Abstract: A system and method for characterizing the contents of an input audio signal and for suppressing noise components of the input audio signal are described. The audio signal is divided into a number of frequency domain input signals. Each frequency domain input signal can be processed separately to determine its intensity change, modulation frequency, and time duration characteristics to characterize the frequency domain input signal as containing a desirable signal or as a type of noise. An index signal is calculated based on a combination of the determined characteristics and signals identified as noise are suppressed in comparison to signals identified as desirable to produce a set of frequency domain output signals with reduced noise. The frequency domain output signals are combined to provide an output audio signal corresponding to the input audio signal but having suppressed noise components and comparatively enhanced desirable signal components.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptively removing feedback in audio systems and, more particularly, hearing aid systems. The audio system comprises an analysis unit, for receiving an input signal and providing N bandpass input signals, and an adaptive feedback cancellation unit for removing a feedback condition in one or more of the N bandpass input signals. The adaptive feedback cancellation unit comprises N sub-units with at least one of the sub-units including: (i) a feedback detector for indicating the presence of the feedback condition in one of the bandpass input signals, (ii) an adaptive feedback canceller for providing an adaptive gain modification factor for adjusting gain when the feedback condition is detected within one of the bandpass input signals, and (iii) a multiplier coupled to the adaptive feedback canceller and the analysis unit for providing a bandpass output signal based on one of the bandpass input signals and the corresponding adaptive gain modification factor.

Abstract: A hearing aid system and method for processing one of an input magnetic signal, having magnetic information, and at least one acoustic input signal having acoustic information. The system comprises an acoustic sensor for providing the input acoustic signal, a magnetic sensor for providing the input magnetic signal, and a magnetic signal detector for selecting one of the input acoustic signal and the input magnetic signal as an information signal. The magnetic signal detector selects the input magnetic signal as the information signal when a magnetic signal detection process has at least partially analyzed the input magnetic signal to determine if audio information may be present. The hearing aid system further comprises a hearing aid module for processing the information signal and providing an output signal to a user of the hearing aid system.

Abstract: A hearing aid that is capable of automatically switching between a full-function mode and a sleep mode depending on the location of the hearing aid. The hearing aid comprises a hearing aid module for processing an input signal and generating a compensated output signal and, a location sensor module for providing a location information signal to indicate one of an in-the-ear case and an out-of-the-ear case. The hearing aid module automatically switches to the full-function mode when the location information signal indicates the in-the-ear case and the hearing aid module automatically switches to the sleep mode when the location information signal indicates the out-of-the-ear case.

Abstract: An improved hearing aid, and processes for adaptively processing signals therein to improve the perception of desired sounds by a user thereof. In one broad aspect, the present invention relates to a process in which one or more signal processing methods are applied to frequency band signals derived from an input digital signal. The level of each frequency band signal is computed and compared to at least one plurality of threshold values to determine which signal processing schemes are to be applied. In one embodiment of the invention, each plurality of threshold values to which levels of the frequency band signals are compared, is derived from a speech-shaped spectrum. Additional measures such as amplitude modulation or a signal index may also be employed and compared to corresponding threshold values in the determination.

Abstract: An improved hearing aid, and processes for adaptively processing signals therein to improve the perception of desired sounds by a user thereof. In one broad aspect, the present invention relates to a process in which one or more signal processing methods are applied to frequency band signals derived from an input digital signal. The level of each frequency band signal is computed and compared to at least one plurality of threshold values to determine which signal processing schemes are to be applied. In one embodiment of the invention, each plurality of threshold values to which levels of the frequency band signals are compared, is derived from a speech-shaped spectrum. Additional measures such as amplitude modulation or a signal index may also be employed and compared to corresponding threshold values in the determination.

Abstract: A hearing aid system and method for processing one of an input magnetic signal, having magnetic information, and at least one acoustic input signal having acoustic information. The system comprises an acoustic sensor for providing the input acoustic signal, a magnetic sensor for providing the input magnetic signal, and a magnetic signal detector for selecting one of the input acoustic signal and the input magnetic signal as an information signal. The magnetic signal detector selects the input magnetic signal as the information signal when an magnetic signal detection process has at least partially analyzed the input magnetic signal to determine if audio information may be present. The hearing aid system further comprises a hearing aid module for processing the information signal and providing an output signal to a user of the hearing aid system.

Abstract: An audio amplification device such as a hearing aid equipped with a user-operable volume control that provides users with the facility to return the volume of the device to a specific level after having been adjusted to a different level by the user. The device includes an electronic module adapted to detect when the volume control reaches a pre-determined volume reserve position from a second volume position, and to emit a reference signal when the volume reserve position is reached. The reference signal may be an audible tone, or another type of distinct signal. The present invention may be adapted for use with binaural hearing aid fittings.