Abstract: Hearing apparatuses and in particular hearing devices are to be designed to be smaller. To this end, a hearing apparatus having a housing and a coil arranged in the housing are proposed. A current detection facility is connected to the coil in order to detect a current flowing through the coil. An oscillator circuit, which is located outside the housing and which can be energized to oscillate with the aid of the coil, can be moved closer to the hearing apparatus in order to switch or control it. The current flowing through the coil to energize oscillations is then detected by the current detection facility for controlling the hearing apparatus. A hearing device is thus able to switch itself on and off without the need for a mechanical switch.

Abstract: Hearing aid fitted with a central processing unit (1) having peripherals (3E, 3A) connected to its input and output. Each peripheral includes an identification unit (5) having an output connected to a first input of a comparator (9). A second input of the comparator is connected to a read-only identification memory (11) containing identification features of the peripherals. An output of the comparator drives a configuration memory (15). As a result, the hearing aid self identifies its current configuration based on the identification of the peripherals.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a circuit board having a battery affixed thereon and a switch that utilizes a portion of the circuit board as a portion of the switch. The battery is permanently affixed to the circuit board in at least one location and at least a portion of the battery is spaced away from the circuit board. The circuit board further includes at least one pair of printed switch traces. The switch is integrated into the circuit board in a way that utilizes the circuit board to form a rotary switch.

Abstract: An adjustment method for a hearing device and an apparatus to do it are proposed, by which a model for the perception of a psycho-acoustic variable, especially of the loudness, is parametrized for a standard group of individuals (LN) as well as for an individual (LI). On grounds of model differences, especially in relation to their parametrization, the adjustment values are determined, whereas the signal transmission is planned or adjusted at a hearing device (HG) ex situ or is guided in situ, respectively.

Abstract: A disposable hearing device is adapted to be positioned entirely within an ear canal for extended wear therein. The device includes a core assembly and a sealing retainer. The core assembly includes a lateral section of generally oval cross-section and generally elongated cylindrical shape for alignment substantially along the ear canal's longitudinal axis, and a receiver section having a receiver coupled to the lateral section for medial positioning in the ear canal's bony region. The lateral section includes a microphone and a battery assembly, and is dimensioned to avoid occluding the ear canal while it is at least partially laterally suspended therein. The sealing retainer is concentrically positioned over the receiver section, and has a composition to conform to the ear canal's bony region wall to seat the hearing device and acoustically seal it in the ear canal to inhibit feedback therein.

Abstract: An electrical connection to or in a hearing apparatus is established by assembling a series capacitor. The capacitor is formed by one part having one capacitor plate and a second part having another capacitor plate. A part of the casing of the hearing apparatus can be used as a dielectricum of the capacitor.

Abstract: A digital hearing aid adjusts power to a processor or other modules to conserve battery life. The digital hearing aid receives and measures audio signals from an environment. If a magnitude of the audio signals is less than a predetermined threshold, the digital hearing aid starts a timer. If the audio signals are below the threshold for a predetermined period as measured by the timer, the digital hearing aid adjusts power to the processor or other modules. The digital hearing aid may also adjust clock rates and sampling rates of the processor. If the digital hearing aid detects audio signals above the threshold, the digital hearing aid restores power to the processor or other modules.

Abstract: This invention regards a hearing aid for at least partial insertion into an ear canal. The hearing aid has a faceplate, a battery holder and a battery and a signal path comprising a microphone, a signal processor, and a receiver, where the microphone and the battery are arranged at the faceplate. Further there are provided one or more electrical contact elements for electrical communication with the signal processor, where the contact elements each has a first leg arranged to be contacted from the outside of the hearing aid and a second leg arranged to provide electrical contact with the signal processor, and an intermediate part embedded in the surrounding material and interconnecting the first and second legs. The first legs of the contact elements are arranged to extend along a first side of the microphone in the space between the microphone and the battery holder and the second legs of the contact elements are arranged at a second side of the microphone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid for correcting hearing impairments, comprising a metal housing which has a battery compartment and a sound exit opening. According to the invention, the housing surrounds the electronics located in the treatment device in such a way as to shield them from electromagnetic waves on all sides and the sound exit opening is sealed by an acoustically permeable, water-tight film. The housing also has an essentially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An induction-type loopset is provided that is connectable to a wireless device. The loopset contains a first coil electromagnetically coupled to a t-coil hearing aid and an impedance-matching device coupled to the first coil. The impedance-matching device is responsive to an audio signal from the wireless device. The induction-type loopset is powered from the power source of the wireless device. The power source is responsive to an activation state of the wireless device.

