Abstract: A method of personalizing at least one hearing aid for a hearing aid user including manufacturing at least one hearing aid (1), receiving an audiogram from a server (37) for the hearing aid user, programming the at least one hearing aid (1) by the audiogram, whereby the at least one hearing aid (1) becomes personalized for the hearing aid user. The at least one personalized hearing aid (1) is delivered to the hearing aid user. Once the user has received the at least one personalized hearing aid (1), he may take the hearing aids into use. If there arises a need for fine tuning, the hearing aid user may request a consultation with a hearing healthcare professional. The hearing healthcare professional has equipment (44, 45) for fine tuning the hearing aid (1), and he may fine tuning the at least one personalized hearing aid (1) in dialogue with the hearing aid user. Also provided is a hearing aid delivering system and an Internet enabled personal communication device.

Abstract: A personal listening system and a method of using the personal listening system to enhance speech intelligibility of audio playback, are described. The method includes determining a speech intelligibility metric, such as a speech reception threshold, of a user. Based on the speech intelligibility metric, a tuning parameter is applied to an audio input signal. The speech reception threshold is compared to an environmental signal-to-noise ratio to determine whether enhancement of the audio input signal is warranted. Application of the tuning parameter to the audio input signal generates an audio output signal having reduced noise, making playback of the audio output signal more intelligible to the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Occlusion devices, earpiece devices and methods of forming occlusion devices are provided. An occlusion device is configured to occlude an ear canal. The occlusion device includes an insertion element and at least one expandable element disposed on the insertion element. The expandable element is configured to receive a medium via the insertion element and is configured to expand, responsive to the medium, to contact the ear canal. Physical parameters of the occlusion device are selected to produce a predetermined sound attenuation characteristic over a frequency band, such that sound is attenuated more in a first frequency range of the frequency band than in a second frequency range of the frequency band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for individualized hearing aid prescription which consists of a test procedure that enables the fitting of an individualized estimation of the SII model to individual listeners efficiently and an optimization process which translates the resulting individualized model to the prescribed gains across frequencies for programming into the user's hearing aids. The test involves the recognition of one or more words presented in background noise, which better approximates the daily listening experiences of hearing-aid users compared to the pure-tone detection in a silent environment task which is commonly utilized during conventional audiometric testing. In the estimated SII model, five parameters describe in a custom fashion the relative weights of speech information across the five frequency bands for a given listener. The results from the speech test is used to determine the desirable amount of gain for each frequency region to optimize the user's aided speech intelligibility.

Abstract: An optimization system for testing a patient's hearing comprises a controller, an ear piece, and a memory. The controller: provides a series of tones to the ear piece; receives feedback from the patient between each tone; generates a data point to be used in an audiogram after receiving each feedback; after each data point is generated, computes a statistical distribution based on the generated data points; identifies an area of the statistical distribution most in need of additional data; and selects a subsequent tone to provide in the series of tones. Each feedback indicates whether the respective tone was detected or not detected, and each data point is based on the respective feedback. Each subsequent tone provided in the series of tones is a tone represented in the area of the statistical distribution most in need of additional data at the time of selection.

Abstract: An analysis system has at least one monitoring assembly that includes at least one microphone to monitor an acoustic field proximate the monitoring assembly. The at least one microphone produces at least one microphone signal responsive to the acoustic field. The analysis system further includes a data storage device configured to buffer the at least one microphone signal and an audio analysis system configured to analyze a content of the data storage device where the audio analysis system is configured to analyze the content of the buffer to process at least a sound into a response or action.

