Abstract: A hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, is configured to be worn by a user, e.g. fully or partially on the head of the user, comprises a) an input transducer for converting a sound comprising a target sound from a target talker and possible additional sound in an environment of the user, when the user wears the hearing device, to an electric sound signal representative of said sound, b) an auxiliary input unit configured to provide an auxiliary electric signal representative of said target signal or properties thereof, c) a processor connected to said input transducer and to said auxiliary input unit, and wherein said processor is configured to apply a processing algorithm to said electric sound signal, or a signal derived therefrom, to provide an enhanced signal by attenuating components of said additional sound relative to components of said target sound in said electric sound signal, or said signal derived therefrom. The auxiliary electric signal is derived from visual information, e.g.

Abstract: Head-worn computers include a front frame mechanically adapted to secure a see-through computer display and an arm, secured to the front frame, mechanically adapted to secure the front frame to a head of a user. The arm includes an internal speaker system, enclosed by the arm, wherein the internal speaker system comprises a speaker having a first side and an opposing second side and a first cavity positioned along the first side of the speaker, the arm further comprising a vent positioned to vent the first cavity and a second cavity positioned along the second side of the speaker.

Abstract: Spinnable frames for spectacles are provided. A spinnable frame allows a user to hold a distal end of one of the temples and freely spin the remainder of the spectacles around that end of the temple. A spin joint is provided in at least one of the temples that allows this spinning action. The spin joint may span an interface between the distal end of the temple and a proximal end of the temple, the proximal end being coupled to a front portion of the frame at a hinge interface. In this way, the temple arm is allowed to fold against the front portion for compact storage, as with conventional eyeglass frames, while facilitating spinning of the spectacles in a way that avoids excess forces on the hinge interface and/or other portions of the frame or lenses mounted therein.

Abstract: A hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, is configured to be worn by a user, e.g. fully or partially on the head of the user, comprises a) an input transducer for converting a sound comprising a target sound from a target talker and possible additional sound in an environment of the user, when the user wears the hearing device, to an electric sound signal representative of said sound, b) an auxiliary input unit configured to provide an auxiliary electric signal representative of said target signal or properties thereof, c) a processor connected to said input transducer and to said auxiliary input unit, and wherein said processor is configured to apply a processing algorithm to said electric sound signal, or a signal derived therefrom, to provide an enhanced signal by attenuating components of said additional sound relative to components of said target sound in said electric sound signal, or said signal derived therefrom. The auxiliary electric signal is derived from visual information, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head-worn audio device having a first earcup, a second earcup, and a headband extending between the first earcup and the second earcup. The headband includes a spring member disposed along a longitudinal axis of the headband. The spring member has a first end and a second end. The headband also includes a first headband tube coupled to the first earcup and the first end of the spring member. Further, the headband includes a second headband tube coupled to the second earcup and the second end of the spring member. The first headband tube is configured to rotate around the first end of the spring member, and the second headband tube is configured to rotate around the second end of the spring member.

Abstract: The disclosed head-mounted display system may include (1) a display for displaying computer-generated imagery, (2) a lens, (3) a peripheral wall extending from a back end to a front end, with the back end coupled to the lens and the front end coupled to the display such that the lens, the peripheral wall, and the display together define an enclosure, and (4) a speaker housed by the enclosure. Various other systems and methods of assembling the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hearing aid mounting assembly for retaining a hearing aid on a pair of eyeglasses includes a tube is slidable over an arm of a pair of eyeglasses. The tube is comprised of a heat shrinkable material such that the tube shrinks around the arm of the pair of eyeglasses when the tube is exposed to a heat source. A first mating member is attached to the tube and a second mating member is attached to a hearing aid. The second mating member releasably engages the first mating member. In this way the hearing aid is retained on the arm of the pair of eyeglasses thereby inhibiting the hearing aid from is lost.

Abstract: An earphone comprising an ear hook having a body the bulk of which is made from a flexible material molded over a formable member and a plurality of wires. The ear hook includes a first end and a second end and a curved portion in between. The earphone further includes an earbud coupled to the first end of the ear hook and coupled to the plurality of wires. The plurality of wires extends within the ear hook along its length from the first end to the second end exiting the ear hook at the second end. The formable member extends within the ear hook from the first end along a portion of the ear hook length towards the second end and enables the ear hook to be bent along a portion of its length while retaining its bent shape.

