the other acoustic port is in an acoustically unreceptive state.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a self-contained, discrete programmable module for a programmable hearing aid, in which the self-contained discrete programmable module includes a plastic housing having a first wall and a second wall, in which the first and second walls define a slot, and the first and second walls having at least one shoulder that is effective in slanting the slot. The present invention further includes a plurality of electrical leads disposed within the plastic housing, such that the electrical leads are integrally formed within the second wall and a third wall of the plastic housing, in which each electrical lead extends into the slot, and each electrical lead is effective in providing a force that retains a programmable cable inserted therein for programming the programmable module.

Abstract: The present invention includes a compact and economical construction of a microphone wherein the housing is preferably constructed of two identical halves that form a chamber in which the microphone is retained. The housing also includes first and second acoustic passages in an acoustic relationship with the first and second ports of the microphone and extending to an exterior surface of the housing. A switching mechanism is preferably rotatably secured to the housing such that when the switching mechanism is in a first position, the first and second passages are in an acoustic receptive state and when rotated to a second position only one of the acoustic passages is in an acoustic receptive state.

Abstract: An acoustic microphone configuration includes first and second acoustic microphones, each microphone having a port, the ports being spaced apart from each other a selected distance and being disposed along substantially the same plane.

Abstract: A microphone construction for use in a hearing aid includes a housing with first and second acoustic passages in communication with a microphone retaining chamber and acoustic openings in an exterior surface. A microphone, disposed within the microphone retaining chamber, has a first acoustic port in an acoustic relationship with the first acoustic passage and a second acoustic port in an acoustic relationship with the second acoustic passage. A first and second set of electrical leads are disposed within the housing. A switching mechanism secured to the housing and is positionable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first and second acoustic passages are in an acoustic receptive state and a first electric circuit is completed by connecting the first set of leads with a first connecting element disposed within the switching mechanism while breaking a second circuit.

Abstract: A miniature potentiometer having a housing with a plurality of resistor elements and a coil spring wiper having canted coils affixed to a knob that is rotatably disposed within the housing. The canted coil spring wipers are in conductive contact with the resistor elements of the housing.

Abstract: A hearing aid device is formed of a shell, face and battery door. The face is cut from a faceplate assembly which includes a battery opening and a hinge pin. Opposed ends of the hinge pin are formed integrally with opposed side walls of the battery opening for reduced width. The battery door includes a battery compartment for housing a round battery. An opened end and a closed end of the battery compartment is formed between opposed sides of the battery door and the extent of the battery door is less than 0.130 inches to allow deeper insertion of the hearing aid into an ear canal. Components of the face corresponding to operational components of the hearing aid are arranged to reduce the required face dimension for deeper insertion of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a face plate, a battery door, and a switch. The faceplate has an opening formed therein. The battery door is movable within the opening. The switch is operably disposed in the hearing aid so that movement of the battery door activates the switch for control of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the frequency response of a hearing aid is provided. The device includes a module capable of being releasably secured substantially within the opening of the hearing aid such that the hearing aid is capable of remaining in the user's ear during programming. A mechanism for delivering electrical current and frequency response adjusting signals from a programming station to the device is connected to the device. The device further includes a mechanism for delivering electrical current from the module to the hearing aid thereby providing power to the hearing aid and a mechanism for delivering frequency response adjusting signals from the module to the hearing aid thereby allowing the frequency response of the hearing aid to be adjusted.

Abstract: A potentiometer retention mechanism is provided for mounting a potentiometer on the faceplate of a hearing aid. The potentiometer includes a rotatable knob attached to a housing with the housing including a plurality of conductive leads projecting from a back surface of the housing. The mechanism includes an adapter for receiving the potentiometer. The adapter has a device for mechanically engaging the faceplate such that the adapter is secured with the faceplate. The mechanism further includes a plurality of angled leads attached to the adapter whereby the potentiometer leads press against the angled leads such that the housing is secured within the adapter.

Abstract: A hearing aid faceplate assembly includes a faceplate having a volume control/switch receiving aperture. A volume control/switch integrated circuit assembly is mounted within the aperture. The volume control/switch integrated circuit assembly includes a module substrate, an amplifier mounted to the substrate and a volume control mounted to the substrate and electrically coupled to the amplifier.

Abstract: A mechanism for a potentiometer, especially a miniature potentiometer used as a volume control in a hearing aid, onto a face plate includes a metallic band circumferentially surrounding a portion of the housing of the potentiometer. The band includes means for mechanically engaging a surface of an aperture in the face plate such that the housing is secured within the aperture. Preferably, the potentiometer also includes a stop means that engages a shoulder or surface of the face plate of the hearing aid positioning the potentiometer within the aperture a selected distance such that the knob of the potentiometer extends beyond a front surface of the face plate.

Abstract: A trimmer control is mounted in a potentiometer knob to provide a compact controller for use in a device such as a hearing aid. The knob of the potentiometer is rotatably attached to a base housing which has a centrally located bore. A bracket extends through the bore of the housing and into a chamber located in the potentiometer knob. The bracket is fixedly attached at one end to the housing. The trimmer control is fixedly attached to the bracket and electrical leads of the trimmer control extend through a bore within the mounting bracket for connection with another circuit. The trimmer control is accessible through an opening in the potentiometer knob.

Abstract: A miniature variable resistor assembly, preferably for use in a hearing aid, includes an insulating base having a terminal element molded within the base. One end portion of the terminal element extends outwardly from the insulating base and another portion of the terminal element is configured in a loop extending from the base. The loop has two spaced-apart portions. A plate of insulating material includes a resistance element and an aperture adjacent the resistance element with the loop extending through the aperture and each spaced-apart portion being distorted against the wall of the aperture and into conductive engagement with the resistance element.

Abstract: A potentiometer providing a variable electrical resistance between input and output terminals for use in electronic circuits, as for volume control, light control, instrumentation control or the like. A potentiometer includes a housing assembly comprised of a cover assembled to a base. An electrical wiper is mounted to a rotor assembled to the cover and has a contact portion movable along a C-shaped resistive strip on the base. Stops limit the extremes of movement of the wiper with respect to the resistive strip. An annular seal disposed between the cover and a rotating portion of the rotor is effective to keep out dirt and other particulate matter from the potentiometer and provides continuous brake friction upon rotation of the rotor. In one form of the potentiometer, the housing assembly includes a body located between the cover and base and a switch mechanism is operably connected to the rotor to selectively locate an electrical contact in an on or off position.