Abstract: An ear-level hearing device and a handheld computer with a graphical user interface determines a subject's own hearing threshold. Hardware includes the smartphone, viewing screen of the smartphone, smartphone software, ear level hearing device, transmitter on the smartphone and receiver on the ear level device (ELD) communicating with the graphical user interface on the smartphone to the ear level hearing device. The interface on the smartphone may include an automatic routine or buttons to vary frequency and amplitude of a frequency dependent sound presentation to the earpiece. Software installed on the hand-held smartphone system sends wireless signals to the ELD changing acoustic parameters in the listening device. The ELD stores frequency/amplitude parameters of the thresholds and wirelessly delivers them to the smartphone. The smartphone uses the threshold data to derive the appropriate amplified acoustical signal (relative to the thresholds) to the subject.

Abstract: The inventor has found that a considerable portion of hearing system users have a considerable lack of understanding the effect of adjusting adjustable audio processing parameters of the hearing system. Therefore, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of a) playing a first test sound to a user of a hearing system; r) receiving user input from said user in reaction to step a); s) interpreting said user input as a request for selecting and/or adjusting at least one audio processing parameter of a signal processing unit; h) calculating—based on said request obtained in step s), and in dependence of said first test sound played to said user—at least one value, which is related to said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. This method can be used for improving said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. A corresponding arrangement is disclosed, too.

Abstract: A call other than a conversion partner call and various sounds are detected by input audio signals from plural microphones without deteriorating a voice recognition precision. A hearing aid apparatus according to the present invention corrects a frequency characteristic of the call voice other than the conversation partner voice based on an arrival direction of the call voice other than the conversation partner voice, which is estimated based on the audio signal converted by the plural microphones, checks a call word standard pattern representing features of a phoneme and a syllabic sound based on other voice data picked up by using the microphones having one characteristic against a call voice other than the conversation partner voice in which the frequency characteristic is corrected by the frequency characteristic correction processing unit to determine whether the call voice is a call word, and forms a directivity in the direction other than the arrival direction of the voice of the conversation partner.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone to convert sound into an electrical signal and a processor coupled to the microphone. The processor is configured to apply a selected one of a sequence of incremental hearing corrections to the electrical signal to produce a modulated output signal to at least partially compensate for a hearing impairment of a user. The hearing aid further includes a speaker coupled to the processor and configured to convert the modulated output signal into an audible sound.

Abstract: A multi-mode hearing aid includes a processor that is configured to selectively apply different hearing aid profiles to different input signals, such as a first sound signal received from a microphone and a second sound signal received from a transceiver, to produce first and second shaped output signals. The processor is configured to produce an output signal including at least one of the first shaped output signal and the second shaped output signal.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for adjusting parameters for binaural hearing assistance devices. A graphical user interface (GUI) control is provided for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the control is indicative of status of at least one parameter for at least one device. When a pointer, controlled by a mouse or other selecting device, is placed over the control, the control expands. In various applications the control expands to display options for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one device. In some applications, the control provides options to adjust at least one parameter of a left and a right device individually.