Abstract: A user interface for a head-mounted wearable device provides many functions to a user. Information about whether the device is being worn (donned) or not worn (doffed) may be acquired in several ways. Force sensing resistors in the device may provide output indicative of the pressure associated with wearing the device. Output from a bone conduction (BC) microphone may be analyzed to determine if the device is in use. Piezoelectric BC speakers typically used to present audio output to a wearer provide changes in voltage corresponding to a change in pressure associated with wearing the device. A BC speaker may emit a signal that is detected by the BC microphone, with changes in the signal strength being used to determine if the device is donned or doffed.

Abstract: As disclosed, an external device is associated with the recipient of a hearing prosthesis and provides to the hearing prosthesis a control signal carrying an indication that the recipient is looking at output of the external device, perhaps including an indication of one or more characteristics of visual output and/or audio output from the external device. In response to such a control signal, the hearing prosthesis then automatically configures its sound processor in a manner based at least in part on the provided indication, such as to help process audio coming from the external device and/or to process audio in a manner based on the indicated characteristic(s) of visual output and/or audio output.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the design and manufacturing of electronic eyeglasses and associated components thereof. Electronic eyeglasses consist of electro-active lenses, receiving electrical signals that turn them on and off from an electronic control module. The electronic control module is embedded within a temple of the eyeglass frame, and is powered by a removable power source pack residing at a temple tip through a flexible cable. Various methods describe the interconnection schemes between the components of the electronic eyeglasses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the design and manufacturing of electronic eyeglasses and associated components thereof. Electronic eyeglasses consist of electro-active lenses, receiving electrical signals that turn them on and off from an electronic control module. The electronic control module is embedded within a temple of the eyeglass frame, and is powered by a removable power source pack residing at a temple tip through a flexible cable. Various methods describe the interconnection schemes between the components of the electronic eyeglasses.

Abstract: A lanyard is provided. The lanyard may include a lanyard cord which is attached to a personal item such as safety glasses or an access card, an earplug cord which is attached to a first earplug and a second earplug, and a flexible retractable sheath. The lanyard cord and earplug cord may be disposed in the lumen of the retractable sheath and the retractable sheath is movable between a first position where it covers a first section of the lanyard cord and the earplug cord and a second position where it exposes the first section of the lanyard cord and the earplug cord.

Abstract: A hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a receiver and/or a microphone unit and a first connector (e.g. a socket) for establishing an electric connection between one or more components of the hearing device and the receiver and/or microphone unit, wherein the receiver and/or microphone unit comprises second connector (e.g. a plug member) configured to be received by the first connector. The first connector is movably mounted in the hearing device.

Abstract: Contact hearing devices for use with a wearable communication apparatus are disclosed to provide the user with an open ear canal to hear ambient sound and sound from an audio signal. The disclosed devices and systems have an advantage of providing sound to user from the audio signal, in many embodiments without creating sound that can be perceived by others. The contact hearing device can also be used to amplify ambient sound to provide a hearing assistance to users with diminished hearing. The wearable information apparatus can be configured to couple wirelessly to the contact transducer assembly, such that the wearable information apparatus can be removed while the contact transducer assembly remains placed on the user.

Abstract: A piezoelectric speaker driving system includes a band splitter, a plurality of gain producers, an adder, a piezoelectric speaker, a sound compensator and a gain-adjusting device. The band splitter receives a first audio signal and splits the first audio signal into band signals. The gain producers gain the band signals respectively. The adder receives the gained band signals to generate a second audio signal. The piezoelectric speaker outputs a sound according to the second audio signal. The sound compensator analyzes a sound pressure level of the sound to generate a control signal. The gain-adjusting device adjusts the gains of the gain producers according to the control signal.

