Abstract: A low battery detection circuit is disclosed for detecting low battery voltages in hearing aids and other battery operated devices. The low battery detection circuit operates reliably on a small amount of current, which does not significantly increase overall battery drain. An output signal is generated whose amplitude and frequency increase as battery voltage decreases below a predetermined level. The circuits minimal number of components and output signal characteristics make it particularly applicable as a low battery early warning device for hearing aid devices.

Abstract: Hearing aids improve not only the hearing, but the lives of millions. Unfortunately, far too many sufferers of hearing loss forego the benefits of hearing aids because of size and cost of the devices. To address this need, the present inventor devised hearing-aid circuit modules that use folded flexible circuits. The modules save space and reduce the cost of manufacturing hearing aids.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a self-contained, discrete programmable module for a programmable hearing aid, in which the self-contained discrete programmable module includes a plastic housing having a first wall and a second wall, in which the first and second walls define a slot, and the first and second walls having at least one shoulder that is effective in slanting the slot. The present invention further includes a plurality of electrical leads disposed within the plastic housing, such that the electrical leads are integrally formed within the second wall and a third wall of the plastic housing, in which each electrical lead extends into the slot, and each electrical lead is effective in providing a force that retains a programmable cable inserted therein for programming the programmable module.

Abstract: A contactless rechargeable hearing aid system in which a rechargeable hearing aid may be optically or inductively recharged by an optical or an inductive recharger. The optically rechargeable hearing aid may have a dual purpose optical fiber that may act as a light conduit for the recharging light, and that may also act as a draw string for the hearing aid. The rechargeable hearing aid may use a high energy nickel metal-hydride rechargeable battery or a high energy, high voltage lithium based rechargeable battery, in conjunction with a DC to DC voltage regulating circuit for converting the rechargeable battery's declining DC output voltage to the fixed DC input voltage needed by the hearing aid's audio related circuitry. The DC to DC voltage regulating circuit may also help to present a supply impedance that matches the input impedance of the audio related circuitry in the hearing aid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extremely space efficient battery enclosure and battery replacement methods for miniature hearing devices that are deeply and entirely positioned within the ear canal of an individual. The battery enclosure is a thin encapsulation that is formed or fitted directly over the battery thus substantially assuming the shape of the encapsulated battery. The battery enclosure, containing mostly the battery, is fitted concentrically within the narrow cavity of the ear canal with the long axis of the enclosure and the battery therein positioned along the long axis of the oval ear canal. In one embodiment of the invention, the enclosure is disposable and is elastically expandable to fit over the battery during its replacement. In another embodiment, the battery enclosure is coated over the battery with protruding contacts forming a battery assembly ready for electrical connection to a miniature canal hearing device.

Abstract: An inductive coupling unit which can be easily attached to any hearing instrument with an internal receiving coil to connect the instrument to peripheral electronic devices. The coupling unit includes a head including a head cover, a bobbin disposed inside the head cover, a transmitting coil which is wrapped around the bobbin, and a cylindrical magnet placed in the center of the bobbin. An end of a conductive cable is connected to the transmitting coil and the other end is connected to a plug which makes electrical connection with a peripheral device. The coupling unit is placed on the outer surface of the hearing instrument, and the signals from the peripheral device are induced in the receiving coil of the hearing instrument by the transmitting coil to provide clear, high fidelity transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for interfacing a hearing device and an auxiliary device to achieve a wireless communications link between the hearing device and a remote device. The hearing device has a case including an external connector defining signal lines including power, ground, clock, data, and a further signal line. Circuitry is provided within the auxiliary device for exchanging control data with the hearing device using the clock and data signal lines and for exchanging audio information with the hearing device using one of 1) the clock and data signal lines; and 2) the further input signal.

