Abstract: A method for determining the level of stimulation signals generated by an auditory prosthesis as a result of processing an electrical audio signal representative of sound is disclosed, the method comprising: converting the audio signal into a plurality of frequency-based signal components; analyzing one or more of the signal components to determine a quantity associated with the presence of a target signal in the analyzed signal component; and calculating the signal level based on the determined quantity when the determined quantity indicates a target signal is sufficiently present in the audio signal.

Abstract: A hearing aid (1) comprising a receiver (2) and at least one first microphone for transforming an acoustic signal surrounding a hearing aid user into an electrical signal, where the hearing aid comprises an ear plug part prepared for fitting tightly into the car canal (11) of a hearing aid user such that an inner volume is formed in the inner part of the ear canal between the car plug part and the car drum of the hearing aid user. The car plug part comprises a second microphone (3) arranged for transforming an acoustic signal in the volume into an electrical signal. The hearing aid comprises estimating means for estimating the effective size of the air leak between the inner volume and the surroundings based on the acoustical signal detected in said volume by said second microphone (3) from a known acoustical signal below 1000 Hz generated by the receiver. The hearing aid further comprises notification means for notifying the hearing aid user if the size range of the air leak is outside a predefined range.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for adjusting parameters for binaural hearing assistance devices. A graphical user interface (GUI) control is provided for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the control is indicative of status of at least one parameter for at least one device. When a pointer, controlled by a mouse or other selecting device, is placed over the control, the control expands. In various applications the control expands to display options for adjusting at least one parameter for at least one device. In some applications, the control provides options to adjust at least one parameter of a left and a right device individually.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, to an individual user, includes firstly recording data relating to at least one setting of the hearing device together with direct or indirect temporal information. Thereupon, a period of time during which the at least one setting was/is active is automatically determined. Finally, at least one parameter of the hearing device is automatically adapted as a function of the determined period of time and the at least one setting. This affords the possibility of adapting, for example, time constants according to individual usage. A corresponding hearing device is also provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a hearing prosthesis. The hearing prosthesis includes memory and a clock and is configured to deliver stimuli to a user. The method includes determining the stimuli, with the hearing prosthesis, in response to a sound signal and at least in part by using one or more adjustable parameters stored in the memory. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a request to adjust at least one of the parameters, and determining whether to make the requested adjustment by reference to an amount of time, as determined by said clock, or a function based around an amount of time since a predefined event.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and more particularly to a system for evaluating hearing assistance device settings using detected sound environment. Various examples of a hearing assistance device and method using actual use and hypothetical use logs are provided. Such logs provide a dispenser or audiologist the ability to see how a device is operating with actual settings and how the device would have operated had hypothetical settings been used instead. In various examples, the system allows for collection of statistical information about actual and hypothetical use which can assist in parameter setting determinations for a specific user. The settings may be tailored to that user's commonly experienced sound environment. Wireless communications of usage logs is discussed. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing feedback in a hearing aid adapted to be worn by a user, the method comprising the step of: receiving an audio input signal in an input transducer in the hearing aid; wherein the method further comprises the steps of: transforming the input signal into the frequency domain; dividing the audio signal into a plurality of frequency bands; determining a threshold frequency over which a plurality of upper frequency bands lies; multiplying each of the plurality of upper frequency bands by a random phase, thereby obtaining a plurality of phase randomized upper frequency bands; synthesizing the plurality of phase randomized upper frequency bands and the lower frequency bands to an output signal; transforming the output signal into the time-domain; and transmitting the output signal to an output transducer of the hearing aid.

Abstract: Hearing losses caused by deficiencies in a person's outer or middle ear may be compensated for by converting received sounds to vibrations and transmitting the vibrations to the skull bone (2). Bone-conduction hearing devices (27) may transmit such vibrations transcutaneously or percutaneously. In both cases, a precise determination of the magnitude of the vibrations applied to the skull bone (2) is needed for determining the person's bone-conduction hearing thresholds as well as for calibrating the hearing devices (27). The present invention provides a device (1, 27, 37) and a method, which allow determination of the applied vibrational force with better precision than prior art devices and methods. This is achieved by placing an accelerometer (21) on the countermass (11) of the vibrator (1) that generates the vibration signal.

