Abstract: In a method for operating an electronic battery-powered hearing instrument, the following steps are performed: providing primary function means with power from the battery via a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal, and via a rectifier circuit for providing a positive supply voltage and a negative supply voltage regardless of the polarity of the battery relative to the first and second power supply terminal, inferring the status of an input means, wherein a first terminal of the input means is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal, and a second terminal, of the input means is electrically connected to an input line, from an input voltage, that is, a voltage of the input line. A programming device for a hearing instrument according to the invention and a method for operating a programming device are adapted to the possibility of the hearing aid having an inverted power supply.

Abstract: An electronic battery-powered hearing instrument comprises a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal arranged to contact a battery, a rectifier circuit for providing a positive supply voltage (Up) and a negative supply voltage (Un) regardless of a polarity of the battery relative to the first and second power supply terminal, primary function means arranged to provide at least one drive signal (Ud) to a drive circuit for driving an electroacoustic conversion means by controlling electrical valve means (14, 15, 16, 17). The drive circuit is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal and to the second power supply terminal, and the electrical valve means (14, 15, 16, 17) are polarity-independent, that is, they are able to operate regardless of the polarity of the voltage applied to their terminals.

Abstract: In a method for operating an electronic battery-powered hearing instrument, the following steps are performed: providing primary function means with power from the battery via a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal, and via a rectifier circuit for providing a positive supply voltage and a negative supply voltage regardless of the polarity of the battery relative to the first and second power supply terminal, inferring the status of an input means, wherein a first terminal of the input means is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal, and a second terminal, of the input means is electrically connected to an input line, from an input voltage, that is, a voltage of the input line. A programming device for a hearing instrument according to the invention and a method for operating a programming device are adapted to the possibility of the hearing aid having an inverted power supply.