Testing Of Hearing Aids Patents (Class 381/60)
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Patent number: 9031246Abstract: Systems and methods are described for clamping a headset in a calibration system using a clamp system that includes a clamp, platform, and one or more spindles (e.g., cushion spindles) to minimize or eliminate issues associated with positioning of headsets. The clamp system comprises a mount having a receptacle. When a device is introduced to the mount the receptacle receives at least a portion of a device. The clamp system includes a clamp attached to the mount and having a first arm rotateably coupled to a second arm that controls the first arm between an open position and a closed position. A platform and at least one spindle are connected to the first arm. When the device is present in the receptacle and the first arm is in the closed position the spindle contacts the device and seats or secures the device in the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: AliphComInventor: Gregory C. Burnett
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Patent number: 9031242Abstract: This application relates to a system for fitting a hearing aid by testing the hearing aid patient with a three-dimensional sound field having one or more localized sound sources. In one embodiment, a signal processing system employing head-related transfer functions is used to produce audio signals that simulate a three-dimensional sound field when a sound source driven by such audio signals is coupled directly to one or both ears. By transmitting the audio signals produced by the signal processing system to the hearing aid by means of a wired or wireless connection, the hearing aid itself may be used as the sound source.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Brent Edwards, William S. Woods
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Patent number: 9031247Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods enabling hearing aid fitting by a non-expert consumer. The method in one embodiment involves delivering a sequence of test audio signals corresponding to natural sound segments to a non-acoustic input of a programmable hearing device in-situ, while allowing the consumer to adjust fitting parameters based perceptual assessment of hearing device output. The sound segments define a fitting soundscape within the normal human auditory range, with each sound segment corresponding to one or more fitting parameters of the programmable hearing device. The consumer is instructed to listen to the output of the in-situ hearing device and adjust controls related to corresponding fitting parameters. In one embodiment, the fitting system comprises a personal computer and a handheld device providing calibrated test audio signals and programming interface. The systems and methods allow home dispensing of hearing devices without requiring specialized instruments.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.Inventor: Adnan Shennib
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Publication number: 20150124985Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting a change in characteristics of a hearing aid and informing a user of the change. In one embodiment, a first input audio signal and an second amplified audio signal transmitted from the a hearing aid are received via a communication unit. Simulation is conducted of amplifying of the first input audio signal according to pre-stored auditory information stored in advance, and the processed simulated amplified first input audio signal is compared with the amplified audio signal. An alarm signal is output when a difference between the processed simulated amplified first input audio signal and the second amplified audio signal is greater than a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: Yangwook KIM
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Publication number: 20150124984Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing device that may classify sound environment based on a life pattern, and categorize sound information using a sound environment category set based on the life pattern, and control an output of the sound information based on the classified sound environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jooman HAN, Dong Wook KIM, Jong Hee HAN, See Youn KWON, Sang Wook KIM, Jun Il SOHN, Jong Min CHOI
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Patent number: 9026439Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for testing the intelligibility of audio announcement systems. The device may include a microphone, a translation engine, a processor, a memory associated with the processor, and a display. The microphone of the analyzer may be coupled to the translation engine, which in-turn may be coupled to the processor, which is in-turn may be coupled to the memory and the display. The translation engine can convert audio speech input from the microphone into data output. The processor can receive the data output and can apply a scoring algorithm thereto. The algorithm can compare the received data against data that is stored in the memory of the analyzer and calculates the accuracy of the received data. The algorithm may translate the calculated accuracy into a standardized STI intelligibility score that is then presented on the display of the analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbHInventor: Rodger Reiswig
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Patent number: 9014405Abstract: A storage system for storing a hearing aid comprises means for providing power (101), a storage space (102) for containing a hearing aid, output means, communication means through which data from the hearing aid is received wirelessly and a processing unit for processing data received from the hearing aid. The output means is capable of providing functioning and guiding information (104) concerning the functioning of the hearing aid and for guiding the user through positioning of the hearing aid, respectively. The invention further provides a hearing aid, a kit and a method of testing a hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Widex A/SInventors: Soren Mollskov Larsen, Mike Lind Rank, Mette Dahl Meincke
