Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a local assistant system responding to voice input using an ear-wearable device. The system detects a wake-up signal and receives a first voice input communicating a first query content. The system includes speech recognition circuitry to determine the first query content, speech generation circuitry, and an input database of locally-handled user inputs. If the first audio input matches one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system takes a local responsive action. If the first audio input does not match one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system transmits at least a portion of the first query content over a wireless network to a network resource.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable stress and anxiety monitoring systems, devices and methods. Embodiments herein further relate to ear-wearable systems and devices that can detect and take actions to alleviate device wearer's stress and anxiety. In an embodiment an ear-wearable stress and/or anxiety monitoring system is included having a control circuit, a microphone, and a sensor package that can include a motion sensor. The ear-wearable system is configured to evaluate data from at least one of the microphone and the sensor package and classify a stress level of a device wearer using a machine learning classification model and periodically update the machine learning classification model based on indicators of stress experienced by the device wearer.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a local assistant system responding to voice input using an ear-wearable device. The system detects a wake-up signal and receives a first voice input communicating a first query content. The system includes speech recognition circuitry to determine the first query content, speech generation circuitry, and an input database of locally-handled user inputs. If the first audio input matches one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system takes a local responsive action. If the first audio input does not match one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system transmits at least a portion of the first query content over a wireless network to a network resource.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a predictive fall event management system and a method of using such system are disclosed. The system includes a body-worn device and a controller operatively connected to the body-worn device. The controller is adapted to receive physiological data representative of a physiological characteristic of a wearer of the body-worn device over a monitoring time period; receive contextual data representative of context information of the wearer over the monitoring time period; and determine one or more future physiological states or contextual states based at least in part on one or more of the physiological data and the contextual data. The controller is further adapted to determine, for a future time, whether a fall condition is satisfied based upon the one or more future physiological states or contextual states and generate a fall prevention output responsive to satisfaction of the fall condition.