Abstract: A force opposing tab on the peripheral surface of an electronics module will prevent inadvertent dislodging of the module from the hearing instrument housing when force is applied the battery door.

Abstract: An anode protection device and method are provided. The method includes placing a sacrificial anode in proximity to the positive and negative contacts to shield or distort the field therebetween which provides preferential corrosion of the sacrificial anode, instead of the anode. The protection device is a sacrificial anode having various forms and placed in different configurations. In one form the sacrificial anode is a plate. In another form the sacrificial anode is a ring placed around either the positive contact or negative contact to provide a shield between the negative and positive contacts. In a further device embodiment, the sacrificial anodic plate can be welded to the aluminum case of a rechargeable battery of a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device.

Abstract: A one-size-fits-all uni-hearing aid is described which is adapted to fit into either ear of an ear canal of a user to a depth proximal to the tympanic membrane. The hearing aid is comprised of two half shells joined together to house the hearing aid components. The joined shells secure a flexible tip at the distal end of the shell.

Abstract: A communication device includes a housing in which a battery drawer for accommodating a circular battery is mounted pivotally and in which means for preventing unintended removal of the battery are provided. The battery drawer includes two side elements for preventing gripping of the essentially planar sides of the battery and an aperture intended for insertion of an object for pressing the battery out of the battery drawer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system comprising a housing adapted for placement behind an ear, the housing comprising a battery compartment which is pivotally mounted on the housing, and which has a recess. The communication system further comprises an communication element, which has a protruding element adapted for engagement with the recess in the battery compartment in such a manner that the communication element may be pivoted together with the battery compartment. Preferably the communication element when the battery compartment is in a closed position may not be displaced in relation to the communication device housing.

Abstract: A rechargeable hearing aid comprises a battery charger and a hearing aid body. The battery charger presents an easily carried case, which is provided with a receiving groove and a battery chamber, which contains a dry battery for power supply. The receiving groove can receive the hearing aid body and is provided with connection terminals at two sides of the inner groove for flexibly locking the hearing aid body. A cover covers on the receiving groove and is pivotally connected to the bather charger by a hinge element, which is further connected to a switch, such that when the cover is in the position of OFF, the battery can start recharging right away, and be quickly completed with micro-voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a housing of a hearing aid or hearing device respectively with a base plate, a shell connected with the base plate and an electronic module, whereby the electronic module consists at least of a clamping device to hold the battery consisting of a cap pivotable over an axis. The axis thereby consists of two bushes axially relocatable beyond each end and insertable into accordingly provided openings or bores respectively of the base plate. The axis will thereby be connected with the base plate, and the forces acting onto the axis will be transferred to the base plate and not into the electronic module. Furthermore, the electronic module will be locked within the base plate by the bushes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of receiving and processing both audio and non-audio signals for use in a hearing aid or other listening device comprising converting electromagnetic radiation to electrical signals, amplifying said electrical signals to produce amplified signals, and filtering the amplified signals in an audio frequency range. The invention extends to a novel integrated amplified telecoil system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: For reducing the space requirement for locking systems, a battery compartment and an electronics module are locked by means of a single articulation. For removing the battery, the battery compartment is swiveled open; for unlocking the electronics module, the battery compartment is removed from the plate by pulling the wire spring from the receptacles. The articulation thus has a double function.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprises a microphone, a sound transducer, an amplification signal path configured for coupling the sound transducer to the microphone; and a circuit configured for completely or partly blocking the signal path during a comfort delay period, which may be adjustable, when the hearing aid is switched on. It can hereby be avoided that the hearing aid transmits a disturbing howling tone during the period until it is placed correctly at or in the ear of the user, if the user switches on the hearing aid before it is correctly positioned. The circuit is further configured for generating and transmitting a special acoustic signal to the sound transducer during at least a portion of the comfort delay period. In this way a user will be able to ascertain whether the hearing aid is switched on and that it functions as it should.

Abstract: A modular hearing aid for arrangement in a user's ear comprises a hollow plug (1) adapted to the ear canal and having a generally irregular conical shape and an exterior opening which is covered by a faceplate (2), in which a recess (8) is formed for removable arrangement of a battery (23) as well as an electronic module (4) comprising a microphone part (5), a signal processing part (6) and a sound reproducer (7). The recess (8) comprises a first region (9) for insertion of the battery (23) and a second region (10) coherent with the first region for placing of a socket part (11) of the electronic module (4), and at the edge of the recess (8) the faceplate (2) is formed with engaging means (12–16) for the socket part (11), whereas further parts of the electronic module (4) are placed below the faceplate (2). The recess (8) is formed such that at removal of the battery (23) the first and second regions (9, 10) together allow passage also of said further parts (6,7) for removal of the complete electronic module.

