Abstract: The disclosure relates to binaural hearing instruments and more particularly to reduction of processing time required in a binaural hearing aid system. According to the disclosure, there is provided a method comprising mono-directional transmission of data blocks comprising audio and/or information frames from one hearing instrument to the other hearing instrument or vice versa in a binaural hearing aid. According to the disclosure, the direction of transmission is determined by a quantity characterizing the presence of usable information content in the sound signal picked up by the hearing instruments of the binaural hearing aid. It is proposed to use one or more of local SNR, local voice activity detection indication, local level, local speech intelligibility estimate to determine the direction of transmission, although other quantities may be used.

Abstract: A system, including an adaptive noise cancellation sub-system, wherein the system is configured to adjust operation of the sub-system from a first operating state to a second operating state upon a determination that operation of the adaptive noise cancellation sub-system will be effectively affected by an own voice body conducted noise phenomenon.

Abstract: Described is a system for the therapeutic modification of human behavior and, more specifically, a system for the transcranial control of procedural memory reconsolidation for the purposes of enhanced skill acquisition. During operation the system records a practice pattern. The practice pattern is a recording of a sensed brain activity from a sensor array when a subject is performing a skill. The practice pattern is converted to brain activity voxels and stored as both an uncompressed practice pattern and a compressed practice pattern.

Abstract: A mobile telephone has a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall partly continuous with a side face, and a side wall, and includes a vibration-absorbing member between the top wall and each of the rear wall and the side wall, and a cartilage conduction vibration source on the inner side of the top wall. Opposite corner parts of the top wall partly continuous with the side face each serve as a cartilage conduction unit. Or a mobile telephone has a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and a side wall, and includes a cartilage conduction vibration source that has a thin shape, that vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the thin shape, and that is affixed to the middle, in the left/right direction, of the inner side of the top wall in a direction parallel to the thin shape.

Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.

Abstract: A method improves a picked-up signal in a hearing system. The hearing system has at least one hearing device, particularly a hearing aid. The hearing aid device has an associated first directional microphone that has an adjustable first directional characteristic with a preferential direction. The first directional microphone converts sound into a first signal that is adopted in the picked-up signal. A speech activity of a user of the hearing system is monitored, and recognition of a speech activity of the user prompts the preferential direction of the first directional characteristic to be adjusted in comparison with a frontal direction of the user such that the sound sensitivity of the first directional microphone undergoes attenuation in the frontal direction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to cancelling crosstalk vibrations due to the use of multiple bone conduction transducers by modifying bone conduction signals sent to the bone conduction transducers. The bone conduction signals are modified using an adaptive filter with its coefficients adjusted based on the vibrations generated at a bone conduction transducer and crosstalk vibrations sensed at a vibration sensor assembly. The bone conduction transducer for generating the calibration vibrations and the vibration sensor assembly for detecting the crosstalk vibrations may be placed at opposite sides of the user's head.

Abstract: The application relates to a portable electronic system comprising a first electronic device and an auxiliary device. The first electronic device comprises a first antenna defining a first spatial direction, and a first wireless unit operationally coupled to the first antenna. The auxiliary device comprises a second antenna defining a second spatial direction, the second antenna comprising a multitude of antenna elements, each defining a specific spatial direction, a second wireless unit operationally coupled to the second antenna, a direction detector configured to provide a direction-signal indicating an estimate of a current value of said second spatial direction relative to a reference direction, and a control unit configured to selectively control the connection of said multitude of antenna elements of the second antenna to said second wireless unit based on said direction-signal from the direction detector.

Abstract: A method for fitting a hearing device to the needs and preferences of a user of the hearing device is disclosed. In a first step of the disclosed method, a first range for a parameter setting of a first parameter is determined based on a first audiological test performed with the user. In a second step of the disclosed method, the first parameter is adjusted to a first final parameter setting within the first range and/or a second parameter of the hearing device is adjusted to a second final parameter setting based on a second audiological test performed with the user. The second parameter is functionally related to the first parameter such that the first parameter is expressible as a function of the second parameter, and the adjusting is performed such that the first parameter setting remains within the first range. Additionally, corresponding fitting apparatuses and computer-readable media are disclosed.