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Patent number: 9014379Abstract: In a method of initializing a binaural hearing aid system (1) both ipse- and contra-lateral individualized adjustment data are stored in both hearing aids of the binaural hearing aid system for transmission between the hearing aids. This provides an easy backup of the data. The invention further provides a hearing aid having means adapted for performing such a method.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Widex A/SInventors: Mike Lind Rank, Preben Kidmose
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Patent number: 9014385Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for vent detection in a hearing assistance device with a real ear measurement (REM) system. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for estimating vent out effect for a hearing assistance device. A REM is performed to obtain a measured response for a hearing assistance device worn by a user. A first simulation of a real ear response is performed using an occluded hearing assistance device model. The REM is compared to the first simulation in a selected frequency range to determine a vent effect and a second simulation of the real ear response is performed using the determined vent effect. The REM is compared to the second simulation to derive gains that compensate for the shape and volume of the user's ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Joyce Rosenthal
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Patent number: 9008325Abstract: The sound pressure level at the eardrum may be determined by constructing an optimized model of the ear canal and then calculating the simulated sound pressure level at the eardrum. The model is obtained by comparing real-ear-to-coupler differences between the sound pressure level measured at a fixed distance from a hearing instrument and a simulation of the measurement, optimizing the model by varying the length and/or diameter of the canal model, repeating the simulation and determination of simulated real-ear-to-coupler difference until the differences between the measured and simulated values are minimized. The optimized real-ear-to-coupler difference at the eardrum may then be determined and in turn the sound pressure level at the eardrum may be calculated. The sound pressure level at the eardrum may then be used to acoustically fit the hearing instrument to the person.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Oleg Saltykov
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Publication number: 20150092949Abstract: An exemplary uncomfortable sound pressure estimation system includes an HTL section for receiving information of hearing threshold levels respectively for a plurality of frequencies; a UCL measurement determination section for determining at least two measurement points at which to measure uncomfortable sound pressures, the at least two measurement points defining a first and a second frequency concerning a first and a second hearing threshold level; a UCL measurement section for measuring uncomfortable sound pressures with respect to the at least two measurement points; a calculation section for calculating a criterion concerning auditory characteristics by using the respective hearing threshold levels and uncomfortable sound pressures for the at least two points; and a UCL estimation section for estimating an uncomfortable sound pressure at a frequency corresponding to a given acquired hearing threshold level, according to the predetermined criterion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Shinobu ADACHI, Jun OZAWA
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Patent number: 8995674Abstract: A composite sound dampening structure includes a first base layer of sound dampening material extending around and against an inside surface of a container and a second wedge layer of sound dampening material attached to an inside surface of the first base layer. The composite sound dampening structure provides improved acoustic dampening in relative small sound chambers. An audio test system generates a composite audio signal of multiple different audio signals that are combined together using linear superposition. The composite audio signal allows a device to be simultaneously tested with multiple different audio frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Frye, Electronics, Inc.Inventor: George J. Frye
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Patent number: 8995698Abstract: Described herein are an apparatus and method for displaying the signal processing effects of a hearing upon speech. Such visual speech mapping may include displaying text corresponding to words spoken to a patient wearing a hearing aid as derived from an input signal derived from the hearing aid. The text is displayed with indicia representing the effects of the signal processing function performed by the hearing aid upon individual letters or groups of letters.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Joshua Elliot Bartunek
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Publication number: 20150078561Abstract: A method of analyzing performance of frequency lowering hearing aids. The method includes generating a sequentially of noise signals and transmitting acoustical sounds from a sound output device in response to the sequence of noise signals. A sound input device records the acoustical sounds and saves as a first device data. The sound input device with a frequency lowering hearing aid records the acoustical sounds and save as a second device data. The second device data is compared to the first device data and, in response to the comparison, at least one function of the frequency lowering hearing aid is optionally adjusted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Douglas S. Brungart