Abstract: Provided is a method of automatically fitting a hearing aid. The method includes entering the audiogram of a test subject, defining criterion gains and SSPLs based on installed criterion gains and SSPLs according to the test subject's audiogram, generating sounds from automatic fitting device, measuring the sounds using probe microphone inserted in external earcanal, adjusting the criterion gain and SSPLs of the hearing aids based on differences between output sound amplitude and measured sound amplitude, and saving the changed values to the hearing aids automatically, in a state in which the hearing aid is worn by a test subject.

Abstract: A method and an associated hearing aid for loudness-based adjustment of the amplification of the hearing aid by presenting test signals of a predefinable level and predefinable frequency. Blind signals are presented before and between the test signals, but the blind signals are not taken into account for the adjustment of the amplification of the hearing aid at the predefinable level and predefinable frequency. A method for binaural loudness-based adjustment of the amplification of a left hearing aid and a right hearing aid is also specified. An advantage of the invention is that it is easier for a hearing aid wearer to rank the presented test signals in his individual loudness value system and to assess them accordingly.

Abstract: A system for recording and playing sound messages to be applied for the indication of a status in a hearing aid (25), said system comprising a fitted hearing aid and recording means (1, 2, 3) adapted for being operated by the hearing aid user to record and save sound messages. The system also comprises editing means (11) for editing a group of sound messages with respect to sound level normalization between individual sound messages, and formatting means (12) adapted for formatting said sound messages into a format suitable for storing and playing in the hearing aid. The invention further provides a method for recording and playing sound messages.

Abstract: An acoustic management system configured to compensate for acoustical dampening is provided. The system includes a microphone configured to detect a first acoustic signal from an acoustic environment and a logic circuit. The logic circuit detects an onset of the acoustical dampening between the acoustic environment and the microphone. The logic circuit generates an acoustic damping compensation filter, which is applied to the first acoustic signal to generate a drive signal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for obtaining hearing enhancement fittings for a hearing aid device is described. A plurality of audiograms is collected. The plurality of audiograms is divided into one or more sets of audiograms. A representative audiogram is created for each set of audiograms. A hearing enhancement fitting is computed from each representative audiogram. A hearing aid device is programmed with one or more hearing enhancement fittings computed from each representative audiogram.

Abstract: There is provided a system for in-situ evaluation of the performance of an actuator of a hearing instrument to be implanted in the middle ear cavity of a patient and to be mechanically coupled to an ossicle or to the cochlea, comprising: a hydrophone for being inserted into the middle ear cavity for picking up sound waves in the middle ear cavity generated by vibrations of the actuator and for providing for an output signal corresponding to the picked-up sound waves, and means for analyzing the output signals of the hydrophone in order to evaluate the actuator performance.

Abstract: A method for operating a hearing prosthesis is provided. A plurality of settings are provided, each setting providing a different operating functionality for the hearing prosthesis suitable for different situations. A signal analysis is executed on input signals to the hearing prosthesis. The signal analysis monitors characteristics of a current situation to detect any change and, in the case of detecting change, classifies the current situation into one of a plurality of predefined states. The suitability of the settings is compared with the determined state. One or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is identified for the current situation. The one or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is presented to a user. The user is then allowed to make a selection from the presented choice(s) of setting(s). If a selection is received from the user, the selected setting is executed. A hearing prosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: The adjustment of a hearing device is to be improved and configured in a more user-friendly fashion. To this end, a method is proposed whereby the hearing device is set individually to the user and is inserted at least partially into the auditory canal of the user. Finally an in-situ measurement of the acoustic impedance of the auditory system of the user including at least part of the auditory canal of the user is implemented with a tympanometric method. An automatic correction of the individual setting of the hearing device can take place on the basis of the results of the in-situ measurement.

Abstract: A test signal emitted by an earpiece is compared against the acoustic signal to determine if a sealing section of the earpiece is sealed properly. The degree of acoustic sealing is used to adjust the attenuation level of a sealing section of the earpiece or alert the user of the seal status of the sealing section.

