Abstract: An antenna, in particular a magneto-inductive antenna, for a hearing instrument as well as a hearing instrument having such an antenna are provided. The antenna has a first antenna surface and a second antenna surface, which are respectively formed from a flexible magnetic foil. The antenna furthermore has a base, which is formed from a magnetic material or contains a magnetic layer, and which connects the two antenna surfaces to one another. The two antenna surfaces are angled off from the base in the same direction. Lastly, the antenna contains an antenna winding which has at least one first monolayer spiral coil and is arranged, in particular applied, externally on the first antenna surface so that an axis of the first spiral coil is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the first antenna surface.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a mobile terminal antenna production method. The mobile terminal uses an insulation film layer on an insulation rear housing as a carrier of a radiating element of an antenna, and the radiating element is located within the entire mobile terminal. A feed and an electric-conductor are disposed on a circuit board, and the electric-conductor is electrically connected to the feed. There is a gap between the radiating element and the electric-conductor, and the electric-conductor indirectly couples the radiating element in a capacitively coupled manner.

Abstract: Technologies disclosed herein can be used to provide power and data to an implantable device implanted in a recipient, such as when the recipient is not wearing an external device. An example system includes a pillow or other headrest configured as a power and data source for an implanted medical device. Disclosed technologies can be configured to continuously provide power and data to an implantable medical devices over a period of time, such as substantially the entire period of time where the recipient is resting their head on the pillow.

Abstract: An in-line filter uses scalar coils positioned in series with an input of a speaker to modify or enhance the audio quality and of the speaker, and its auditory effects on a user, by changing the sound signature and reducing digital noise. Scalar coils have two spiral windings with opposite winding directions. Scalar coils can also be used in series with a laser emitter that produces a laser beam that travels through the scalar coil, which produce electromagnetic forces that improve perceived audio quality in a user.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a mobile terminal antenna production method. The mobile terminal uses an insulation film layer on an insulation rear housing as a carrier of a radiating element of an antenna, and the radiating element is located within the entire mobile terminal, thereby effectively increasing a height of the radiating element of the antenna relative to a circuit board with the antenna not affecting an appearance of the mobile terminal. Compared with a conventional support solution, this manner can increase a height of about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. This reduces an impact caused by a metal component on the circuit board on antenna radiation, and further increases a bandwidth and efficiency of the antenna so that the antenna can cover a frequency band used in a handheld communications system.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: one or more microphones configured to generate one or more microphone output signals based on a received audio signal; a signal processor coupled to the one or more microphones; a wireless communication unit; a magnetic induction control chip; and a magnetic induction coil; wherein the magnetic induction control chip is coupled to a first end of a first conductive element and to a first end of a second conductive element; and wherein the wireless communication unit is coupled to the first end of the first conductive element and to the first end of the second conductive element, and wherein a second end of the first conductive element and a second end of the second conductive element are coupled via the magnetic induction coil.

Abstract: Elongated scalar coils modify or enhance the audio quality and of a speaker system and its auditory effects on a user. A scalar coil has two spiral windings with opposite winding directions. Scalar coil is in series with an input of the speaker to change the sound signature and to reduce digital noise. Scalar coil is also in series with a laser emitter that produces a laser beam that travels through the scalar coil, which produce electromagnetic forces that improve perceived audio quality in a user.

Abstract: A binaural aid assistance system comprises first and second hearing assistance devices, each being adapted for being located at or in, or fully or partially implanted in the head at one of a left and right ear, respectively, of a user, wherein each of the first and second hearing assistance devices comprises a) a first wireless interface comprising first antenna and transceiver circuitry adapted for establishing a first communication link to the respective other hearing assistance device based on near-field communication; b) a second wireless interface comprising second antenna and transceiver circuitry adapted for establishing a second bi-directional communication link to an auxiliary device based on far-field communication; and wherein the hearing assistance system is configured to transmit an audio signal picked up by a microphone of the hearing assistance device(s) to said auxiliary device.

