Abstract: A system that includes an automatic volume leveler (AVL) that processes audio data based on audio category and desired volume level. The system may select different settings for audio data associated with different audio sources (e.g., content providers), audio categories (e.g., types of audio data, such as music, voice, etc.), genres, and/or the like. For example, the system may distinguish between music signals and voice signals (e.g., speech) and may apply a first gain curve for the music and a second gain curve for the speech. Additionally or alternatively, the system may distinguish between different genres of music and may apply different gain curves based on the genre. Further, the system may select a gain curve based on a desired volume level. Therefore, output audio data generated by performing AVL may be optimized based on the audio category, audio source, genre, desired volume level, and/or the like.

Abstract: A method for fitting verification of a hearing device has been disclosed. The current invention can be used to evaluate and verify a fitting for a hearing device on individual ears. It uses the hearing device itself as testing apparatus. No additional equipment is required other than the fitting computer and interface which are already required and exist for the device fitting. The method for fitting verification with in situ hearing test consists of at least two steps. One is to obtain patient's unaided hearing thresholds, which can be either in situ hearing thresholds or conventional audiogram. The second step is to measure patient's aided in situ hearing thresholds. An in situ functional gain is then calculated based on the unaided and aided in situ thresholds. The in situ functional gain can be used to evaluate or verify if intended target gains have been achieved with the device.

Abstract: An improved multi-function hearing aid having in-situ testing, fitting and verification functions is disclosed which solves problems long standing in the art of hearing aid fitting dealing with individual size differences in the size of the pina and ear canal of the user, individual preference to sound level and frequency variation, and verification procedures.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for automatic haring device fitting have been disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a search engine for searching the optimal settings of a hearing device, a first selector for patient to alternate the hearing device between two presets, and a second selector for patient to register the preference or no preference to the two presets. The search engine includes the tie-break component for deciding which preset is better when patient cannot tell the difference between presets. The disclosed method includes a search engine for searching the optimal settings of a hearing device, a first mean for patient to alternate the hearing device between two presets, and a second mean for patient to register the preference or no preference of the two presets. The method may be implemented as a computer software program or as a standalone apparatus for controlling and programming hearing devices. It may also be incorporated in a hearing device itself.

Abstract: Improved approaches of designing and fitting hearing aids to make hearing aids more accessible to people with hearing loss are disclosed. The hearing aids can be capable of being fitted by users themselves or by other non-hearing specialists. In one embodiment a hearing aid can be self-calibrating. In another embodiment, hearing aids can be fitted, i.e., configured, for individuals with hearing loss using a simplified procedure that hearing aid users or non-hearing specialists can easily follow.

Abstract: An improved multi-function hearing aid having in-situ testing, fitting and verification functions is disclosed which solves problems long standing in the art of hearing aid fitting dealing with individual size differences in the size of the pina and ear canal of the user, individual preference to sound level and frequency variation, and verification procedures.

Abstract: A hearing aid (or other assistive listening device) that is suitable for limited use is disclosed. The hearing aid can be configured to be usable for a predetermined period of time. After the expiration of the predetermined period of time, the hearing aid can cease to operate or operate in a degraded manner. Once the hearing aid has become significantly degraded, it can be either disposed of or reconfigured (or reprogrammed) so as to be usable for an additional period of time.

Abstract: Improved approaches of designing and fitting hearing aids to make hearing aids more accessible to people with hearing loss are disclosed. The hearing aids can be capable of being fitted by users themselves or by other non-hearing specialists. In one embodiment a hearing aid can be self-calibrating. In another embodiment, hearing aids can be fitted, i.e., configured, for individuals with hearing loss using a simplified procedure that hearing aid users or non-hearing specialists can easily follow.

Abstract: Improved approaches to adaptively suppress interfering noise in a multi-microphone directional system are disclosed. These approaches operate to adapt the direction null for the multi-microphone directional system in accordance with a dominant noise source.

Abstract: Improved approaches are disclosed to update existing hearing devices by downloading software resources over a network from a remote server to a local client. The software resources are then stored in the existing hearing devices, thereby upgrading the functionality or operation of the existing hearing devices. Accordingly, existing hearing devices are able to be upgraded at convenient locations in a largely automated fashion. The invention is particularly useful for hearing aids or other sound systems for the hearing impaired.

