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: One aspect relates to a method to block data transmission interference from an input of a receiver in a hearing instrument. In various embodiments, an acoustic-based signal representative of sound received at a microphone system is received. It is determined if a trigger associated with a data transmission has occurred. A signal representative of the acoustic-based signal is presented to the input of the receiver when the trigger has not occurred such that the receiver converts the acoustic-based signal into an output acoustic signal. The signal representative of the acoustic-based signal is blocked from the input of the receiver when the trigger has occurred such that data transmission interference is blocked from being converted into the acoustic signal. In various embodiments, the method further comprises presenting a signal representative of a substitute waveform to the input of the receiver when the trigger has occurred. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a method to block data transmission interference from an input of a receiver in a hearing instrument. In various embodiments, an acoustic-based signal representative of sound received at a microphone system is received. It is determined if a trigger associated with a data transmission has occurred. A signal representative of the acoustic-based signal is presented to the input of the receiver when the trigger has not occurred such that the receiver converts the acoustic-based signal into an output acoustic signal. The signal representative of the acoustic-based signal is blocked from the input of the receiver when the trigger has occurred such that data transmission interference is blocked from being converted into the acoustic signal. In various embodiments, the method further comprises presenting a signal representative of a substitute waveform to the input of the receiver when the trigger has occurred. Other aspects are provided herein.