Abstract: A method to operate a hearing device and a hearing device are disclosed comprising a plurality of source units (S1, . . . , Sn). The method comprises the steps of monitoring activities of the source units (S1, . . . , Sn), selecting input signals of active source units (S1, . . . , Sn), processing the selected input signals of active source units (S1, . . . , Sn), and generating an output signal of the hearing device by said processing. According to the present invention, the parameters for controlling said processing are derived from at least one active source unit (S1, . . . , Sn) and/or from at least one selected input signal, respectively. The new technology describes for the first time a hearing device comprising a plurality of source units that are dealt with in automatic manner.

Abstract: A hearing aid processing apparatus includes audio input units that receive input audio; hearing aid signal processing units that generate first and second output signals each having different frequency characteristics, from the input audio received by the audio input units, based on the characteristics of the band pass filter having the greatest bandwidth among virtual band pass filters composing an auditory filter of a listener. A first audio output unit outputs, as an audio, the first output signal generated by the hearing aid signal processing unit to the left ear of the listener; and a second audio output unit outputs, as an audio, the second output signal generated by the hearing aid signal processing unit to the right ear of the listener.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone to convert audible sounds into sound-related electrical signals and a memory configured to store a plurality of hearing aid profiles. Each hearing aid profile has an associated audio label. The hearing aid further includes a processor coupled to the microphone and to the memory and configured to select one of the plurality of hearing aid profiles. The processor applies the one of the plurality of hearing aid profiles to the sound-related electrical signals to produce a shaped output signal to compensate for a hearing impairment of a user. The processor is configured to insert the associated audio label into the shaped output signal. The hearing aid also includes a speaker coupled to the processor and configured to convert the shaped output signal into an audible sound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining an estimated transfer function of an acoustic feedback path during fitting of a hearing device, which receives acoustic signals from an individual's surroundings, modifies the acoustic signals electronically and transmits the modified acoustic signals into the individual's ear or ear canal. In order to save resources in the hearing device, the hearing device reuses a start-up jingle for determining an estimated transfer function during a fitting session upon reception of a predefined message from a fitting apparatus.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to modify sound produced by a gaming application according to an otological profile of a user. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide improved bone conduction calibration. In one embodiment a bone conduction vibrator coupling member is provided with opposing surfaces configured to contact the housing of an earphone coupler about the opening of the housing and support the housing of a bone conduction vibrator above the opening of the earphone coupler housing. The coupling member has an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the coupling member that is configured to receive the vibrating member of the bone conduction vibrator and provide the vibrating member with access to the cavity of the earphone coupler. A calibration system includes a bone conduction vibrator coupling member positioned upon an earphone coupler. Methods for calibrating a bone conduction vibrator using such a calibration system are also provided.

Abstract: In a digital hearing aid device (1) frequency modification is employed above a lower spectral bound and in accordance with a compression factor. The frequency modification is dynamically adjusted in dependence on a sound environment analysis (10) or an end-user input (30), by modifying the frequency modification parameters such as a lower spectral bound and a compression factor. The adjustment can be based on an interpolation between predefined parameters. In certain sound environments, such as loud noise, own-voice and telephone conversations, frequency modification is reduced or switched off. The proposed solutions have the advantage that the occurrence of disturbing noise and of distortions of harmonic relationships at the end-user's ear is reduced and signal processing resources as well as battery resources are saved.

Abstract: A media player includes a processor configured to receive media content from a content source and to process the media content produce an audio signal. The media player further includes a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the audio signal to a hearing aid through a communication channel.

Abstract: A hearing aid is disclosed, which, in a test mode, can determine the impedance of the transducer that stimulates the anatomy of the patient. Impedance may be determined by simultaneous determination of the current flowing through the transducer and the voltage across the transducer. In some cases, the output amplifier of the hearing aid includes two outputs, with one being a scaled and/or summed replica of the other. The amplifier is driven with a periodic signal with a particular frequency and a known peak voltage. The periodic signal may be sinusoidal. The primary output of the amplifier is electrically connected to the transducer, with a known voltage given by the peak input voltage and a known gain of the amplifier. The current from the secondary output of the amplifier is measured. In an example measurement scheme, the secondary output is sent through a rectifier and then through a low-pass filter.

