Patents Assigned to Sonova
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Patent number: 9578429Abstract: For the cushioned support of electronic components in a mounting enclosure of a miniaturized electronic device, an elastic and/or flexible retaining element (15) with inward-protruding support sections (17) extends along at least parts of the inner wall of the mounting enclosure (3), serving to position, support and retain the component (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: SONOVA AGInventor: Erdal Karamuk
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Patent number: 9578426Abstract: An analysis filter bank decomposes a microphone signal into sub-band signals, a gain unit applies a frequency-dependent gain to the sub-band signals, and a synthesis filter bank converts the amplified sub-band signals into a signal, which is then output by a receiver. A first adaptive filter of a feedback canceller provides feedback compensation signals adapted to compensate acoustic feedback from the receiver to the microphone, whereby the feedback compensation signals are subtracted from corresponding signals from the sub-band signals. A second adaptive filter of the feedback canceller estimates cross-frequency signal components resulting from aliasing of signal components from one sub-band into one or more neighboring sub-bands caused by non-ideal sub-band signal decomposition in the analysis filter bank with overlapping sub-bands. Thereby, the first adaptive filter is adapted in dependence of the estimated cross-frequency signal components.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: SONOVA AGInventor: Xavier Gigandet
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Patent number: 9571943Abstract: The present invention proposes a hearing device with a housing and a receiver module which comprises a shell (16) with a cavity having an opening (17), wherein at least part of the shell (16) forms part of the housing, and wherein an electro-acoustic transducer, comprising a motor assembly (2) and an acoustic assembly (3) including a membrane, is arranged within the cavity, the acoustic assembly (3) being disposed within the shell (16) such that the cavity is divided into a front chamber (12) and a back chamber (13), the motor assembly (2) being disposed within the back chamber (13) or the front chamber (12) and being operatively coupled to the membrane, and the front chamber (12) being in acoustic communication with the exterior of the shell (16) via the opening (17), wherein the shell (16) has an outer surface individually shaped according to a measured inner shape of a section of an ear canal of a user of the hearing device. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a receiver module is presented.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Roland Hug, Jonas Meyer, Sébastien Aubert, Daniel Baer, Jan Angst, Erdal Karamuk, Hilmar Meier, Andi Vonlanthen
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Publication number: 20170041043Abstract: A portable communication device having a transceiver unit (30) for establishing a wireless communication link (16) using a digital modulation scheme with a packet-based frequency hopping scheme including at least one advertising channel, an antenna (32), an antenna tuning circuit (34) connected to the transceiver unit and the antenna for tuning the antenna, and a control unit (36) for controlling the antenna tuning circuit. The transceiver unit is adapted to estimate the strength of signals received in the at least one advertising channel and to supply the control unit with a signal representative of the estimated signal strength in the at least one advertising channel. The control unit is adapted to control the antenna tuning circuit such that the antenna is tuned according to the signal representative of the estimated signal strength in the at least one advertising channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: February 9, 2017Applicant: Sonova AGInventor: Marc Secall
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Patent number: 9549266Abstract: Method of controlling a hearing instrument comprising at least one hearing device, the method comprising determination of an acoustic environment at least partially by means of calculating the complex coherence of signals from either a pressure microphone and a particle velocity transducer; a pair of pressure microphones in a single hearing device; or a pair of pressure microphones, one situated in each of a pair of hearing devices. This enables finer determination of acoustic environments, thus improving the hearing experience for the wearer of the hearing instrument. The invention further relates to a corresponding hearing instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Manuela Feilner, Martin Kuster
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Patent number: 9521495Abstract: A method of manufacturing an acoustic seal for a CIC hearing aid has the steps of: embedding sacrificial particles of 50 ?m to 250 ?m into a silicone rubber matrix, the concentration and size of the sacrificial particles being selected to achieve a porosity of at least 40%; molding the silicone rubber matrix using a mold and curing the silicone rubber matrix; removing the sacrificial particles from the silicone rubber matrix by leaching out the sacrificial particles in a solvent; and drying the silicone rubber matrix. The seal is to surround at least part of the hearing aid and by selection of the size and/or concentration and/or the distribution of the sacrificial particles, to provide for an acoustic attenuation of at least 20 dB in a frequency range between 200 Hz and 6 kHz, with a compliance of at least 50 mm/N when the hearing aid is inserted into the ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Erdal Karamuk, Stuart Wenzel
