Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing parameters for the fitting process of individually shaped or customized hearing devices by collecting and storing fitting parameters during a fitting process by a local fitting computer; generating an individual encryption key related to the hearing device; sending the stored fitting parameters encrypted with the encryption key to a remote database; storing the encryption key in the memory of the hearing device; reading out the encryption key from the hearing device; reading out data from the remote database using the encryption. Thus, the privacy of the individual fitting data of a hearing device is secured.

Abstract: The invention suggests to use a home entertainment system (1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b) for providing hearing health care services. The system for providing hearing health care services comprises a home entertainment system comprising at least one processor (10), wherein said home entertainment system is adapted to let a hearing health care software run on said at least one processor. The method for providing hearing health care services comprises the step of letting a hearing health care software run on a processor (10) of a home entertainment system (1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b). Preferably, said home entertainment system comprises at least one of a set-top box (1) for digital television; a media center for presentation of digitally stored audio content, video content and/or photo content; a media center for presentation of digitally streaming audio and/or video content; a game console; a television set (3).

Abstract: A method for establishing a performance characteristic of a hearing device (8, . . . , 11) is described. The method comprising the steps of collecting data in relation to the hearing device (8, . . . , 11) and/or its user, identifying characteristics of the hearing device (8, . . . , 11) and/or its user via at least a part of the collected data, providing a data base (2) comprising data of other hearing devices and/or its users, determining a set of data from the data base (2) on the basis of the identified characteristics, establishing a relation of at least a part of the collected data to the set of data from the data base (2), and establishing the performance characteristic from said relation.

Abstract: The hearing system (2) comprises a storage unit (11), which comprises location-related data, which are data related to the hearing system's current location. This way, it is possible to provide that the function of the hearing system (2) changes in dependence of the location the hearing system is in. In one embodiment, said location-related data comprise at least one location class identifier, wherein a location class identifier indicates, to which of a multitude of location classes said current location of said hearing system belongs. According to the invention, the method for operating a hearing system (2) comprises the step of obtaining location-related data, which are data related to the hearing system's current location.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing an adjusted hearing device (1b) comprises the step of using first data (16a) obtained from a first hearing device (1a) adjusted to the preferences of a first user (5a) for adjusting a second hearing device (1b) of a second user (5b). This may comprise converting for compensating for differences between a hearing loss of said first user and a hearing loss of said second user and/or converting for compensating for differences between said first hearing device and said second hearing device. Preferably, said first data comprise fitting data (16). The system comprises a first hearing device (1a), a second hearing device (1b) and a converting system (15) operationally connectable to said first and said second hearing devices, adapted to converting first data (16a) from said first hearing device into second data (16b) for adjusting said second hearing device. Preferably, the system also comprises a communication link (7) between said first hearing device and said second hearing device.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a hearing device, which hearing device includes at least one programmable processor, includes the steps of a) providing a set of software members, b) selecting a subset of said set, and c) creating an image of said subset, which is executable in said at least one processor. This allows to select from a large set of software members only those, which are suitable for a specific user. The system for manufacturing a hearing device in dependence of individual preferences of a user of said hearing device, which hearing device includes at least one programmable processor, includes a selecting tool allowing to select a subset of software members from a set of software members, and a build tool for creating an image of said subset of software members, wherein said image is executable in said at least one processor.

Abstract: A method to operate a hearing device and a hearing device are disclosed comprising a plurality of source units (S1, . . . , Sn). The method comprises the steps of monitoring activities of the source units (S1, . . . , Sn), selecting input signals of active source units (S1, . . . , Sn), processing the selected input signals of active source units (S1, . . . , Sn), and generating an output signal of the hearing device by said processing. According to the present invention, the parameters for controlling said processing are derived from at least one active source unit (S1, . . . , Sn) and/or from at least one selected input signal, respectively. The new technology describes for the first time a hearing device comprising a plurality of source units that are dealt with in automatic manner.

Abstract: Methods for assessing a position of an actuator of an implantable hearing aid transducer relative to an auditory component of a patient. According to one aspect of the invention, an implantable hearing aid transducer is located in proximity to the auditory component of the patient. A test signal is provided to the patient to stimulate the auditory component and generate an acoustic response in the ear canal of the patient. The acoustic response is detected and utilized to assess the position of the actuator of the transducer relative to the auditory component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. In another arrangement, the motion signal may be utilized to actuate at least one actuator. Such an actuator may be capable of applying a force to move the implantable microphone or an implant capsule so as to reduce movement of a microphone diaphragm relative to the skin of a patient which covers the microphone diaphragm.

Abstract: Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, preferably for motor vehicles. The exterior rearview mirror has a mirror base with a bracket. Supported on the mirror base is a mirror head with a bracket that can be folded about one axis in the direction of travel and one axis opposite the direction of travel. In order to design the exterior rearview mirror to ensure foldability of the mirror head in a simple manner, the brackets on the mirror-head side and mirror-base side are each equipped with joint parts that are detachably connected to one another to form the two pivot/fold axes for the mirror head. As a result, the exterior rearview mirror is economical to manufacture and also to assemble. Due to the small number of components and its lack of susceptibility to problems, the exterior rearview mirror is especially suitable for use in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A method includes the step of providing a user of a portable audio-capable device system, such as a hearing system, with a benefit as a reward for the user's consent to accept that said portable audio-capable device system plays messages, in particular audible messages. In particular, the benefit includes providing at no cost, or providing a deduction in payments for, at least one of: a device of said portable audio-capable device system; an accessory for said portable audio-capable device system; a functionality for said portable audio-capable device system; and goods or services contributing to operating costs of said portable audio-capable device system. Accordingly, the user accepts that he is confronted with specific audible messages, and in return, he is provided with a benefit, in particular with a financial benefit. Accordingly, the user can be sponsored, e.g., by the manufacturer of said portable audio-capable device system.