Abstract: In a hearing aid (26) that can be inserted into the ear canal (12) of a patient, comprising an actuator (31) effecting a mechanical stimulation of the tympanic membrane (14), the actuator (31) comprises an inner surface (32) associated with the tympanic membrane (14) and an outer surface (42) associated with the ear canal (12) and is configured as an areal disk actuator, whose deformation stimulates the tympanic membrane (14) by areal deformation. On the actuator (31) at a distance from the outer surface (42) a cover plate (43) is arranged which together with the outer surface (42) delimits a preferably lenticular cavity (48).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, method, and computer program product whereby a device receives an acoustic signal. In response to the received acoustic signal, the device outputs electrical signals from a first input audio transducer and a second input audio transducer. The second input audio transducer is less sensitive than the first input audio transducer.

Abstract: A method of operating a hearing aid system (400) based on processing two groups of interleaved frequency bands such that one of the two groups of frequency bands is attenuated with respect to the other and such that it alternates with time whether one or the other of the two groups are attenuated and a hearing aid system (100, 200, 300) for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A hearing aid device includes: a hearing aid housing surrounding an inner space; a frame structure arranged in the inner space, the frame structure configured for mounting at least a microphone and a signal processing unit; a sound emitter sized for being arranged in an ear canal; a conductor, wherein the sound emitter is arranged on a first end of the conductor; a connector socket arranged in the frame structure, wherein the hearing aid housing comprises a passage located in front of the connector socket; a connector plug arranged on a second end of the conductor, the connector plug configured for insertion through the passage for connection to the connector socket; a recess at an outer surface of the connector plug; and a locking plug having a first part configured to extend through a housing opening at the hearing aid housing, and engage with the recess.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or configuring a user-specific hearing system using a computing and/or communication device. The hearing system includes at least one hearing device customizable according to the individual hearing ability and/or preferences of a user of the hearing system. The method includes connecting the hearing system to a server via a network, connecting the computing and/or communication device to the server via the network, providing by the server a hearing system control and/or configuration service tailored to the user-specific hearing system to the computing and/or communication device, determining and/or selecting at the computing and/or communication device control data and/or configuration data using the hearing system control and/or configuration service, sending the control and/or configuration data from the computing and/or communication device to the hearing system, and adjusting the hearing system based on control and/or configuration data received at the hearing system.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing assistance device (HAD) comprising (a) an input transducer system comprising (a1) an audio input transducer (AIT), and (a2) a first supplementary input transducer (SIT1), (b) an output transducer (OT) for converting a processed output signal to a stimulus perceivable by said user as sound, and (c) a signal processing unit (SPU) operationally connected to said audio input transducer (AIT), to said first supplementary input transducer (SIT1), and to said output transducer (OT), said signal processing unit (SPU) being configured for processing said electric audio input signal, and said first supplementary electric input signal, and for providing said processed output signal. The audio input transducer (AIT) is adapted for being located in an ear of the user. In a NORMAL mode of operation, electric audio input signal is processed in the signal processing unit and the supplementary electric input signal(s) are used to control the processing.

Abstract: A bone conduction device configured to couple to an abutment of an anchor system anchored to a recipient's skull. The bone conduction device includes a vibrating electromagnetic actuator configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the bone conduction device, and a coupling apparatus configured to attach the bone conduction device to the abutment so as to impart to the recipient's skull vibrations generated by the vibrating electromagnetic actuator. The vibrating electromagnetic actuator includes a bobbin assembly and a counterweight assembly. Two axial air gaps are located between the bobbin assembly and the counterweight assembly and two radial air gaps are located between the bobbin assembly and the counterweight assembly. No substantial amount of the dynamic magnetic flux passes through the radial air gaps.

Abstract: A passive ambient in-ear monitor includes an interchangeable unidirectional sonic filter that allows ambient sound to pass through to the ear canal and be combined with sound generated by internal drivers. A sonic low pressure equalization device of a predetermined spatial volume links the sonic filter with the internal drivers to deliver to the user a mixture of generated and ambient sound without any substantial degradation to low frequency sound.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; a memory unit; and an interface; wherein the hearing device is configured to operate according to one or more security settings of the hearing device, the one or more security settings of the hearing device being stored in the memory unit; and wherein the processing unit is configured to obtain one or more new security settings via the interface, the one or more new security settings comprising a new first hearing device key identifier indicative of a hearing device key, verify the one or more new security settings, and updating the hearing device based on the one or more new security settings if the one or more new security settings are verified.

Abstract: A passive ambient in-ear monitor includes a unidirectional sonic filter that allows ambient sound to pass through to the ear canal and be combined with sound generated by internal drivers. A sonic low pressure equalization device of a predetermined spatial volume links the sonic filter with the internal drivers to deliver to the user a mixture of generated and ambient sound without any substantial degradation to low frequency sound.