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Patent number: 8983083Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories for electronic devices such as headsets are provided. The electronic devices may produce audio output. The headsets may include earbuds with speakers that play the audio output for a user while the earbuds are located in the user's ears. Circuitry in an electronic device and a headset may be used in evaluating how well the earbuds are sealed to the user's ears. In response to seal quality measurements, informative messages can be generated for the user, overall earbud volume may be increased, balance adjustments may be made to correct for mismatched balance between left and right earbuds, equalization settings may be adjusted, and noise cancellation circuitry settings can be changed. Electrical impedance measurements and acoustic measurements can be used in evaluating seal quality.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Victor Tiscareno, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Wendell B. Sander, Christopher Todd Beauchamp
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Patent number: 8983084Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing various auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wireless testing device is provided. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem used to implement and analyze selected tests. Attached to the device, either directly or via a flexible cable, are one or more probes. A processor, storage means, input means and display means are included, thus allowing the device to process and store instructions as well as process, store and display data. A wireless networking subsystem is included, enabling the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, systems and devices within the device's communication range. Due to the inclusion of the wireless networking subsystem, the device can be configured to allow the user to transmit and/or print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates, and send and receive patient and office updates.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: GN Resound A/SInventor: Stefan Bengtsson
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Publication number: 20150049876Abstract: A hearing device and a method for fitting the hearing device are provided. The method for fitting a monaural hearing device involve obtaining audiograms of both ears, and adjusting an amplification gain based on the audiograms of both ears, in which the audiograms comprise an audiogram of a first ear for wearing the monaural hearing device and an audiogram of a second ear not wearing the monaural hearing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Wook KIM, Jong Min CHOI, Dong Wook KIM
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Patent number: 8958571Abstract: A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes noise canceling circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone may also be provided proximate the speaker to estimate an electro-acoustical path from the noise canceling circuit through the transducer. A processing circuit uses the reference and/or error microphone, optionally along with a microphone provided for capturing near-end speech, to determine whether one of the reference or error microphones is obstructed by comparing their received signal content and takes action to avoid generation of erroneous anti-noise.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Nitin Kwatra, Jeffrey Alderson, Jon D. Hendrix
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Patent number: 8948427Abstract: A system for hearing assistance devices to assist hearing aid fitting applied to individual differences in hearing impairment. The system is also usable for assisting fitting and use of hearing assistance devices for listeners of music. The method uses a subjective space approach to reduce the dimensionality of the fitting problem and a non-linear regression technology to interpolate among hearing aid parameter settings. This listener-driven method provides not only a technique for preferred aid fitting, but also information on individual differences and the effects of gain compensation on different musical styles.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: University of California, BerkeleyInventors: David Wessel, Eric Battenberg, Andrew Schmeder, Kelly Fitz, Brent Edwards
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Publication number: 20150030170Abstract: A hearing assistance system for delivering sounds to a listener provides for subjective, listener-driven programming of a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid, using a perceptual model. The system produces a distribution of presets using a perceptual model selected for the listener and allows the listener to navigate through the distribution to adjust parameters of a signal processing algorithm for processing the sounds. The use of the perceptual model increases the potential of fine tuning of the hearing assistance device available to the listener.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Kelly Fitz, Brent Edwards
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Patent number: 8939031Abstract: An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Allan H. Gross, Barak Dar
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Publication number: 20150023512Abstract: Methods and systems of interactive online fitting of a hearing aid by a non-expert consumer without requiring a clinical setup are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an audio generator for delivering test audio signals at predetermined levels to a non-acoustic input of a programmable hearing aid in-situ, and a programming interface for delivering programming signals to the hearing aid. The consumer is instructed to listen to the output of the hearing device in-situ and to interactively adjust fitting parameters according to a subjective assessment of audible output representative of the test audio signal. In one embodiment, the online-based fitting system comprises a personal computer, a handheld device connected to the personal computer, and a fitting application hosted by a server. In one embodiment, remote customer support personnel may communicate with a hearing aid worn by the consumer and interactively control fitting parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: iHear Medical, Inc.Inventor: Adnan Shennib
