Abstract: A system for providing sound to at least one user has at least one audio signal source, a transmission unit with a digital transmitter audio data packets from the audio signal source via a wireless digital audio link; at least one receiver unit having at least one digital receiver; and a hearing stimulator responsive to audio signals from the receiver unit. The transmission unit encodes the audio signal as audio data blocks distributed onto at least two audio data packets, one of which is a low-quality packet, and one of which is a high quality packet only a low-quality version of the audio signal being retrievable from the low-quality packets, and a high-quality version of the audio signal being retrievable from both the low-quality packets and the high-quality packets. The low-quality packets and the high-quality packets are transmitted in respective dedicated slots of a multiple access protocol frame.

Abstract: A combined ambient sound and secondary audio system comprises at least one microphone for receiving ambient sound, at least one receiver for receiving secondary audio from a secondary audio source not audible in the ambient sound. The system further includes a memory storing one or more sets processing parameters comprising instructions for processing the ambient sound and the secondary audio and a processor coupled to the memory, the microphone, and the receiver configured to generate combined ambient and secondary sound by combining the ambient sound and the secondary audio as directed by a selected set of processing parameters retrieved from the memory.

Abstract: A method for suppressing interference noise in an acoustic system with a microphone that generates an input signal and a loudspeaker that generates an acoustic signal which partially feeds back to the microphone. A first intermediate signal is formed along a primary signal path as a function of the input signal, and an output signal is formed via a frequency distortion. The output signal is coupled into a signal feedback path. A second intermediate signal is formed in the signal feedback path via a decorrelation and used as an input value for an adaptive filter. The adaptive filter generates a compensation signal which compensates the input signal. A third intermediate signal is formed from the input signal and/or compensated input signal, which is used as an input value for the adaptive filter. The output signal is fed to the loudspeaker for reproduction.

Abstract: A hearing aid device is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises means to improve, augment and/or protect the hearing capability of a user by receiving acoustic signals from the surroundings of the user, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears. The hearing aid device comprises a sensor member for detecting the movement and/or acceleration and/or orientation (or spatial position) of the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises at least two hearing aid microphones and a control unit for determining the position or a deviation from an intended position of the hearing aid device or hearing aid microphones. The hearing aid device is configured to compensate for a possible dislocation of the hearing aid microphones.

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: An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in a hearing aid are provided. The apparatus includes the processes of identifying a magnitude of an input sound pressure applied to a microphone of the hearing aid and deciding an operation mode of the hearing aid based on the magnitude of the input sound pressure.

Abstract: An automated microphone calibration starts with reference microphone calibration. Measurements are scaled to sound pressure levels (SPLs). The reference microphone is positioned close to the internal microphones and their frequency responses are measured. Then delta calculation is done in selected sub-bands including reference microphone correction and then a correction filter is defined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to determine a parameter using an auditory model of a hearing loss patient. The parameter determination apparatus determines a similarity between a neurogram of a normal subject and a neurogram of a hearing loss patient, and determines an optimal frequency band for the hearing loss patient based on the similarity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic audio transducer system includes an ultrasonic speaker. The ultrasonic speaker may be an electrostatic emitter, a piezoelectric emitter (single crystal or stack), a piezoelectric film emitter, or any other emitter capable of emitting ultrasound. The ultrasonic speaker is configured to be coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to an audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal from an amplifier, wherein upon application of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, the ultrasonic speaker is configured to launch a pressure-wave representation of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal into the air. Additionally, the ultrasonic speaker may be implemented with an impedance matching element or optimized for matching the response within a user's ear canal, and the ultrasonic audio transducer system may include The ultrasonic audio headphone system can further include a frequency mismatched microphone to avoid feedback when the microphone and the ultrasonic speaker are, e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for hearing aid tuning.

Abstract: A hearing aid device and a method for operating the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device has an acousto-electrical transducer, a signal processing unit, an electro-acoustic transducer and a unit for recognizing a wearer's own voice. The hearing aid device detects and recognizes the wearer's own voice by way of the recognition unit and, when the wearer's own voice has been detected, operates the signal processing unit with a modified signal processing parameter that is modified such that the sound of the wearer's own voice is improved.

