Abstract: An inconspicuous hearing system is described that uses a coil to electromagnetically couple with, and therefore drive, a permanent magnet attached to the tympanic membrane or ossicular chain. This hearing system enables hearing impaired individuals, as well as persons with normal hearing, to selectively receive sound signals in a wide variety of hearing environments while avoiding socially or aesthetically unacceptable stigmas associated with visible wires, headphones, earpieces, etc.

Abstract: A contact transducer assembly for an electromagnetically driven hearing device such as a hearing aid or other audio signal reproducing device worn by a user is described. The contact transducer assembly includes a transducer which is attached to a biocompatible support. This assembly is supported on the tympanic membrane of the wearer by surface adhesion, such that it can be readily inserted and removed in a manner similar to that of a conventional contact lens worn on the eye.

Abstract: A headset-based hearing tester and hearing aid programming instrument featuring an electronic module shaped as a headband having a connected acoustic transducer module. The electronic module includes microcontroller, internal and plug-in external memory for storage of program code and patient data. The headset instrument in conjunction with a hand-held patient response device is capable of automatic hearing testing. The produced audio stimuli including test tones, speech and verbal instructions are retrieved from external memory cards. The instrument automatically computes fitting parameters and is capable of programming a programmable hearing aid via a port for direct wire programming or via wireless methods including inductive coil coupling to a hearing aid equipped with a receiving coil.