Abstract: A hearing aid system (100), wherein changes to the settings is only allowed if a hearing aid performance verification is carried out with a successful result as well as a method of operating such a hearing aid system.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a seal between an earphone of a hearing device and an ear canal that includes a first microphone positioned outside the ear canal, a second microphone positioned inside the ear canal, and a controller. The controller is configured to measure a sound level at one or more test frequencies using the first microphone, measure a sound level at the one or more frequencies using the second microphone, calculate a difference between the sound levels measured using the first and second microphones at each of the one or more test frequencies, and determine a measurement of an ear seal based on the calculated one or more differences.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for customizing an auditory prosthesis or other medical device. Customizing the auditory prosthesis includes obtaining and evaluating system data. The system data includes data from multiple sensors, including one or more sensors of an auditory prosthesis and one or more sensors of a recipient computing device. Based on the evaluation of the system data, a target behavior is determined, such as operating the auditory prosthesis in a particular sonic environment or with particular auditory prosthesis settings.

Abstract: A system for dynamically adjusting content for an interaction impairment can include a data provider, an end-user electronic device, a user identification module, and a data adjustment module. The data provider can be capable of providing access to electronic data. One or more characteristics of the electronic data can be incompatible with an impairment of an impaired user. The end-user electronic device can be configured to allow the impaired user to interact with electronic data. The user identification module can be configured to identify an identity of the impaired user and/or the impairment of the impaired user. The data adjustment module can be configured to automatically adjust incompatible characteristics of the electronic data prior to presentation by the end-user electronic device. This adjustment can increase the ability of the impaired user to utilize the electronic data with the end-user electronic device.

Abstract: A hearing device seal module for use with a hearing device core including a tubular seal carrier defining a lumen configured for passage of the hearing device core and including a resilient seal support region formed from resilient material and configured to receive the hearing device core, a seal carrier support configured to hold at least a portion of the resilient seal support region open during an insertion of the hearing device core, and a first seal secured to a first portion of the seal support region and extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, the invention comprises a light tip cable including a cartridge assembly affixed to a medial end of the cable, the cartridge assembly including an emitter housing where the emitter housing includes an opening at a medial end of the housing and a flange at a lateral end of the housing. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge assembly includes a light emitting element in the housing extending to the opening, retention features covering at least a portion of the housing, including the flange, the retention features comprising a lateral face and a lobe and at least one load bearing strand extending from the cable to the emitter; and electrical connectors extending from the cable to the light emitting element.

Abstract: An apparatus including an actuator and an electrode array support, wherein the apparatus is configured to insert an electrode array into a cochlea via controlled actuation of the actuator, wherein the controlled actuation is at least partially based on data that is at least partially based on electrical characteristics associated with the recipient.

Abstract: A method including obtaining data based on a current and/or anticipated future state of a hearing prosthesis and adjusting a set gain margin of the hearing prosthesis based on the current or anticipated future state of the hearing prosthesis.

Abstract: In-ear sound pressure level, SPL, is determined that is caused by output audio being converted into sound by a headset worn by a user. The in-ear SPL is converted into a sound sample having units that are suitable for evaluating sound noise exposure. These operations are repeated to produce a sequence of sound samples during playback. This sequence of sound samples is then written to a secure database. Access to the database is authorized by the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Described embodiments generally relate to a signal processing device for on ear detection for an earbud. The device comprises a first microphone input for receiving a microphone signal from a first microphone, the first microphone being configured to be positioned within an ear of a user when the earbud is being worn; a second microphone input for receiving a microphone signal from a second microphone, the second microphone being configured to be positioned outside the ear of the user when the earbud is being worn; a signal generator configured to generate a signal for acoustic playback from a speaker configured to be positioned within the earbud; and a processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating hearing health of a given user. An input audio signal is transformed into the frequency domain and a first and second hearing profile are applied to the input audio sample. The first hearing profile represents a healthy hearing standard and the second hearing profile is the given user's hearing profile. Using the hearing profiles, first and second perceptually relevant information (PRI) values are generated for the input audio sample. The first and second PRI values are analyzed against each other to generate a PRI index value for the given user, where the PRI index value is a hearing health index value for the given user. The given user's hearing profile may additionally be applied to differently processed audio samples to evaluate the amount of perceptual rescue offered by various digital signal processing algorithms.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a device parameter of a hearing device to be worn at the ear of a user, the method comprising: obtaining image data of one or more images, the image data including first image data of a first image of the outer human ear at a first angle; identifying, based on the first image data, a first anatomical landmark and a second anatomical landmark of the outer human ear using a processor; identifying the position of the first anatomical landmark and the second anatomical landmark in the first image; determining the device parameter of the hearing device based on the first anatomical landmark and the second anatomical landmark; and outputting the device parameter.