Abstract: Hearing aid consisting of two parts that can be separated. A chamber for accommodating a battery is delimited between the two parts. The loudspeaker is located some distance away from the sound-emitting opening and the connecting channel between the loudspeaker and the sound-emitting opening comprises the cavity in which the battery is accommodated.

Abstract: A system for programming hearing aids utilizing a multi-electrode programming strip. The strip is removably attached to a connector and inserted into the aid through a narrow slot in the faceplate; the slot is bounded by the faceplate and by one of the edges of the battery door. When the door is closed, the strip (and the electrodes thereon) is urged against corresponding terminals located inside the aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a signal path having an input transducer, a processor and an output transducer, the hearing aid further including a radio frequency receiver, where the receiver includes a single crystal oscillator providing a single oscillator frequency and where means are provided for generating a further number of receiving frequencies by transforming the oscillator frequency to the desired receiving frequencies. The hearing aid and the RF receiver may be separate or integrated. The invention further relates to a separate element comprising a RF receiver, the separate element being adapted for mounting on a hearing aid.

Abstract: A semi-permanent hearing device is disclosed which is adapted to be completely positioned within the ear canal of an individual for long-term use. The device comprises a sealing retainer substantially positioned in the bony region of the ear canal and a core assembly including a receiver assembly coaxially positioned within the sealing retainer. When the device is inserted into its completely-in-the-canal position, the core assembly extends from the sealing retainer to the cartilaginous region of the ear canal in a non-occluding fashion, thereby minimizing interference with hair and earwax production present in the cartilaginous region. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the core assembly comprises a battery assembly conforming substantially to the shape and dimensions of the battery enclosed within the assembly.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprising a housing with a connector enabling an external device to be connected thereto is provided. The connector includes a set of closely spaced electrical terminals operatively connected to at least one internal hearing aid component. The hearing aid also comprises detecting means adapted for determining whether an external device is connected or unconnected to the hearing aid, and the hearing aid is adapted for keeping the set of closely spaced electrical terminals at a substantially equal electrical potential during at least a part of the time periods wherein an external device is unconnected. A method of operating a hearing aid and a program comprising code adapted for operating a hearing aid is also provided.

Abstract: For reducing the power consumption of a hearing aid system, an internal or external hearing aid signal source with a signal line for the transmission of a signal to a hearing aid amplifier and a control device for the connection and disconnection of the hearing aid signal source is provided in the hearing aid. A monitoring logic monitors the signal line and supplies a switch signal to the control device, so that the hearing aid signal source can be connected and disconnected on the basis of the switch signal. Each signal source can thus be individually connected and disconnected without employing additional connections from the hearing aid system to the signal source.

Abstract: Squeal in a hearing aid is inhibited by a circuit that monitors battery voltage. In response to sensed low battery voltage, a cutoff circuit disables the hearing aid audio amplifier. Also in response to low battery voltage, a crowbar circuit loads the hearing aid battery with a loading circuit element.

Abstract: An improved hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A hearing aid interface for adjusting voltage levels and impedance levels is adapted for coupling signals to the hearing aid being programmed.

Abstract: A hearing aid assembled from three sections includes a first section having a first housing containing a microphone and electronics, a second section having a second housing containing a battery a flex circuit mounted around the battery and a third section having a compliant tip and a receiver contained within a receptacle in the tip. The flex circuit provides solder less electrical connections among the electrical components of the hearing aid. The hearing aid also includes an actuator switch that allows the user to engage the hearing aid in an ON or an OFF mode of operation. Preferably, the actuator is electrically connected to the hearing aid without the use of solder. Connection between the first and second sections includes a mechanical securing mechanism, such as an interlocking joint.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a hearing aid insert module comprising a socket module, and a substantially closed-loop frame comprising electrically conductive portions, the closed-loop frame further comprising engaging means adapted to releasably coupling the hearing aid insert module to a faceplate of a hearing aid. The invention is of advantage in that releasable coupling of the faceplate to the socket module via the frame is capable of rendering the insert module easier to manufacture, to user-customize and to repair. The frame is arranged to impart a majority of structural rigidity to the faceplate when inserted therein. Such rigidity is of benefit in that the faceplate is capable in use of applying a flexural component to the frame which could damage the frame if not of sufficiently substantial rigidity.

