846 results about "Fit hearing aid" patented technology

An electronic translator translates input speech into multiple streams of data that are simultaneously delivered to the user, such as a hearing impaired individual. Preferably, the data is delivered in audible, visual and text formats. These multiple data streams are delivered to the hearing-impaired individual in a synchronized fashion, thereby creating a cognitive response. Preferably, the system of the present invention converts the input speech to a text format, and then translates the text to any of three other forms, including sign language, animation and computer generated speech. The sign language and animation translations are preferably implemented by using the medium of digital movies in which videos of a person signing words, phrase and finger spelled words, and of animations corresponding to the words, are selectively accessed from databases and displayed. Additionally the received speech is converted to computer-generated speech for input to various hearing enhancement devices used by the deaf or hearing-impaired, such as cochlear implants and hearing aids, or other output devices such as speakers, etc. The data streams are synchronized utilizing a high-speed personal computer to facilitate sufficiently fast processing that the text, video signing and audible streams can be generated simultaneously in real time. Once synchronized the data streams are presented to the subject concurrently in a method that allows the process of mental comprehension to occur. The electronic translator can also be interfaced to other communications devices, such as telephones. Preferably, the hearing-impaired person is also able to use the system's keyboard or mouse to converse or respond.

The present invention relates to a method for computer-controlled modelling of customised earpieces. These earpieces include housings for hearing aids, wireless or connected communication devices (headsets, mobile phones, personal agents), loud speakers, tinnitus masking devices, devices recording vibrations in the skull and transforming these into audio signals, voice recognition devices, earplugs, noise blockers with selective frequencies or sound levels, Man Machine Interface (MMI) products that enable clear communication even in the noisiest environments, or products related to wireless Internet applications. All these earpieces may be worn in the user's meatus and / or auditory canal. The invention also relates to a computerised system for manufacturing such customised earpieces. In particular, the invention is directed to a computerised system that models an earpiece based on a three-dimensional replica of the user's meatus and / or auditory canal.

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.

A fitting setup for hearing aids (1), wherein a cell phone (1) is the input device. The cell phone is used to communicate with a server so as to change the fitting setup for the hearing aid to an optimal setting. The cell phone may also be used to communicate personalized data to the network, as well as to update resident software programs on the hearing aid.

A maintenance station includes means for disinfecting, drying, recharging, and communicating with one or more hearing aids using light. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a fluorescent lamp is primarily for disinfecting a hearing aid, an incandescent lamp is primarily for recharging a hearing aid, and a light emitting diode is primarily for communicating with a hearing aid. All power dissipated within the station aids in drying the hearing aids within.

A disposable-type hearing aid uses a relatively large single diaphragm or a large single diaphragm subdivided into a plurality of smaller active diaphragm areas obtained using a grate-like back support plate with ridges which contact and divide the diaphragm into the several smaller active diaphragm areas. The diaphragm and a backplate are enclosed in a metal housing and are disposed proximal and parallel to a shell-like hearing aid enclosure having sound inlets. The metal housing is closed at an end opposite the sound inlets by a printed circuit board (PCB) forming an acoustical seal for a back volume of the microphone. The PCB also carries substantially all the electronic components for the hearing aid thereon. The PCB has a ground plane in contact with the housing whereby the PCB also acts as an EMI shield. An electrical connection is formed in various ways between the back support plate and the PCB during assembly of the metal housing and components with the PCB. Mass production of disposable hearing aids with large diaphragms and relatively low noise levels is thus possible using this invention.

A hearing aid and a corresponding method are provided in which address data and / or channel data with respect to a plurality of signal sources are stored in a memory of the hearing aid. As a result of a priority-driven address management system, the hearing aid user can very conveniently automatically engage in communication with an interface having the highest priority.

A digital hearing aid according to the present invention is capable of measuring its own performance. The measurement and initialization capability may be entirely integral to the hearing aid, or an external processor may be used to download the measurement program and the run time program, and assist in computing the parameters. The hearing aid includes a test signal generator for feeding a test signal into the hearing aid amplifier. The response to the test signal is acquired at a specific point in the hearing aid, depending upon what aspect of performance is to be measured. Various elements of the hearing aid and / or the hearing aid feedback may be bypassed. The hearing aid further includes the capability of initializing hearing aid parameters based upon the performance measurements.

A system and method that reduces the perceptual effect resulting from ear occlusion is disclosed. It comprises of an electro-acoustic feedback network that produces phase cancelling sounds in the ear, where a receiver and a microphone are located. A novel control mechanism is disclosed that controls the response of the feedback network to minimise distortion in the ear while maintaining a desired frequency response for external signals. Devices producing the external signal include hearing aids, personal sound devices, in ear monitors, communications headsets and hearing protectors. The integration of the present invention with these devices improves the user's perception of their own voice.

In a method for operating a hearing aid or hearing aid system, and a hearing aid or hearing aid system, wind noises are detected by analyzing the output signals of at least two microphones. If wind noises are present, the signal processing unit of the hearing aid or hearing aid system and / or the signal paths of microphones are adapted in order to reduce such noises.