Abstract: A portable device has an outer wall member exposed outside, and a power-receiving module at least a portion of which is arranged along the surface shape of the outer wall member to receive power by way of the resonance phenomenon. The power-receiving module has a power-receiving resonance coil and a power-drawing coil. The portable device creates a space portion with a weak magnetic field at the inner position or the peripheral position of the power receiving module during power feeding using the resonance phenomenon so that an electronic device is arranged in the space.

Abstract: A new hearing aid system is provided that facilitates determination of listening performance of a user of the hearing aid system and adjustment of a hearing aid for improved listening performance.

Abstract: A hearing instrument is provided that has a T-coil antenna (14) for picking up an inductively transmitted base-band audio signal, an audio signal processing unit (16) for processing the picked-up T-coil audio signal, an output transducer (18) for stimulation of the user's hearing according to the processed audio signals, and a functional unit (22) that operates in a duty cycling mode and communicates with the audio signal processing unit the respective interference points at which the functional unit is switched from its inactive state to its active state and/or from its active state to its inactive state, wherein the audio signal processing unit applies a click removal treatment to the T-coil audio signal during the respective interference points at the time at which the functional unit is switched to and/or from its active state.

Abstract: There is disclosed active acoustic filter systems and methods. A processor is disposed within a housing configured to interface with a user's ear. A memory stores data defining one or more locations and a respective set of location-based processing parameters associated with each of the one or more locations. A personal computing device external to the housing is coupled to the processor via a first wireless communications link. The personal computing device determines a current location of the active acoustic filter system. The processor generates digitized processed sound by processing digitized ambient sound in accordance with a set of location-based processing parameters retrieved from the memory, the retrieved set of location-based processing parameters associated with the current location of the active acoustic filter system as determined by the personal computing device.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for artificially enhancing spaciousness in a hearing aid to improve the music listening experience. Such spatial enhancement is produced by doing signal processing in the hearing aid that mimics the acoustic effects of well-designed concert halls. The same techniques can also be applied to improving the experience of listening to recorded music reproduced and amplified over a speaker system, or to music streamed to the direct-audio input of a hearing aid.

Abstract: A mapping system comprises a sensor unit which is mobile and receives magnetic audio frequency transmission from a site and positioning data with respect to the site to be mapped. A processing unit is operationally coupled with the sensor unit and determines at least one parameter of the magnetic transmission, forms positions of the sensor unit on the basis of positioning data, associates positions and the at least one parameter together, forms a quality map graphically showing a distribution associated with the at least one parameter with respect to positions on the site and outputs said quality map.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed. Data is provided at a first section. A second section is detected proximate the first section. The first section is wirelessly coupled with the second section. The data is transferred from the first section to the second section based, at least partially, on the wireless coupling. At least one of the first and the second sections includes a transmitting feature and/or a receiving feature.

Abstract: A hearing assistance system includes a pair of first and second hearing aids to generate a first acoustic signal having a first frequency and a second acoustic signal having a second frequency. When the first and second acoustic signals are each delivered to one of the ears of a listener being a hearing aid wearer, the listener perceives binaural beats at a third frequency being the difference between the first and second frequency. The effects of the binaural beats may include various health or other benefits to the hearing aid wearer.

Abstract: A system includes: an external input device having a housing accommodating at least two telecoils having different orientations with respect to the housing, and an orientation sensor configured for sensing an orientation of the housing; and a selector configured for controlling connection of one of the at least two telecoils to an input of a hearing aid based on the sensed orientation.

Abstract: A portable electronic device which provides hearing aid compatibility and a printed circuit board (PCB) for use in a portable electronic device are provided. The PCB comprises a body having at least one signal trace, a hearing aid compatibility (HAC) coil located in the body and electrically coupled to the at least one signal trace, and a ferrite core located in the body for amplifying a magnetic field generated by the HAC coil.