Abstract: A hearing device has a shell, an electric/acoustic transducer, and electronics within the shell. One end of the shell constitutes the acoustic output to the ear and further includes a compartment at the other end of the shell. A module is removably introduced into the compartment and includes a battery and a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator has an input operationally connected to the battery and has an output in electric contact with the electronics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid with optimized and controllable power consumption. The power consumption is controlled by varying the voltage level of the supply voltage and/or the frequency of the clock signal. Furthermore the invention relates to a method of optimizing the power consumption of a hearing aid, by calibrating its supply voltage and its clock frequency, and the relation between them, according to the production characteristics of the digital signal processor.

Abstract: System including a CIC hearing aid that is constructed from a first universal part containing microphone, amplifier and loudspeaker and a second part that is adapted to the auditory canal of the patient. The hearing aid is of a digitally programmable design. The programming is carried out by way of a cable. Since a connection to the first part is not easy to make on account of lack of space, it is proposed to use an auxiliary part that replaces the first part and is used for establishing the desired amplifier characteristics. The desired amplifier characteristics obtained in this way are transmitted to the first part to be used by the patient by contacts that are accessible when the aid is removed from the ear.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided having a capacitor with a large capacitance coupled in parallel with the energy source for transient current supply. The operating period of the battery is prolonged compared to prior art digital hearing aids. Further, the smaller variations in supply voltage lead to less distortion of the output signal of the hearing aid signal processor. In a hearing aid with a telecoil, a well defined current path for the current transients generating the high magnetic fields picked up by the telecoil is established. This facilitates the design of a compensating current path that is substantially independent of battery type and position.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a contact pad of a flexible printed circuit board against terminals of an electronic component comprises a body and a reinforcing plate, wherein the body is combined with the electronic component and two parallel sliding channels are mounted on the body corresponding to two sides of the terminals of the electronic component, and the reinforcing plate is combined with the contact pad of the flexible printed circuit board so as to increase the stiffness of the contact pad, and two sides of the reinforcing plate cooperate with the two parallel sliding channels of the body, thereby connecting the contact pad of the flexible printed circuit board against the terminals of the electronic component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recording information in a hearing device and/or in a recording unit at least temporally operationally connected to the hearing device. The method consists in that a point in time of the recording and/or a recording frequency as well as the information to be recorded, as data and/or parameters and/or adjustments of the hearing device are adjusted freely or are programmable, respectively. Furthermore, a hearing device is described that is suitable to use the method. By the present invention, a multitude of the parameters being adjustable in a hearing device can be checked or surveyed all together or selectively in real, i.e. actually existing acoustic environments in order to optimally adjust or adapt the hearing device afterwards, that means after the analysis by the fitter, for example.

Abstract: Acoustical signals from the acoustical surrounding (U) which impinge upon a reception unit 30 are evaluated and direction of arrival (DOA) of such signals is determined. From signals indicative of such direction of arrival (DOA) a histogram is formed in unit 32. The behaviour of such histogram is classified under different aspects or criteria and dependent on classification results in a classifying unit 34 the hearing device and thereby especially its signal transfer characteristic from input acoustical signals to output mechanical signals is controlled or adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a hearing aid capable of determining its accumulated utilization time and making use of this information to control one or more of its functions. The control of the hearing aid's function may be obtained through alteration of parameters of a signal processing algorithm of the hearing aid or by execution of a particular transducer adjustment subroutine or algorithm. The accumulated utilization time may furthermore be utilized to provide a function that makes the hearing aid inoperative when a value of the accumulated utilization time matches some predetermined criteria, such as a predetermined limit value. Such a function is highly desirable if the hearing aid is sold in connection with a subscription arrangement between a dispenser and a hearing aid user where the user pays for his or her hearing aid through payment of regular renewal fees.

Abstract: A digital hearing aid adjusts power to a processor or other modules to conserve battery life. The digital hearing aid receives and measures audio signals from an environment. If a magnitude of the audio signals is less than a predetermined threshold, the digital hearing aid starts a timer. If the audio signals are below the threshold for a predetermined period as measured by the timer, the digital hearing aid adjusts power to the processor or other modules. The digital hearing aid may also adjust clock rates and sampling rates of the processor. If the digital hearing aid detects audio signals above the threshold, the digital hearing aid restores power to the processor or other modules.

Abstract: A hearing aid (1) having a case (3) enclosing its electrical components, which includes at least one rechargeable battery (10). The rechargeable battery is a solid-state rechargeable battery or a foil rechargeable battery.