Abstract: A method of operating a hearing prosthesis. The hearing prosthesis includes memory and a clock and is configured to deliver stimuli to a user. The method includes determining the stimuli, with the hearing prosthesis, in response to a sound signal and at least in part by using one or more adjustable parameters stored in the memory. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a request to adjust at least one of the parameters, and determining whether to make the requested adjustment by reference to an amount of time, as determined by said clock, or a function based around an amount of time since a predefined event.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, to an individual user, includes firstly recording data relating to at least one setting of the hearing device together with direct or indirect temporal information. Thereupon, a period of time during which the at least one setting was/is active is automatically determined. Finally, at least one parameter of the hearing device is automatically adapted as a function of the determined period of time and the at least one setting. This affords the possibility of adapting, for example, time constants according to individual usage. A corresponding hearing device is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for a user interface control to allow control of multiple parameters from a single control for a hearing assistance device. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to hearing assistance device for a wearer, including a housing, hearing assistance electronics housed in the housing, and a tinnitus therapy generator housed in the housing. A user interface control is connected to the electronics and the generator, and the control is configured to sense input from the wearer and provide for selection and adjustment of operational parameters for the electronics and the generator based on the sensed input. Other aspects are provided without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and more particularly to a system for evaluating hearing assistance device settings using detected sound environment. Various examples of a hearing assistance device and method using actual use and hypothetical use logs are provided. Such logs provide a dispenser or audiologist the ability to see how a device is operating with actual settings and how the device would have operated had hypothetical settings been used instead. In various examples, the system allows for collection of statistical information about actual and hypothetical use which can assist in parameter setting determinations for a specific user. The settings may be tailored to that user's commonly experienced sound environment. Wireless communications of usage logs is discussed. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Abstract: In an auditory prosthesis having an external unit and an internal unit for implantation in a recipient, a method of operation includes: characterizing an acoustic signal received by the auditory prosthesis; adjusting at least one parameter of the auditory prosthesis based on the characterized acoustic signal; and processing the acoustic signal to provide an encoded signal for transmission to the internal unit; wherein an amount of energy transmitted in the encoded signal depends on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for an input device for hearing aid fitting or modification. According to various embodiments, a Microsoft Kinect® or other gesture sensing input device senses a plurality of gestured inputs or speech made remotely from the computer for fitting or modifying a hearing aid. The Microsoft Kinect® or other gesture sensing input device communicates with the fitting system to simplify the fitting process, removing the restriction of mouse and keyboard, and allowing patient participation in the fitting or modification process for a hearing assistance device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a mobile terminal based on an ear to which a user puts the mobile terminal in close proximity is provided. The method includes detecting a direction of a movement of the mobile terminal through use of a sensing unit when a call event occurs, determining an ear corresponding to the direction of the movement, and controlling a function of the mobile terminal based on the determined ear. When capturing through a camera is available to determine the direction of the movement, an image captured while the user puts the mobile terminal close to the ear is additionally used. Therefore, whether the ear to which the user puts the mobile terminal in close proximity corresponds to the left ear or the right ear is determined and thus, an operation corresponding to the recognized left or right ear may be performed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a programmable hearing apparatus is provided to allow a convenient programming of the hearing apparatus with minimal effort. To this end, programming data is stored in a transponder. The transponder is activated by the hearing apparatus. Consequently, programming data is transmitted from the transponder to the hearing apparatus.

Abstract: A hearing prosthesis comprising an external component having an integrated user interface, a sound processor configured to process received sounds based on predefined fitting data, and an on-board fitting system configured to set the fitting data in response to control inputs received via the integrated user interface.

Abstract: A connector-based link is suited to various signals and media for connecting a tube with a hearing instrument, which ensures a reliable mechanical hold, good connection and high tightness and in the process is easy to handle. This is achieved by a connector for a hearing instrument system including a housing which contains a number of connections, and a tube which contains a number of lines, which is embodied to detachably connect a number of lines of the tube to a number of connections of the housing, wherein the connections of the connector contain different spatial orientations. The fact that the connections each have a different spatial orientation brings about a mutual decoupling. As a result, the demands on dimensional stability of the various connections are advantageously reduced since the different connections are not closed in a shared, identical end position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for infrared sensors on hearing assistance devices. In various embodiments, a hearing assistance device includes a housing, hearing assistance electronics within the housing, and an infrared sensor connected to the hearing assistance electronics. The infrared sensor is configured to detect proximity or touch by the wearer to control the hearing assistance device, in various embodiments. In one embodiment, the sensor circuit is configured to detect the wearer when the housing is worn.

Abstract: The selection of hearing aids can be based on many factors which are beyond a simple compensation for the hearing impairment of the user. The process of selecting hearing aids can be time consuming and resource intensive. By rapidly and effectively providing the necessary context to hearing-impaired individuals to evaluate the benefit provided by various hearing aids, without the traditional time consuming fitting trial, the purchase of a device can be expedited and provide the necessary correction to negate the effects of auditory deprivation. A system an method for enabling improved hearing aid appraisal and selection processes is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for user adjustments to a tinnitus therapy generator within a hearing assistance device. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method of providing therapy for tinnitus to a patient. A user interface is provided for patient input to adjust settings of a tinnitus therapy generator. Sound is transmitted from the tinnitus therapy generator to the patient via a hearing assistance device receiver to provide therapy for tinnitus. In various embodiments, settings adjustable by the patient include output levels and frequency response. Other aspects are provided without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