Abstract: A portable hearing assistance device comprises an input unit, an output unit, a forward path between the input unit and the output unit, and an energy source for energizing components of the hearing assistance device. The hearing assistance device further comprises a control unit to control activation (or deactivation) of a low-power mode of operation of the hearing assistance device. When the low-power mode is activated—the draw of current from said energy source is reduced compared to a normal mode of operation of the device, the activation (or deactivation) being influenced by a combination of at least two different control input signals to the control unit, each control input signal being a signal selected from 1) signals relating to current physical environment, 2) signals relating to current acoustic environment, 3) signals relating to current wearer state, and 4) signals relating to current state or operation mode.

Abstract: A device or a method using the device includes a sealing section configured to seal a user's orifice, where the sealing section is configured to produce an acoustic seal between a first side of the sealing section and a second side of the sealing section and audio processing circuitry to produce an audio signal for driving a speaker in the device and to measure sound level using output from the microphone in the device while the speaker is being driven by the audio signal. The device or method further includes control circuitry to evaluate a seal quality of the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing device comprising a) a forward path between an input transducer for converting an input sound to an electric input signal and an output transducer for converting an electric output signal to an output sound, the forward path comprising a signal processing unit for applying a level and/or frequency dependent gain to the electric input signal or a signal originating therefrom and for providing a processed signal, and feeding the processed signal or a signal originating therefrom to the output transducer, an acoustic feedback path being defined from said output transducer to said input transducer; b) a configurable anti-feedback system comprising a feedback estimation unit for providing an estimate of said acoustic feedback path; c) a number of detectors, each providing a detector signal for characterizing a signal of the forward path. The object of the present application is to save power in a hearing device.

Abstract: A method of operating a binaural hearing aid system (100) comprises an auxiliary device, wherein the hearing aids and the auxiliary device are wirelessly connected in a wireless network and wherein the power consumption is significantly reduced by having one hearing aid assuming the role of a passive slave in the wireless network. The invention further provides a binaural hearing aid system (100).

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing intermodulation distortion are described herein. In response to receiving an audio input signal, N filtered audio signals may be generated by a filter bank, corresponding to N different frequency bands. The N filtered audio signals may be delayed by a delay time D, and a determination of whether an audio frame of the filtered audio signals includes an audio event or a non-audio event. A signal level estimation may then be determined, the signal level estimation indicating an expander, a compressor, or no compression effects being present. An amount of gain is determined and applied to the delayed audio signals, which are summed across the N frequency bands to generate a full-band audio signal. In some embodiments, the full-band audio signal may be applied to a limiter to reduce any audio clipping, and a final audio signal may be generated.

Abstract: A hearing assistance system includes an adaptive directionality controller to control a target direction for sound reception. The adaptive directionality controller includes a beamformer, a speech detector to detect off-axis speech being speech that is not from the target direction, and a steering module to steer the beamformer in response to a detection of the off-axis speech.

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: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for modular circuit component for a hearing assistance device flex antenna. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a universal apparatus for use with multiple hearing assistance devices. The apparatus includes a circuit module including an outer radial surface, the circuit module configured to provide electronics for a hearing assistance device. A flex circuit loop antenna is configured to be affixed to the outer radial surface, and the antenna is configured for wireless communication for the hearing assistance device. After the antenna is affixed to the outer radial surface, the circuit module is configured to be inserted into a plurality of different main hearing assistance device chassis. In various embodiments, the circuit module includes a retention feature and the antenna includes an opening configured to align with and receive the retention feature to affix the antenna to the circuit module.