Abstract: This invention regards a hearing aid (2) for at least partial insertion into an ear canal. The hearing aid has a faceplate (1), a battery holder (3) and a battery and a signal path comprising a microphone (12), a signal processor, and a receiver, where the microphone (12) and the battery are arranged at the faceplate (1). Further there are provided one or more electrical contact elements for electrical communication with the signal processor, where the contact elements each has a first leg (8; 8.1) arranged to be contacted from the outside of the hearing aid and a second leg (9; 9.1) arranged to provide electrical contact with the signal processor, and an intermediate part (10; 10.1) embedded in the surrounding material and interconnecting the first and second legs.

Abstract: A silicon-based transducer assembly coupled to a movable structure in a hearing instrument. The transducer assembly includes at least one microphone chip and an ASIC having multiple integrated components such as any combination of a DSP, an A/D converter, an amplifier, a filter, or a wireless interface. The movable structure may be a battery access door, a volume dial, a switch, or a touch pad. A protection strip can be disposed across the battery access door to prevent debris from clogging the silicon-based transducer assembly. The transducer assembly may also include an array of microphone chips to achieve adaptive beam steering or directionality. When equipped with a wireless interface, the hearing instrument wirelessly communicates with another hearing instrument or with a network.

Abstract: A battery assembly is constructed of an elongated plastic shell irregularly shaped to fit optimally in anatomical cavities, particularly ear canals. The battery assembly relies structurally on a thin plastic shell which is designed to be inexpensively formed in a variety of complex shapes, thus offering superior volumetric utilization and energy capacity when compared with conventional metal button cell designs. In preferred embodiments, the shell is domed to distribute axial stresses so that it can be thin and still provide sufficient strength to avoid breakage in an extended wear environment despite its plastic composition. A preferred embodiment of a hearing device incorporating the battery assembly is disposable, to be discarded upon depletion of the electrical energy of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A digital hearing aid comprises a microphone (2), an output transducer (3), a digital signal processor (5) interconnected between the microphone and the output transducer, and a power source (7) including a standard hearing aid battery for the supply of operation voltage for the digital signal processor. At least one of the integrated circuit signal processing parts is designed to operate at a reduced unstabilized operation voltage substantially below a nominal voltage of the battery. A switched step-down voltage converter is connected between the power source and such signal processing parts for lowering the battery voltage to provide the reduced operation voltage.

Abstract: A hearing aid having a battery door seal that substantially reduces or eliminates unwanted air flow from and into a battery compartment is provided. Eliminating unwanted air flow removes a potential source of acoustic feedback and provides significant improvement in frequency response of the hearing aid. The hearing aid includes a battery compartment with sidewalls that have a step joint formed between an opening in a faceplate to the battery compartment and a substantially flat portion of the sidewalls. The battery door has a lip that sets on the step joint when the battery door closes providing an air seal around a substantial portion of the battery compartment. A thin slit is provided between the faceplate and the battery door behind the end of the battery door, where the battery door is connected to the faceplate by a hinge to provide appropriate air flow for proper battery operation.

Abstract: A behind-the-ear hearing aid, which extends basically like a tube along an axis and has a battery compartment (29) on the end. Instead of a battery, the plug part (34) of an additional module (51) can be plugged in, and a corresponding battery compartment is then provided in the additional module (51).

Abstract: A disposable hearing aid insertable into an ear canal which includes a microphone which translates acoustic energy into electrical signals, signal processing circuitry which processes the electrical signals provided by the microphone, a receiver which converts the processed electrical signals into acoustic energy, and a power source permanently disposed within the hearing aid such that the source is substantially non-removeably integrated with the hearing aid.

Abstract: To provide a hearing aid that allows desired sound to be selectively heard and allows unnecessary sound not to be heard, and that can be used with no bars even in a situation like a meeting that requires a conversation with a plurality of persons. The hearing aid includes: a hearing aid body having a hearing aid function and an external microphone signal receiving function; and a separate external microphone, wherein connection and disconnection of communication between the above described hearing aid body and the external microphone are automatically switched, and the above described hearing aid body functions as a normal hearing aid when the communication between the above described hearing aid body and the external microphone is disconnected.

Abstract: A canal hearing device with a dual acoustic seal system for preventing feedback while minimizing occlusion effects. The two-part device comprises a main module and an elongated tubular insert for conducting sound to the tympanic membrane and sealing within the bony region of the ear canal. The main module is positioned in the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. The tubular insert comprises a sound conduction tube and a cylindrically hollow primary seal medially positioned in the bony region. The device also comprises a secondary seal laterally positioned in the cartilaginous region. The secondary seal, although providing additional acoustic sealing for the prevention of feedback, is sufficiently vented to provide a path of least acoustic resistance for occlusion sounds within the ear canal.