Abstract: A hearing device comprises a processor operatively coupled to memory, a speaker or a receiver, and one or both of a microphone arrangement and a telecoil arrangement. A sensor is operatively coupled to the processor and configured to sense an angular position of the device relative to a horizontal plane oriented orthogonal to a direction of gravity. The processor is configured to detect a change in the angular position of the device from a first angular position to a second angular position, the first angular position corresponding to a specified angular position that provides for a target or optimal level of device performance and the second angular position resulting in suboptimal device performance. The processor is also configured to implement a corrective action that improves performance of the device relative to the suboptimal device performance while operating the device at the second angular position.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to systems including ear-worn devices that can be used to aid vestibular rehabilitation exercises for ear-worn device wearers. In an embodiment a vestibular rehabilitation management system is included having an ear-worn device including a control circuit, a microphone in communication with the control circuit, and a motion sensor in communication with the control circuit, wherein the vestibular rehabilitation management system is configured to evaluate a wearer of the ear-worn device, and select a vestibular training exercise based on the evaluation. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to assistive listening devices and systems for providing audio streams to device wearers within sound fields. In an embodiment an assistive listening device is included having a control circuit, an electroacoustic transducer for generating sound in electrical communication with the control circuit, a power supply circuit in electrical communication with the control circuit, and a communications circuit in electrical communication with the control circuit. The control circuit can be configured to issue a communication to an audio communication device or audio provisioning device including at least one of a language preference, a set of hearing requirements, data regarding a presentation delay, and an authorization status identifier, digital code, digital token, or digital key specific to a wearer of the assistive listening device. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A hearing device comprises a processor operatively coupled to memory, a speaker or a receiver, and one or both of a microphone arrangement and a telecoil arrangement. A sensor is operatively coupled to the processor and configured to sense an angular position of the device relative to a horizontal plane oriented orthogonal to a direction of gravity. The processor is configured to detect a change in the angular position of the device from a first angular position to a second angular position, the first angular position corresponding to a specified angular position that provides for a target or optimal level of device performance and the second angular position resulting in suboptimal device performance. The processor is also configured to implement a corrective action that improves performance of the device relative to the suboptimal device performance while operating the device at the second angular position.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable devices configured to detect patterns indicative of an occurrence, prodrome or sequelae of an anoxic or hypoxic neurological injury. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device is included. The ear-wearable device can be configured to monitor signals from a microphone and/or a motion sensor to detect a pattern or patterns indicative of an occurrence of an anoxic or hypoxic neurological injury. In some embodiments, a method of monitoring an ear-wearable device wearer for an occurrence of an anoxic or hypoxic neurological injury is included. The method can include gathering signals from one or more of a microphone, a motion sensor, or another sensor of an ear-wearable device and monitoring the signals to detect a pattern or patterns indicative of an occurrence of an anoxic or hypoxic neurological injury. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable systems and devices that can detect migraine headaches. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device is included having a control circuit, a microphone, and a sensor package. The ear-wearable device can be configured to evaluate at least one of signals from the microphone, signals from the sensor package, signals from an external sensor, and contextual factor data, and detect a migraine headache based on the evaluation. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device system is included having a first ear-wearable device and a second ear-wearable device. In an embodiment, a method of predicting or detecting the onset or presence of a migraine headache with an ear-wearable system is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer comprises an audio streaming circuit configured to receive electromagnetic audio streaming via a first communication link. A configuration circuit is configured to receive configuration parameters via a second communication link different from the first communication link for configuring the hearing device to receive the electromagnetic audio streaming. Control circuitry of the hearing device configures the hearing device to enable reception of the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the received configuration parameters.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device adapted to be worn by a wearer comprises a processor configured to generate a sequence of audio cues that audibly guide the wearer through a series of actions involving the wearer's head and neck in accordance with a predetermined corrective or therapeutic maneuver. A speaker is configured to play back the sequence of audio cues for reception by the wearer. One or more sensors are configured to sense movement of the head during each of the actions. The processor is configured to determine if head movement for an action associated with each audio cue has been correctly executed by the wearer, and produce an output indicative of successful or unsuccessful execution of the actions by the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for an automatic hearing loop memory for hearing assistance systems. A method includes receiving an acoustic input at a microphone and receiving an inductive input at a magnetic sensor. The method further includes using an operatively connected processor of the hearing assistance system to process the acoustic input from the microphone using instructions stored in a first set of memory locations, and to process the inductive input from the magnetic sensor using instructions stored in a second set of memory locations, and to optionally discontinue processing the acoustic input when a demodulator circuit operatively connected to the processor detects a predetermined signal indicative of the presence of a hearing loop system.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable systems and devices that can detect allergic reactions. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device is included having a control circuit, a microphone, and a sensor package. The ear-wearable device can be configured to evaluate at least one of signals from the microphone, signals from the sensor package, signals from an external sensor, and contextual factor data, and detect an allergic reaction based on the evaluation. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device system is included having a first ear-wearable device and a second ear-wearable device. In an embodiment, a method of predicting or detecting the onset or presence of an allergic reaction with an ear-wearable system is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable systems and devices that can detect and/or take actions to prevent or alleviate stress related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the like. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable stress therapy system is included having a control circuit, a first sensor package, a microphone, and an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the electroacoustic transducer is in electrical communication with the control circuit. The ear-wearable stress therapy system can be configured to initiate administration of desensitization and reprocessing (DR) therapy to a device wearer. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a hearing device and a method of using such device are disclosed. The hearing device includes a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, electronic components disposed within the housing, and a port disposed in the housing and extending between a first end at the outer surface of the housing and a second end disposed within the housing, where the port is acoustically connected to at least one of a speaker or a microphone of the electronic components. The hearing components also include a controller that is electrically connected to a sensor and that is adapted to detect a change in capacitance of the sensor, where the change in capacitance is associated with debris at least partially occluding the port.

Abstract: A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer comprises an audio streaming circuit configured to receive electromagnetic audio streaming via a first communication link. A configuration circuit is configured to receive configuration parameters via a second communication link different from the first communication link for configuring the hearing device to receive the electromagnetic audio streaming. Control circuitry of the hearing device configures the hearing device to enable reception of the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the received configuration parameters.

Abstract: Techniques to detect a non-alert state of a user may include receiving sensor data from an ear-worn electronic device worn by a user, automatically determining whether to initiate an alertness mode of the ear-worn electronic device based on the sensor data, and determining an alertness state of the user in response to determining to initiate the alertness mode.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a predictive fall event management system and a method of using such system are disclosed. The system includes a body-worn device and a controller operatively connected to the body-worn device. The controller is adapted to receive physiological data representative of a physiological characteristic of a wearer of the body-worn device over a monitoring time period; receive contextual data representative of context information of the wearer over the monitoring time period; and determine one or more future physiological states or contextual states based at least in part on one or more of the physiological data and the contextual data. The controller is further adapted to determine, for a future time, whether a fall condition is satisfied based upon the one or more future physiological states or contextual states and generate a fall prevention output responsive to satisfaction of the fall condition.

Abstract: A system includes an image sensor, a hearing device, and a controller. The controller may include one or more processors and may be operatively coupled to the image sensor and the audio sensor. The controller may be configured to receive image data from the image sensor and sound data from the hearing device. The controller may further be configured to identify one or more optical components using the image data, each of the one or more optical components associated with an object or activity; determine one or more audio objects using at least the one or more optical components and the sound data, the one or more audio objects may each include an association between at least a portion of the sound data and the object or activity; and adjust an audio class using the one or more audio objects, the audio class associated with the object or activity.