Abstract: A hearing aid uses multiple compression feedback loops to minimize sound distortion includes a preamplifier network having an input connected to an input receiver, an output, and an automatically adjustable gain. The preamplifier network measures an output signal which is preferably a voltage and automatically adjusts the gain in response to the output signal. The hearing aid also includes an output drive network having an input connected to the preamplifier network output and an output connected to a load, such as a transducer. The output drive network has an automatically adjustable gain which is responsive to a measured signal at the output of the network. A volume control circuit may also be connected between the output of the preamplifier network and the input of the output drive network to permit the person wearing the hearing aid to adjust the output volume.

Abstract: An amplifier uses gain compression techniques to provide linear gain control over a wide dynamic range, and includes an amplifier having input and output legs, a gain controller coupled between the input and output legs of the amplifier, a gain control circuit having an input coupled to the amplifier output leg and output coupled to the gain controller. The gain controller is responsive to a gain control signal to permit continuous gain adjustment of the amplifier. The gain control circuit is configured to compare an output voltage on the amplifier output leg with a predetermined threshold voltage and to generate a gain control signal on the gain control circuit output so as to provide continuous gain adjustment of the amplifier at least when the amplifier output voltage is greater than the threshold voltage. A hearing aid using a single compression amplifier or multiple compression amplifiers to minimize sound distortion and enhance user comfort is also provided.