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: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for a level-dependent compression system for hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device having a buffer for receiving time domain input signals and a frequency analysis module to convert time domain input signals into a plurality of subband signals. A power detector is adapted to receive the subband signals and to provide a subband version of the input signals. A nonlinear gain stage applies gain to the plurality of subband versions of the input signals, and a frequency synthesis module processes subband signals from the nonlinear gain stage and to create a processed output signal. The device also includes a filter for filtering the signals, and a level-dependent compression module. The level-dependent compression module is adapted to provide bandwidth control to the plurality of subband signals produced by the frequency analysis stage.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a hearing aid assembly having an antenna for emission of an electromagnetic field, a transceiver for wireless data communication, the transceiver interconnected with the antenna, and a housing for accommodation of the antenna, wherein the antenna comprises a first section having a length between at least one sixteenth wavelength and a full wavelength of the electromagnetic field, the antenna being positioned so that current flows in the first section in a direction that corresponds with an ear-to-ear axis of a user when the housing is worn in its operational position by the user, whereby the electromagnetic field emitted by the antenna propagates along a surface of a head of the user with its electrical field substantially orthogonal to the surface of the head of the user.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; and a memory unit; wherein the memory unit has stored therein: a hearing device identifier, and model data comprising model information data indicative of available models for the hearing device, the model information data comprising first model information and a signature; and wherein the processing unit is configured to: verify the model data, and proceed to a model update mode if verification of the model data fails.

Abstract: A new hearing aid system is provided that facilitates determination of listening performance of a user of the hearing aid system and adjustment of a hearing aid for improved listening performance.

Abstract: An antenna unit is disclosed. A hearing device, such as a hearing aid, having an antenna device is disclosed. The antenna unit allows wireless communication to and from the hearing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for testing an individual's hearing and correcting audio signals to compensate for the significant variance in each listener's sensitivity to various frequencies of the audible spectrum. An auditory calibration procedure includes identifying a first volume level as a minimum volume level at which nominal frequency tones are audible, a minimum frequency at which said first volume level is audible, a maximum frequency at which said first volume level is audible, and a minimum volume level at which a number of intervening sample frequencies are audible. A substantially parabolic correction curve is generated based on the minimum volume levels at the various sample frequencies. The correction curve is applied to modify real time audio signals generated upon execution of an audio file functionally linked to the processor, wherein the modified real time audio signals are provided to an audio output device.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing assistance system comprising first and second spatially separated parts adapted for being mounted fully or partially at a first ear and on the head of a user, respectively, the first and second parts comprising a number of first and second electrodes located at a surface of first and second housings, respectively, to allow said first and second electrodes to contact the skin of the user when said parts are operationally mounted on the user's head. The first and second electrodes are adapted to pick up low-voltage electric signals from the user's brain and a reference voltage, respectively, to provide voltage difference signals. An improved binaural hearing assistance system further comprising a comparison unit for determining the voltage difference signal, and an electric interface allowing the reference voltage or a measure representative thereof to be transferred from said second part to said comparison unit is provided.

Abstract: A system for hearing assistance devices to assist hearing aid fitting applied to individual differences in hearing impairment. The system is also usable for assisting fitting and use of hearing assistance devices for listeners of music. The method uses a subjective space approach to reduce the dimensionality of the fitting problem and a non-linear regression technology to interpolate among hearing aid parameter settings. This listener-driven method provides not only a technique for preferred aid fitting, but also information on individual differences and the effects of gain compensation on different musical styles.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.

Abstract: Described herein are electrical stimulation patterns and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye disease, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort. The methods generally include applying patterned stimulation to an anatomical structure located in an ocular region or a nasal region to increase tear production.

Abstract: A hearing device for being worn at least partly within an ear canal. A shell encloses a cavity with a first sound opening and a second sound opening and has a receiver within the cavity. The receiver is divided into a front chamber and a back chamber by a membrane, wherein the front chamber is in acoustic communication with the exterior of the shell via the first sound opening, and the back chamber is in acoustic communication with the exterior of the shell via the second sound opening. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a hearing device is given.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; and a memory unit; wherein the memory unit has stored therein: a hearing device identifier, and model data comprising model information data indicative of available models for the hearing device, the model information data comprising first model information and a signature; and wherein the processing unit is configured to: verify the model data, and proceed to a model update mode if verification of the model data fails.