Abstract: A method may include receiving a sound signal and identifying a plurality of components of the sound signal. The plurality of components may include a tonal component and an atonal component. The method may further include generating a first stimulation signal based on the tonal component of the sound signal, wherein the first stimulation signal is configured for application by a first stimulator to provide an acoustic output from a hearing prosthesis system. In addition, the method may include generating a second stimulation signal based on the atonal component of the sound signal, wherein the second stimulation signal is configured for application by a second stimulator to provide an electrical output from the hearing prosthesis system.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for preservation/retention of binaural cues in a bilateral system, such as a bilateral hearing/auditory prosthesis system. The bilateral system comprises first and second bilateral prostheses, each of which includes an automatic gain control (AGC) system. The first and second bilateral prostheses communicate with one another over a AGC update channel/link to exchange AGC updates in a power-efficient manner.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for engaging in monitoring of audio signals received and processed by a hearing prosthesis. In accordance with one embodiment, a method includes a monitoring device detecting a trigger event, in response to the detecting, the monitoring device transmitting to a hearing prosthesis an instruction to switch transmission modes, and in response to the transmitting, the monitoring device receiving from the hearing prosthesis an audio stream.

Abstract: A hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, adapted for being arranged at least partly on a user's head or at least partly implanted in a user's head is provided. The hearing device comprises an own voice detector comprising first and second signal strength detectors for providing signal strength estimates of first and second electric input signals. The own voice detector comprises a comparison unit operationally coupled to the first and second signal strength detectors and configured to compare the signal strength estimates of the first and second electric input signals and to provide an indication of the difference between said signal strength estimates; and a control unit for providing an own voice detection signal indicative of a user's own voice being present or not present in the current sound in the environment of the user, the own voice detection signal being dependent on said signal strength comparison measure.

Abstract: Earpieces and methods for acute sound detection and reproduction are provided. A method can include measuring an external ambient sound level (xASL), monitoring a change in the xASL for detecting an acute sound, estimating a proximity of the acute sound, and upon detecting the acute sound and it's proximity, reproducing the acute sound within an ear canal, where the ear canal is at least partially occluded by an earpiece. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for a user adjustment interface using remote computing resources. Specifically, a system can include a mobile device in communication with a hearing assistance device or a remote server. The mobile device can interpret an acoustic environment and send information about the environment to a remote server. The remote server can determine and send information to the mobile device for use in a user interface. The mobile device can receive a user selection of hearing assistance parameter information to be sent to the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: An equalized hearing aid system includes a microphone, a first equalizer, a first mixer, and a first speaker coupled in series forming a first signal path with a second mixer coupled to the first equalizer within the first signal path. The microphone, a second equalizer, a third mixer, and a second speaker are coupled in series forming a second signal path with a fourth mixer coupled to the second equalizer within the second signal path. A control interface may be coupled to at least one of the first equalizer and the second equalizer. A Bluetooth module may be coupled to at least one of the first equalizer and the second equalizer. A third equalizer may be coupled to input signal into the first signal path and a fourth equalizer may be coupled to input signal into the second signal path.

Abstract: A listening device processes an electric input sound signal and provides an output stimulus perceivable to a wearer of the listening device as sound, the listening device comprising a signal processing unit for processing an information signal originating from the electric input sound signal and to provide a processed output signal forming the basis for generating said output stimulus. A perception unit establishes a perception measure indicative of the wearer's present ability to perceive said information signal. A signal interface communicates the perception measure to another person or device.

Abstract: A wireless (e.g., near field or RF) communication device, and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a receiver and/or transmitter, a substrate with an antenna thereon, an integrated circuit, and one or more protection lines. The antenna receives and/or transmits or broadcasts a wireless signal. The integrated circuit processes the wireless signal and/or information therefrom, and/or generates the wireless signal and/or information therefor. The integrated circuit has a first set of terminals electrically connected to the antenna. The protection line(s) are on a common or different substrate as the antenna. The protection line(s) sense or determine a continuity state of a package or container on which the communication device is placed or to which the communication device is fixed or adhered, and are electrically connected to a second set of terminals of the integrated circuit different from the first set of terminals.

Abstract: A hearing aid method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, include a cognitive state analysis circuit configured to analyze a cognitive state of a user, a context analysis circuit configured to analyze a context of the user, and an audio characteristic controller configures to control an audio characteristic of a hearing aid based on a joint assessment of the cognitive state of the user and the context of the user.