Abstract: A module of a hearing device is removably connectable with a housing of the hearing device, the module being prepared for insertion of a removal tool. The module includes at least two side walls opposing each other. The side walls are provided with a first engagement means, and the side walls are deformable such to allow engagement of the first engagement means and a second engagement means formed on an anchoring portion of the removal tool.

Abstract: A method (200) of fitting a hearing aid system, and a hearing aid fitting system (100) as well as a hearing aid system adapted to carry out the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer storage media for sound quality prediction and real-time feedback about sound quality, such as room acoustics quality and background noise. Audio data can be sampled from a live sound source and stored in an audio buffer. The audio data in the buffer is analyzed to calculate a stream of values of one or more sound quality measures, such as speech transmission index and signal-to-noise ratio. Speech transmission index can be calculated using a convolution neural network configured to predict speech transmission index from reverberant speech. The stream of values can be used to provide real-time feedback about sound quality of the audio data. For example, a visual indicator on a graphical user interface can be updated based on consistency of the values over time. The real-time feedback about sound quality can help users optimize their recording setup.

Abstract: An array test apparatus includes a signal transmission unit which transmits a data signal to each of a plurality of data lines of a low-temperature polysilicon (“LTPS”) substrate, a signal measurement unit which measures the data signal of each of the data lines of the LTPS substrate, a timer which generates a horizontal period for setting a section in which the data signal is transmitted from the signal transmission unit to each of the data lines and a section in which the data signal output from each of the data lines is measured by the signal measurement unit, and a determination unit which determines whether each of the data lines of the LTPS substrate is normal based on the data signal measured by the signal measurement unit.

Abstract: A method for evaluating hearing of a user comprising: generating a baseline hearing profile for the user comprising a set of gain values based on a volume setting, each gain value in the set of gain values corresponding to a frequency band in a set of frequency bands; accessing a soundbite comprising a phrase characterized by a frequency spectrum predominantly within one frequency band; playing the soundbite amplified by a first gain in the frequency band; playing the soundbite amplified by a second gain in the frequency band; receiving a preference input representing a preference of the user from amongst the soundbite amplified by the first gain and the soundbite amplified by the second; and modifying a gain value, corresponding to the frequency band, in the baseline hearing profile based on the preference input to generate a refined hearing profile compensating for hearing deficiency of the user.

Abstract: A method and software program is used by patients in situ for fitting and refitting of a DSP-based hearing assistance device. Hearing is tested by selection of one of twenty four playbacks of speech, for each ear. Cognitive training/testing exercises test and train the user to relearn to distinguish between various sounds and particularly speech using the hearing assistance device. The preferred cognitive training/testing includes noise detection exercises, spatial hearing exercises, volume recognition exercises and speech differentiation exercises. The regimens for using the hearing aid depend upon the measured cognitive loss, with different sets of DSP parameters for self-directed, non-assessed cognitive training.

Abstract: Disclosed is a graphical user interface operational on a portable device that allows users to test their minimum audio hearing level at various frequencies using a single button. The graphical user interface generates sound frequencies that are played to the user, one ear at a time. Starting from zero decibels, sound intensity levels are gradually increased to intensity levels perceptible by the user. The users indicate recognition of the sound frequency by interacting with the graphical user interface. The intensities of the sound pressure levels (SPLs) are registered as estimates of a user's hearing sensitivity at the tested frequency bands. The process is repeated at different frequency bands for each ear, and hearing levels for each ear established.