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Publication number: 20150023513Abstract: A system collects information on performance of short-range wireless communication in local hearing aid systems. The information is analyzed, for example, to inform local users to adjust the local hearing aid systems, to adjust operational parameters for improving wireless communication in the local hearing aid systems, and/or to improve wireless connectivity and reliability in future products.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Solum
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Patent number: 8938077Abstract: A method of selecting a compensation method to compensate a sound source signal output from a sound source playing apparatus includes; displaying a plurality of areas indicating each of a plurality of compensation methods with respect to a signal output from the sound source playing apparatus, outputting a test signal compensated by a compensation method of the plurality of compensation methods, the compensation method corresponding to at least one area of the plurality of areas, selecting any one of the plurality of areas based on a response of a user to the output test signal, and storing the compensation method corresponding to the selected area.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun-il Shon, Dong-wook Kim
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Publication number: 20150016621Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for hearing aid tuning.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Dan WIGGINS, Don BOWIE
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Publication number: 20150010160Abstract: A method of determining a set of individual HRTFs for a specific human includes: obtaining a set of approximate HRTFs; obtaining at least one measured HRTF of the specific human; determining a deviation of one of the at least one measured HRTF with relation to a corresponding one of the set of approximate HRTFs; and forming the set of individual HRTFs by modification of the set of approximate HRTFs based at least in part on the determined deviation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: GN ReSound A/SInventor: Jesper UDESEN
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Publication number: 20150010161Abstract: An adapter configured to connect to a probe tube for calibrating a hearing aid device is disclosed. The adapter comprises a tubular pipe member and an opening through which the adapter is adapted to receive the probe tube. The adapter comprises an input member configured to connect to a connection member for providing fluid communication between the probe tube and the connection member through the adapter. An outer diameter of the probe tube is 5-20%, preferably 8-15% smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical space of the pipe member and that length of the cylindrical space of the pipe member is at least five times, preferably at least ten times larger than the outer diameter of the probe tube. Hereby it is achieved that a long narrow gab can be provided between probe tube and the pipe member of the adapter so that a sufficient acoustic seal can be accomplished.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: OTICON A/SInventors: Svend Oscar PETERSEN, Bent SEVERIN, Oliver SUNDBERG, Søren WICHMANN
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Publication number: 20150010159Abstract: A method to determine if a feature of a hearing assistance device may include transmitting, from a hearing assistance device application to a hearing assistance device, a request to determine if a feature is supported by the hearing assistance device; receiving, from the hearing assistance device, a response message identifying the feature as supported by the hearing assistance device; determining that the feature of the hearing assistance device is supported by the hearing assistance device application; and based on the determination, configuring the hearing assistance device application to control the feature of the hearing assistance device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: STARKEY LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: David H. Tran, Kristopher Knight
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Patent number: 8929575Abstract: Systems and methods for providing audio content and hearing-enhancement devices are provided. Systems and methods can be tailored to providing audio content to the hearing impaired, and can include evaluating a response profile of a listener; determining preferred ultrasonic signal parameters based on the listener's response profile; configuring an ultrasonic audio system according to the determined ultrasonic signal parameters; and using the ultrasonic audio system to transforming an audio signal into an ultrasonic pressure wave representing the audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Turtle Beach CorporationInventor: Elwood Grant Norris
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Patent number: 8929576Abstract: High-quality adjustment of a hearing apparatus, and in particular of a hearing aid, is accelerated. In the adjusting method, a percentile analysis is carried out in order to obtain at least one frequency response of the hearing apparatus. Any discrepancy between the frequency response and an intended gain characteristic is determined. The setting of the hearing apparatus is then changed, such that the discrepancy is reduced. In order to check the effect of the setting change, a current frequency response after variation of the setting is determined by providing a constant noise signal or a single sinusoidal sweep at the input of the hearing apparatus and level measurement at the output. This frequency response measurement can be carried out as a second step considerably more quickly than the very precise percentile analysis at the start of the process.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Josef Chalupper
