Abstract: With a hearing aid device in a frame configuration, acoustic feedback is avoided with an opened battery charger. To this end, a seal surrounds the frame component in an annular manner, the seal sealing a gap between the frame component and the housing thus providing a more user friendly hearing aid.

Abstract: A wireless headset system including a switching unit having a detection circuit coupled to a wireless adapter. The detection circuit provides a first output signal to the wireless adapter upon detection of a triggering event, such as activation of a manual switch or detection of voltage of an audio output signal from a mobile communications device. The first output signal causes the wireless adapter to enter into an active audio channel mode. The detection circuit also provides a second output signal to the wireless adapter when no triggering event is detected, and the second output signal causes the wireless adapter to enter into a standby mode. Placing at least the wireless adapter in a standby mode saves battery life of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment.

Abstract: A BTE hearing aid includes a BTE hearing aid housing, at least one BTE sound input transducer, a processor configured to generate a hearing loss compensated output signal, a sound signal transmission member for transmission of a signal from a sound output of the BTE hearing aid housing to an ear canal of a user at a second end of the sound signal transmission member, an earpiece configured to be inserted in the ear canal, an output transducer, and an ITE microphone housing accommodating at least one ITE microphone, wherein the ITE microphone housing is configured to be positioned in an outer ear, wherein the processor is further configured for processing an audio signal from the at least one ITE microphone and an audio signal from the at least one BTE sound input transducer in such a way that the hearing loss compensated output signal substantially preserves spatial cues.

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: An example of an apparatus configured to be worn by a person who has an ear and an ear canal includes a first microphone adapted to be worn about the ear of the person, and a second microphone adapted to be worn at a different location than the first microphone. The apparatus includes a sound processor adapted to process signals from the first microphone to produce a processed sound signal, a receiver adapted to convert the processed sound signal into an audible signal to the wearer of the hearing assistance device, and a voice detector to detect the voice of the wearer. The voice detector includes an adaptive filter to receive signals from the first microphone and the second microphone.

Abstract: A hearing aid has an audio-shoe interface, and a hearing-aid system includes a hearing aid and an audio shoe. The hearing aid has a housing, in which an undercut and an abutment are provided. The abutment is arranged opposite to the undercut. Undercut and abutment are embodied such that a retaining lug of an audio shoe can be inserted into the undercut by a rotational movement. The abutment is embodied such that a retaining lug inserted into the undercut can only be removed from the undercut again by a rotational movement in the opposite direction. A lock prevents a rotational movement of an inserted audio shoe in the opposite direction. When the electrical contacts between audio shoe and hearing aid are disposed in the undercut, these too are hidden from view and well protected against external influences.

Abstract: Within a casing of a hearing device to be worn in an area of an auricle such as behind an ear, comprises bendable portions such that the hearing device can be at least partially deformed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and in particular to behind the ear and receiver in canal hearing aids with distributed processing. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance device including hearing assistance electronics in a housing configured to be worn above or behind an ear of a wearer. The hearing assistance device includes an ear piece configured to be worn in the ear of the wearer and a processing component at the ear piece configured to perform functions in the ear piece and to communicate with the hearing assistance electronics, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A hook (4) for a hearing aid (1) provides a sound passage for transmitting the sound emanating from an output transducer of the hearing aid. The hook is composed of different parts (4a, 4b, 4c) made from materials with different mechanical properties. This provides a damping means for damping mechanical vibrations. The invention further provides a hearing aid with a hook.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a casing configured to fit behind an ear of a user's head and against a side of the user's head. The hearing aid further includes a first proximity sensor associated with the casing and configured to generate a first signal that is proportional to a proximity of the casing to the ear and includes a processor coupled to the first proximity sensor and configured to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes in response to the first signal.

Abstract: A hearing enhancement system that enhances a user's hearing is disclosed. For example, the system can include an interface unit that has a directional speaker and a microphone. The microphone captures input audio signals that are transformed into ultrasonic signals. The speaker transmits the ultrasonic signals, which are transformed into output audio signals by interaction with air. At least a portion of the output audio signals are modified to enhance the hearing of the user. Based on the system, the user's ear remains free from any inserted objects and thus is free from annoying occlusion effects. Compared to existing hearing aids, the system is relatively inexpensive. In another embodiment, the system can also be used as a phone. In yet another embodiment, the system can also access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater.