Abstract: A hearing system includes a hearing device for wear by a user, the hearing device comprising a speaker, and an optical receiver configured to detect light signals, and generate electrical signals in response to the detected light signals, wherein the speaker of the hearing device is communicatively coupled to the optical receiver, and is configured to provide audio signals based at least in part on the electrical signals. A hearing system includes a hub configured to receive an input from a user of the hub, and generate an output in response to the input, and a light source communicatively coupled to the hub, wherein the light source is configured to provide light signals for reception by a hearing device based at least in part on the output from the hub.

Abstract: Contact hearing devices for use with a wearable communication apparatus are disclosed to provide the user with an open ear canal to hear ambient sound and sound from an audio signal. The disclosed devices and systems have an advantage of providing sound to user from the audio signal, in many embodiments without creating sound that can be perceived by others. The contact hearing device can also be used to amplify ambient sound to provide a hearing assistance to users with diminished hearing. The wearable information apparatus can be configured to couple wirelessly to the contact transducer assembly, such that the wearable information apparatus can be removed while the contact transducer assembly remains placed on the user.

Abstract: A head-wearable device includes a center support extending in generally lateral directions, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device further includes an extension arm configured to present information to the user via a display element. The extension arm extends at least partially along the first side arm on a first side of the center support and further extends from the first side arm to a display end that supports the display element in a position on a second side of the center support. The extension arm has a joint therein configured for movement of the display element at least in a direction having a lateral component relative to the center support.

Abstract: Sound processors with light transmissive seals and systems including such sound processors are disclosed.

Abstract: A head-wearable device includes a center support extending in generally lateral directions, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device further includes an extension arm configured to present information to the user via a display element. The extension arm extends at least partially along the first side arm on a first side of the center support and further extends from the first side arm to a display end that supports the display element in a position on a second side of the center support. The extension arm has a joint therein configured for movement of the display element at least in a direction having a lateral component relative to the center support.

Abstract: The present universal wearable computing device relates to a hearing assistance system, device, method, and apparatus that provide a discreet approach to user hearing assistance, without relying on a conventional hearing aid. The hearing assistance system and the requisite electronics may be incorporated into frames that also function as eyeglasses with earphone(s) that may be connected to the frame to assist user hearing. An earphone may be configured with minimal electronics, such that a power source enable sound transmissions to the ear, is provided by a connection to the frame of the eyeglasses. In another example, the earphone is configured without any electronics and sound is transmitted to the user/listener's ear(s) via a psychoacoustic system. The sound quality of the transmissions to the earphones may be optimized using a tuning/equalizer application operating from a computing device, such as an app on a mobile device.

Abstract: A microphone boom is provided with an extendable microphone assembly, and a headset having such a microphone boom. The headset includes a casing accommodating the signal transmission circuitry and further includes a speaker adapted to serve a sound signal at the proximity of a user's ear and the speaker is protruding from the casing at a speaker-end of the casing and a microphone assembly is fixated relative to the casing distally with respect to the speaker-end.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) for implementing a flexible transducer for soft-tissue audio production. These techniques (300) and apparatuses (100, 500) enable an audio-production device (102) having a flexible transducer (116, 402) conformed to a person's pinna to create audio within the person's external ear canal.

Abstract: Audio equipment comprising a signal generating module (26) arranged to output signals to a pair of speakers (20), wherein the speakers (20) are mounted upon respective housings (18), adapted to be carried by a glasses frame unit (30).

Abstract: A glasses apparatus which works in conjunction with a display apparatus which operates in a multi-view mode to combine and output a plurality of contents. The glasses apparatus includes: a first interface module which receives a synchronization signal in a first wireless communication method; first and second glasses mounted on a glasses frame and which are driven in synchronization with one of the plurality of contents based on the synchronization signal; a second interface module which receives an audio signal of at least said one content in a second wireless communication method; a controller which selects an audio signal of said one content from among audio signals corresponding to the plurality of contents, and an audio outputter which outputs the audio signal of the selected content, and which is integrally formed with the glasses frame.