Abstract: An object containing electronic circuits and a rechargeable cell, wherein the cell is arranged close to a surface of the object, a charge coil being shiftable with respect to the cell between an operating position where it is arranged around the cell and a recharge position where it is axially offset with respect to the cell.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting low amplitude vibrations to at least one tooth in a human head having a cochlea to facilitate hearing via a dental bone conduction pathway includes an extraoral transmitter, a band at least substantially surrounding and adhesively secured to at least one tooth, and a receiver assembly. The transmitter is configured to detect ambient sounds, and to generate and wirelessly transmit audio signals corresponding to the detected ambient sounds. The receiver assembly is removably coupleable to the band and configured to receive the audio signals from the transmitter, and to transduce the audio signals into vibrations that are conducted to the cochlea via the dental bone conduction pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing a hearing assistance device with a detachable telecoil. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an apparatus for communication with a hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a telecoil and a direct audio input (DAI) connector electrically connected to the telecoil. The DAI connector is configured to detachably attach to a DAI port of the hearing assistance device and to pass a signal from the telecoil to the hearing assistance device, in various embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one signal coil; and a connection plug, comprising a first electrical connector connected to one end of at least one signal coil and a second electrical connector connected to a second end of at least one signal coil.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for use with an auditory prosthesis system includes a housing, a connector port disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to be communicatively coupled to an auxiliary audio input device, a telecoil disposed at least partially within the housing, and a multi-position switch disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to selectively enable the auxiliary audio input device and the telecoil. The auxiliary audio input device is enabled and the telecoil is disabled when the switch is in a first position, both the auxiliary audio input device and the telecoil are enabled when the switch is in a second position, and the telecoil is enabled and the auxiliary audio input device is disabled when the switch is in a third position. Corresponding apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device is for a user wearing an electronic hearing aid adjacent an ear of the user and may include an upper housing and a lower housing being slidably connected together for sliding between a retracted position and an extended use position. An audio output transducer may be carried by the upper housing and accessible to the hearing aid of the user adjacent a top end of the upper housing, and an audio input transducer may be carried by the lower housing and accessible to a mouth of the user adjacent a bottom end of the lower housing. An antenna may be carried by the lower housing adjacent the bottom end thereof so that the hearing aid is further separated from the antenna when the upper and lower housings are in the extended use position to reduce undesired coupling from the antenna to the hearing aid.

Abstract: A wireless communications device and method for providing an output signal. The device includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the wireless communications device; a selection element connected to the control unit and configured to allow selection of several modes of output coupling for generating the output signal of the device; and, a processor connected to the control unit for processing a received signal with parameters selected according to a selected mode of output coupling. The several modes of output coupling correspond to several modes of input operation for a hearing aid to improve coupling between the device and the hearing aid.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a speaker is disclosed. The speaker is equipped with a case having a through cavity, an inner surface forming the cavity and an outer surface, a magnetic bowl coupled to the case, a magnet positioned in the magnetic bowl, a pole plate covering the magnet, a magnetic gap formed by the magnet and the magnetic bowl, a diaphragm supported by the case and vibrating along a vibrating direction, a voice coil connected to the diaphragm, and a hearing aid coil formed on the case. The method includes the steps of: providing a case made of thermoplastic doped with organometallic additive; activating the organometallic additive in the case by a laser beam for forming initial pattern of the hearing aid coil in the inner surface of the case; and bathing the case in copper solution for providing the initial pattern with copper plating layer.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna.

Abstract: A system for providing hearing assistance to at least one user, having: at least one audio signal source (16, 20) for providing audio signals; a transmission unit (10) for wireless transmission of audio signals; at least one receiver unit (12, 14) for wireless reception of audio signals from the transmission unit; a device (42, 82) for stimulating the hearing of the user according to audio signals supplied from the at least one receiver unit. The transmission unit has both an analog transmitter (26) for applying an analog modulation scheme and a digital transmitter (28) for applying a digital modulation scheme in order to transmit the audio signals from the audio signal source (16, 20) simultaneously via an analog audio link (34) and a digital audio link (40).

Abstract: An improved wireless communications earplug for use with a magnetic field transmitter. The wireless earplug has a receiver made of a coil of wire on a magnetic bobbin, mounted in close proximity or in contact with a magnetic case of a speaker. The magnetic case of the speaker serves to increase the magnetic flux through the receiver and improves the efficiency of the earplug. The speaker is acoustically coupled to an eartip, and the earplug may be molded into a custom earplug body.