Abstract: A hearing aid insertion tool assists a user in the insertion and removal of hearing aids into and from an ear. The tool includes a handle, a thumb pad, and a spring clip. The spring clip is adapted to releasably clamp an ear-piece portion of a hearing aid, such that a user can utilize the tool to subsequently guide the ear-piece into their ear. Once the ear-piece is in place, the user can squeeze the spring clip to release the tool from the hearing aid. The tool is provided in a short-handled embodiment which provides a smaller overall construction adapted for travel and a long-handled embodiment for use at home or by users with diminished strength or dexterity.

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: The equipment size of a hearing device is intended to be reduced. Therefore, a hearing device, in particular an ITE hearing aid, is proposed with a shell having a user-specific shape, a faceplate for closing-off the shell and an electronic component which is attached to the faceplate using a support. The support is individually formed taking into account the shape of the shell, and/or a position of the support on the faceplate is individually determined taking into account the shape of the shell. As a result of the individual support, it is possible to cut down on installation space and therefore the shell can be shortened. In particular, the support can be formed integrally with the faceplate in order to simplify the production method.

Abstract: A behind-the-ear hearing device has a hearing device housing and a user-operable switch. At least two microphones are disposed below the switch in the hearing device housing, and the housing is formed with first sound openings that are arranged directly below the switch. The switch is preferably a rocker switch. The microphones can be positioned below a switch in a space-saving fashion and the installation space of the hearing device housing can thus be used optimally.

Abstract: The invention describes a Hearing Aid device composed of a cellphone and eyeglasses where some of the programs are carried out by components embedded onto the temples of eyeglasses and some programs by components which are inherently part of cellphones. The combined device improves the intelligibility of voice messages arriving both through the cellphone speaker, the connected earphones and directly through the free air. The user can call diverse programs suitable for different situations, by using inertial sensors embedded either in the eyeglasses or are inherently part of the cellphone.

Abstract: A hearing aid (100) comprises a body case (2) that is worn behind an ear (1), a sound conductor (3) that is linked at one end to the body case (2) and is linked at the other end to an earpiece (6), and an engaging component (8) for holding the earpiece linked to the other end of the sound conductor in the external auditory canal (7) of the ear (1). The engaging component (8) is made up of a first arc part (8a) disposed on the earpiece (6) side, a second arc part (8b) that is larger than the first arc part (8a) and is disposed opposite the first arc part (8a), a first linking part (8c) that links one end of the first arc part (8a) and one end of the second arc part (8b), and a second linking part (8d) that links the other end of the first arc part (8a) and the other end of the second arc part (8b). The second linking part (8d) has a shape such that its center part protrudes toward the first linking part (8c). This constitution allows the hearing aid (100) to be put on more easily.

Abstract: There is provided a behind-the-ear hearing aid that makes it easy for a hearing aid wearer to estimate a position of a sound source with respect to a front-back direction and that enables an increase in aesthetic property when the hearing aid is worn. A behind-the-ear hearing aid of the present invention is used while fitted to an ear of a human body, and includes at least a microphone 101 which collects ambient sound, thereby generating an input signal and signal processing unit 102 that generates an output signal from the input signal. The hearing aid also has a behind-the-ear portion 110 that can be fitted to the ear and a receiver 103 that reproduces output sound from the output signal. When the behind-the-ear portion 110 is fitted to the ear, the microphone 101 is arranged in an entrance of an ear canal that lies in the extension of an ear canal 220 and that is disposed closer to an eardrum than to a plane that is defined by a helix 901, a tragus 902, and an earlobe 903.

Abstract: A system includes an earhook having a connector for coupling to a behind-the-ear component of a hearing prosthesis. The earhook further includes a transducer and combined electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic induction (MI) antenna circuitry coupled to the transducer. The combined EM and MI antenna circuitry also includes an electrically conductive portion of the transducer and at least one inductor.