Abstract: Improved approaches to matching sensitivities of microphones in multi-microphone directional processing systems. These approaches operate to adaptively match microphone sensitivities so that directional noise suppression is robust. As a result, microphone sensitivities remain matched not only over time but also while in actual use. These approaches are particularly useful for hearing aid applications in which directional noise suppression is important.

Abstract: Improved approaches to assist those having hearing loss are disclosed. One approach pertains to providing customization of personal audio systems for a hearing impaired individual. Another approach pertains to designing and producing an audio product that includes components or software that can be customized for hearing impaired individuals. The customization provided by either approach can be performed on-line or off-line.

Abstract: Improved approaches are disclosed to filter and compress sound signals so as to achieve not only speech audibility and intelligibility at low levels but also preserves spectrum contrast at high levels. According to one aspect of the invention, gain amounts for different frequency bands are individually constrained based on signal levels for the frequency bands. Hence, the gain amounts for each of the frequency bands may or may not be constrained depending on the corresponding signal levels. As a result, the most critical information for speech intelligibility, speech clarity, and speech quality can be made available to hearing impaired people over wide range of signal level. The invention is particularly useful for hearing aids or other sound systems for the hearing impaired.

Abstract: Improved approaches to reducing power consumption in hearing aids are disclosed. According to one aspect, hearing aids (namely, one or more components thereof) are able to be operated in different operational modes—at least one of which is a power saving mode. According to another aspect, intelligent switching between the operational modes is performed to reduce power consumption when appropriate.

Abstract: Tone-free dithering methods for sigma-delta digital-to-analog converters are disclosed. A dither signal having a frequency outside of the baseband frequency of a converter is provided to randomize the baseband noise floor of the converter such that there is no idle tone existing in the useful frequency range. In practice, the dither signal is combined with the input signal at the front end of a sigma-delta modulator. The dither signal may be a sinusoidal waveform (or other types of waveforms) and/or a DC level at a frequency outside of the baseband frequency range of the converter. The dither signal may be combined with the input signal either before or after an interpolator. The out of band dither signal breaks up the idle tones and does not affect the dynamic range of the converter. It can be used in a wide variety of applications requiring high fidelity and stability.

Abstract: Improved approaches to assist those having hearing loss are disclosed. One approach pertains to providing on-line hearing loss testing. The on-line hearing loss testing can be self-performed without any specialized equipment. Another approach pertains to on-line sound customization. The sound customization can simulate hearing compensation on-line. As an example, the hearing compensation can be used to simulate hearing aid processing. Still another approach pertains to a recommendation and/or referral procedure.

Abstract: Improved approaches to assist those having hearing loss are disclosed. One approach pertains to providing customization of personal audio systems for a hearing impaired individual. Another approach pertains to designing and producing an audio product that includes components or software that can be customized for hearing impaired individuals. The customization provided by either approach can be performed on-line or off-line.

Abstract: Improved approaches to reducing power consumption in hearing aids are disclosed. According to one aspect, hearing aids (namely, one or more components thereof) are able to be operated in different operational modes—at least one of which is a power saving mode. According to another aspect, intelligent switching between the operational modes is performed to reduce power consumption when appropriate.

Abstract: Improved approaches to matching sensitivities of microphones in multi-microphone directional processing systems. These approaches operate to adaptively match microphone sensitivities so that directional noise suppression is robust. As a result, microphone sensitivities remain matched not only over time but also while in actual use. These approaches are particularly useful for hearing aid applications in which directional noise suppression is important.

Abstract: Improved approaches are disclosed to filter and compress sound signals so as to achieve not only speech audibility and intelligibility at low levels but also preserves spectrum contrast at high levels. According to one aspect of the invention, gain amounts for different frequency bands are individually constrained based on signal levels for the frequency bands. Hence, the gain amounts for each of the frequency bands may or may not be constrained depending on the corresponding signal levels. As a result, the most critical information for speech intelligibility, speech clarity, and speech quality can be made available to hearing impaired people over wide range of signal level. The invention is particularly useful for hearing aids or other sound systems for the hearing impaired.