Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for controlling operation of a hearing assistance device. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of operating a hearing assistance device worn by a wearer. The method includes tracking eye movements of the wearer using a sensor on or in the hearing assistance device to obtain an electrooculogram (EOG). At least one parameter of the hearing assistance device is adjusted using the EOG, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a magnetostrictive electroactive (ME) sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field or a mechanical pressure. In various embodiments, the ME sensor is used for cordless charging of a rechargeable battery in the hearing aid by generating an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field generated for power transfer, magnetic sound signal reception, and/or detection of user commands by sensing a magnetic field or a pressure applied to the hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a magnetostrictive electroactive (ME) sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field or a mechanical pressure. In various embodiments, the ME sensor is used for cordless charging of a rechargeable battery in the hearing aid by generating an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field generated for power transfer, magnetic sound signal reception, and/or detection of user commands by sensing a magnetic field or a pressure applied to the hearing aid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for detecting battery chemistry or battery type and reconfiguring a hearing assistance device based on the detected battery. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method of operating a hearing assistance device having a battery. A voltage of the battery is detected at a predetermined load current and a battery chemistry or battery type is determined based on the detected voltage. An operating parameter of the hearing assistance device is adjusted based on the determined battery chemistry or battery type, in various embodiments. Examples of adjustments made based on the determined battery chemistry or battery type include gain, feedback cancellation (FBC) filter, self-diagnostic thresholds of the hearing assistance device, indicator loudness, low battery set point, or an end-of-discharge battery set point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for detecting and switching battery polarity in a battery charger. In various embodiments, a method includes grounding a first terminal of a battery inserted in a charger and sensing a bipolar voltage from a second terminal of the battery. The bipolar voltage is converted to a reduced unipolar voltage for sensing by an input to a microcontroller. A low resistance analog switch connects the battery to a charging circuit. The switch state of the analog switch is controlled using an output of the microcontroller, to present the proper battery polarity to the charging circuit based on the unipolar voltage. The battery is charged using the charging circuit, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a magnetostrictive electroactive (ME) sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field or a mechanical pressure. In various embodiments, the ME sensor is used for cordless charging of a rechargeable battery in the hearing aid by generating an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field generated for power transfer, magnetic sound signal reception, and/or detection of user commands by sensing a magnetic field or a pressure applied to the hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid is powered by a rechargeable battery and senses a sound signal being a magnetic field using a telecoil. The hearing aid includes a battery recharge coil for receiving power from a hearing aid charger via an inductive couple. The telecoil and the inductive coil are integrated into a single device.

Abstract: The present subject matter of the invention relates generally to the management of electromagnetic fields in hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids, and in particular to an insulated electromagnetic shield design for hearing assistance devices. The present disclosure includes various embodiments for electromagnetic shielding of a receiver using a magnetic shield that is electrically insulated from the receiver casing and electronics.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing or eliminating the interference produced by a receiver in a listening device, such as a hearing aid. The method and apparatus of the invention involves placing an electrically conductive shield around the receiver. Such a shield helps suppress the electromagnetic signals emitted by the receiver, thereby reducing or eliminating the interference from the receiver. The shield is a passive shield and may be one or more wires that are wound around the receiver and shorted together, or it may be an electrically conductive mesh, jacket, sleeve, or the like, that is placed around the receiver. The shield is then connected either to one of the input terminals of the receiver, or to a system ground of the receiver.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing or eliminating the interference produced by a receiver in a listening device, such as a hearing aid. The method and apparatus of the invention involves placing an electrically conductive shield around the receiver. Such a shield helps suppress the electromagnetic signals emitted by the receiver, thereby reducing or eliminating the interference from the receiver. The shield is a passive shield and may be one or more wires that are wound around the receiver and shorted together, or it may be an electrically conductive mesh, jacket, sleeve, or the like, that is placed around the receiver. The shield is then connected either to one of the input terminals of the receiver, or to a system ground of the receiver.

Abstract: A computer-implemented universal automotive maintenance component controller apparatus that may be used as common core enabling a user to interface with, control, and analyze data from, various modular automotive maintenance or diagnostic equipment and/or components regardless of the type or manufacturer of the component. The universal controller of the invention may include a processor and a control application, the control application including one or more software modules that enable the processor to control one or more connected automotive maintenance components. The universal controller may also include one or more component interfaces operatively connected to the processor, wherein each of the one or more component interfaces is configured for one of the plurality of automotive maintenance components.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an adjustable operational parameter of a hearing aid by the use of an external magnetic actuator held in proximity with the hearing aid. The hearing aid has a microphone for generating signals, hearing aid circuitry for processing the signals, an output transducer for transforming the processed signals to a user compatible form, and a single magnetic switch, such as a reed switch, connected to the hearing aid circuitry. The magnetic switch controls the hearing aid circuitry to adjust an adjustable operational parameter, such as volume. In one embodiment the adjustable operational parameter continues to adjust or cycle between a minimum and a maximum as long as the magnetic actuator is maintained in proximity with the magnetic switch. When the magnetic actuator is removed the adjustment ceases. The invention allows precise adjustment and control of an adjustable parameter with minimal effort and movement by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of adjustable operational parameters of a hearing aid by the movement of an external magnetic actuator into and out of proximity with the hearing aid. The hearing aid has a microphone, hearing aid circuitry, an output transducer, and a magnetic switch, such as a reed switch, connected to the hearing aid circuitry. The hearing aid circuitry has a plurality of adjustable operational parameters and includes control processing circuity for switching between and controlling the adjustable operational parameters. The magnetic source is moved into and out of proximity with the hearing aid a selected number of times activating the magnetic switch each time.

Abstract: A hearing aid is programmable with dual-tone multiple-frequency signals, received through the hearing aid microphone, to adjust operating coefficients of signal conditioning circuitry in the aid. A DTMF receiver filters and detects DTMF tone pairs into digital words provided to a controller for decoding, some of the digital words representing programming instructions and others representing data. In accordance with the instructions, the controller conveys the data to memory operatively associated with a plurality of control ports to the signal conditioning circuitry, with operating coefficients of the conditioning circuitry determined by the contents of the memory.

Abstract: A control circuit for a portable radio or like entertainment device which allows it to play only so long as the user's heart rate lies within a range commensurate with safe, effective exercise activity. EKG signals are picked up by suitably placed electrodes, amplified, filtered, shaped and applied in one arrangement to a programmable microprocessor and in another arrangement to a linear circuit phase lock loop and window comparator. In each instance, a determination is made as to whether the user's heart rate is between a lower limit of effective exercise and an upper limit of safe exercise. When the heart rate is outside the limit, the entertainment device is rendered inoperative, thus providing an incentive to tailor the level of exertion so that the heart rate will lie within the desired range.