Abstract: A battery enclosure for a small electronic device includes a flexible strip connecting an enclosure door with an inside surface of the device body. When the door is open, the strip forms a sling across the enclosure opening. The strip also forms a living hinge to hold the door to the device body. A button type battery is inserted into the opening against the strip and the door is pushed into the opening. Catchments hold the door within the opening. When the door is opened and the strip is pulled outward by the strip provides a force to push the battery out of the opening.

Abstract: A hearing aid has a microphone, a signal processing chain having a series of signal processing levels, a signal output transducer, a memory in which at least one set of parameters allocated to a hearing situation is stored that enables matching of the parameters of the signal processing stages to the hearing impairment of the wearer. Adjustment elements independent of the signal processing stage are provided, and the allocation of the adjustment elements 9 to the individual signal processing stages can be selectively determined. Adjustment of the respective signal processing stages can be accomplished in a non-computerized manner using the adjustment elements, thereby allowing the hearing aid to be used in countries and regions wherein personal computers are not readily available or accessible.

Abstract: A programmable hearing aid circuit is programmed by making electrical connections between contacts that are connected to the circuit. The connections are made by conductive region(s) located on the body of the battery door.

Abstract: A electronic circuit including an enclosed housing having an electronic circuit therein and an air-cathode/separator assembly having a catalyst layer and which is filled with an electrolyte/anode mixture which forms a battery for operating the electronic circuit. The device may also including a speaker and a microphone which are in the housing and connected to the electronic circuit to form a hearing aid.

Abstract: In a battery receiving chamber, the first convex part is formed in the internal side face of the battery compartment and the second convex part which corresponds to the first convex part is formed in the battery cover, the first and second convex part respectively having the inclined faces which gradually rise toward the rotational direction in which the battery cover is detached from the battery compartment, so that a battery receiving chamber having good usage convenience and highly reliable can be realized. Further, in a hearing aid using the above, waterproof means is located so as to block the air vent formed in the battery cover, and a slot connecting the end part of battery cover and the air vent in the external side face of the battery cover is comprised, so that a hearing aid which can supply practically sufficient volume of air into the case and has high waterproof performance can be realized.

Abstract: Hearing aid with a microphone, a transmission section (2) for signal processing with a housing (3) containing an output transducer, a battery compartment containing a battery (4), a cover (5) articulated at the housing or a battery lid (5a) articulated at the housing so that it can be pivoted, said cover or lid serving to close off the battery compartment, an electronic control logic (6), as well as a contact arrangement (7) which can be actuated by pressing on the cover (5) in closed position or the battery lid (5a) in closed position and by means of which the control logic can be activated.This contact arrangement can be activated by a spring-loaded movement of the cover (5) or battery lid (5a) beyond the normal closing position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electrical device having a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal and a holder for holding a voltage source having two voltage-source terminals. The holder has a first contact, a second contact and a third contact for cooperation with the voltage-source terminals. Via these contacts the first connection terminal is connectable to one voltage-source terminal and the second connection terminal is connectable to the other voltage-source terminal. The holder is adapted to allow the first contact, the second contact and the third contact to engage simultaneously with the voltage-source terminals. When the voltage source is present the first contact and one of the two other contacts are in engagement with one of the voltage-source terminals, and the other contact, which is not in engagement with the first voltage-source terminal, is in engagement with the second voltage-source terminal.

Abstract: A support structure for use in a hearing aid has a plurality of support stations where circuit boards may be mechanically supported. The structure is mounted to the faceplate of the aid in front of the opening where the battery is inserted. The support structure is formed by two assemblies; each assembly is made up of a circuit board and a battery terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved hearing instrument of the type generally having a microphone having an input for receiving ambient audio signals and an output for generating an electrical signal corresponding to the audio signals, a signal processor having an audio channel input connected to the output of the microphone for receiving and processing the electrical signal to produce a processed electrical signal and an output for outputting the processed electrical signal, where the signal processor is programmable through a communication port, and a speaker having an input connected to the output of the signal processor and an output for generating an audio signal corresponding to the processed electrical signal. The improvement consists of an interface for wireless programming of the signal processor.