Abstract: A method of enhancing binaural representation for a subject includes receiving a first signal and a second signal in response to a plurality of sound sources, generating a number of estimated interaural time differences using the first signal and the second signal, converting each of the number of estimated interaural time differences to a corresponding interaural level difference, using one or more of the corresponding interaural level differences to generate an adjusted first signal, and using the adjusted first signal to generate a number of signals delivered to the subject for enhancing the hearing of the subject.

Abstract: Method and devices for processing audio signals based on sound profiles are provided. A sound profile can include data related to haptic movement of the audio data which is specific to a left ear or a right ear, demographic information, ethnicity information, age information, location information, social media information, intensity score of the audio data, previous usage information, or device information. A sound profile can be customized for individual user to include the inaudible frequency range at high frequency end and low frequency end. Audio data within the inaudible frequency range can be compensated by haptic movement corresponding to the inaudible frequency range. A sound profile can further include an audio frequency range and its lowest audible volume for a user. A sound profile can be provided to a user without any action from the user's part.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; and a memory unit; wherein the processing unit is configured to: obtain an access right certificate, the access right certificate comprising an access right identifier, verify the access right certificate, and if the access right certificate is verified, provide an access right according to the access right identifier.

Abstract: Accurate measurements of the sound pressure level require regular calibration of the microphone. Closed-coupler calibration devices are designed to work with laboratory and working standard microphones, but there are numerous microphones with dimensions that do not fit a standard coupler. For example, micro-electro-mechanical system microphones are very small and widely used due to their size, performance, and cost. Described herein is an acoustical coupler that can accommodate microphones of arbitrary cross-sectional shape. The coupler utilizes a flexible membrane that adapts to the shape of the microphone. In contrast to a rigid enclosure, the permeability of the membrane creates an open system that reduces the sensitivity to fit. The precision and accuracy of the device is demonstrated by calibrating a small, oddly shaped microphone using the substitution method.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for testing a microphone of a device under test. The apparatus includes a speaker, a mount or bracket that secures a device under test a fixed distance from the speaker, and a controller. The controller causes the speaker to generate a test signal at various amplitudes. The controller receives an output signal generated by the microphone in response to the test signal and generates a prediction of whether the microphone is defective based on the output signal. The prediction may be generated by a machine-learning model such as a neural network or other trained classifier.

Abstract: Provided is a method of adapting settings of a hearing device. The method includes the step of providing start settings and target settings of a user control, wherein the start settings and target settings define an effect of the user control at a start time and at an acclimatization completion time, and wherein the user control is for adjusting at least one setting of the hearing device. Further the method includes the steps of configuring an acclimatization transfer behavior of the user control from the start settings to the target settings, wherein the configuration defines how the settings, which determine an effect of the user control, change over time; and causing, during an acclimatization phase, the hearing device to adjust user control settings from the start settings to the target settings according to the configuration.

Abstract: A method adjusts parameters of a hearing system which has a hearing aid device and a communication device, which is separate from the hearing aid device. A component for acoustic coupling of the hearing aid device to the ear of a hearing-aid wearer is fitted to the hearing aid device. A camera of the communication device is used to capture at least one image of the component used for acoustic coupling. A product identity of the component is identified from the captured image and acoustic transfer characteristics are assigned to the previously identified component. The parameters of the hearing system are adjusted on the basis of these acoustic transfer characteristics.

Abstract: A system, method, hearing aid and software for providing a network connection for a computer device to at least one hearing aid having a gateway to the Internet. The system includes a user account server providing a user account database, each user account includes a unique identity for an associated hearing aid; a control server providing a hearing aid connection register including the unique identity of hearing aids associated with current connection information; and a network connection handling element for detecting the presence of a wireless connection between the hearing a and gateway, and for uploading current connection information to the control server. On receiving connection information, the control server updates the hearing aid connection register, and provides the current connection information to a requesting computer device. The computer device can establish a direct connection to the hearing aid based on current connection information requested from the control server.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, adapted for being located at or in an ear of a user, or for being fully or partially implanted in the head of the user. The application further relates to a method of operating a hearing device. The hearing device comprises a) an input unit for providing at least one electric input signal in a frequency sub-band representation comprising a number K of frequency bands, b) a frequency band to channel allocation unit for allocating said K frequency bands to a number N of frequency channels for each of said electric input signals, wherein K>N; c) antenna and transceiver circuitry allowing reception of at least one further electric signal in said N frequency channels from another device, e.g.