Abstract: A hearing aid is disclosed, having the ability to generate its own open-loop feedback scan of amplitude (as gain or attenuation) and phase, as a function of frequency. The hearing aid has a sensor that receives ambient sound from near a patient, and a driver that stimulates the anatomy of the patient. The hearing aid has an operational mode in which the driver stimulates the anatomy of the patient in response to the sound received at the sensor. The hearing aid has a test mode in which a test frequency is stepped through a predetermined range of frequencies. At each test frequency, the driver is driven with a sinusoidal driver signal at the test frequency, the sensor detects a sinusoidal sensor signal at the test frequency, and a comparison of the sensor signal to the driver signal produces an amplitude (gain or attenuation) and a phase for the test frequency.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for automatic, recursive adjustment of at least one hearing device worn by a person. The device includes a stimulus generator unit, which emits at least one acoustic stimulus to the hearing device, a signal detection unit with at least one sensor, which detects the neuronal activity of the brain of the person due to the acoustic stimulus, a computation and control unit, which determines a measure of listening effort from the detected neuronal activity and determines changes to hearing device parameters from this. A hearing device control unit changes the hearing device parameters accordingly. The computation and control unit repeatedly prompts the stimulus generator unit to emit a hearing stimulus and the hearing device control unit to change a hearing device parameter, until the measure of listening effort drops below a predefinable first threshold value. This allows hearing devices to be adjusted objectively and automatically in a very robust and reliable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an apparatus for fitting a hearing assistance device using a genetic algorithm. The apparatus includes a first population of a plurality of parent sets representing at least one device parameter. A first pair from the parent sets is presented with assistance of the hearing assistance device, the first pair comprising a first and second set. A user selects a preference between the first and second sets. A child set is determined by operating on at least one set of the plurality of parent sets. The child set can include a crossover of the at least one parent set, where the crossover includes an arithmetic or geometrical operation to parameter values of the parent set, or a mutation of the at least one parent set, where the mutation includes replacing a lowest ranked parameter value in the parent set with a randomly generated parameter value.

Abstract: A method of acoustically fitting a hearing aid comprises providing a plurality of audible tones, each having a predetermined frequency through stereo headphones. The tones are provided at specific sound pressure in each ear. The patient changes the relative sound pressure in each ear until a perceived direction of source of the tone is in front of the patient. The amplification or attenuation requirements of a hearing aid are modified based on the difference in the sound pressures required for the left and right ears of the patient for perceived directional sameness for each frequency band-pass channel.

Abstract: A method, hearing aid, and computer product for changing the sequence of program positions of hearing programs are provided. The program positions of the hearing programs have a predefinable sequence. Time periods, within which hearing programs are selected, are measured. A new sequence of the program positions is calculated taking the measured time periods into account. The sequence of the program positions after a predefinable time span is modified in accordance with the calculated sequence. As a result hearing aids adapt to changed environments and place favorite programs in the front section of the program positions in accordance with the hearing aid wearer's preference.

Abstract: A hearing aid adjustment device (1) has a comparator (22a) and a setting section (22b). The comparator (22a) compares a user evaluation given by a user (T) of a hearing aid (5) in response to sound obtained by hearing aid processing based on fitting theories and hearing level data for the user (T), with a reference evaluation that has been acquired ahead of time and corresponds to each of customers (A to C) and is given by the customers (A to C) in response to sound obtained by hearing aid processing based on fitting theories and hearing level data for the customers (A to C). The setting section (22b) sets the value of a user parameter designating hearing aid processing to be given to a user (T), to a value that is the same as the value of a reference parameter that has been acquired ahead of time and that designates hearing aid processing suited to a customer (A) who gave a reference evaluation similar to the user evaluation, out of the customers (A to C).