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

A test battery method and system (10, 100, 200, 225) for use in assessing auditory function (e.g., the screening or diagnosis of impairments, fitting of hearing aids, etc.) is provided which performs one or more auditory tests including, for example, an acoustic reflectance test. Such an acoustic reflectance test may be a reflectance tympanometry test that includes a feedback system to control static pressure in the ear canal. Such acoustic reflectance tests may be used alone or in combination with one or more other auditory tests. Further, for example, such a battery of tests may include middle-ear muscle reflex tests in combination with one or more other auditory or hearing tests.

A low-voltage, low-power, synchronous, bidirectional, time-multiplexed, serial communication, scalable system bus carrying a number of signals over a fewer number of wires between a master device and peripheral devices or between peripheral devices. One of the wires carries a composite digital signal that includes a data signal and a synchronizing signal, though other combinations are contemplated. The system bus can support more peripheral devices than there are available time slots, and supports interrupt polling and servicing. In addition, peripheral devices that include an electro-mechanical or electro-acoustical component connected to the system bus can also communicate directly to each other without using the system bus. The system bus can be implemented in low voltage, low power devices, including listening devices such as hearing instruments and headsets, portable telephones, and personal digital assistants.

In a first aspect the present invention provides a compact high efficiency driver suitable for driving a loudspeaker, such as a miniature loudspeaker for mobile phones or hearing aids. The driver comprising an interface for receiving an input signal, a three-level modulator, and a three-level H-bridge. The interface may be adapted to receive a digital input signal. In a preferred embodiment of the driver the H-bridge is controlled by a correction circuit which is operated by a Return-To-Zero scheme. In a further preferred embodiment the driver comprises a supply voltage step-up circuit for increasing a voltage supplied to the H-bridge. In a second aspect the present invention provides a miniature loudspeaker assembly having a built-in driver. In a third aspect the present invention provides a mobile device with a built-in miniature loudspeaker assembly.

An acoustic receiver comprises means for converting an input audio signal into an acoustic signal. The receiver has a housing having a plurality of sides that surround the converting means. One of the sides include an output port for broadcasting the acoustic signal. A jacket fits around the housing and has sections for engaging the sides. The sections are generally flat. The jacket may also form a gap with a corresponding side surface of the housing. A printed circuit board can be located within the gap. The printed circuit board including electronics for processing said input audio signal.

A mechanism for detachably mounting an earpiece having a receiver and an acoustic tube to any one of a variety of hearing aids includes using an adhesive and a clip attached to the acoustic tube to adhere the clip and thus the earpiece to a surface of the hearing aid, so that an open end of the acoustic tube is near an acoustic aperture of the hearing aid and can thus provide an acoustic sound signal to a microphone within the hearing aid. Alternatively, the clip can be provided with a magnet and a ferric plate can be fixed to a surface of the hearing aid, so that magnetic forces between the magnet and the ferric plate will attach the earpiece and the hearing aid together. The magnet and the ferric plate can be chosen so that the earpiece will separate from the hearing aid when a relative force between the earpiece and the hearing aid exceeds a predetermined threshold, thus preventing injury to a user wearing the hearing aid and the earpiece.

Method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing or eliminating the interference produced by a receiver in a listening device, such as a hearing aid. The method and apparatus of the invention involves placing an electrically conductive shield around the receiver. Such a shield helps suppress the electromagnetic signals emitted by the receiver, thereby reducing or eliminating the interference from the receiver. The shield is a passive shield and may be one or more wires that are wound around the receiver and shorted together, or it may be an electrically conductive mesh, jacket, sleeve, or the like, that is placed around the receiver. The shield is then connected either to one of the input terminals of the receiver, or to a system ground of the receiver.

An interchangeable hearing aid control panel with at least one activation zone arranged in connection with a layered structure. The layered structure has an electrically non-conducting substrate, an electrically conducting path arranged in connection with the substrate, and an electrically conducting member, such as a conducting foil, arranged at a predetermined distance from the activation zone. The activation zone can be either in a deactuated or in an actuated state. In the actuated state the conducting member and the conducting path are electrically connected while disconnected in the deactuated state. Electrical connection to an associated hearing aid is by means of a connector, such as a plug, enabling the control panel to be easily changed. Preferably, the connector is formed by a piece of flexprint. The layered structure may comprise a second conducting path. In preferred embodiments activation zones are indicated by “poppel domes” formed by a surface layer covering the layered structure. The activation zones may form an MTO control or a volume control. To fit BTE hearing aids, the layered structure preferably has an elongated structure with a length of 1-4 cm. Other shapes can be formed to fit ITE, ITC and CIC hearing aids. In preferred embodiments, the control panel comprises one or more Silicon-based microphones protected behind a surface layer of the control panel.