Abstract: Apparatuses that provide a bone-conduction speaker arranged to be located behind the ear are described herein. An exemplary apparatus may include: (a) a glasses-style support structure comprising a front section and at least one side section; (b) at least one bone-conduction speaker; and (c) a member having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end is attached to the at least one side section, and wherein the at least one bone-conduction speaker is attached to the member at or near the distal end; wherein the member is arranged on the at least one side section such that when the glasses-style support structure is worn the member: (a) extends to the anterior of the at least one side section and (b) locates the bone-conduction speaker posterior to an ear.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for determining correlated movements associated with movements caused by driving a vehicle are provided. In an example, a computer-implemented method includes identifying a threshold number of sets of correlated movements. The method further includes determining that the threshold number of sets of correlated movements is associated with movements caused by driving a vehicle. The method still further includes causing the wearable computing system to select a driving user interface for the wearable computing system.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes a reality multisensory display device (MSD) in the form of eyeglasses, where the device is configured to augment information to the wearer of the device, for example to compensate for hearing loss of a wearer of the device by augmenting auditory information.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes reality multisensory display device (MSD) to be used by a wearer having an ear. The device includes a head-mounted display, display circuitry configured to provide signals to the head-mounted display, audio circuitry configured to augment audio delivered to the wearer, and a receiver configured to be worn in or on the ear of the wearer and to play audio to the wearer. In various embodiments, a cable assembly is configured to connect the receiver to the audio circuitry.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes a reality multisensory display device (MSD) to be used by a wearer having an ear. The device includes a head-mounted display, display circuitry configured to provide signals to the head-mounted display, audio circuitry configured to augment audio delivered to the wearer, and radio circuitry to provide wireless communications to the MSD. According to various embodiments, the audio circuitry is configured to compensate for hearing loss of the wearer.

Abstract: An original loudness level of an audio signal is maintained for a mobile device while maintaining sound quality as good as possible and protecting the loudspeaker used in the mobile device. The loudness of an audio (e.g., speech) signal may be maximized while controlling the excursion of the diaphragm of the loudspeaker (in a mobile device) to stay within the allowed range. In an implementation, the peak excursion is predicted (e.g., estimated) using the input signal and an excursion transfer function. The signal may then be modified to limit the excursion and to maximize loudness.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a device housing to be worn outside an ear of a user and which co-acts with an in-the-ear part provided with a sound-emitting opening and which is intended and adapted to be received at least substantially in the ear of the user. The in-the-ear part is physically separated from the device housing, wherein at least a microphone and a loudspeaker are accommodated together with the sound-emitting opening in the in-the-ear part. An electronic connection is present between the device housing and the in-the-ear part. A power supply of a hearing aid particularly includes a capacitor (40), more particularly an ultra-capacitor. The functionality of a hearing aid can be expanded with an expansion unit (50). For an accurate fit of the in-the-ear part use is made of a digital representation which has been modified on the basis of fitting data of a fitting body.

Abstract: A device, method and computer program product that provides tactile feedback to a visually impaired person to assist the visually impaired person in maintaining eye contact with another person when speaking to the other person. The eyeglass-based tactile response device includes a frame that has sensors mounted thereto, and a track that interconnects eyepieces on the device. In one example, a motor and a wheel are coupled to the track and are driven across the track depending on the amount of feedback to be provided to the user regarding how much the user should turn his or her head.

Abstract: A communication eyewear assembly is configured to identify a zone of safety about a wearer and to notify the wearer and/or others of same. A frame assembly is worn to maintain at least one transparent eye panel in front of the wearer's eyes. A processor coupled to the frame assembly receives incoming data from at least one data source. Utilizing the received data, the processor generates zone of safety information in least one spatial dimension relative to a hazardous area. The assembly can also determine existence of extraordinary circumstances based on changes or lack of changes in the data, and notify the wearer and/or others of same, particularly with regard to the status of the wearer. In accordance with the monitoring of the wearer and/or the communication eyewear itself, a unique ID is assigned to the communication eyewear assembly.

Abstract: A frame assembly worn to maintain at least one transparent eye panel in front of a wearer's eyes. A processor receives an incoming audio signal and wirelessly transmits it to an earpiece which audibly communicates the incoming signal to the wearer. An outbound microphone assembly picks up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmits it to the processor which transmits it to a remote recipient. An ambient microphone assembly picks up an ambient audio signal and transmits it to the processor. The processor is structured to enhance the incoming and/or the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signal. The processor transmits a voice component of the ambient audio signal to the earpiece. A camera assembly picks up an outbound visual signal and transmits it to the processor which further transmits it to a remote recipient. A display assembly displays an incoming visual signal.