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Patent number: 8924204Abstract: Unlike sound based pressure waves that go everywhere, air turbulence caused by wind is usually a fairly local event. Therefore, in a system that utilizes two or more spatially separated microphones to pick up sound signals (e.g., speech), wind noise picked up by one of the microphones often will not be picked up (or at least not to the same extent) by the other microphone(s). Embodiments of methods and apparatuses that utilize this fact and others to effectively detect and suppress wind noise using multiple microphones that are spatially separated are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Juin-Hwey Chen, Jes Thyssen, Xianxian Zhang, Huaiyu Zeng
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Patent number: 8913769Abstract: The method for operating a hearing system comprising at least one hearing device; at least one signal processing unit; at least one user control by means of which at least one audio processing parameter of said signal processing unit is adjustable; and a sensor unit; comprises the steps of a) obtaining adjustment data (userCorr) representative of adjustments of said at least one parameter carried out by operating said at least one user control; b) obtaining characterizing data (p1;p2) from data outputted from said sensor unit substantially at the time said adjustment data are obtained; c) deriving correction data (learntCorr) from said adjustment data (userCorr); wherein step c) is carried out in dependence of said characterizing data; and d) recognizing an update event; and, upon step d): e) using corrected settings for said at least one audio processing parameter in said signal processing unit, which corrected settings are derived in dependence of said correction data (learntCorr).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Manuela Feilner, Hilmar Meier, Michael Boretzki, Harald Krueger, Ivo Spieler, Elmar Fichtl
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Publication number: 20140363007Abstract: A wearable device and computerized system and method for configuring a wearable device for use in the treatment of tinnitus, hyperacusis, and/or hearing loss is disclosed. A software application for use by an audiologist facilitates the diagnosis and assessment of a patient's needs and programming of the wearable device with customized settings and/or audio signals specific to the patient's needs. The customized settings and audio signals may form a part of a tinnitus retraining therapy treatment regime for a patient. The wearable device may further comprise customized settings and sounds for treating hyperacusis and/or hearing loss in a patient. The customized settings can be modified by the audiologist during the fitting process to ensure the patient is fitted with a device that provides appropriate relief for the patient's specific needs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Jeffrey D. DiGiovanni, Stephen Rizzo
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Publication number: 20140363006Abstract: A hearing device with a unit for estimating the current consumed by the receiver of the hearing device. The hearing device includes a signal input unit for converting an input signal picked up by the signal input unit into a digital audio signal, a signal processing unit for processing the digital audio signal, a digital-to-analog converter for converting a processed audio signal from the signal processing unit, a power amplifier for amplifying a converted audio signal from the digital-to-analog converter, a receiver for generating sound according to an amplified audio signal from the power amplifier, and a battery for powering the hearing device. A receiver current estimation unit has a filter for filtering a receiver current indicative signal derived from the processed audio signal, the filter having a frequency response dependent on an impedance of the receiver. A method is provided for estimating a receiver current for a hearing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2012Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: Phonak AGInventor: Fethi Cherigui
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Publication number: 20140341382Abstract: Monitoring usage of a hearing device includes: c) checking whether a message has been received within a time period (dt) shorter than a pre-defined time period (Dt) via a long-distance communication network in a remote device; and d) generating usage status data dependent on the result of the checking addressed in step c). The usage status data are indicative of the usage of the hearing device, indicating “use” if the time period (dt) is smaller than or equal to the pre-defined time period (Dt) and indicating “non-use” if the time period (dt) is larger than the pre-defined time period (Dt). The message includes identification data for identifying the hearing device or a user of said hearing device. The remote device is located remote from the hearing device and connected to the long-distance communication network. The time period (dt) starts from a start event.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Phonak AGInventors: Bernd Waldmann, Hans-Ueli Roeck, Michael Boretzki, Stefan Launer, Rainer Platz
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Publication number: 20140334629Abstract: A hearing aid fitting system (100, 200, 300) adapted for remote fitting of a hearing aid system (110), wherein a direct communication channel between a hearing aid fitting part and an external device (102, 302), adapted to communicate directly with the hearing aid system (110), is established by a control server (103) based on unique identifications of the hearing aid user and the external device and the hearing aid system. The invention also provides a method of remote fitting of a hearing aid system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: WIDEX A/SInventors: Svend Vitting ANDERSEN, Anders WESTERGAARD
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Patent number: 8879745Abstract: A method of deriving individual gain compensation curves for hearing aid fitting includes providing a system that detects, measures and records head azimuth for sound direction affirmation by a patient and provides a plurality of audio signals through a plurality of test sequences to the ears of the patient, including establishing a comfortable listening level of the patient, establishing binaural balance for right and left ears, establishing loudness discomfort levels of the patient, establishing thresholds-of-hearing levels of the patient and generating a binaurally balanced measurement array of measured equal-loudness levels and measured thresholds-of-hearing levels for both left and right ears.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Dean Robert Gary Anderson as Trustee of the D/L Anderson Family TrustInventor: Dean Robert Gary Anderson
