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: The present disclosure related to hearing assistance devices such as hearing aids, and in particular to a hearing assistance device with wireless communication for on- and off-body accessories. In various embodiments, a hearing aid includes a housing, hearing assistance electronics within the housing, and conductive material incorporated into a portion of the housing. According to various embodiments, the conductive material includes a transmission line portion configured to conduct a signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an antenna portion of the conductive material on an exterior surface of the housing. In various applications, the conductive material includes a first antenna configured for short range communication with other body worn devices or accessories. The hearing aid also includes a second antenna within the housing, the second antenna configured for conducting RF radiation for long range communication, in various embodiments.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for disposition between a pinna and a head of a user, the apparatus including a behind-the-ear housing, the housing having a first lateral side located adjacent the user's ear and a second lateral side located adjacent the side of the user's head when the apparatus is worn as directed, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the behind-the-ear housing, and a control disposed on at least one lateral side of the behind-the-ear housing, the control coupled to the hearing assistance electronics.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for disposition between a pinna and a head of a user, the apparatus including a behind-the-ear housing, the housing having a first lateral side located adjacent the user's ear and a second lateral side located adjacent the side of the user's head when the apparatus is worn as directed, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the behind-the-ear housing, and a control disposed on at least one lateral side of the behind-the-ear housing, the control coupled to the hearing assistance electronics.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to methods and apparatus for detecting cellular telephones using hearing assistance devices. In an embodiment, a hearing assistance device includes a processor and a radio frequency transceiver connected to the processor. A detection circuit is connected to the processor, the detection circuit including a band pass filter and where the detection circuit is adapted to monitor a radio frequency signal to detect a cellular telephone in proximity to the hearing assistance device based on the monitored signal. The hearing assistance device includes an acoustic input, a magnetic input, and a switch for selecting between the acoustic input and the magnetic input. The processor is adapted to actuate the switch from the acoustic input to the magnetic input when a cellular telephone is detected in proximity to the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an input system, an output system, and a sensor for sensing magnetic fields. In one example, a signal processing circuit electrically connects the input system to the output system, and a magnetic sensor adapted to inhibit the acoustic input and function as a magnetic input in the presence of a magnetic field. In one example, the magnetic sensor includes a giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensor. In another example, the magnetic sensor includes an anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR) sensor. The magnetic field can be generated by, among other things, a magnet in a telephone handset. The hearing aid further is programmed based on time-varying characteristics of the magnetic field. Wireless activation or deactivation of the hearing aid is also described. Other examples and options are provided herein.

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: A hearing aid includes a magnetic sensor to sense a sound signal being a magnetic field. The magnetic sensor includes a telecoil to sensor the sound signal and a counter coil to cancel a noise signal resulting from electromagnetic interference. In one embodiment, a driver circuit for the counter coil allows for automatic adjustment of the hearing aid circuit for an interference null.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an input system, an output system, and a sensor for sensing magnetic fields. In one example, a signal processing circuit electrically connects the input system to the output system, and a magnetic sensor adapted to inhibit the acoustic input and function as a magnetic input in the presence of a magnetic field. In one example, the magnetic sensor includes a giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensor. In another example, the magnetic sensor includes an anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR) sensor. The magnetic field can be generated by, among other things, a magnet in a telephone handset. The hearing aid further is programmed based on time-varying characteristics of the magnetic field. Wireless activation or deactivation of the hearing aid is also described. Other examples and options are provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for an in-the-ear hearing aid with a capacitive sensor. The present subject matter includes various approaches to improved control of an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid with capacitive sensors. In various embodiments, the capacitive sensor serves as a capacitive switch or a plurality of capacitive switches that can be used together to support or perform one or more functions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for a behind-the-ear hearing aid with a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to method and apparatus for detecting user activities within a hearing assistance device, and among other things, apparatus including a microphone for reception of sound and to generate a sound signal; an electret vibration sensor adapted to measure mechanical vibration and to produce a vibration signal; a signal processor, connected to the microphone and in communication with the electret vibration sensor, the signal processor adapted to process the sound signal and to process the vibration signal; and a housing adapted to house the signal processor. Variations provide a housing, microphone, and receiver in different configurations. In some variations wireless electronics are included and are used to communicate different signals. In some examples, the design is embodied in a variety of hearing aid configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is a hearing assistance device apparatus with a capacitive switch. According to various embodiments, the apparatus includes a BTE housing, hearing assistance electronics housed in the housing and a capacitive switch connected to the hearing assistance electronics and adapted to detect a wearer when the BTE housing is worn.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for disposition between a pinna and a head of a user, the apparatus including a behind-the-ear housing, the housing having a first lateral side located adjacent the user's ear and a second lateral side located adjacent the side of the user's head when the apparatus is worn as directed, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the behind-the-ear housing, and a control disposed on at least one lateral side of the behind-the-ear housing, the control coupled to the hearing assistance electronics.