Abstract: Embodiments of methods of provisioning an electronic circuit enable security of sensitive data in a design and manufacturing process that includes multiple parties. In an illustrative embodiment, a method of provisioning an electronic circuit includes generating at least one secret value, embedding the at least one secret value into the electronic circuit, programming into the electronic circuit a private key derivation function that derives the private key from the at least one secret value and a trust anchor, and programming into the electronic circuit a public key generation function that generates a public key matching the private key. The method can further include receiving for execution trust anchor-authenticated logic that contacts a predetermined actor of the plurality of distinct actors and communicates to the predetermined actor a message signed with the private key.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for transmitting and receiving discovery and paging messages in a wireless communication device are described herein. In one aspect, a wireless apparatus operable in a wireless communication system includes a processor configured to encrypt at least a portion of a discovery packet using one or more credentials of an application that, when executed, provides one or more services, the discovery packet including information for advertising at least one service provided by the application to one or more receiving devices. The wireless apparatus further includes a transmitter configured to transmit the discovery packet for being received by the one or more receiving devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide machines, systems, and methods in which industrial control systems may be secured from compromise and/or disruption via authentication and firewall. In particular, an industrial controller may: randomly generate an exchange key and send the exchange key to a client device in response to a transaction request originating from the client device; combine the exchange key with a locally stored pass key to produce an authentication code; and compare a challenge key received from the client device to the authentication code to determine a match between the challenge key and the authentication code. A successful match between the challenge key and the authentication code may allow the client device to further access the industrial controller using a common industrial protocol (CIP), and a failed match between the challenge key and the authentication code may prevent the client device from further access to the industrial controller.

Abstract: One embodiment is a computer program product for processing information to obtain an HMAC, comprising: by using a padding circuit, generating first key data by adding 0 with respect to secret key data, setting the secret key data as second key data, or generating third key data by adding 0 with respect to a first digest value, according to comparison result of a second key length and a block length of the hash function, and performing an exclusive OR operation with a second constant with respect to one of the first key data, the second key data, and the third key data to calculate first data; by using a hash calculation circuit, obtaining the first digest value, and obtaining a second digest value, by using a holding circuit, storing the secret key data or the first digest value; and by using a control unit, managing a processing state for calculating the HMAC.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for protection of streamed media content is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes control means for governance of content streams or content objects, decryption means for decrypting content streams or content objects under control of the control means, and feedback means for tracking actual use of content streams or content objects. The control means may operate in accordance with rules received as part of the streamed content, or through a side-band channel. The rules may specify allowed uses of the content, including whether or not the content can be copied or transferred, and whether and under what circumstances received content may be “checked out” of one device and used in a second device. The rules may also include or specify budgets, and a requirement that audit information be collected and/or transmitted to an external server. In a different aspect, the apparatus may include a media player designed to call plugins to assist in rendering content.

Abstract: A system, method and device for real-time compositing of encrypted video streams without having to decrypt each video stream is disclosed herein. A shared encryption key is derived to encrypt multiple incoming video streams to an encrypted master video stream, while retaining full interoperability with popular incumbent video encryption standards. Compositing video is then possible without having to decrypt the master video stream, thereby preserving the security of the copyrighted material. The invention preferably genlocks a digital video source to a master video stream.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for transmitting and receiving discovery and paging messages in a wireless communication device are described herein. In one aspect, a wireless apparatus operable in a wireless communication system includes a receiver configured to receive a discovery packet from a first device, the discovery packet including a first public key and information advertising a service provided by the first device. The wireless apparatus further includes a processor configured to generate a paging request packet, the paging request packet including a second public key and information indicating interest in the service provided by the first device. The processor is further configured to generate an encryption key based at least in part on the first public key and the second public key and encrypt at least a portion of the paging request packet using the generated encryption key.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for transmitting and receiving discovery and paging messages in a wireless communication device are described herein. In one aspect, a wireless apparatus operable in a wireless communication system comprises a processor configured to obfuscate a medium access control address of a frame by generating a random number and a transient address obfuscation key including a first transient key, wherein the transient address obfuscation key is a function of an address obfuscation key and the random number; including the random number in an address obfuscation header field of the frame; and replacing an original first address in an address field of the frame with a new first address that is a function of the original first address and the first transient key. The processor is further configured to include an indication of the obfuscation in a first field of the frame.