Abstract: A BTE hearing aid includes a BTE hearing aid housing, at least one BTE sound input transducer, a processor configured to generate a hearing loss compensated output signal, a sound signal transmission member for transmission of a signal from a sound output of the BTE hearing aid housing to an ear canal of a user at a second end of the sound signal transmission member, an earpiece configured to be inserted in the ear canal, an output transducer, and an ITE microphone housing accommodating at least one ITE microphone, wherein the ITE microphone housing is configured to be positioned in an outer ear, wherein the processor is further configured for processing an audio signal from the at least one ITE microphone and an audio signal from the at least one BTE sound input transducer in such a way that the hearing loss compensated output signal substantially preserves spatial cues.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to detect signals connected to a direct audio input port of a hearing assistance device are provided. According to one embodiment, a hearing assistance device includes a processor and a direct audio input (DAI) port including a signal line connected to the processor. The DAI port is configured to connect to an external device, and the processor is programmed to detect audio signals of interest on the signal line and to process the audio signals of interest when detected as programmed.

Abstract: A hearing instrument receiver system for operation in an ear canal of a user for converting audio signals into sound, comprising a lateral receiver, a medial receiver and a flexible joint assembly connecting the medial end of the lateral receiver and the lateral end of the medial receiver in such a manner that the lateral receiver and the medial receiver are pivotable relative to each other in order to follow the shape of the ear canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for improving a user's hearing and more particularly to a receiver system used in the system. In one embodiment, the receiver system has a housing and a plurality of arms extending from the housing for positioning and suspending the receiver within the ear canal of a user. Each of the arms may be formed from a flexible, plastic material or a bendable wire. In a second embodiment, the receiver system is surrounded by a disc formed from a sound filtering material. When installed in a combination instrument, the receiver is separated from the microphone.

Abstract: A BTE hearing aid includes a BTE hearing aid housing, at least one BTE sound input transducer, a processor configured to generate a hearing loss compensated output signal, a sound signal transmission member for transmission of a signal from a sound output of the BTE hearing aid housing to an ear canal of a user at a second end of the sound signal transmission member, an earpiece configured to be inserted in the ear canal, an output transducer, and an ITE microphone housing accommodating at least one ITE microphone, wherein the ITE microphone housing is configured to be positioned in an outer ear, wherein the processor is further configured for processing an audio signal from the at least one ITE microphone and an audio signal from the at least one BTE sound input transducer in such a way that the hearing loss compensated output signal substantially preserves spatial cues.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus configured to be worn by a person who has an ear and an ear canal includes a first microphone adapted to be worn about the ear of the person, and a second microphone adapted to be worn at a different location than the first microphone. The apparatus includes a sound processor adapted to process signals from the first microphone to produce a processed sound signal, a receiver adapted to convert the processed sound signal into an audible signal to the wearer of the hearing assistance device, and a voice detector to detect the voice of the wearer. The voice detector includes an adaptive filter to receive signals from the first microphone and the second microphone.

Abstract: The fitting of hearing aids and other hearing devices is intended to be made more comfortable. For this, provision is made for a hearing device with a housing which contains a signal processing unit and has a sound outlet. A supporting hook for attaching the hearing device to an ear or a head can be fixed on the sound outlet of the housing such that sound emanating from the sound outlet is guided through the supporting hook. A sensor for detecting the type of supporting hook is arranged in or on the housing. The sensor controls the signal processing unit as a function of the detected type of supporting hook. Thus, the user can for example use different types of supporting hooks without having to decide on a type of supporting hook during the first fitting. Moreover, the degree of mass production of the hearing aid can be further increased by the automatic recognition of the type of supporting hook.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing sound. The apparatus includes a sound receiver for receiving sound and outputting an output signal, a first part comprising a signal generator for generating a second signal corresponding to the output signal, a second part comprising receiving means for receiving the second signal and outputting sound corresponding to the second signal, and an element for transporting the second signal from the signal generator to the receiving means. The transporting element comprises a sound guiding channel connected to the sound receiver and for guiding sound from outside the apparatus to the sound receiver along a portion of a length of the transporting element.

Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear.

