Abstract: A personalized hearing profile is generated for an ear-level device comprising a memory, microphone, speaker and processor. Communication is established between the ear-level device and a companion device, having a user interface. A frame of reference in the user interface is provided, where positions in the frame of reference are associated with sound profile data. A position on the frame of reference is determined in response to user interaction with the user interface, and certain sound profile data associated with the position. Certain data is transmitted to the ear level device. Sound can be generated through the speaker based upon the audio stream data to provide real-time feedback to the user. The determining and transmitting steps are repeated until detection of an end event.

Abstract: An ear-level device which can be operable in multiple modes supports a voice menu by which more complex functions executable by the ear-level device or by a companion module can be selected using input at the ear-level device. By pushing a button on an earpiece for example, a voice menu is activated announcing a set of functions such as voice dial, last number redial and so on. When the function that the user wants is announced, the user presses the same button which activates the execution of the function.

Abstract: A personalized hearing profile is generated for an ear-level device comprising a memory, microphone, speaker and processor. Communication is established between the ear-level device and a companion device, having a user interface. A frame of reference in the user interface is provided, where positions in the frame of reference are associated with sound profile data. A position on the frame of reference is determined in response to user interaction with the user interface, and certain sound profile data associated with the position. Certain data is transmitted to the ear level device. Sound can be generated through the speaker based upon the audio stream data to provide real-time feedback to the user. The determining and transmitting steps are repeated until detection of an end event.

Abstract: A method controls a functional element of an ear-level device of a type including a functional element, a memory, a microphone and a speaker, each coupled to a processor. Communication between the ear-level device and a companion device, such as a mobile phone, is established. A functional element for control is selected through the user interface of the companion device. A control instruction for controlling the selected functional element is chosen using the user interface and is transmitted from the companion device to the ear-level device to provide instruction to the ear-level device to control the selected functional element in the chosen way.

Abstract: A personalized hearing profile is generated for an ear-level device comprising a memory, microphone, speaker and processor. Communication is established between the ear-level device and a companion device, having a user interface. A frame of reference in the user interface is provided, where positions in the frame of reference are associated with sound profile data. A position on the frame of reference is determined in response to user interaction with the user interface, and certain sound profile data associated with the position. Certain data is transmitted to the ear level device. Sound can be generated through the speaker based upon the audio stream data to provide real-time feedback to the user. The determining and transmitting steps are repeated until detection of an end event.

Abstract: A method of generating a personalized sound system hearing profile for a user. The method begins by selecting an initial profile, based on selected factors of user input. In an embodiment, the initial profile is selected based on demographic factors. Then the system identifies one or more alternate profiles, each having a selected relationship with the initial profile. The relationship between alternate profiles and the initial profile can be based on gain as a function of frequency, one alternate profile having a higher sensitivity at given frequencies and the other a lower sensitivity. The next step links at least one audio sample with the initial and alternate profiles and then plays the selected samples for the user. The system then receives identification of the preferred sample from the user; and selects a final profile based on the user's preference. An embodiment offers multiple sound samples in different modes, resulting in the selection of multiple final profiles for the different modes.

Abstract: A personalized hearing profile is generated for an ear-level device comprising a memory, microphone, speaker and processor. Communication is established between the ear-level device and a companion device, having a user interface. A frame of reference in the user interface is provided, where positions in the frame of reference are associated with sound profile data. A position on the frame of reference is determined in response to user interaction with the user interface, and certain sound profile data associated with the position. Certain data is transmitted to the ear level device. Sound can be generated through the speaker based upon the audio stream data to provide real-time feedback to the user. The determining and transmitting steps are repeated until detection of an end event.

Abstract: A personal sound system is described that includes a wireless network supporting an ear-level module, a companion module and a phone. Other audio sources are supported as well. A configuration processor configures the ear-level module and the companion module for private communications, and configures the ear-level module for a plurality of signal processing modes, including a hearing aid mode, for a corresponding plurality of sources of audio data. The ear module is configured to handle variant audio sources, and control switching among them.

Abstract: A personal sound system is described that includes a wireless network supporting an ear-level module, a companion module and a phone. Other audio sources are supported as well. A configuration processor configures the ear-level module and the companion module for private communications, and configures the ear-level module for a plurality of signal processing modes, including a hearing aid mode, for a corresponding plurality of sources of audio data. The ear module is configured to handle variant audio sources, and control switching among them.