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Patent number: 8879744Abstract: An audio testing system and an audio testing method for an electronic device under test are provided. The audio testing method includes the following steps. A testing audio is sent through a testing audio sending end of a testing device. An electronic device under test is controlled to perform recording through an audio receiving end, so as to generate an under-testing audio. After the recording is completed, the device under test controlled to playback the under-testing audio from one of both-side audio sending ends to perform recording through the testing audio receiving end, and calls an audio analyzing process to generate a first testing result. The device under test controlled to playback the under-testing audio from the other one of the both-side audio sending ends to perform recording through the testing audio receiving end, and calls the audio analyzing process to generate a second testing result.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Inventec CorporationInventors: Tsung-Hao Yang, Harianto Siek, Shao-Tang Wang
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Publication number: 20140321657Abstract: A method of estimating an acoustic transfer quantity representative of a sound pressure transfer to the eardrum includes the steps of measuring, by an ear canal microphone of the hearing instrument, an acoustic signal in the ear canal when a sound signal is emitted into the ear canal by a receiver of the hearing instrument, the ear canal microphone being in acoustic communication with the ear canal, determining, from the acoustic signal and from a frequency dependent reference characteristics of the hearing instrument, an ear canal impedance, and, calculating, from the ear canal impedance, an estimate of the acoustic transfer quantity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: PHONAK AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann
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Patent number: 8873766Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sound signal processor includes: a connector; an input module; and a generator. The connector is connectable with an earphone. The input module receives and processes a plurality of sound signals corresponding to sound of a plurality of times output from the earphone, respectively. The generator generates, by using first data indicating a frequency characteristic of a first sound signal among the received and processed sound signals and second data indicating a frequency characteristic of a second sound signal among the received and processed sound signals, correction data correcting a frequency characteristic of the earphone to be a target frequency characteristic set as a target. The first data is used for a first frequency band lower than or equal to a reference. The second data is used for a second frequency band higher than the reference.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Toshifumi Yamamoto, Tadashi Amada
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Patent number: 8867764Abstract: A hearing aid can be tuned while worn by a user according to a heuristic method, including select an adjustable parameter and an stimulus having audio energy characteristics related to the adjustable parameter. The stimulus is played via a calibrated audio output device and amplified by the hearing aid. After selecting a user perception query associated with the adjustable parameter, feedback is obtained from the user indicating that the stimulus was not perceived neutrally. A perceptual adjustment curve and a threshold curve are determined according to the user feedback, and an estimated perception curve that estimates the user's perception of the stimulus is determined. When at least a portion of the estimated perception curve exceeds a threshold curve, the hearing aid is programmed according to at least one adjustment value determined according to the user feedback value.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Bowie-Wiggins LLCInventors: Dan Wiggins, Don Bowie
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Patent number: 8858420Abstract: The present application discloses a vibration-based hearing prosthesis configured to measure the vibration applied by a hearing prosthesis to the skull of the hearing prosthesis recipient while the recipient is wearing the hearing prosthesis. Directly measuring the applied vibration in situ allows hearing characteristics to be more accurately mapped to voltage inputs. A recipient's hearing threshold and associated voltage input may be directly measured. Additionally, measuring the applied vibrations allows co-listening. A doctor can monitor the sound output from a vibration-based hearing prosthesis as it is worn by a recipient. Directly measuring the vibration output also allows an additional degree of freedom in diagnostics because a recipient can perform diagnostic tests at home.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Rasmus Elofsson
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Patent number: 8855324Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for determining one or more configuration settings for a first hearing prosthesis based on configuration data associated with a second hearing prosthesis. In some embodiments, determining the one or more configuration settings for the first hearing prosthesis may include determining an acoustic operating range associated with the first hearing prosthesis based on whether a configured gain at one or more frequencies for the second hearing prosthesis meets or exceeds a target gain at the one or more frequencies. Some embodiments may also include storing the determined configuration settings in a tangible computer readable memory associated with the first hearing prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Kevin Franck