Abstract: A system for rehabilitation of a hearing disorder which comprises at least one acoustic sensor for picking up an acoustic signal and converting it into an electrical audio signal, an electronic signal processing unit for audio signal processing and amplification, an electrical power supply unit which supplies individual components of the system with current, and an actuator arrangement which is provided with one or more electroacoustic, electromechanical or purely electrical output-side actuators or any combination of these actuators for stimulation of damaged hearing, wherein the signal processing unit has a speech analysis and recognition module and a speech synthesis module.

Abstract: The method for supplying a recipient with materials comprises the steps of a) providing said materials in form of digital data; b) providing a device of a hearing system, which device comprises a non-volatile memory; c) storing said digital data in said memory; d) forwarding said device to said recipient; e) reading said digital data from said memory. The device of a hearing system comprises a non-volatile memory; materials to be supplied to a recipient, stored in said memory in form of digital data. A use of a device of a hearing system for supplying a recipient with materials stored in a non-volatile memory of said device is disclosed. Preferably, said materials are hearing-related materials such as sales promotion materials, materials providing scientific information, training materials, educational materials. Preferably, said memory is free from data, which are individual to a user of said hearing system.

Abstract: The method for installing a new version (30) of a hearing-device fitting-software package on a computer system (1), comprises the steps of a) providing an old installation-software package (200), which is an installation software-package for installing an old version of said hearing-device fitting-software package; b) providing a delta-update package (3200), which is a software package for creating an updated installation-software package (300) out of said old installation-software package (200), wherein said updated installation-software package (300) is an installation software-package for installing said new version (30) of said hearing-device fitting-software package; c) using said delta-update package (3200) for creating said updated installation-software package (300) out of said old installation-software package (200); d) using said updated installation-software package (300) for installing said new version (30) of said hearing-device fitting-software package on said computer system (1).

Abstract: An external rear view mirror for vehicles includes a mirror head the is fixedly secured to the vehicle. A housing defines an opening and a housing rear wall. The housing rear wall defines a recess that extends along a portion thereof. A turn-signal lamp, designed to generate light, is fixedly secured to the housing rear wall. The turn-signal lamp extends into the recess. The turn-signal lamp includes a light lens that covers the turn-signal lamp. The light lens has an outside surface. The external rear view mirror also includes an optical waveguide that guides the light generated by the turn-signal lamp around the mirror head, whereby the optical waveguide is fixedly secured to the light lens.

Abstract: The invention relates exterior rearview mirrors, wherein lighting units (8) in the form of a repeating direction indicator lamp are housed in the mirror head (1). In order for the diffuser panel (14) to be substantially invisible when not illuminated, the diffuser panel is configured on its exterior in such a manner that it is invisible from the exterior when not illuminated, while the light beams emitted by the illumination means (25) have sufficient luminous intensity after passage through the diffuser panel (14). The exterior rearview mirror is especially suitable for motor vehicles.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of automatically monitoring and detecting indications indicative of a forthcoming event concerning hearing systems; if such an indication is detected, retrieving identification data identifying at least one device of the hearing system concerned, referred to as specific device, or a user of said hearing system concerned, referred to as specific user; ans using said identification data for retrieving further data related to said specific device as device data or related to said specific user as user data. The method and the corresponding system can be used for adjusting said specific hearing system or other support actions, like dispensing consumables for said specific hearing system, or preparatory actions, like launching a suitable fitting program or loading audiological data related to the user.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly cleans an exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The exterior surface defines first and second edges. The motor vehicle includes a cleaning fluid reservoir. The cleaning assembly includes a connector for connecting the cleaning fluid reservoir with the cleaning assembly for receiving fluid therefrom. A distribution chamber is in fluid communication with the connector and receives the fluid received by the connector. The cleaning assembly also includes a nozzle fixedly secured to the distribution chamber for disbursing the fluid over the exterior surface. The nozzle includes a nozzle opening that defines a slot opening such that a film of fluid exits the nozzle opening over the exterior surface.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly adjusting one or more hearing devices (1, . . . , 3) with a central unit (4) is presented, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a wireless network (6) wirelessly connecting the central unit (4) to hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), which are responsive to said wireless network (6), detecting said hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), identifying one or more of the detected hearing devices (1, . . . , 3, selecting one or more of the identified hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), establishing a wireless link from the central unit (4) to at least one of the identified hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), and adjusting the at least one identified hearing device (1, . . . , 3). Therewith, an audiologist is able to unambiguously assign one or two hearing devices (1, . . . , 3) in a fitting session, even if multiple hearing devices are within the range of the wireless network (6) or wireless transmitter, respectively.

Abstract: A system for reducing the vibration sensitivity of an implantable microphone without an equal or greater reduction in sound sensitivity. The system reduces non-ambient vibrations by placing at least one compliant member into the path of transmission for tissue-borne vibration, but not into the path for ambient sound-induced vibration. More particularly, a compliant member is interposed along the path between a source of non-ambient vibration and an implanted microphone. In one aspect, a compliant base member is disposed between an implanted microphone and an implant wearer's skull. In another aspect, a microphone is compliantly suspended relative to an implant housing using a support membrane. In either aspect, the compliant member (i.e., base member and/or membrane) and the supported member (i.e., housing and/or microphone) define a supported system having a natural or resonant frequency. This natural frequency may be set to a value to advantageously isolate the microphone against transmitted vibration.