Abstract: Key fob and vehicle control unit identifiers (IDs) are used for entity authentication or trust transfer to achieve a secured initial pairing. The key fob is capable of transmitting only (not receiving) and is paired with a control unit in a vehicle or with any other control device. Use of the key fob and control unit IDs prevents unauthorized pairing and access to the operation key (OpKey) that is later used for communications between the devices. Elliptical curve cryptography (ECC) is used for strong security and efficient implementation. In the pairing process, device IDs are used for entity authentication and public key cryptography is used for easy key management. Symmetric encryption is used for fast normal operation and to accommodate key fob addition or revocation after key fob loss.

Abstract: Method, system and device for generating a signal requesting the execution of deletion of encryption key material in a computer system where the method includes providing a key zeroize activation device (100) attached to the computer system (7) and where the key zeroize activation device (100) provides a zeroizing button (1) mounted within the device (100), and where the zeroizing button (1) generate a request signal when operated.

Abstract: A method of managing keys for broadcast encryption comprises identifying a plurality of devices as corresponding to a plurality of leaf nodes in a tree structure comprising a plurality of nodes having a root node, a plurality of middle nodes, and the leaf nodes, the plurality of middle nodes comprising first middle nodes and second middle nodes, determining node key sets for the second middle nodes and for the leaf nodes and omitting a determination of node key sets for first middle nodes of the middle nodes, and determining device keys for the plurality of devices based on the node key sets for the second middle nodes and the node key sets for the leaf nodes.

Abstract: The method of performing XZ-elliptic curve cryptography for use with network security protocols provides a computerized method that allows for the encryption of messages through elliptic polynomial cryptography and, particularly, with the embedding of either a symmetric secret key or a public key in the message bit string. The method of performing XZ-elliptic polynomial cryptography is based on the elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem. It is well known that an elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem is a computationally “difficult” or “hard” problem.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving audio data from a nomadic device is provided. The apparatus comprises a first portable speaker for being operably coupled to the nomadic device. The nomadic device receives first information indicative of a first crossover frequency for the first portable speaker and determines the first crossover frequency based on the first information. The nomadic device transmits the audio data to the first portable speaker in accordance to the first crossover frequency. The first portable speaker is configured to playback the audio data at the first crossover frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reproducing a virtual sound of two channels which adaptively reproduces a 2-channel stereo sound signal reproduced through a recording medium such as DVD, CD, or MP3 player etc., based on a listener's position. The method includes sensing a listener's position and recognizing distance and angle information about the listener's position, determining output gain values and delay values of two speakers based on the distance and angle information about the sensed listener's position and selecting localization filter coefficients in a predetermined table, and updating filter coefficients of a localization filter based on the selected localization filter coefficients and adjusting output levels and time delays of the two speakers from the determined gain values and delay values.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for improving sound localization of the human ear. In some embodiments, the method may include creating virtual movement of a plurality of localized sources by applying a periodic function to one or more location parameters of a head related transfer function (HRTF).

Abstract: A method and system for playing movies with object-based sound complying with industry security standards using less processing power than the prior art, comprises an integrated media block in which, in non-real-time, encrypted audio files are decrypted. The object-based and channel-based audio data is then rendered to theater specific channels in non-real time. After the audio objects are rendered, the rendered audio is re-encrypted and stored for use at a later time. When the rendered movie is to be played in real time, the encrypted video and rendered encrypted audio files are streamed from the server, decrypted, forensically marked and played. Using the present invention, movies also can be downloaded and pre-processed while another movie is playing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for binaural enhancement of tone language for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method for enhancing pitch in a hearing assistance system having a first and second hearing assistance device. A signal is received using a microphone of the first hearing assistance device. Pitch detection is performed on the signal to obtain a pitch value. The pitch value is wirelessly transmitted from the first hearing assistance device to the second hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the pitch value of the first hearing assistance device is combined with a pitch value of the second hearing assistance device. The gain is adjusted based on the combined pitch value, in various embodiments.