Abstract: A method for adjusting parameters of a hearing prosthesis system includes adjusting a control to shift an audiogram associated with a first stimulator, applying a prescription rule using the shifted audiogram to adjust a cross-over frequency that defines a first frequency range and a second frequency range. The first stimulator is configured to apply stimulation signals in the first frequency range and a second stimulator is configured to apply stimulation signals in the second frequency range. The method also includes applying the prescription rule using the shifted audiogram to determine gain and maximum power output (MPO) levels for the first frequency range associated with the first stimulator.

Abstract: Method and systems (e.g., for use in hearing aids, IAPs, etc) to process an audio signal include receiving an audio signal input; separating the audio signal input into a plurality of frequency bands; and compressing each of the plurality of frequency bands. Compressing each respective frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands may include applying a time-varying gain to each respective frequency band based on a suppressive level for the respective frequency band resulting in a compressed respective frequency band (e.g., wherein the suppressive level for the respective frequency band is dependent on the audio signal input level of one or more frequency bands adjacent to the respective frequency band to which the gain is applied). The compressed respective frequency bands may be combined for use in providing an audio signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for hearing assistance in multiple-talker settings. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of operating a hearing assistance device for a user in an environment. A parameter is sensed relating to facing orientation of a talker in communication within the environment. Parameters related to location and talking activity of a talker can also be used. In various embodiments, facing orientation, location, and talking activity of the talker are estimated based on the sensed parameter. A hearing assistance device parameter is adjusted based on the estimated facing orientation, location, and talking activity of the talker, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: A hearing aid system includes a Bluetooth enabled sound output device and Bluetooth enabled sound output device. The sound output device has a first processor coupled to a first memory, to a first Bluetooth module, to a sound processing module including an amplifier and a speaker, and to a first power supply. The sound input device has an optional aux jack, and a second processer coupled to a second memory, to a second Bluetooth module selectively Bluetooth linkable with the first Bluetooth module, to a sound input module, and to a second power supply. The sound input device may adjust audio volume level of audio signals to a default level before transmission to the sound output device. A second sound input device may transmit audio signals based to the sound input device, from which the audio signals are transmitted to the sound output device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: an audio signal analyzer configured to analyze an audio signal; an audio signal processor configured to signal process the audio signal to enhance the speech component of the audio signal dependent on determining the audio signal comprises speech components; and signal processing the audio signal to enhance a loudness of the audio signal otherwise.

Abstract: A method of determining an operation mode of a hearing device and the hearing device may include detecting an input signal of the hearing device, determining the operation mode of the hearing device by determining whether the input signal is a designated signal related to a programming mode of the hearing device, and controlling the hearing device according to the operation mode.

Abstract: An electronic audio device for use with at least one earpiece or a pair of earpieces, or a pair of earpieces in a headphone, each earpiece having a microphone and a speaker located therein, including circuitry operatively coupled to the microphone and speaker, and a processor operatively coupled to evaluate a seal quality of the earpiece to a user's ear based on seal quality measurements made while driving or exciting a signal into the speaker located in the earpiece and where the processor is configure to generate a visual or audio message identifying whether at least one earpiece is properly sealed based on the seal quality measurements.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna.

Abstract: A hearing aid device is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises means to improve, augment and/or protect the hearing capability of a user by receiving acoustic signals from the surroundings of the user, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears. The hearing aid device comprises a sensor member for detecting the movement and/or acceleration and/or orientation (or spatial position) of the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises at least two hearing aid microphones and a control unit for determining the position or a deviation from an intended position of the hearing aid device or hearing aid microphones. The hearing aid device is configured to compensate for a possible dislocation of the hearing aid microphones.