Abstract: A system, method and one or more wireless earpieces for calibrating one or more wireless earpieces. An indication that the calibration of the one or more wireless earpieces is required is received. Sensors of the one or more wireless earpieces are calibrated in response to receiving the indication. Calibration information is analyzed. A determination is made whether the calibration is successful utilizing the calibration information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for transferring programming information to a hearing instrument. Such programming information may include hearing loss compensation parameters and/or other information pertaining to device operation. In one embodiment, each of a pair of hearing instruments prescribed and configured for a particular hearing loss contains the necessary information for operation on either the left or right ear. The data from one hearing instrument may then be transferred to the other hearing instrument by means of wireless communication. In other embodiments, programming information is transferred wirelessly by an external device connected to a database.

Abstract: A case for a pair of earbuds includes a housing having cavities to receive the pair of earbuds and charging circuitry that is configured to initiate charging of the pair of earbuds when an earbud detector detects that the earbuds are inserted within the cavities.

Abstract: Wind noise reduction in microphone signals. A first microphone signal is obtained from a first omnidirectional microphone and, contemporaneously, a second microphone signal is obtained from a second omnidirectional microphone. The first and second microphone signals are mixed to produce an output signal. Mixing involves weighting the first and second microphone signals by respective first and second signal weights to produce respective first and second weighted microphone signals, and summing the first and second weighted microphone signals together to produce the output signal. The first and second signal weights are calculated to minimize the power of the output signal.

Abstract: A hearing aid compatible portable electronic audio device is configured to automatically determine whether or not the device is being used by a hearing impaired user who is wearing a hearing aid, and select a mode of operation based on this determination. The device includes a proximity sensor and a magnetic field sensor. The proximity sensor is used to detect a change in distance of the device to the user's ear. The magnetic field sensor is used to detect a change in magnetic field caused by the device moving relative to the hearing aid. The device selects between a normal audio mode of operation and a hearing aid compatible mode of operation based on both the change in detected distance and the change in detected magnetic field. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system, method and one or more wireless earpieces for performing self-configuration. A user is identified utilizing the one or more wireless earpieces. Noises from an environment of the user are received utilizing the one or more wireless earpieces. An audio profile associated with the noises of the environment of the user is determined. The components of the one or more wireless earpieces are automatically configured in response to the audio profile and the user identified as utilizing the one or more wireless earpieces.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device comprises a system in package (SIP) disposed within an enclosure. The SIP module comprises a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first substrate supporting a first subsystem configured to perform a first function. A second substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface, the second substrate supporting a second subsystem configured to perform a second function. The second surfaces face each other and at least one of the second surfaces supports one or more components. An interconnect layer is separate from and bonded to and between the first and second substrates. The interconnect layer comprises a window and a region peripheral to the window. The window is sized to accommodate the one or more components and the peripheral region comprising electrical pathways for electrically connecting the first subsystem and the second subsystem.

Abstract: A method of controlling a personal acoustic device includes generating a first electrical signal responsive to an acoustic signal incident at a microphone disposed at a location on an earpiece of the personal acoustic device such that the microphone is acoustically coupled to an environment external to the earpiece. A characteristic of a transfer function based on the first electrical signal and a second electrical signal provided to a speaker in the earpiece is determined. An operating state of the personal acoustic device is determined form the characteristic of the transfer function. The operating state include a state in which the earpiece is positioned in the vicinity of an ear of a user and a second state in which the earpiece is absent from the vicinity of the ear of the user.

Abstract: A mobile telephone has a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall partly continuous with a side face, and a side wall, and includes a vibration-absorbing member between the top wall and each of the rear wall and the side wall, and a cartilage conduction vibration source on the inner side of the top wall. Opposite corner parts of the top wall partly continuous with the side face each serve as a cartilage conduction unit. Or a mobile telephone has a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and a side wall, and includes a cartilage conduction vibration source that has a thin shape, that vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the thin shape, and that is affixed to the middle, in the left/right direction, of the inner side of the top wall in a direction parallel to the thin shape.

Abstract: A hearing device for augmenting the hearing of a user. The hearing device comprises an antenna unit having a slot is disclosed.

Abstract: A hearing device comprising a first shell member and a second shell member constituting a housing when assembled is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a chassis provided with attachment structures for attachment of the first shell member and the second shell member to the chassis.