Abstract: An amplifier unit suitable for a wide variety of uses, which can flexibly support diverse sound recording scenarios, and a mobile electronic device provided with the amplifier unit. An amplifier unit has microphone/line input terminals respectively provided on the topside surface and the left side surface. When a connector is connected to a mobile electronic device, stereophonic sound is recorded using one of the terminals when the mobile electronic device is held in portrait orientation, and using the other terminal when the mobile electronic device is held in landscape orientation. It is possible to switch each of audio signals coming through the two terminals between monophonic and stereophonic.

Abstract: A sound system and method for capturing and reproducing sounds produced by a plurality of sound sources are disclosed. Sounds produced by the plurality of sound sources may be received and converted separately to separate audio signals without mixing the audio signals. The audio signals may be separately stored on a recording medium without mixing the audio signals. Such audio signals may be read from the recording medium and separately amplified using an amplification network of amplifiers. Loudspeakers in a loudspeaker network may be used to separately reproduce the sounds from the amplified audio signals. Components within a signal path may be dynamically controlled by a controller. The amplifiers and/or loudspeakers for each signal path may be customized based on the characteristics and complexities of the original sound to be reproduced on each signal path.

Abstract: A content processing apparatus using sound includes a sound processor configured to generate acoustic sound for a locality check when an event in which locality check is to be executed is generated, a speaker configured to output the acoustic sound, a microphone configured to receive response sound output from an external apparatus which receives the acoustic sound, and a controller configured to determine the external apparatus which outputs the response sound as a peripheral apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, system, and method for a headphone that detects whether the device is in use and either automatically powers up the device when in use, or automatically powers down the device when not in use, or both.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information to a user positioned in a room with two independent listening areas where, in one area, an audio signal is output compensating for the sound from the other area, and where a position between the two areas is indicated to a user. When the user moves about, the position and size of one listening area may change, and the user may be made aware of any conflict with the other listening area. The areas may be defined by boundaries where a compensation quality is at a threshold quality.

Abstract: The method comprises the determination of an observation vector that comprises only electrical measurements of the voltage (Umes) at the loudspeaker terminals and of the current (i) passing through the loudspeaker, and a state vector (X) whose components comprise: values of linear parameters of the loudspeaker response such as the electrical (Re) and mechanical (Req) resistance, and polynomial coefficients of nonlinear parameters such as the force factor (Bl), the equivalent stiffness (Keq) and the electrical inductance (Le). The voltage and current measurements are applied to an estimator with a predictive filter of the extended Kalman filter incorporating a representation of a dynamic model of the loudspeaker. This filter operates a prediction of the state vector (X) and readjusts this prediction by calculation of an estimate (Uest) of the voltage based on the state vector and on the measured current and comparison of this estimate with the measurement (Umes) of the voltage.

Abstract: A method and portable terminal for automatically controlling an output volume of audio output of a head phone when the head phone is connected to a portable terminal are provided. The method of controlling an audio output in a portable terminal, includes outputting a test audio signal to a head phone for a preset playback time when the head phone is connected to the portable terminal; collecting neighboring noise interval information and impedance interval information of the head phone while the test audio signal is output to the head phone; determining impedance of the head phone based on the neighboring noise interval information and the impedance interval information; determining a gain of an audio signal based on the determined impedance; and amplifying the audio signal in proportion to the determined gain, and outputting the amplified audio signal to the head phone.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ultrasonic stimulating pet toy and, more specifically, to a mouse-like pet toy comprising a sound chip assembly that emits ultrasonic vocalizations that replicate those studied in mice. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Methods and systems for echo modulation are described. In one embodiment, intensities of a plurality of values in multiple windows of an audio signal may be obtained. The windows may be subject to a periodic boundary condition. A plurality of echo values may be calculated for each of the respective windows. The audio signal may be altered in one or more of the windows using a windowing function and echo values. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic device including a first microphone and a second microphone to block the echo generation the electronic device is operated in a loudspeaker mode. The method includes: determining whether a sensor located within a predetermined range from the second microphone has sensed a peripheral object; blocking an operation of the second microphone when the sensor has sensed a peripheral object; and blocking echo generation by eliminating a sound that is output from a speaker and input to the first microphone.