Abstract: A wearable device is worn by a person participating in an event in which a plurality of other people are participating and wearing other wearable devices. The wearable device includes a request unit for transmitting a request signal to other wearable devices that are in a predetermined range, and receiving a response to the request signal from each of the other wearable devices, and a communication unit for determining, with use of the received responses, one or more of the other wearable devices to be a communication partner, and performing data communication with the determined one or more other wearable devices. The data received in the communication is data collected by the one or more other wearable devices determined to be communication partners, and the data is used as a profile component when creating a profile of the event.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for disposition between a pinna and a head of a user, the apparatus including a behind-the-ear housing, the housing having a first lateral side located adjacent the user's ear and a second lateral side located adjacent the side of the user's head when the apparatus is worn as directed, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the behind-the-ear housing, and a control disposed on at least one lateral side of the behind-the-ear housing, the control coupled to the hearing assistance electronics.

Abstract: Apparatuses that provide a bone-conduction speaker arranged to be located behind the ear are described herein. An exemplary apparatus may include: (a) a glasses-style support structure comprising a front section and at least one side section; (b) at least one bone-conduction speaker; and (c) a member having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end is attached to the at least one side section, and wherein the at least one bone-conduction speaker is attached to the member at or near the distal end; wherein the member is arranged on the at least one side section such that when the glasses-style support structure is worn the member: (a) extends to the anterior of the at least one side section and (b) locates the bone-conduction speaker posterior to an ear.

Abstract: A system and method for acoustical communication, in which an eyeglass frame includes at least one directionally dependent microphone for capturing voice signals of a user and a communication device for signal transmission to external electronic devices, so that the directional dependence of the at least one microphone is user-specifically adjustable in an adaptive way. The directionally dependent microphones can be implemented as microphone arrays and/or in MEMS technology, and contact microphones can be used.

Abstract: A frame assembly worn to maintain at least one transparent eye panel in front of a wearer's eyes. A processor receives an incoming audio signal and wirelessly transmits it to an earpiece which audibly communicates the incoming signal to the wearer. An outbound microphone assembly picks up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmits it to the processor which transmits it to a remote recipient. An ambient microphone assembly picks up an ambient audio signal and transmits it to the processor. The processor is structured to enhance the incoming and/or the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signal. The processor transmits a voice component of the ambient audio signal to the earpiece. A camera assembly picks up an outbound visual signal and transmits it to the processor which further transmits it to a remote recipient. A display assembly displays an incoming visual signal.

Abstract: A system for adapting a hearing aid to a user includes a unit generating an image of the user's ear together with a model of the hearing aid, wherein the model of the hearing aid in-situ includes a physical model of the hearing aid inserted in the user's ear prior to generating the image. The system also generates a mesh based on the image, calculates acoustic response to a simulated acoustic signal in the mesh, calculates a frequency response curve for a fixed position in the mesh, and identifies an optimal position of a microphone of the hearing aid in-situ from the acoustic response. They system also includes a comparator configured to compare the frequency response curve for the fixed position in the mesh with a maximum frequency response curve for the mesh stored by the system.

Abstract: Hearing glasses with a left temple and a right temple connected to a front portion supporting a pair of lenses, at least one temple with one single microphone and a processor connected to the single microphone. The single microphone is an omnidirectional microphone and located in the temple such that, when the hearing glasses are worn by a human's head where the at least one temple is at a predetermined side of the head, the single microphone can receive sound substantially unblocked by the head from sound sources both at a left and right frontal side of the head, as well as from one back side of the head corresponding to the predetermined side of the head.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hearing aids and to methods of manufacturing hearing aids. The invention further relates to shells for hearing aids and methods of manufacturing thereof. The invention, more particularly, relates to custom-made BTE hearing aids. A shell comprising a first part, and a second part, wherein said first part is adapted to fit the contour of the cleft between a pinna and the skull of an individual is provided. The shell may be part of a hearing aid (17) that is connected with a tube (9) in a first end and an earplug (20) in a second end. In a third aspect of the invention a method of preparing the shell is disclosed and in a fourth aspect a method of manufacturing a hearing aid is also disclosed.