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

Abstract: Bluetooth-enabled programmable digital hearing aids can be adjusted remotely and in real time. The hearing aid patient at home or a location convenient to the patient logs on to a hearing clinic web site to connect with a clinician, e.g. audiologist or hearing aid technician, at a central clinic location. The patient computer is provided with software for this and the patient is provided with a wireless hearing aid adjustment device. The clinician downloads the patient's hearing aid program and other data, and then makes adjustments and reprograms the hearing aids in real time.

Abstract: A method for measuring sound pressure at a tympanic membrane of a wearer's ear including a high frequency range with a hearing assistance device. The hearing assistance device comprises a processor connected to a sensor in the ear canal. The device provides a measure of the sound pressure level at the tympanic membrane of the wearer using a null frequency and a null Q measured at a distant position away from the tympanic membrane. The method does not require a precise knowledge of the ear canal, nor does it require an elaborate calibration step. In various embodiments, the present approach works at low and high frequencies.

Abstract: A method for testing a hearing device (1, 4) comprising at least one microphone unit (2) and a receiver unit (3) is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of positioning the hearing device (1) at a predefined position in relation to an accessory device (4) comprising a microphone (5) and a loudspeaker (6), generating a first sound signal (7) by the loudspeaker (6), recording the first sound signal (7) by the microphone unit (2), generating a second sound signal (8) by the receiver unit (3), the second sound signal (8) being at least partly dependent on the recorded first sound signal (7), recording the second sound signal (8) by the microphone (5), evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8), and at least triggering further action based on results of evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8) in case the results do not conform to predefined expectation. Furthermore, an arrangement for testing a hearing device (1, 4) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fitting a hearing aid device (3) that includes a part which is arranged in the ear canal (2) of a user (31).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for obtaining hearing enhancement fittings for a hearing aid device is described. A plurality of audiograms is collected. The plurality of audiograms is divided into one or more sets of audiograms. A representative audiogram is created for each set of audiograms. A hearing enhancement fitting is computed from each representative audiogram. A hearing aid device is programmed with one or more hearing enhancement fittings computed from each representative audiogram.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a sound signal is based on an ear model for deriving, for a number of inner hair cells, an estimate for a time-varying concentration of transmitter substance inside a cleft between an inner hair cell and an associated auditory nerve from the sound signal so that an estimated inner hair cell cleft contents map over time is obtained. This map is analyzed by means of a pitch analyzer to obtain a pitch line over time, the pitch line indicating a pitch of the sound signal for respective time instants. A rhythm analyzer is operative for analyzing envelopes of estimates for selected inner hair cells, the inner hair cells being selected in accordance with the pitch line, so that segmentation instants are obtained, wherein a segmentation instant indicates an end of the preceding note or a start of a succeeding note. Thus, a human-related and reliable sound signal analysis can be obtained.

Abstract: In a method and system for fitting the gain of a hearing aid (300) for a hearing impaired person, a loop gain of the hearing aid in the ear canal (350) of the hearing impaired person is measured for at least one frequency band. An effective vent parameter such as a corresponding vent diameter for the hearing aid by determining a vent parameter that generates the best fit between a modelled and the measured loop gain is estimated, a vent effect value based on the estimated effective vent parameter is determined, and a corrected hearing aid gain is provided by means of the determined vent effect value. The invention provides a method, a computer program, a system for fitting a hearing aid, a hearing aid and a computer system.

Abstract: Individual adjustment of a hearing apparatus, and in particular a hearing aid, is improved by testing the auditory sensory memory of a user of the hearing apparatus. At least one test result is obtained and the hearing apparatus is adjusted in dependence on the at least one test result. The test person must detect, perceive and be able to reproduce changes in a signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting whistling in an audio system includes determining an average frequency of an input signal of the audio system, sampling the input signal in consecutive blocks of at least one sample, wherein the average frequency is determined blockwise, and determining whether feedback related whistling is present in the input signal of the audio system by evaluating a stability of the average frequency, wherein the evaluation of the stability of the average frequency comprises: determining a difference of two values of the determined average frequency for two blocks, and comparing the determined difference to a first threshold value.