Abstract: Provided is a method for adaptively enhancing an end-user's perceived quality, or quality of experience (QoE), of speech and other audio under ambient noise conditions. The method comprises the steps of determining the ambient noise characteristics on a continuous basis to capture the time varying nature of ambient noises, and adaptively determining the most optimal signal shaping to be applied to the audio/speech signal to produce the most appropriate enhancement to compensate for the ambient noise impairment. The method also comprises a signal shaping technique by using an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter that performs the signal modification with a low delay; a multi-level automatic gain control (AGC); and a controlled amplitude clipping module that assures samples are below a certain limit; and outputs the modified signal for playback through a loudspeaker or the like.

Abstract: Provided is a system for adaptively enhancing an end-user's perceived quality, or quality of experience (QoE), of speech and other audio under ambient noise conditions. The system comprises the steps of determining the ambient noise characteristics on a continuous basis to capture the time varying nature of ambient noises, and adaptively determining the most optimal signal shaping to be applied to the audio/speech signal to produce the most appropriate enhancement to compensate for the ambient noise impairment. The system also comprises a signal shaping technique by using an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter that performs the signal modification with a low delay; a multi-level automatic gain control (AGC); and a controlled amplitude clipping module that assures samples are below a certain limit; and outputs the modified signal for playback through a loudspeaker or the like.

Abstract: Provided is a computer program product for adaptively enhancing an end-user's perceived quality, or quality of experience (QoE), of speech and other audio under ambient noise conditions. The computer program product comprises the steps of determining the ambient noise characteristics on a continuous basis to capture the time varying nature of ambient noises, and adaptively determining the most optimal signal shaping to be applied to the audio/speech signal to produce the most appropriate enhancement to compensate for the ambient noise impairment. The computer program product also comprises a signal shaping technique by using an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter that performs the signal modification with a low delay; a multi-level automatic gain control (AGC); and a controlled amplitude clipping module that assures samples are below a certain limit; and outputs the modified signal for playback through a loudspeaker or the like.

Abstract: An electrostatic earphone with a closed-back housing, a sleeve for acoustically sealing to an ear canal, and an electrostatic transducer is provided. The closed-back housing may include a nozzle for acoustic transmission of sound to the ear canal, and the sleeve may be removably attached to the nozzle. The electrostatic transducer may include a diaphragm with a conductive layer, stator plates, and diaphragm rings in electrical contact with the conductive layer of the diaphragm. The stator plates may include an outer annular conductive portion and a central conductive portion. The outer annular portion may be in electrical contact with a bias voltage and the diaphragm rings. The central portion may have a dielectric layer and be in electrical contact with an audio signal. The stator plates and the diaphragm may be spaced apart by the diaphragm rings. An amplifier may provide the bias voltage and audio signal to the earphone.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable headphone users to he hear audible announcements of relevance to the user. In the various embodiments, a user device, such as headphones, may receive an announcement, determine whether the announcement is of interest to the user, and pause the current audio output by the headphones and enable the user to hear the announcement. In an embodiment, an announcement system may transmit announcements audibly and via a wireless channel, for example via broadcast and/or multicast transmission, to enable user devices to receive announcements and play relevant announcements via the headphones. In another embodiment, an announcement system may embedded announcement identifiers within audible announcements to enable a user device to identify announcements of interest. In another embodiment, a user device may filter received audio to identify announcements of interest to the user based on recognized subject matter within the received audio.

Abstract: An earphone connection interface, a terminal including the same, and a method of operating the terminal are provided. The earphone connection interface includes: a terminal left terminal, a terminal right terminal, a terminal ground terminal, an earphone detection terminal, and a terminal microphone terminal disposed sequentially along an inner wall of a cylindrical groove and an ear microphone bias voltage source electrically connected to the terminal microphone terminal; and a capacitor electrically connected to the terminal microphone terminal through a switch element.