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Patent number: 8855323Abstract: A method for identifying a receiver in a hearing aid of the RITE (Receiver In The Ear) type (1) comprises providing a hearing aid of the RITE-type (1), providing said hearing aid with a receiver (10), measuring the impedance of said receiver (10) using said hearing aid (1), identifying said receiver (10) as one of several predetermined receiver models on basis of said impedance measurement, and issuing a message regarding the result of the identification. The invention also provides a hearing aid and a system for fitting a hearing aid. The hearing aid may comprise the means for measuring receiver impedance.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Widex A/SInventor: Morten Kroman
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Publication number: 20140294186Abstract: A skull simulator tests and calibrates bone-conduction vibrators under realistic operating conditions. In known skull simulators, the front wall of the casing—and/or exposed parts of the suspension—have one or more planar surfaces on the front, and these planar surfaces are thus oriented towards the bone-conduction vibrator when it is mounted on the skull simulator. Such planar surfaces may reflect airborne sound from the vibrator housing or may emit sounds themselves when vibrating, and the reflected or emitted sound contributes to resonances are not present when the bone-conduction vibrator is mounted on a human head. In the current design all exposed parts on the front located outside a coupling surface for connecting the bone-conduction vibrator do not have planar surfaces perpendicular to the main oscillation axis or that otherwise, such planar surfaces comprising an acoustic foam having an acoustic dampening effect on sound waves impinging thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: OTICON MEDICAL A/SInventors: Bengt BERN, Jens BALSLEV
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Publication number: 20140294188Abstract: An approach is described for evaluating a selected hearing stimulation strategy in a hearing impaired patient. A healthy neurogram represents a normal auditory neural response to a selected sound input by a healthy auditory system. An impaired neurogram represents an impaired auditory neural response to the selected sound input by a hearing impaired patient auditory system using the hearing stimulation strategy. The impaired neurogram is compared to the healthy neurogram based on: i. partitioning the neurograms into corresponding temporal and frequency domain tiles, ii. determining local variability between corresponding individual tiles by comparison of selected tile features, iii. determining global variability between the neurograms by weighted averaging of the individual tile comparisons, and iv. developing from the local and global variabilities a perception estimate representing effectiveness of the selected hearing stimulation strategy in approaching normal healthy hearing for the implanted patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Stefano Rini, Michael Drews, Michele Nicoletti, Werner Hemmert
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Publication number: 20140294187Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to determine a parameter using an auditory model of a hearing loss patient. The parameter determination apparatus determines a similarity between a neurogram of a normal subject and a neurogram of a hearing loss patient, and determines an optimal frequency band for the hearing loss patient based on the similarity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jong Min CHOI, Yun Seo KU, Dong Wook KIM, Jong Jin KIM, Jun Il SOHN, Jun Whon UHM, Jong Hee HAN
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Patent number: 8848931Abstract: A method for testing and calibrating electronic semiconductor components which convert sound into electrical signals acoustically irradiates the components in a sound chamber whose largest free length is less than half the wavelength of the highest frequency of the sound waves produced during the test.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Multitest Elektronische Systeme GmbHInventors: Max Schaule, Arnfried Kiermeier, Stefan Binder
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Publication number: 20140270211Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise a plurality of devices configured to wirelessly communicate with each other. The plurality of devices includes a battery-operated hearing aid configured to communicate with another device using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless communication technology. A BLE tester is configured to test the hearing aid for the performance of BLE wireless communication via a wireless link. One embodiment uses a wireless test mode as a diagnostic tool for analyzing the wireless communication environment, such as when the communication with the hearing aid is interfered in a noisy environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: STARKEY LABORATORIES, INC.Inventor: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
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Publication number: 20140270210Abstract: A hearing prosthesis fitting system includes a first interface configured for applying a stimulation signal to a recipient of the hearing prosthesis. Generally, the stimulation signal is associated with a prior probability that the recipient will perceive the stimulation signal as an audible sound. The fitting system also includes a second interface configured for receiving response data relating to whether the recipient perceived the stimulation signal as an audible sound. Further, the fitting system includes a processor configured to determine an updated probability that the recipient perceived the stimulation signal as an audible sound. More particularly, the processor is configured to utilize the received response data and the prior probability to determine the updated probability.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Bastiaan van Dijk