Abstract: An earphone device/test station pairing (1, 2) includes an earphone device (1) including: at least one electroacoustic driver (32, 33, 34); a digital module (31) including a processor module; and a digital interface configured to connect the earphone device (1) to a media/communications device having a digital output; a test station (2) including at least one transducer (40, 42, 6), the test station (2) being operative to communicate with the earphone device (1) via the digital interface to allow data transmission between the earphone device (1) and the test station (2) during a test/configuration procedure; and a test module (4) for performing automated testing of the earphone device (1) when mounted on/connected to the test station (2).

Abstract: The device for cleaning a hearing aid by contact with a liquid includes a cleaning cavity suitable for receiving the end piece of the hearing aid and that is provided, at the bottom of same, with an opening for discharging the liquid. The cleaning cavity is defined laterally by an inner skin surrounded by an outer skin, the outer skin including an injector for the liquid while the inner skin defines, at the base of same, an opening overhanging the bottom and allowing the liquid to pass into the cleaning cavity. The invention also concerns an assembly includes the cleaning device and a reloading unit, the reloading unit being suitable for filling a tank of the cleaning device.

Abstract: The present application describes a plurality of test simulation environment mimic complex listening environment of everyday life, comprising a speech component, and a noise component. The application also describes an auditory testing system and method for evaluating a listener's speech perception and method to test hearing prosthesis or hearing protection device's effect on a person's speech perception in a complex listening environment.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to be modeled as both a part of the source and a part of the load in an electro-acoustical source-and-load model of a system where a sound source is coupled to the ear canal. Such a wearable device may be used to determine the acoustic energy density at a point of measurement in or near the ear of a user.

Abstract: An in-ear device includes a molding shaped to hold the in-ear device in an ear, and an audio package configured to emit sound. The audio package is structured to removably attach to the molding. An electronics package is structured to removably couple to the audio package and removably attach to the molding. The electronics package includes a controller to control the sound output from the audio package.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes a mobile compute device configure to produce a set of audiological assessment data based on a set of stimulus signals presented to a user via a source device and a set of response signals provided as a response to the set of stimulus signals. The mobile compute device identifies a personal audiological profile of the user at least based on a psychoacoustic model and the set of audiological assessment data. The mobile compute device builds a digital signal processing model including a set of audio digital signal processing functions. The mobile compute device executes the digital signal processing model to produce an output audio signal in response to an input audio signal received from the source device, the output audio signal is based on a modified version the input audio signal. The mobile compute device transmits the output audio signal via the source device.

Abstract: A method of dynamically generating an acoustic noise map of an industrial zone to be used for protecting operators within the zone from exposure to acoustic noise above a safety threshold, the method comprising collecting acoustic noise data using a network of wireless acoustic sensors located within said zone, generating an acoustic noise map using the collected noise data and a numerical model of the propagation of acoustic noise within the zone.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a receiver in a hearing device. The receiver has a response behavior. The receiver converts an electrical audio signal into a sound signal, generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field is measured by a magnetic field sensor. The receiver is then characterized by determining the response behavior of the receiver based on the measured magnetic field. There is also described a hearing device and a test apparatus for a hearing device.