Abstract: A bone conduction hearing aid system includes a hearing aid housing with a hearing aid vibrator. A skin interface has an interface connector offset on an outer interface surface and detachably connected to a housing connector. A skin adhesive connects to the skin of a patient user to transmit the sound vibrations through the skin to underlying skull bone for transmission by bone conduction to a hearing organ of the user. When the skin adhesive is pressed against the skin of the user, the skin is initially engaged during an initial engagement period with an initial adhesive force that promotes removal and relocation of the skin interface, and the skin is fully engaged after the initial engagement period with a full adhesive force greater than the initial adhesive force that promotes a fixed secure connection that resists removal of the skin interface.

Abstract: A hearing aid and a method for operating a hearing aid is disclosed. The hearing aid comprises a processor configured to compensate for a hearing loss; a battery unit comprising a rechargeable battery; a wireless receiver element for receipt of a wireless power signal, the wireless receiver element configured to convert the wireless power signal to an electrical power signal; a detector assembly for provision of one or more detector signals including a first detector signal; and a power controller connected to the processor and the detector assembly, wherein the power controller is configured to select a power mode of the hearing aid from a plurality of power modes based on the first detector signal and apply the selected power mode in the hearing aid.

Abstract: A method improves a picked-up signal in a hearing system. The hearing system has at least one hearing device, particularly a hearing aid. The hearing aid device has an associated first directional microphone that has an adjustable first directional characteristic with a preferential direction. The first directional microphone converts sound into a first signal that is adopted in the picked-up signal. A speech activity of a user of the hearing system is monitored, and recognition of a speech activity of the user prompts the preferential direction of the first directional characteristic to be adjusted in comparison with a frontal direction of the user such that the sound sensitivity of the first directional microphone undergoes attenuation in the frontal direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a speech/audio signal processing method based on wideband switching and a coding apparatus. The method includes: if a first wideband speech/audio signal is a harmonic signal, adjusting a determining condition for determining that a second wideband speech/audio signal is a harmonic signal, to obtain a first determining condition, where the first wideband speech/audio signal is a signal before wideband switching, and the second wideband speech/audio signal is a signal after the wideband switching; and determining, according to the first determining condition, whether the second wideband speech/audio signal is a harmonic signal. In the case of wideband switching, signal types of speech/audio signals remain as consistent as possible before and after the switching, so that continuity of the speech/audio signal decoded by a decoder device is ensured as much as possible, further improving speech communication service quality.

Abstract: A hearing aid device (100, 100a-b) comprises a shell portion (104) and a battery door module (200, 200a-b) attached to the shell portion. The battery door module comprises a battery casing (221, 221a-b) and an electronics casing (208, 208a-b). The battery casing receives a battery (202) defining a battery axis (LBAT) that extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the battery door module. The electronics casing encloses a voltage regulator (216), a printed circuit board assembly (214), and at least a portion of one or more charging elements (220, 220a). The battery door module also comprises at least one attachment member (204, 206, 206a-b) that allows the battery door module to attach to a shell portion of the hearing aid device. The battery door module is movable relative to the shell portion between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; a memory unit; and an interface; wherein the hearing device is configured to operate according to one or more security settings of the hearing device, the one or more security settings of the hearing device being stored in the memory unit; and wherein the processing unit is configured to obtain one or more new security settings via the interface, the one or more new security settings comprising a new first hearing device key identifier indicative of a hearing device key, verify the one or more new security settings, and updating the hearing device based on the one or more new security settings if the one or more new security settings are verified.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a new hearing aid profile generating instruction, generating a new hearing aid profile corresponding to each of a plurality of hearing aid users in response to receiving the new hearing aid profile, and providing the new hearing aid profile to a computing device associated with the hearing aid users.

Abstract: An earphone includes: a housing; a dynamic driver unit provided in the housing; and a sound conduit having a length of approximately 10 mm or more, the sound conduit being configured to transmit sound output from the dynamic driver unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hearing instrument including a housing to be worn at an ear of a person. The hearing instrument including an antenna unit having a slot. Further, the antenna unit comprises a loading wing arranged so as to focus the nearfield of the inside the hearing instrument.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal interacts with a digital hearing aid and a wireless hearing aid uses the mobile communication terminal. When a user having the mobile communication terminal interworking with the digital hearing aid operates the hearing aid, an amplification function suitable for auditory characteristics of the user is performed. That is, when auditory information of the user is sent to the terminal, the terminal adjusts an amplification gain to prevent the acoustic shock by measuring an environmental signal. The terminal computes an environment profile by analyzing the measured environmental signal and auditory information of the user sent from the hearing aid and automatically adjusts a non-linear amplification level according to a user environment by sending the environment profile to the hearing aid.