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.

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 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: To increase the versatility of an in-the-canal hearing aid, a behind-the-ear receiver for wireless transmission of signals is provided and is coupled whereby an air tube or by a cable terminating in the battery compartment of the in-the-canal unit, to the latter.

Abstract: An in-the-canal hearing aid has a shell having an inner end to be positioned in the canal adjacent the user's eardrum, and a faceplate located outwardly of the inner end but still adapted to be recessed within the ear canal in use. A protruding portion of the shell extends outwardly past the faceplate into the concha bowl and serves the dual purpose of both anchoring the hearing aid in the ear so that it cannot work its way down the ear canal, and providing a grip to facilitate insertion and removal of the hearing aid. The protruding portion is preferably cut back close to the faceplate at one side of the faceplate to facilitate battery insertion and removal, and may contain an aperture or a hook-like portion to facilitate gripping. A vent to vent the hearing aid may extend outwardly on the protruding portion to a position adjacent the rim of the protruding portion, to space the outer vent opening away from the microphone opening on the faceplate, to reduce the likelihood of feedback.

Abstract: A modular hearing aid having separate microphone, receiver, amplifier and battery modules. The microphone module is connected to the receiver module by two dovetails. The receiver module is connected to the amplifier module by one dovetail and to a forwardly projecting plate of the battery module by another dovetail. The amplifier module is connected to the battery module by another dovetail. A flexible circuit board of the amplifier module has a flap which extends over part of the receiver module and is soldered to pins projecting therefrom. The pins extend within the receiver housing and are connected to the receiver therein. Another flap of the circuit board extends over part of the battery module and is soldered to connections on the battery module. Another flexible circuit board extends from the amplifier module over the receiver module and is connected to pins on the microphone module housing. Cover plates cover the top and bottom of the assembled modules to provide a cosmetically attractive appearance.

Abstract: A modular hearing aid to fit in the user's ear, having a shell, a faceplate fixed to the shell, and an electronic module removably snapped into the faceplate. The module includes an open-topped battery compartment which is closed by a lid hinged to the faceplate rather than to the module. This eliminates a bulky hinge on the module and allows a smaller snap fastener between the module and faceplate. The volume control on the module projects through an opening in the closed lid.

Abstract: A modular hearing aid to fit in the user's ear, having a shell, a faceplate fixed to the shell, and an electronic module removably snapped into the faceplate. The module includes an open-topped battery compartment which is closed by a lid hinged to the faceplate rather than to the module. This eliminates a bulky hinge on the module and allows a smaller snap fastener between the module and faceplate. The volume control on the module projects through an opening in the closed lid.