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Patent number: 9504076Abstract: A method and system of establishing a wireless network for audio data transmission with a first and second audio devices having first and second transceivers, the first audio device being an audio signal transmission unit with a user operable switch, and the first and second audio devices being assistive listening devices. Periodically the second transceiver listens for pairing information, at at least one public frequency channel; operating the switch by the user to initiate pairing at any time during operation of the first audio device; the first transceiver transmitting pairing information at said at least one public frequency channel upon operation of the switch. The second audio device automatically pairs to the first audio device upon reception of pairing information from the first transceiver. The first and second transceivers are controlled so that reception of the pairing information from the first audio device is accepted by the second audio device.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Amre El-Hoiydi, Dominique Aparicio, Markus Buehl, Marc Secall, Christoph Schmid, Rainer Platz
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Patent number: 9485590Abstract: A hearing device with a unit for estimating the current consumed by the receiver of the hearing device. The hearing device includes a signal input unit for converting an input signal picked up by the signal input unit into a digital audio signal, a signal processing unit for processing the digital audio signal, a digital-to-analog converter for converting a processed audio signal from the signal processing unit, a power amplifier for amplifying a converted audio signal from the digital-to-analog converter, a receiver for generating sound according to an amplified audio signal from the power amplifier, and a battery for powering the hearing device. A receiver current estimation unit has a filter for filtering a receiver current indicative signal derived from the processed audio signal, the filter having a frequency response dependent on an impedance of the receiver. A method is provided for estimating a receiver current for a hearing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventor: Fethi Cherigui
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Patent number: 9485592Abstract: A hearing instrument to be worn at an ear of a user, having a first part (18) to be located at least in part in the ear canal, a first antenna (22) to be located substantially within the ear canal, a second part (16) to be worn outside the ear canal at the concha and a second antenna (24) to be located outside the ear canal, wherein the first antenna is to be operated by a first transceiver (46) in a first frequency range and the second antenna is to be operated by a second transceiver (38) in a second frequency range which is higher than the first frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Sonova AGInventor: Matthias Riepenhoff
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Patent number: 9467771Abstract: A wireless audio device includes an audio streaming unit to wirelessly transmit an audio signal to a remote hearing device such as a hearing aid or a cochlear implant. A remote control unit to wirelessly controls the remote hearing device, a battery monitor determines a power level of a battery and provides a battery state signal indicative of the power level of the battery. A power management unit deactivates the audio streaming unit when the battery state signal reaches or falls below a first threshold and deactivates the remote control unit when the battery state signal reaches or falls below a second threshold, wherein the first threshold is higher than the second threshold. Also described is a method of operating such a wireless audio device as well as a hearing system including such a wireless audio device and a remote hearing device, such as a hearing aid or a cochlear implant.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventor: Michael Eckardt
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Publication number: 20160286323Abstract: A hearing assistance system having an audio signal wireless transmission unit for transmitting a stereo audio signal with left and right ear channels, a first ear unit for being worn at a user's ear and having a hearing instrument and a wireless audio signal receiver unit, the hearing instrument providing the first receiver unit with information as to which ear of the user the hearing instrument is being worn and information as to whether, or not, there is a like second ear unit. The first receiver unit is adapted to decide, depending on the received information as to which ear the first hearing instrument is fitted and whether a second ear unit is worn at the other ear, to receive one of the right and left ear channels, and, in absence of a stereo channel, to supply the respective mono channel of the audio signal to the first hearing instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2013Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: SONOVA AGInventor: Markus BUEHL
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Patent number: 9456286Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for operating a binaural hearing system with two hearing devices (1, 1?) operationally interconnected by means of a bidirectional link (8) which improves hearing perception in windy listening situations. The method comprises determining the level of wind noise present at each of the two hearing devices (1, 1?) and sending the audio signal picked-up at the first hearing device (1) to the second hearing device (1?) via the link (8) and then providing an output signal derived from the received signal to the electrical-to-mechanical output converter (3?) of the second hearing device (1?) if the level of wind noise at the second hearing device (1?) exceeds the level of wind noise at the first hearing device (1) by a pre-set threshold value. Furthermore, a binaural hearing system capable of performing such a method is given.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Volker Kuhnel, Ralph Peter Derleth, Raphael Lamon, Alexander Reich
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Patent number: 9456285Abstract: CIC Hearing device (50, 1000, 1100) comprising electronics configured to receive an electrical signal as an input signal and generate an output signal provided to a receiver, the electronics including a variable gain amplifier with input buffering circuitry including a compound transistor, the electronics being configured to bias the compound transistor such that a quiescent current associated with the output signal is limited or controlled.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Brett Bymaster, Herbert Bächler, Gerard van Oerle