Abstract: A hearing system that includes a user control and a signal processing unit controllable by adjustable parameters can be adjusted to preferences of a user. Such an adjustment can involve providing a first set of start-up parameter settings upon start-up of said signal processor unit, using parameter settings included in or derived from said first set of start-up parameter settings as default parameter settings for said signal processing unit, obtaining a set of parameter settings currently used in said signal processing unit upon operating said user control, deriving a second set of start-up parameter settings in dependence of said first set of start-up parameter settings and of said set of parameter settings obtained, and using said second set of start-up parameter settings as said first set of start-up parameter settings when providing said first set of start-up parameter settings upon a following start-up of said signal processor unit.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a network interface configurable to couple to a network for receiving data related to an acoustic environment from a device and a memory for storing a plurality of environmental filters. The data storage system further includes a processor coupled to the memory and the network interface, the processor configurable to analyze the data and selectively provide one or more of the plurality of environmental filters to the device based on the analysis of the data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a time-varying time delay randomly into the individual reproduction channels of a sound recording, two in the case of binaural presentation. This emulates the temporal aspect of microphone and/or listener motion. The present invention may be applied as a unidirectional process. No preparation of the source material is required. It can be applied to any multichannel audio signal set. It can process analog or digital signals. The process may be used with headphones, loudspeakers, hearing aids or similar assistive hearing devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided for remotely controlling a hearing device. A hearing device configured to communicate with a control device transmits status data, including settings, to the control device. The control device displays the status data in an interface configured to receive input specifying new settings, upon which a command is sent to the hearing device to change the current setting. The control device can automatically change the settings based on a determined current environment to be a stored program optimized to the current environment. The current environment can be determined based on the location of the hearing device or another device connected to the control device. Quick mode allows settings to be viewed and changed quickly by displaying multiple related settings as one and overriding interface buttons. Remote listen mode receives audio data from a microphone and transmit it to the hearing device.

Abstract: A method for operating a hearing prosthesis is provided. A plurality of settings are provided, each setting providing a different operating functionality for the hearing prosthesis suitable for different situations. A signal analysis is executed on input signals to the hearing prosthesis. The signal analysis monitors characteristics of a current situation to detect any change and, in the case of detecting change, classifies the current situation into one of a plurality of predefined states. The suitability of the settings is compared with the determined state. One or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is identified for the current situation. The one or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is presented to a user. The user is then allowed to make a selection from the presented choice(s) of setting(s). If a selection is received from the user, the selected setting is executed. A hearing prosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention proposes two alternative methods for remote fitting of one or two hearing devices (5, 5?), i.e. where a hearing device fitter (1) located in a first room (R1) provides remote support to a user (6) of the one or two hearing devices (5, 5?) located in a distant second room (R2) in order to adjust the one or two hearing devices (5, 5?) to the individual needs of the user (6). According to a first method a voice rendering signal processing is applied to the fitter's voice, thus achieving that the fitter's voice is perceived by the user (6) as if the user (6) were at a virtual user location (L) in the first room (R1) wearing the one or two hearing devices (5, 5?). The same is achieved according to a second, alternative method, wherein the fitter's voice is picked up by at least one or two microphones of one or two further hearing devices located at the virtual user location (L) at a first position (P1) and/or at a second position (P2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for adaptive hearing assistance devices using plural environment detection and classification. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of operating a hearing assistance device for a wearer. Acoustic inputs are received and a plurality of acoustic environments are determined by performing signal processing in parallel based on the received acoustic inputs. According to various embodiments, an audiological parameter of the hearing assistance device is adjusted based the determined plurality of acoustic environments.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically, non-manually switches at least one of inputs, filters, or programmable parameters in the presence of a magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems, structures, and methods are provided to fit, program, or upgrade a hearing aid system to a patient. One embodiment includes the use of a mobile device to interact with the hearing aid system through a short-range network. The mobile device is also adapted to communicate with a server through a long-range wireless network. The server may reside on the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for active cancellation of interference at a hearing assistive devices are presented. The apparatus includes an interference cancellation circuit for cancelling an interference component of a composite signal, and an activator circuit for enabling interference cancellation circuit. The interference cancellation circuit generates an estimated replica of the interference from an interference profile, inverts the replica to form a cancellation waveform, then adds the cancellation waveform to the composite signal to cancel the interference component. An interference profile can be provided by performing a training sequence on a composite signal to detect a repetitive signal and building a profile using its parameters, retrieving a profile stored in memory, or using an antenna to capture an RF signal.