Abstract: An exemplary system for facilitating sound localization by a bilateral cochlear implant patient includes 1) a processing facility configured to determine an interaural difference between a first audio signal detected by a first microphone associated with a first ear of a bilateral cochlear implant patient and a second audio signal detected by a second microphone associated with a second ear of the bilateral cochlear implant patient and generate, based on the determined interaural difference, an enhanced interaural level difference (ILD) associated with the low frequency acoustic content of the first and second audio signals and 2) a control facility configured to direct a first cochlear implant associated with the first ear and a second cochlear implant associated with the second ear to generate electrical stimulation representative of the low frequency acoustic content in accordance with the enhanced ILD. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable computing device can receive, via at least one input transducer, a first audio signal associated with ambient sound from an environment of the device. The device can then process the first audio signal so as to determine a second audio signal that is out of phase with the first audio signal and effective to substantially cancel at least a portion of the first audio signal. The device may then generate a noise-cancelling audio signal based on the second audio signal, based on a third audio signal, and based on one or more wearer-specific parameters, where the third audio signal is representative of a sound to be provided by the device. The device may then cause a bone conduction transducer (BCT) to vibrate so as to provide to an ear a noise-cancelling sound effective to substantially cancel at least a portion of the ambient sound.

Abstract: A method of operation saves energy during the operation of a binaural hearing system having a left-hand hearing device and a right-hand hearing device. The method includes providing a left-hand internal input signal in the left-hand hearing device and a right-hand internal input signal in the right-hand hearing device. A sending mode of the left-hand hearing device and/or right-hand hearing device is activated and/or deactivated. The sending mode is therein activated in one of the hearing devices automatically in dependence on the respective internal input signal and the sending mode is deactivated in one of the hearing devices automatically in dependence on the respective internal input signal and of a communication signal received from the respective other hearing device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for classifying a sound environment for hearing assistance devices using redundant estimates of an acoustical environment from two hearing assistance devices and accessory devices. In one example, a method for operating a hearing assistance device includes sensing an environmental sound, determining a first classification of the environmental sound, receiving at least one second classification of the environmental sound, comparing the determined first classification and the at least one received second classification, and selecting an operational classification for the hearing assistance device based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A system for enabling a hearing device wireless access to a communication network includes a first transceiver unit in the hearing device communicating according to a first communication protocol. The system also includes a server device including an input/output unit connected to the communication network and configured to communicate according to a second communication protocol. A second transceiver unit is connected wirelessly to the first transceiver unit and configured to communicate according to the first communication protocol. A translator unit interconnects the second transceiver unit and the input/output unit and is configured to translate between the first and second communication protocol. The hearing device is configured to upload and download data to and from the communication network through the server device, and the server device is incorporated in a mobile or cellular telephone.

Abstract: A hearing system for improving intelligibility during the holding of a telephone conversation, includes a receiving device for receiving a first signal having first acoustic information and converting the first signal into electrical signals having the first acoustic information, a signal processing device for processing the electrical signals having the first acoustic information into electrical signals having second acoustic information, and an output device for outputting a second signal having the second acoustic information. A method for improving intelligibility during the holding of a telephone conversation using a hearing system is also provided.

Abstract: A hearing aid has an acoustoelectric transducer, a pickup device for picking up an electrical or electromagnetic signal and converting it into an electrical signal. The hearing aid further has a signal processing device, an electromechanical transducer for outputting an acoustic signal, and a signal estimation device. The signal estimation device determines a correlation between signals of the acoustoelectric transducer and of the pickup device. The signal processing device adjusts a mixing ratio of the signals in the output signal depending on the correlation.

Abstract: A system for operating a hearing instrument is disclosed. The system comprises one or more electrodes for measuring the brain wave signals of a user wearing a hearing instrument. The electrodes are placed on the scalp of the user. Based on the measured brain wave signals, a detecting unit is configured to detect a relaxation state of the hearing instrument. A controller sets the hearing instrument to a relaxation mode setting in response to the detection of the relaxation state of the user.

Abstract: An antenna for wireless communication of a hearing device is shielded efficiently in a simple manner from electrical and magnetic interference fields by providing a coil apparatus and a shielding apparatus. The shielding apparatus has a flexible substrate as its main body and is formed as a single piece. The shielding apparatus is subdivided into three sections by two slits having ends not reaching the edge of the substrate. The coil apparatus is inserted through the two slits in the shielding apparatus in such a way that each of the sections only partially surrounds the coil apparatus in a circumferential direction. The sleeve-type shield can thus be applied on the coil apparatus in a simple manner. A method for manufacturing an antenna for a hearing device is also provided.