An occluding hearing aid having anti-occlusion effect techniques combined with at least one improvement which, in the preferred embodiment, includes enhancement of acoustic output in the lower-midrange and bass frequency regions, typically between substantially 40 and 500 Hz, which regions are crucial for natural reproduction of multimedia sound and music but are not optimally processed, and generally not provided at all, in prior art hearing aids in order to avoid exacerbation of the occlusion effect. In specific embodiments, the hearing aid of the present invention includes primary or first microphone exposed to external sound plus a secondary or second microphone exposed to sound within an ear canal, in which a signal produced by the secondary microphone is applied as negative feedback to an input of a non-gain controlling signal process and amplifier driving a hearing aid receiver (transducer), whereby, it has been determined by the present inventor, the occlusion effect may be substantially canceled. The hearing aid further comprises at least one of ten combinational improvements each providing substantial performance benefits over known techniques and devices.

The present invention provides a miniature MEMS microphone comprising a single-ended transducer element connected to an amplifier providing a differential electrical output at terminals arranged at a substantially plane exterior surface. The differential or balanced output signal provides a miniature microphone exhibiting a high dynamic range and a reduced susceptibility to EMI. The microphone is adapted for surface mounting thus the extra output terminal required is still suitable for low cost mass production. In preferred embodiments the transducer element and amplifier are silicon-based. The microphone may have a plurality of separate single-ended transducer elements connected to separate amplifiers providing separate differential outputs. The microphones according to the invention are advantageous for applications within for example hearing aids and mobile equipment.

The range for transmission of signals between hearing aids is to be improved. To this end it is proposed that signals be transmitted between a first hearing aid worn by a first hearing aid wearer and a second hearing aid worn by a second hearing aid wearer. In this case the transmitted signals can consist of control parameters, sound field characteristic values or an audio signal. In accordance with the invention a signal is transmitted between the first hearing aid and the second hearing aid via at least one further hearing aid, which is worn by at least one further hearing aid wearer. The third hearing aid fulfills the function of a relay station in this case. Through the invention a signal with improved signal-to-noise ratio can be fed directly to the hearing of a hearing aid wearer or the signal processing of a hearing aid can be better adapted to the relevant environmental situation.

A vibrator for a bone conduction-type hearing aid device by which sound information is mechanically transmitted via the skull bone directly to the inner ear of a person with impaired hearing. The vibrator includes a coil that is directly into two coil halves for generating a dynamic magnetic field and a permanent magnet for generating a static magnetic field. The permanent magnet is radially magnetized and arranged in such a way that the static and dynamic magnetic fields coincide in air gaps formed between the coil and magnet arrangement and the casing, whereby the vibrator provides an axial force.

The invention comprises a surgically implantable hearing aid for hearing impaired persons. The hearing aid includes a vibrational element which is vibrated by sound waves and attached to the skull of the person, and a connector which crosses the mastoid cavity and delivers the sound waves to the dura mater of the patient thereby vibrating the dura mater, the cerebrospinal fluids, and the brain to create a hearing percept. The invention can also be adapted to act as a tinnitus masker or used in conjunction with a cochlear implant. It can also be used in a modified form to connect directly through the skull of the person.

The disclosure relates to jointly transmitting and processing analog-digital information using Inaudible Synchronous Online User-optimized Processing (iSOUP), wherein digital and analog information can be transmitted via one connection. iSOUP may be implemented in real-time MP3 anti-piracy, customized MP3 songs, Internet customized medical devices, Internet customized consumer electronics, Internet controlled psychoacoustic and physiological tests, tinnitus treatment devices, anti-piracy MP3 players, assistive listening MP3 players, healthcare sensor networks, Bluetooth sensors, audio-visual hearing aids (HAs) and cochlear implants (CIs), audio-touch HAs and CIs, Bluetooth HAs and CIs, automated fitting of HAs and CIs. The invention has applicability in copyright protection, data hiding, hearing aid remote controls, children learning devices, musical special effects generators, multiuser multimedia devices, Internet treatment and disease surveillance, wireless medical devices, wireless telemetry, multimedia rehabilitation devices, hearing aids and other implants.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving interference suppression processing and control in hearing aids communicating with a mobile station over a short-range wireless network. The hearing aid includes an acoustic echo canceller to suppress acoustic echo from the input audio signals. The mobile station also includes an echo canceller, and may include one or more switching circuits to bypass the echo canceller when the mobile station communicates with the hearing aid via the short-range wireless network. Typically, when the short-range wireless network between the hearing aid and the mobile station is established, the hearing aid and the mobile station negotiate one or more short-range wireless network profiles to determine the properties of the echo cancellers.

The present invention relates to a method for computer-controlled modelling of customised earpieces. These earpieces include housings for hearing aids, wireless or connected communication devices (headsets, mobile phones, personal agents), loud speakers, tinnitus masking devices, devices recording vibrations in the skull and transforming these into audio signals, voice recognition devices, earplugs, noise blockers with selective frequencies or sound levels, Man Machine Interface (MMI) products that enable clear communication even in the noisiest environments, or products related to wireless Internet applications. All these earpieces may be worn in the user's meatus and / or auditory canal. The invention also relates to a computerised system for manufacturing such customised earpieces. In particular, the invention is directed to a computerised system that models an earpiece based on a three-dimensional replica of the user's meatus and / or auditory canal.