Abstract: An innovative new series of personal near-field active monitor speakers incorporating a digital wireless receiver and an industry-standard digital serial data interface that provides for wireless and wired digital audio streaming, apps for mobile devices or computers (smart phones, tablets, laptops etc.) to provide remote configuration of studio monitor modeling, i.e., emulations of popular near-field reference monitors; artist signature modeling, i.e., emulations of the favorite settings of well-known recording artists and music producers; and remote room equalization using the microphone integrated in a mobile or desktop personal computer, or an attached external microphone.

Abstract: A target sound enhancement device 10 has a first beamformer 16 and a second beamformer 17 which are of different types. A vehicle interior environment model in which this target sound enhancement device 10 is mounted is stored in a vehicle interior environment model storage unit 13. A beamformer type determining unit 14 selects a most suitable beamformer according to the vehicle interior environment model for each of predetermined frequency bands, and a BF selector 15 outputs a signal in each frequency band to the beamformer selected. A signal combining unit 18 combines signals in the frequency bands in each of which the driver's voice outputted from the first beamformer 16 or the second beamformer 17 is enhanced.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit for making a display includes a first medium, a support element, and first and second wave generators. The first medium is foldable according to scoring to form a display with a cavity. The element is attachable or attached to a back surface of the folded first medium, to be positioned at least partially within the cavity. The first wave generator is attachable or attached to the back surface, to receive signals from a signal generator and produce mechanical waves that cause the first medium to vibrate and generate audible acoustic waves within a first frequency range. The second wave generator is attachable or attached to the element, to receive signals from the signal generator and produce mechanical waves that cause the element to vibrate and generate audible acoustic waves within a second frequency range, different from the first frequency range.

Abstract: A haptic conversion system is provided that intercepts audio data, such as a digital audio signal, analyzes the audio data in frequency, and divides the analyzed audio data into one or more audio frequency regions, where each audio frequency region includes one or more audio sub-signals. The haptic conversion system further maps the one or more audio frequency regions to one or more haptic frequency regions, where each haptic frequency region includes one or more haptic signals. The haptic conversion system further maps the one or more haptic effects to one or more actuators. The haptic conversion system further sends the one or more haptic signals to one or more actuators, in order to generate one or more haptic effects.

Abstract: A multimedia processing system is provided. The system comprises: a depth analyzing unit configured to receive an input image and retrieve a depth image according to the input image; and a audio processing unit configured to receive an input audio signal and the depth image, detect an audio object and position information corresponding to the audio object from the depth image, and retrieve an acoustic frequency range corresponding to the audio object from the input audio signal; wherein when the position information exceeds a predetermined range, the audio processing unit adjusts the acoustic frequency range of the input audio signal according to the position information to generate an output audio signal.

Abstract: An audio device and an output method thereof are provided. The audio device includes: an envelope detector configured to detect an envelope of an input audio signal; a power supply which includes a linear power supply (LPS) and a switching-mode power supply (SMPS); an amplifier configured to amplify the input audio signal; an output unit configured to output the audio signal amplified by the amplifier; and a controller configured to compare a voltage level of the detected envelope with a preset level, select one of the LPS and the SMPS based on a result of the comparison, and control the power supply to supply power from the selected one of the LPS and the SMPS to the amplifier.

Abstract: A distributed self-scaling network audio processing system includes end nodes interconnected by packet-switched network and operating as peers on the network. Each of the end nodes supports local input processing, mixing, and output processing. The input processing includes the option of dual input channels for supporting separate front-of-house and monitor workflows. End nodes are added to the system to support specific audio processing applications, based on the number of audio sources, the number of output mixes required, and the number of locations from which users choose to interact with the system.

Abstract: A terminal having a piezoelectric speaker system includes a control unit to generate a sound source signal, a first amplification unit to provide a voltage to amplify the sound source signal, and a piezoelectric module to vibrate according to the amplified sound source signal, the piezoelectric module being configured to transmit vibrations to a contact medium to generate a sound. A method for generating a sound using a piezoelectric speaker includes amplifying a sound source signal, generating a vibration in a piezoelectric module according to the amplified sound source signal, and transmitting vibration to a contact medium for generating the sound.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus includes a frame, a speaker connected to the frame, a digital signal processor in communication with the speaker to receive audio data and control data to control the speaker, the digital signal processor connected to the frame, and a lamp base coupler electrically connected to the speaker and receiver, the lamp base coupler detachably connectable to a power source, when the power source is present. A method of steering the diffused sound field includes, broadcasting at least one calibration audio signal through a plurality of speakers (M) in an audio system, receiving the calibration audio signal in a plurality of microphones spaced apart and positioned about at a listening position, and calculating respective relative speaker placement angles relative to the listening position between each of the plurality of speakers in response to receipt of the calibration audio signal in the plurality of microphones.