Abstract: What is provided is an eyewear retention device comprising two ends, wherein each end is adapted for removable connection to an earpiece of an eyewear device; an audio device located at or substantially near at least one of the ends, wherein the audio device is adapted to play one or more audio signals for transmission to one or more surfaces of a human auditory passage at a location proximate to and outside of the ear, if the strap is connected to the earpiece of the eyewear device and worn in combination with the eyewear device; a receiver electrically connected to the audio device, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive the one or more audio signals, wherein the receiver is further adapted to remotely communicate with a sound transmission device; and a power source electrically connected to the audio device and to the receiver that is adapted to supply power to the audio device and the receiver. In one embodiment the audio device is adapted to connect the strap to the earpiece of the eyewear.

Abstract: A cable user interface, such as a cable for audio headphones, enables control of one or more aspects of operation of a device to which such cable is connected. A user touches/applies pressure to the cable user interface, either along the full length of the cable, or to a localized part of the cable, in order to control the device. A mechanism is included for interfacing the pressure sensitive controller(s) to the device so that pressure/touch applied by a user can be translated to control of the device. In one embodiment, a headphone cable itself is an input device for volume and playback control of a portable media player.

Abstract: A wearable wireless audio device includes a support, an electronics circuit, and a speaker. The support includes a first ear stem and an orbital, and is configured to support at least one lens in a wearer's field of view. The electronics circuit is supported by the support and is configured to receive at least one digital audio file and generate an audio signal indicative of the at least one digital audio file. The speaker is supported by the support, and is directed toward at least one of the wearer's ears. The speaker is configured to convert the audio signal into sound. The speaker has a speaker face, and the speaker is configured to rotate from a first position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a second position in which the speaker is inclined at an angle with respect to the yz-plane. The speaker is coupled to the support with a speaker pivot, and is configured to rotate about the speaker pivot while maintaining the speaker face substantially parallel to a yz-plane.

Abstract: An apparatus implements directional sound detection. The apparatus includes a portable hearing aid device, a plurality of sound detectors, and electronic circuitry. The sound detectors are coupled to the portable hearing aid device. The sound detectors are arranged in a substantially planar array which is located in approximately a two-dimensional plane which extends through both a listener position and a sound generator position. The electronic circuitry is electronically coupled to the plurality of sound detectors. The electronic circuitry generates a reproduced sound signal based on sound signals from at least a subset of the plurality of sound detectors. The subset includes at least two sound detectors in a one-dimensional line and at least one sound detector located within the two-dimensional plane other than along the one-dimensional line.

Abstract: Novel techniques for hearing enhancement based on a pair of glasses are disclosed. In one embodiment, the glasses include a first lens holder, a second lens holder, a bridge element, a first temple, a second temple, a first speaker, a second speaker, a microphone and at least one electrical component that performs a hearing enhanced function to enhance audio signals from the microphone to be sent to the speakers for the user to hear. At least one electrical component in the glasses is for generating other audio signals by the speakers, with the other audio signals originating from signals other than audio signals captured by the microphone. In another embodiment, some of the electrical components are in a portable device, wired or wirelessly, coupled to the glasses. In yet another embodiment, the glasses function as a headset, with other electrical components in the portable device.

Abstract: A hearing aid and a method of enhancing sound. In one embodiment, the hearing aid includes: (1) a direction sensor configured to produce data for determining a direction in which attention of a user is directed, (2) microphones to provide output signals indicative of sound received at the user from a plurality of directions, (3) a speaker for converting an electrical signal into enhanced sound and (4) an acoustic processor configured to be coupled to the direction sensor, the microphones, and the speaker, the acoustic processor being configured to superpose the output signals based on the determined direction to yield an enhanced signal based on the received sound, the enhanced signal having a higher content of sound received from the direction than sound received at the user.