Abstract: Personal speaker systems including headset and earbud systems may be configured to capture audio data using an in-ear microphone while a speaker outputs known audio signals into the ear canal. The system may generate an acoustic model of the compressed ear canal and ear drum of the listener and utilize the acoustic model to provide noise cancellation at the eardrum, modification to the audio to result in a more natural sound at the eardrum, and/or to measure leakage of the personal speaker system.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system for a patient includes a body-worn sound processor apparatus configured to control an operation of a cochlear implant, a headpiece configured to facilitate wireless coupling of the body-worn sound processor apparatus to the cochlear implant, an audio accessory that includes a microphone configured to receive incoming audio and convert the incoming audio into an audio signal, a first communication port configured to connect directly to a communication port of the body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of a first cable, a second communication port configured to connect directly to a communication port of the headpiece by way of a second cable, and a control module communicatively coupled to the microphone and the first and second communication ports and that is configured to provide the audio signal to the body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of the first cable.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes at least a first input transducer and a second input transducer. The first input transducer generates a first input signal from a surrounding sound signal and the second input transducer generates a second input signal from the sound signal. A first direction is assigned to a first signal source. A first directional signal that is aligned in the first direction is formed on the basis of the first input signal and the second input signal. Signal components of the first directional signal are examined for the presence of a useful signal from a useful signal source that is predetermined in view of its type.

Abstract: An organizer for wearable electronic pieces or wireless communication jewelry. The pieces may be of an enhanced ergonomic form, particularly suitable for long-term wear and the organizer manages unique protocols of recharge for a potential plurality of such pieces. Additionally, charging takes place through a support mechanism which accommodates a discrete securing extension portion of a piece in a substantially matching fashion. Further, a casing of the piece is substantially displaced from the accommodating location. A charging device of the organizer is coupled to the support mechanism such that recharge of the piece may take place through a charge region of the discrete portion of the piece. Notably, the organizer is configured in such a manner that a plurality of pieces may be secured and recharged without the need for an individually dedicated and/or wire-based recharger for each and every piece in a collection of pieces.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hearing protection system and a method for estimating a voice signal of a hearing protection system user. The hearing protection system comprises an ear canal microphone for provision of an ear canal input signal; a receiver for provision of an audio output signal; a compensation module for receiving and filtering the ear canal output signal for provision of a compensation signal; and a mixer connected to the ear canal microphone and the compensation module for provision of a voice signal, wherein the compensation module comprises a filter controller, a primary filter and a secondary filter, wherein the primary filter is a static filter, wherein primary filter coefficients of the primary filter are static, and wherein the secondary filter is an adaptive filter, wherein secondary filter coefficients of the secondary filter are controlled by the filter controller based on the voice signal.

Abstract: A parameter prediction device includes: an environmental characteristic acquirer that acquires an environmental characteristic quantity set which quantifies one or more characteristics of a sound collection environment for an acoustic signal; a target setter that sets a target evaluation value set which provides one or more values obtained by quantifying one or more performances of processing of the acoustic signal, or one or more evaluation values of a processed acoustic signal; and a first predictor that inputs the environmental characteristic quantity set and the target evaluation value set as independent variables to a first prediction model, and predicts a control parameter set for controlling the acoustic signal processing.

Abstract: A mobile communication environment (100) can include a mobile device (160) to measure and send sound pressure level data. The mobile device (160) can initiate the collection of audio information responsive to detecting a trigger event. Mobile device (160) can measure or calculate the sound pressure level from the audio information. Metadata including time information and geographic location information can be captured with the collected audio information. Mobile device (160) can send the sound pressure level data and metadata through a wired or wireless communication path to a database (614).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that may provide audio information about an environment around a wearable device. Such audio information may be correlated with other biometric data to provide physiological information, e.g. regarding a wearer of the wearable device. For example, an illustrative method includes receiving an audio signal via a microphone of a wearable device and rectifying the audio signal with a peak detector. The method further includes amplifying the rectified signal with a logarithmic amplifier and causing an analog to digital converter (ADC) to sample the logarithmic signal. The method also includes causing the ADC to convert the sampled logarithmic signal to a digital output and storing the digital output in a memory of the wearable device. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting the digital output to a computing device, which may correlate the digital output with other biometric data.