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Patent number: 9451370Abstract: A method for operating a hearing device worn by a hearing device user. The method includes picking up an audio signal (a) by an input transducer of the hearing device. The audio signal (a) includes a source signal (s) of a sound source (SS) and a disturbing signal (d) of a disturbing source (DS). The method also includes receiving a transmission signal (d_AIS) via an interface unit of the hearing device. The transmission signal (d_AIS) includes the disturbing signal (d) or at least characteristic features of the disturbing signal (d). The method also includes at least partially eliminating the disturbing signal (d) from the audio signal (a) by using the disturbing signal (d) transmitted by the transmission signal (d_AIS) or by using the characteristic features of the disturbing signal (d) transmitted by the transmission signal (d_AIS) for obtaining an adjusted audio signal (a*), and processing the adjusted audio signal (a*).Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Ivo Hasler, Micha Knaus
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Patent number: 9445754Abstract: A hearing aid is fitted to an individual and/or the individual is trained in hearing with the hearing aid. In a first step a stimulus signal is provided. In a second step, the stimulus is presented to the individual. In a third step, a response of the individual in regard to the stimulus is obtained. In a fourth step a hearing aid parameter is adjusted based on the response. In an alternative or additional fourth step, a further stimulus signal is selected based on the response. The second step of presenting the stimulus signal comprises the sub-steps of obtaining a first and second signal based on the stimulus signal. In a further sub-step, the first signal is processed and presented by the hearing aid. Simultaneously, in a further sub-step, the second signal is presented by a supplementary loudspeaker for improving the stimulus presentation in regard to direct sound.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Sonova AGInventor: Nicola Schmitt
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Patent number: 9439004Abstract: A method for operating a binaural hearing system including first and second hearing devices, each including an input transducer, a signal processing unit, an output transducer and a link unit for exchanging information between the devices. Operating the first hearing device according to a first processing scheme, operating the second hearing device according to a second processing scheme, monitoring an acoustic situation by the hearing devices, generating a request for coordinating the two hearing devices if one hearing device detects an acoustic situation asking for coordinating the two processing schemes of the hearing devices, the hearing device detecting such an acoustic situation being an ipsi-lateral hearing device the other being a contra-lateral hearing device, activating a link between the devices for transmitting the request to the contra-lateral hearing device, and changing the processing scheme in at least one of the devices in accordance with the request.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Henry Luo, Ara Talaslian, Shawn Lee, Deming Zhang
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Patent number: 9426588Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna module for a hearing device. The antenna module comprises a hollow core provided with an axial passageway and a winding around the core which is connectable with a hearing device. The antenna module is arranged to be at least partially contained within the ear canal of a user. This enables the antenna to be separated from sources of interference, since it can be positioned inside the ear canal away from hearing device electronics, thus reducing requirements for shielding and/or compensation. The invention further relates to an ear tip and a hearing device comprising such an antenna module.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Andi Vonlanthen, Stephan Gehring, Christoph Leist, Andreas Jakob, Daniel Probst
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Publication number: 20160227331Abstract: A hearing instrument is provided that has a T-coil antenna (14) for picking up an inductively transmitted base-band audio signal, an audio signal processing unit (16) for processing the picked-up T-coil audio signal, an output transducer (18) for stimulation of the user's hearing according to the processed audio signals, and a functional unit (22) that operates in a duty cycling mode and communicates with the audio signal processing unit the respective interference points at which the functional unit is switched from its inactive state to its active state and/or from its active state to its inactive state, wherein the audio signal processing unit applies a click removal treatment to the T-coil audio signal during the respective interference points at the time at which the functional unit is switched to and/or from its active state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: August 4, 2016Applicant: Sonova AGInventor: Hans-Ueli ROECK
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Patent number: 9398385Abstract: The method for adjusting a hearing system to individual hearing needs and preferences of a specific hearing system user by means of a fitting system comprising a visual display comprises: a) presenting on the visual display a visualization (33) simultaneously visualizing for each of a group of data sets: whether or not the respective data set is accessible to a user of said fitting system; and for each device selected in said fitting system to be part of said hearing system: whether or not the respective device is accessible to a user of said fitting system; by b1) displaying on the visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . . ) representing the respective data set or device, in case the respective data set and the respective device, respectively, is accessible to a user of said fitting system; and b2) not displaying on said visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . .Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Philipp Schneider, Ullrich Sigwanz
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Patent number: D762305Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Erich Dittli, Richard Niccolai, Hans Georg Meier, Katja Dietrich