Abstract: Systems, structures, and methods are provided to fit, program, or upgrade a hearing aid system to a patient. One embodiment includes the use of a mobile device to interact with the hearing aid system through a short-range network. The mobile device is also adapted to communicate with a server through a long-range wireless network. The server may reside on the Internet.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes a sound processor module configured to process an audio signal and operate in accordance with a plurality of control parameters and an accessory header module configured to be selectively coupled to the sound processor module and facilitate external adjustment of one or more control parameters included in the plurality of control parameters while coupled to the sound processor module. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: The method of operating a hearing system comprising at least two devices comprises the step of establishing a common network time among said at least two devices. Said at least two devices can be provided with information on the number of network time units that passed since a time zero point of said common network time. Information on the common network time can be communicated from one device to another device. A wireless link can be used for establishing said common network time. The common network time not only allows for a precise synchronization of events within the hearing system, but also for ordering and sequencing events. A priorization of events, like tasks and actions, is enabled, based on the common network time. Doubly-received or obsolete commands can be recognized and deleted, and tasks can be scheduled.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device with a transfer function describing input/output behavior of the hearing device is presented. A sound signal is recorded by an input transducer of the hearing device. At least one of the sound signal and characteristics of the sound signal are stored in a memory unit. A data base is provided having at least media samples. The at least one of the sound signal and its characteristics are compared with at least some of the media samples or characteristics thereof, respectively, to obtain a qualitative measure for at least some of the media samples with respect to the sound signal or its characteristics. The media sample having the best qualitative measure is selected and the transfer function is adjusted on the basis of the selected media sample.

Abstract: A circuit for a hearing aid includes an interface including a contact element for receiving a connector. The interface is configured to provide produce an electrical signal when the connector contacts the contact element. The circuit further includes a logic circuit coupled to the interface for receiving the electrical signal and configured to detect the connector in response to receiving the electrical signal.

Abstract: An earpiece (100) is provided. The earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) configured to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Microphone (123) configured to capture internal sound in the ear canal, a memory (208) configured to record at least a portion of the history of the ambient sound and the internal sound, and a processor (121) configured to save a recent portion of the history responsive to an event.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone to convert audible sounds into sound-related electrical signals and a memory configured to store a plurality of hearing aid profiles. Each hearing aid profile has an associated audio label. The hearing aid further includes a processor coupled to the microphone and to the memory and configured to select one of the plurality of hearing aid profiles. The processor applies the one of the plurality of hearing aid profiles to the sound-related electrical signals to produce a shaped output signal to compensate for a hearing impairment of a user. The processor is configured to insert the associated audio label into the shaped output signal. The hearing aid also includes a speaker coupled to the processor and configured to convert the shaped output signal into an audible sound.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to modify sound produced by a gaming application according to an otological profile of a user. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary hearing aid compatibility (HAC) module includes an insulative substrate and a ground member. The substrate includes a first mounting surface, and a second mounting surface at opposite sides thereof, and a third mounting surface between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface. The ground member includes two ground portions respectively attached to the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, and a connecting portion attached to the third mounting surface. The connecting portion comprises two or more parts. One of the parts connects one of the ground portions, and another of the parts connects the other ground portion.

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 method and device are provided for automatic, recursive adjustment of at least one hearing device worn by a person. The device includes a stimulus generator unit, which emits at least one acoustic stimulus to the hearing device, a signal detection unit with at least one sensor, which detects the neuronal activity of the brain of the person due to the acoustic stimulus, a computation and control unit, which determines a measure of listening effort from the detected neuronal activity and determines changes to hearing device parameters from this. A hearing device control unit changes the hearing device parameters accordingly. The computation and control unit repeatedly prompts the stimulus generator unit to emit a hearing stimulus and the hearing device control unit to change a hearing device parameter, until the measure of listening effort drops below a predefinable first threshold value. This allows hearing devices to be adjusted objectively and automatically in a very robust and reliable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an apparatus for fitting a hearing assistance device using a genetic algorithm. The apparatus includes a first population of a plurality of parent sets representing at least one device parameter. A first pair from the parent sets is presented with assistance of the hearing assistance device, the first pair comprising a first and second set. A user selects a preference between the first and second sets. A child set is determined by operating on at least one set of the plurality of parent sets. The child set can include a crossover of the at least one parent set, where the crossover includes an arithmetic or geometrical operation to parameter values of the parent set, or a mutation of the at least one parent set, where the mutation includes replacing a lowest ranked parameter value in the parent set with a randomly generated parameter value.

