Abstract: The invention is directed to a hearing instrument for positioning in the ear of a user, incorporating a faceplate having first and second spatially separated sound openings for receiving sound to be provided to respective inlets of a microphone; at least one screen partially blocking the sound openings and positioned to increase effective distance between the first and second spatially separated sound openings; and a housing for containing the microphone, the housing having the faceplate mounted thereon and being sized to fit within the ear of a hearing instrument wearer.

Abstract: The benefits of rapid modeling and prototyping of a hearing instrument housing can be increased by fashioning the housing as a monolithic unit, incorporating the faceplate as an integral part of the housing. An opening in the faceplate region of the housing can be created to accept a module containing various electronic components of the hearing instrument.

Abstract: Insertion of a wax guard with a bridge into the receiver tube of a hearing instrument may be accomplished with a tool that grasps the wax guard securely, inserts the wax guard into the tube, and then slides off of the wax guard, leaving the wax guard within the tube.

Abstract: A cushioning device for use with a hearing aid instrument for positioning in the ear of a user is disclosed. The cushioning device comprises a ring volume that encircles a predetermined portion of a hearing aid housing and separates the hearing aid housing from an ear canal of a user. A pliant substances is disposed within the ring volume and a reservoir which is in fluid communication with the ring volume in a manner permitting bi-directional flow of the pliant substance between the reservoir and the ring volume.

Abstract: Insertion of a wax guard with a bridge into the receiver tube of a hearing instrument may be accomplished with a tool that grasps the wax guard securely, inserts the wax guard into the tube, and then slides off of the wax guard, leaving the wax guard within the tube.

Abstract: A force opposing tab on the peripheral surface of an electronics module will prevent inadvertent dislodging of the module from the hearing instrument housing when force is applied the battery door.

Abstract: A hearing instrument and method of assembly are disclosed. The hearing instrument comprises an electronic assembly for providing received sound to the ear canal of a hearing instrument user. The electronic assembly is placed within a chamber in a housing sized to fit within the ear of the hearing instrument user. The chamber includes an internal guide channel and mounting surface for locating and positioning the electronic assembly. A volume encompassed within a hearing aid housing may be analyzed, such as with computer software, to identify a location within the chamber to position the electronic assembly, and then the electronic assembly may be incorporated into the housing using a guide channel and mounting surface of the housing for locating and positioning the electronic assembly in the identified location.

Abstract: A flexible device having a flexible cup for attachment to a hearing aid housing for insertion in an ear canal of a user. The flexible cup includes an opening for securely accommodating a hearing aid housing upon insertion of the housing in the opening. The flexible cup also includes a plurality of spiral shaped ribs on an inner surface of the cup.

Abstract: The dimensions of a hearing instrument can be minimized by positioning the internal components in a configuration that occupies the least amount of volume. A pocket for situating the microphone on a diagonal aids in decreasing the required size of the instrument's shell and facilitates assembly.

Abstract: A microphone of the dual-inlet type is installed in an In-The-Ear (“ITE”) hearing aid. First and second outwardly-diverging channels are located in the faceplate, to connect the inlets of the microphone to two spaced-apart ports in the faceplate.

Abstract: A hearing aid instrument and method of assembly are disclosed. The hearing aid comprises an electronic assembly which is useful in processing received sound to provide processed sound for output into an ear canal of a hearing aid user. The electronic assembly is placed within a chamber in a housing sized to fit within the ear of the hearing aid user. The chamber includes an internal guide channel and mounting surface for locating and positioning the electronic assembly. A volume encompassed within a hearing aid housing may be analyzed, such as with computer software, to identify a location within the chamber to position the electronic assembly, and then the electronic assembly may be incorporated into the housing using a guide channel and mounting surface of the housing for locating and positioning the electronic assembly in the identified location.

Abstract: A hearing aid device of the type having a first and second port for receiving sound to the device. The hearing aid device includes a switch assembly operable to switch between a first mode and a second mode of operation, such as directional and omni-directional. The device further includes a microphone component having a front chamber, a rear chamber, a front inlet, a rear inlet, and an extra inlet. In the first mode the front inlet receives sound channeled from the front port, the rear inlet is blocked, and the extra inlet receives sound channeled from the front port to allow sound pressure to excite the rear chamber. In the second mode the extra inlet is blocked, the rear inlet receives sound channeled from the second port, and the front inlet receives sound channeled from the front port.

Abstract: A cushioning device for use with a hearing aid instrument for positioning in the ear of a user is disclosed. The cushioning device comprises a ring volume that encircles a predetermined portion of a hearing aid housing and separates the hearing aid housing from an ear canal of a user. A pliant substances is disposed within the ring volume and a reservoir which is in fluid communication with the ring volume in a manner permitting bi-directional flow of the pliant substance between the reservoir and the ring volume. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A programming interface for programming hearing aids is in PCMCIA compact flash format and meets the requirements of IEC 60601-1, type BF and UL 2601-1 when connected to a desktop or laptop computer.

Abstract: A programmable hearing aid circuit is programmed by making electrical connections between contacts that are connected to the circuit. The connections are made by conductive region(s) located on the body of the battery door.

Abstract: A hearing aid has input AGC and output AGC using only one attack/release circuit and only one variable gain amplifier. An input AGC signal and an output AGC signal are summed and the summed signal, processed through the attack/release circuit, is used to control the gain of the variable gain amplifier.

Abstract: A support structure for use in a hearing aid has a plurality of support stations where circuit boards may be mechanically supported. The structure is mounted to the faceplate of the aid in front of the opening where the battery is inserted. The support structure is formed by two assemblies; each assembly is made up of a circuit board and a battery terminal.

Abstract: One microphone of a binaural Completely-In-Canal ("CIC") hearing aid is located at the distal end of the retrieval line. This reduces coupling between the microphones and receiver. Additionally, by locating the microphone at the distal end of the retrieval line, the faceplate need not be enlarged.

Abstract: A line is secured to the rotor of a potentiometer which serves as the volume control for a Completely In the Canal ("CIC") hearing aid. The patient can change the volume of the aid by rotating the line and can remove the aid from the ear canal by pulling on the line. By mounting the line on the potentiometer, more space is freed up on and in the hearing aid housing and the patient can change the volume without removing the aid from the ear canal.

Abstract: A system for programming hearing aids uitilizes a multi-electrode programming strip. The strip is inserted into the aid through a narrow slot in the faceplate; the slot is bounded by the faceplate and by one of the edges of the battery door. When the door is closed, the strip (and the electrodes thereon) is urged against corresponding terminals that are located inside the aid.