Abstract: A hearing aid system may include a behind-the-ear (BTE) part configured to be located at an ear of a user, an in-the-ear (ITE) part configured to be located in an ear canal of a user, and a measurement circuit. The ITE part may include a receiver for converting an electric output signal having frequencies in the human audible frequency range to an output sound, and a resistive identification element. The measurement circuit is configured to measure an identification parameter indicative of the resistance of the resistive identification element, thus identifying the ITE part. The measurement circuit uses the same electric output signal that is driving the receiver to determine the identification parameter. Advantageously, this approach does not require an additional signal, such as DC voltage, to determine the identification parameter.

Abstract: An improved open ear hearing aid fitting for insertion into an ear canal is provided. The fitting offers enhanced acoustic performance while maintaining user comfort. The fitting comprises a polymeric body having at least one acoustic source and at least one aperture extending there through and a peripheral portion shaped to conform to surface of the ear canal. A porous material covers at least one aperture of the body.

Abstract: An electrical wire connector adapted to establish galvanic contact between a first device and a second device is provided where the connector wire includes: an outer tube of soft bendable material, and a plug at least at a first end of the wire connector facilitating galvanic contact with the first device, where the plug includes a housing which is mechanically coupled to the tube and surrounds at least an end portion of the tube, wherein further the tension relief fibre is coupled to the housing of the plug and/or to the end portion of the tube.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance apparatus for performing a Real Ear Measurement (REM), comprises a hearing assistance device housing, a microphone within the housing, an earhook connected to the housing, and a flexible tube. The house has a first opening for guiding sound into the housing to the microphone. The housing and the connected earhook form an interface, where the earhook has a shape to provide a slot near the interface of the housing and the earhook. The tube guides sound, and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible tube and the slot of the earhook cooperate to retain the first end of the flexible tube in the slot of the earhook and flush with the housing to provide a sound-tight connection with the first opening.

Abstract: Provided is a method and shield for shielding a behind-the-ear hearing aid. A Mu metal shielding material is bonded to the external or internal surface of the behind-the-ear hearing aid, the shielding providing effective shielding of electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 0.78 Hz to 20 KHz and effective sound shielding in the audio frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Abstract: A hearing aid retainer accessory to be used together with a hearing aid is provided having a housing with a relatively large diameter longitudinal end face portion and a relatively smaller diameter hook-end to which a hook is attached. The hearing aid retainer accessory comprises an elongated string with a first end portion and a second portion, a first attaching means connected to the first end portion and a second attaching means connected to the second portion, wherein the first attaching means is attachable to a hook of a hearing aid, the second attaching means is attachable to a longitudinal end face portion of a housing of a hearing aid, such that a retaining ring is formed of both the geometry of a hearing aid and the elongated string.

Abstract: A hearing aid of the present invention is convenient to repair and replace. The hearing aid includes: (i) an out-of-canal assembly comprising a power source (e.g., a battery) and a processor, and (ii) an in-canal assembly comprising a microphone and a receiver. The out-of-canal assembly is selectively, removably, electrically coupled to the in-canal assembly. Sound perceived by the in-canal assembly is processed by the out-of-canal assembly and transmitted to the user's eardrum. The in-canal assembly is conveniently, selectively decoupled from the out-of-canal assembly for convenient replacement or repair.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a casing, an ear hook, and an ear tube. The casing includes a first connector on an upper portion of the casing and a second connector on a lower portion of the casing, wherein the first and second connectors are substantially identical. The ear hook includes a receptacle sized to fit the first and second connectors and adapted to releasably couple to one of the first connector and the second connector. The ear tube includes a receptacle sized to fit the first and second connectors and adapted to releasably couple to another of the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: A hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing includes at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers can be placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. A behind-the-ear component and an external component can be provided for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear with a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component. The sound processing means can feed the first receiver with a first signal of a first central frequency and the second receiver with a second signal of a second central frequency. The signal processing means can be one or two signal processing units. A frequency separating filter can have an input operatively connected to an output of the signal processing unit.

Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides improved security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear yet positions the speaker in substantially the same distance relative to the concha and/or ear canal of a wearer as a wearer would ordinarily wear an earbud.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hearing aid housing is provided. The hearing aid housing may include a first behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion, a second behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion, and a moisture protector at least partially arranged between the first behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion and the second behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hearing aid is provided. The hearing aid may include a behind-the-ear component, a sound tube coupled with the behind-the-ear component at its one end, and a loudspeaker coupled with the sound tube at the other end of the sound tube opposite to the behind-the-ear component. The hearing aid may further include a joint connected between the loud-speaker and the sound tube, wherein the joint is moveable or flexible such that a degree of freedom in movement is provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to an insertion direction of the loudspeaker into an ear canal.

Abstract: A behind-the-ear hearing aid (1) comprises a housing (4), an ear piece (3) and a custom earplug (2), the custom earplug being adapted to fit the ear canal of an individual hearing aid user, the ear piece having a connector for connecting with the custom earplug, the connector and the earpiece having means for snap fitting engagement and means for defining the mutual rotational orientation. The invention further provides a custom earpiece for a hearing aid.

Abstract: An In-The-Ear (ITE) device is disclosed. This ITE is adapted for connection to a cable from a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device, the ITE device including a releasable mechanical retention device for the cable, such that the cable may be customized in length and may be attached to the retention device.

Abstract: A hearing aid may include a housing shaped to rest behind an ear of a user, electric circuitry, a microphone, an antenna which receives wireless signals, a signal processor, a receiver, and a sound guide configured to sound from the receiver towards the ear. An enclosure may be provided for sound isolation of the receiver and includes a detachable lid providing access to the enclosure. A suspension body may be attached to a first suspension area and a second suspension area of the lid. The suspension body holds the receiver suspended within the enclosure. The suspension body includes suspension members connected to the suspension areas of the lid. The suspension members include protrusions that form a shelf that holds a metal shield plate between the lid and the receiver and spaced away from the receiver.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a hearing device with a variable operating parameter is disclosed. A storage device for storing operating parameter settings in a starting situation as well as in a target situation and a control unit, which implements a matching of the operating parameter according to a setting of the starting situation to the operating parameter settings of the target situation, is provided. Further, a connection device for connection to a control element and a data processing device for influencing the operating parameter by a user of the hearing device, is provided. The control unit performs the matching of the operating parameter with a minimal matching rate in time segments in which the operating parameter is often influenced by the control element or data processing device, and with a higher matching rate in time segments, in which the operating parameter is rarely influenced or not influenced at all by the control element or data processing device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a headset includes a body housing a pivot coupling, a speaker capsule operably coupled to the body, and an arm operably coupled to the body. The arm is capable of pivoting open and close about the pivot coupling for accessing a microphone at a free end of the arm. A method for accessing a headset microphone is also provided. Advantageously, the apparatus and method of the present disclosure provide for improved headset use and speech clarity.

Abstract: A hearing aid is described. The hearing aid includes a control surface and a control element. The hearing aid further includes a plurality of components in addition to the control surface and the control element. A portion of the control surface is configured to engage a portion of the control element. The control surface at least partially circumscribes at least one of the plurality of components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing assistance device housing for use in real ear measurements. The methods and apparatus for configuration of a hearing assistance device using an apparatus including an opening to receive a sound tube for real ear measurements and providing an opening for connection of a sound hook to a housing of the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: An earpiece includes an open tip in the shape of a dome, with apertures in the dome and a protrusion at the top of the dome for displacing ear wax, wherein the dome merges with the protrusion along a continuous curve. The dome is supported from a central body by non-linear ribs that normally have high compliance but exhibit low compliance at a limit of extension or compression. The tip can include more than one dome on the central body. If there is more than one dome, the apertures in the domes are not aligned with each other.

Abstract: A hearing apparatus has a housing, a receiver in the housing, and a sound conductor through which sound from the receiver is conducted out of the housing. In order to render the device as small as possible, the hearing apparatus has a cover piece which is inserted into the housing in such a way that a sound channel is formed. The sound channel is thereby delimited at the sides by the housing and the cover piece. A special sound-conducting tube can therefore be dispensed with.