Abstract: A system for updating a hearing aid by providing an update to a hearing aid to configure the hearing aid for an acoustic environment with a sound profile different than a physical environment a user is currently located in with an acoustic sample representative of the acoustic environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods to provide improved fitting and programming of hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a system for fitting a hearing assistance device. In one embodiment, the system includes a programmer and a hearing assistance device configured to receive a transmission including commands and information from the programmer. The programmer is configured to receive voice commands for fitting the hearing assistance device and to initiate transmissions to the hearing assistance device using speech recognition, in various embodiments. The transmissions are used to provide control of the function or settings of the hearing assistance device. In one embodiment the programmer includes a personal computer. The programmer includes a cellular telephone, in one embodiment. Other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

Abstract: A method, hearing aid, and computer product for changing the sequence of program positions of hearing programs are provided. The program positions of the hearing programs have a predefinable sequence. Time periods, within which hearing programs are selected, are measured. A new sequence of the program positions is calculated taking the measured time periods into account. The sequence of the program positions after a predefinable time span is modified in accordance with the calculated sequence. As a result hearing aids adapt to changed environments and place favorite programs in the front section of the program positions in accordance with the hearing aid wearer's preference.

Abstract: This hearing aid fitting device (1) comprises a client data storage section (10) that stores a plurality of hearing ability data and hearing adjustment result data for each of hearing ability data, a close user determination section (11) to which the client data storage section (10) and a hearing ability input section (12) are connected on the input side, a clustering section (13) that is connected to the output side of the close user determination section (11), a representative characteristic determination section (14) that is connected to the output side of the clustering section (13), an initial adjustment candidate selector (15) that is connected to the input side of the representative characteristic determination section (14), and a fine tuner (16) that is connected to the output side of the representative characteristic determination section (15).

Abstract: A method adjusts a hearing apparatus and thus provides a simplified hearing aid. In the method, a model is created which describes individual hardware components of the hearing apparatus. In addition a formal language is created on the basis of the model. The formal language is used to develop a program. The program is translated into machine executable code. The code is then transferred to the hearing apparatus, the execution of which causes the hearing apparatus to be adjusted automatically in accordance with the program. As an alternative to the transfer to the hearing system, the code is executed by a hearing aid adjustment program and a target parameter set for the hearing apparatus which the adjustment program then transfers into the hearing apparatus is thus calculated.

Abstract: A personal communication device provides hearing support, and includes an input receiving an audio signal, a programmable processor, and an output outputting the processed signal. The programmable processor performs a filtering operation on a digital version of the audio signal in a first signal path based on parameter settings and provides control logic that determines the parameter settings based on information on user preferences, on audiological information and on information on the listening situation to provide hearing loss compensation. The programmable processor has a second signal path in parallel with the first signal path that receives the digital version of the audio signal and parameter settings and determining the filter coefficients of the filtering operation based on the parameter settings and the digital version of the audio signal.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone to convert sounds into electrical signals, a transceiver configured to communicate with a computing device through a wireless communication channel, and a processor coupled to the microphone and the transceiver. The hearing aid further includes a memory accessible to the processor and configured to store a table including plurality of hearing aid profile identifiers (IDs). Each of the plurality of hearing aid profile IDs corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of hearing aid profiles. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to identify a hearing aid profile ID from the table based on a sound sample, retrieve a hearing aid profile from the computing device using the hearing aid profile ID, and apply the hearing aid profile to modulate an audio output signal.

Abstract: Data is transferred to and from a hearing aid by transmitting an audible carrier having a frequency greater than 5 kilohertz, modulating the carrier with data, and detecting the modulated carrier in the hearing aid with a narrow band filter. The frequency is in a region where impairment occurs and there are many other sounds, thereby masking the communication, yet not interfering with it.

Abstract: An auditory prosthesis (30) comprising a microphone (27) for receiving the sound and producing a microphone signal responding to the received sound, an output device for providing audio signals in a form receivable by a user of the prosthesis (30), a sound processing unit (33) operable to receive the microphone signal and carry out a processing operation on the microphone signal to produce an output signal in a form suitable to operate the output device, wherein the sound processing unit (33) is operable in a first mode in which the processing operation comprises at least one variable processing factor which is adjustable by a user to a setting which causes the output signal of the sound processing unit (33) to be adjusted according to the preference of the user for the characteristics of the current acoustic environment.