Abstract: A wireless communications headset system for double hearing protection systems that eliminates the problems associated with typical wireless communications systems. The system employs a magnetic-field coupled wireless link from a loop transmitter to a magnetic field receiver. Current through the transmitter wire loops generates magnetic flux which passes through a communications earplug. The earplug has a receiver for converting the magnetic flux to electrical voltage, and this voltage is used to drive a speaker within the earplug. The transmitter can be easily installed into aviation headsets. The loop transmitter has an open center sized so that it fits around the pinna of the human ear enabling a close position to the communications earplug. This close position is advantageous if an efficient system is desired.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting one type of speech processor unit into another type of speech processor unit.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device including a conductive member used for a touch or touch-less sensor for changing a setting, mode, or function of the hearing assistance device. In various applications, the conductive member is also used as an antenna for a wireless communication system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing a hearing assistance device with a detachable telecoil. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an apparatus for communication with a hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a telecoil and a direct audio input (DAI) connector electrically connected to the telecoil. The DAI connector is configured to detachably attach to a DAI port of the hearing assistance device and to pass a signal from the telecoil to the hearing assistance device, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a magnetostrictive electroactive (ME) sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field or a mechanical pressure. In various embodiments, the ME sensor is used for cordless charging of a rechargeable battery in the hearing aid by generating an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field generated for power transfer, magnetic sound signal reception, and/or detection of user commands by sensing a magnetic field or a pressure applied to the hearing aid.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hearing aid is provided. The hearing aid may include a set of battery charging terminals configured to be connected to a battery. A receiver oscillator circuit is electrically coupled to the set of battery charging terminals, the receiver oscillator circuit includes a receiver coil. The receiver coil may be tuned to resonate at a resonance frequency in a range of MHz and at the resonance frequency. The receiver coil may be configured to receive magnetic energy in the form of electromagnetic waves of a frequency similar to the resonance frequency of the receiver coil and to convert the magnetic energy of the received electromagnetic waves to an electrical current to charge the battery via the set of battery charging terminals.

Abstract: In a hearing aid system having a first hearing aid and a second hearing aid for providing binaural hearing assistance to a user, the hearing aid for providing hearing assistance to the left ear can easily be confused with the hearing aid for providing hearing assistance to the right ear. The invention proposes a side detection device by means of which each hearing aid detects on or in which ear of the user it is currently being worn. Advantageously, the parameter settings for providing hearing assistance to both ears are stored in both hearing aids of a respective hearing aid system, with the result that following the automatic detection of the respective ear in which the respective hearing aid is currently being worn the corresponding parameter settings are also activated automatically.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna unit for wireless communication to a multitude of wireless interfaces comprising a multitude of individual antennas, each antenna comprising a coil comprising at least one winding and the individual antennas embrace the same volume and to a hearing aid comprising such antenna unit. The object of the present invention is to provide an antenna unit and a hearing aid providing several wireless interfaces at a relatively small volume. The problem is solved in that at least one of the coils is adapted for providing an inductive coupling to another device. Among the advantages are reduced space/volume, reduced cost and reduced sensitivity to production tolerances compared to a solution comprising individual, separate antennas. The invention may e.g. be used in wireless communication devices, e.g. mobile telephones, head phones, head sets, hearing aids, etc.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device is for a user wearing an electronic hearing aid adjacent an ear of the user and may include an upper housing and a lower housing being slidably connected together for sliding between a retracted position and an extended use position. An audio output transducer may be carried by the upper housing and accessible to the hearing aid of the user adjacent a top end of the upper housing, and an audio input transducer may be carried by the lower housing and accessible to a mouth of the user adjacent a bottom end of the lower housing. An antenna may be carried by the lower housing adjacent the bottom end thereof so that the hearing aid is further separated from the antenna when the upper and lower housings are in the extended use position to reduce undesired coupling from the antenna to the hearing aid.