Abstract: A method controls a functional element of an ear-level device of a type including a functional element, a memory, a microphone and a speaker, each coupled to a processor. Communication between the ear-level device and a companion device, such as a mobile phone, is established. A functional element for control is selected through the user interface of the companion device. A control instruction for controlling the selected functional element is chosen using the user interface and is transmitted from the companion device to the ear-level device to provide instruction to the ear-level device to control the selected functional element in the chosen way.

Abstract: An ear-level device which can be operable in multiple modes supports a voice menu by which more complex functions executable by the ear-level device or by a companion module can be selected using input at the ear-level device. By pushing a button on an earpiece for example, a voice menu is activated announcing a set of functions such as voice dial, last number redial and so on. When the function that the user wants is announced, the user presses the same button which activates the execution of the function.

Abstract: A cell phone providing a display of sound pressure level or other environmental condition is described. An ear-level module, which includes a microphone or other sensor, and processing resources for analyzing the input from the microphone to provide a measure of an environmental condition, such as sound pressure level, at the ear, and deliver it to a cell phone or other hand held device for display in a manner readable by the user. The companion cell phone provides a display and supporting processing resources, presenting a graphical meter view. Alternatively, the audio data or other measurement is produced using a microphone on the cell phone.

Abstract: A method of generating a personalized sound system hearing profile for a user. The method begins by selecting an initial profile, based on selected factors of user input. In an embodiment, the initial profile is selected based on demographic factors. Then the system identifies one or more alternate profiles, each having a selected relationship with the initial profile. The relationship between alternate profiles and the initial profile can be based on gain as a function of frequency, one alternate profile having a higher sensitivity at given frequencies and the other a lower sensitivity. The next step links at least one audio sample with the initial and alternate profiles and then plays the selected samples for the user. The system then receives identification of the preferred sample from the user; and selects a final profile based on the user's preference. An embodiment offers multiple sound samples in different modes, resulting in the selection of multiple final profiles for the different modes.

Abstract: A personal sound system is described that includes a wireless network supporting an ear-level module, a companion module and a phone. Other audio sources are supported as well. A configuration processor configures the ear-level module and the companion module for private communications, and configures the ear-level module for a plurality of signal processing modes, including a hearing aid mode, for a corresponding plurality of sources of audio data. The ear module is configured to handle variant audio sources, and control switching among them.

Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system that includes a computer and a speaker. The computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker and the speaker can convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer; generating a digital stimulus, the stimulus having a first sub-stimulus and a second sub-stimulus, the first sub-stimulus being within the audible range of humans, the second sub-stimulus being outside of the audible range of humans and/or outside of the range of the hearing test; and receiving an input from the user that indicates that the user heard the stimulus. The purpose of the sub-stimuli is to dither the stimuli so as to minimize distortions due to quantization of the stimuli and thus improve hearing test accuracy.

Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system that includes a computer and a speaker. The computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker and the speaker is operable to convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The computer system has a tone control that controls the spectral components of the electrical signal. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer, the execution of the computer program setting the tone control; generating a stimulus; and receiving an input from the user that indicates whether the user heard the stimulus.

Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system. The computer system includes a computer and a speaker. The computer includes a first audio source and a second audio source. In addition, the computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker from the first audio source and from the second audio source. Further, the speaker can convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer, the execution of the computer program muting the first audio source; generating a stimulus; and receiving an input from the user that indicates that the user heard the stimulus.

Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system. The computer system includes a computer and a speaker. The computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker. The speaker can convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer, the execution of the computer program generating an audio stream; based upon the audio stream, generating a stimulus; and receiving an input from the user that indicates that the user heard the stimulus.

Abstract: A method of testing the hearing of a user utilizing a computer system that includes a computer and a speaker. The computer can output an electrical signal to the speaker and the speaker is operable to convert the electrical signal into a stimulus. The computer system has volume controls that control the amplitude and balance between channels of the electrical signal. The method includes: downloading a computer program from a server to the computer; executing the computer program on the computer, the execution of the computer program setting a volume control; generating a stimulus; and receiving an input from the user that indicates that the user heard the stimulus.