Abstract: A speaker includes a housing and four substantially similar electro-acoustic drivers secured inside the housing. The drivers are driven by substantially the same audio signal and are arranged such that the net mechanical vibrational force between the drivers and the housing is substantially zero. Four substantially similar passive radiators are secured inside the housing and driven by acoustic energy from the four drivers. The passive radiators are arranged such that the net mechanical vibrational force between the passive radiators and the housing is substantially zero.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a system for amplifying a signal provided by a capacitive signal source includes an impedance converter having an input node configured to be coupled to a first terminal of the capacitive signal source, and an adjustable capacitive network having a first node configured to be coupled to a second terminal of the capacitive signal source and a second node coupled to an output node of the impedance converter.

Abstract: Entertainment systems are provided including directional sound speakers associated with a media player of the entertainment system; and a directional sound controller associated with the directional sound speakers of the media player. The directional sound controller is configured to direct a sound beam associated with the media player at a defined target region such that the sound beam is only audible within the defined target region and experiences less than about 20 dB of leakage outside the target region during operation of the media player. In-flight entertainment systems and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a vibrating panel device for an electromagnetic vibrator, which includes at least one vibrating panel device. The vibrating panel module includes a base, a vibrating panel and an upper suspension, wherein an inner edge and an outer edge of the upper suspension are respectively connected with the base and the vibrating panel, and form an integrated whole body. Further, two vibrating panel modules are fixedly connected in opposite directions to form the vibrating panel device. By unique structures of the vibrating panel device, when the voice coil drives the vibrating panel to actuate, shaking of the vibrating panels is offset due to interactions between a pair of the suspensions and a pair of the vibrating panels, in such a manner that the voice coil drives the vibrating panel to process vertical up-and-down stroke, so as to replace a conventional damper.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a binaural and localized audio signal to a user is provided. A signal processing method is provided for delivering spatialized sound in various ways using highly optimized inverse filters to deliver narrow localized beams of sound from the included speaker array. The inventive method can be used to provide private listening areas in a public space and provide spatialization of source material for a single user to create a virtual surround sound effect. In a binaural mode, a speaker array provides two targeted beams aimed towards the primary user's ears—one discrete beam for the left ear and one discrete beam for the right ear. In a privacy mode, a privacy zone could be created in which a primary audio beam would deliver a signal of interest to the user while secondary beams would be aimed at different angles to provide a masking noise.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an output signal having at least two output channels from an input signal having at least two input channels, has an ambient/direct decomposer, an ambient modification unit and a combination unit. The ambient/direct decomposer is adapted to decompose at least two input channels of the input signal such that each one of the at least two input channels is decomposed into a signal of a first signal group and into a signal of a second signal group. The ambient modification unit is adapted to modify a signal of the ambient signal group or a signal derived from a signal of the ambient signal group to obtain a modified signal as a first output channel. The combination unit is adapted to combine a signal of the ambient signal group or a signal derived from a signal of the ambient signal group and a signal of the direct signal group or a signal derived from a signal of the direct signal group as a second output channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing a gateway for a wireless hearing assistance device. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. One or more message and alert inputs are received and the message and alert inputs are processed to obtain an output. The output is wirelessly transmitted to a hearing assistance device, and the output is configured to be played via audio to a wearer of the hearing assistance device and to interrupt a current audio stream being played to the wearer, in various embodiments.

Abstract: Provided is an external noise shielding apparatus and method for use in a hearing aid device. The external noise shielding apparatus and method periodically monitors and shields external noise introduced into the hearing aid device to thus enable a user to discernibly hear a voice signal even in the external noise environment.