Abstract: The invention regards a method for determining a gain setting of a bone-anchored hearing aid comprising a bone anchor, the proximal and the distal ears having respective first and second monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds, the first monaural bone-conduction hearing threshold being higher than the second monaural bone-conduction hearing threshold. The method comprises: obtaining respective first and second measured monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds for the proximal and the distal ear; and determining the gain setting in dependence on the first and the second measured monaural bone-conduction hearing thresholds. The execution of the method does not require obtaining other hearing thresholds than such that are typically determined or measured anyway during the diagnostic phase.

Abstract: A method for testing hearing aids, particularly in respect of the effect thereof on speech comprehension, is improved. The method has the following steps: a) a test system is provided, b) an audible voice signal in the form of at least one meaningless syllable is selected and presented c) the meaningless syllable and a number of further meaningless syllables are displayed on a graphical user interface in the test system, d) a heard meaningless syllable is selected from the displayed meaningless syllables by the user, e) the selection made is evaluated, and f) method steps c) to e) are repeated until a termination criterion is encountered. The audible voice signal is selected in each case on the basis of at least one selection made by the person in response to a previously presented voice signal. The method allows particularly fast and informative hearing aid tests.

Abstract: A hearing aid adjustment device (1) has a comparator (22a) and a setting section (22b). The comparator (22a) compares a user evaluation given by a user (T) of a hearing aid (5) in response to sound obtained by hearing aid processing based on fitting theories and hearing level data for the user (T), with a reference evaluation that has been acquired ahead of time and corresponds to each of customers (A to C) and is given by the customers (A to C) in response to sound obtained by hearing aid processing based on fitting theories and hearing level data for the customers (A to C). The setting section (22b) sets the value of a user parameter designating hearing aid processing to be given to a user (T), to a value that is the same as the value of a reference parameter that has been acquired ahead of time and that designates hearing aid processing suited to a customer (A) who gave a reference evaluation similar to the user evaluation, out of the customers (A to C).

Abstract: A method and system for implementing an acoustical front end customization are disclosed. The customization is implemented to optimize the sound level for each individual cochlear implant user. A known audio signal is generated using a sound source and captured by a microphone system. The captured sound signal is sampled at one or more locations along the signal processing pathway, and a spectrum is determined for the sampled signal and the known signal. A ratio of the two spectrums is related to the undesired transformation of the sampled signal, and a digital filter is designed based on the ratio to filter out the undesired transformation.

Abstract: Systems, structures, and methods are provided to fit, program, or upgrade a hearing aid system to a patient. One embodiment includes the use of a mobile device to interact with the hearing aid system through a short-range network. The mobile device is also adapted to communicate with a server through a long-range wireless network. The server may reside on the Internet.

Abstract: An assisting listening device having audiometry function includes an earphone, a testing signal generator, a feedback generator and a control box. The testing signal generator is controlled by a digital signal processor of the control box to provide a testing signal to a speaker of the earphone. The feedback generator will generate a feedback signal to the digital signal processor of the control box subject to the testing signal, enabling the digital signal processor to evaluate the user's hearing threshold level so that the user can adjust the functioning of the assisting listening device optimally subject to the evaluation result.

Abstract: A method provides a long term feedback path estimate of a listening device. The method comprises a) providing an estimate of the current feedback path; b) providing a number of detectors of parameters or properties of the acoustic environment of the listening device and/or of a signal of the listening device, each detector providing one or more detector signals; c) providing a criterion for deciding whether an estimate of the current feedback path is reliable based on said detector signals; d) storing said estimate of the current feedback path, if said criterion IS fulfilled and neglecting said estimate of the current feedback path, if said criterion is NOT fulfilled; e) providing a long term estimate of the feedback path based on said stored estimate(s) of the current feedback path.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes at least one output cell including a first output cell having a ground pin connected to a ground rail, a first power supply pin connected to a first power rail, a second power supply pin connected to a second power rail, a data pin, at least one voltage select pin, and an output pin wired to the first output pad. The first output cell is configured to operate according to a first mode wherein the output pin has a first voltage amplitude, and according to a second mode wherein the output pin has a second voltage amplitude larger than the first voltage amplitude depending on a control signal applied to the at least one voltage select pin.