Abstract: A system and method provides optimization of the strength and orientation of the inductive field of a hearing aid compatible (“HAC”) device, relative to a telecoil in a user's hearing aid. One aspect provides control of the drive level of a transmitting telecoil contained in the HAC device. Other aspects provide steering of the inductive field of the device by using a telecoil array and controlling the amplitude or phase of the signals transmitted by each telecoil in the array to create a composite field. Another aspect provides a plurality of transmitting telecoils arranged such that each telecoil has a different orientation, and a plurality of switches for controlling which transmitting telecoil is active. The user may then select the telecoil having a preferred orientation. Another aspect allows a transmitting telecoil to be physically oriented to an optimal position by embedding the telecoil in a substantially spherical element.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device, comprising a microphone to receive sound, signal processing electronics electrically connected to the microphone, a receiver electrically connected to the signal processing electronics and a switch electrically connected to the signal processing electronics, wherein the switch includes conductive silicone adapted to change the switch from a first state to a second state when activated.

Abstract: A body-worn audio gateway device transmitting audio signals comprised in close-range electromagnetic signals may be used outside a car, where it may provide for hands-free mobile telephony and listening to music streamed directly to hearing devices worn by a user. When the user enters the car, he or she may want to use a corresponding in-car audio gateway device for the same purposes. This typically requires manual interaction e.g. to trigger the switch-over and to maintain hands-free operation of a carried mobile phone. Furthermore, the audio gateway devices may disturb each other, which may lead to malfunction, more troublesome interaction and/or reduced audio quality. To overcome this, the invention foresees means for detecting when the user enters and/or leaves the car and for automatically disabling functions of the first audio gateway device when the user is in the car.

Abstract: The apparatus for transmitting and receiving sound is disclosed, wherein a directional microphone for detecting sound for transmission is applied and a sound output unit for outputting the received sound is arranged at a side of the directional microphone where sensitivity is low, thereby preventing sound coupling for received sound and sound for transmission without recourse to complicated signal processing to attenuate the echo and howling.

Abstract: An electroacoustical apparatus and method is described that alters the output properties of an audio device to improve the sound properties for both hearing impaired and normal hearing listeners. The device includes a coil element of specific design and may incorporate digital signal processing techniques to modify audio signal output. The electrical device and method of processing provides for the beneficial alteration of sound waves to an audio signal, and further modification of the audio signal to provide for improved loudness and clarity characteristics. The improved characteristics provide for greater intelligibility of the audio signal to persons with hearing impairments and to persons with normal hearing.

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

Abstract: An apparatus including a near field communication (NFC) system and a hearing aid compatibility (HAC) system. The near field communication system includes a near field communication antenna. The hearing aid compatibility system is configured to generate a magnetic field to be received by a hearing aid. The hearing aid compatibility system includes the near field communication antenna. Thus, both the near field communication system and the hearing aid compatibility system include the near field communication antenna as at least a portion of a common communication component for both of the systems.

Abstract: Hearing apparatuses with transmission facilities for the wireless transmission are to be miniaturized further. A transmission facility for a hearing apparatus and in particular a hearing device with an oscillating circuit including a capacitor and a coil as well as an electrical line is provided in or to the oscillating circuit, with the electrical line having a shielding. The electrical line includes a film conductor with a signal line and shielding line, the shielding capacitance of which is connected in parallel to the capacitor of the oscillating circuit. The shielding capacitance can be used together with the capacitance of the capacitor in a targeted fashion as an oscillating circuit capacitance. In this way, the parasitic shielding capacitance is used as a wanted capacitance. As the shielding capacitance of the film conductor is only subjected to minimal fluctuations, it only requires a small tuning capacitor for tuning the oscillating circuit.

Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.

Abstract: A magnetized hearing-aid earpiece inductive coupling system includes a hearing-aid earpiece including a magnetized assembly with an inductive coil. The earpiece also includes an earpiece controller that is communicatively coupled with the inductive coil and that controls adjustable settings of the earpiece. A hearing-aid programming device includes a magnetized coupler with a second inductive coil. The magnetized assembly and the magnetized coupler are configured to magnetically hold the two inductive coils in proximity to one another, such that the inductive coils inductively communicatively couple the earpiece controller with the hearing-aid programming device. The hearing-aid programming device is thereby enabled to instruct the earpiece controller to adjust the earpiece's adjustable settings.