Tinnitus-Behandlungsvorrichtung und Tinnitus-Behandlungsprogramm

Eine Tinnitus-Behandlungsvorrichtung (10) gibt einem Benutzer, der ein Tinnitus-Patient ist, einen Ton-Stimulus zur Tinnitus-Behandlung auf einer Zeiteinheitsbasis aus und umfasst: eine Steuerung (200); und ein Aufnahmemedium (100), in dem ein Behandlungsprogramm gespeichert ist. Das Behandlungsprogramm wird von der Steuerung (200) ausgeführt, um Folgendes durchzuführen: Analogisieren einer oder beider von einer RI-Wirkungskurve und einer TL-Abfallkurve für den Tinnitus-Behandlungston, der dem Benutzer bereitgestellt wird; Erzeugen des Tinnitus-Behandlungstons basierend auf der einen oder beiden von der RI-Wirkungskurve und der TL-Abfallkurve, die analogisiert wird; und Präsentieren des erzeugten Tinnitus-Behandlungstons für den Benutzer über eine Tonwiedergabeeinheit (20) auf der Einheitszeitbasis, um den Ton-Stimulus für den Benutzer bereitzustellen.

Hearing aid has signal processing unit whose operating condition is adjusted by control signal output by microphone in response to input speech signals

The hearing aid comprises signal processing unit (2) whose operating condition is adjusted by operational control signals (SK) which is output by microphone (1) in response to speech signals (K) of corresponding hearing aid carrier (5).

Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Hörhilfevorrichtung sowie Hörhilfevorrichtung

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Hörhilfevorrichtung (2), insbesondere einer Tinnitus-Therapie-Vorrichtung, mit einem Mikrofon (6) und mit einem Hörer (8), der in einen Gehörgang (14) eines Benutzers einsetzbar oder zumindest teilweise im Gehörgang (14) angeordnet ist, wobei eine aktive Schallkompensation eines vom Mikrofon (6) empfangbaren akustischen Umgebungssignals (20) bei einer oder mehrerer Tinnitusfrequenzen eines Benutzers durch Erzeugen eines akustischen Kompensationssignals (26) des Hörers (8) im Gehörgang (14) des Benutzers bewirkt wird.

ADAPTIVE FILTER

PROCEDURE FOR THE AUTOMATIC STRONG ATTITUDE IN ONE HÍRHILFEGERAT AS WELL AS HÍRHILFEGERAT

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR BESTIMMUNG DER QUALITÄT EINES ÜBERTRAGUNGSSYSTEMS

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung der Qualität eines Übertragungssystems in Hinblick auf die Sprachwahrnehmung, bei dem ein Kommunikationsindex berechnet wird, der ein Maß für die Verständlichkeit von Sprachinformation darstellt, indem einer Versuchsperson Testsignale angeboten werden, aus denen MCL (most comfortable level) und UCL (uncomfortable level) bestimmt werden. Eine Steigerung der Genauigkeit kann dadurch erreicht werden, dass die Testsignale auch Tonfolgen zur Bestimmung von zeitlichen Maskierungseffekten beinhalten, die in einem gemeinsamen Berechnungsschritt mit MCL und UCL zur Bestimmung des Kommunikationsindex berücksichtigt werden.

VOLUME CONTROL FOR HEARING AIDS

Calibration method for customizable personal sound delivery systems

A method (100) for calibrating a sound delivery system (1) having a processing assembly, a data communications assembly (9) coupled to the processing assembly, and at least one audio transducer (21a, 21b) mounted with at least one processor (11) of the processing assembly and responsive thereto for delivering sound to a user (3), the method including the steps of: transmitting from a remote user interface device (6) for the sound delivery system, a sequence of command codes for specifying predetermined characteristics of test sounds; receiving the command code sequence at the communications assembly of the sound delivery system; providing the command code sequence to the processor assembly of the sound delivery system; reproducing by a selected at least one audio transducer, the predetermined test sounds under control of said at least one processor according to the command code sequence; measuring with a reference SPL meter (70) proximate to the audio transducer, characteristics of test ...

A Non Surgical Bone Anchored Hearing System With Improved Vibration Transfer

The disclosure relates to a plate structure of a non-surgical bone conductive device, configured to be attached to a part of the skin of the skull of a hearing impaired person. The 5 non-surgical bone conductive device is designed such that an optimized vibration transfer is achieved, while at the same time allowing a sufficient leverage of the weight of the sound processor when the sound processor is connected to the plate structure. 10 (Figure 2A is to be published) 1 roo rqNU ...

Methods and apparatus for real-ear measurements for receiver-in-canal devices

Systems and methods for a tinnitus therapy

The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for generating a tinnitus adjusted sound may include presenting a plurality of different sound templates to a user from a series of tinnitus therapy sound templates, receiving a selection by the user of one or more of the templates, receiving an adjustment to one or more of the selected templates, and generating a therapy sound based on the adjusted selections.

Hearing aid and a method of enhancing speech reproduction

A hearing aid (60A) configured to be worn by a hearing-impaired user has a speech detector (10A) and a speech enhancer (40A) for enhancing speech being present in an input signal of the hearing aid (60A). The speech detector (10A) has means (11, 12) for independently detecting the presence of voiced and unvoiced speech in order to allow for the speech enhancer (40A) to increase the gain of speech signals suitably fast to incorporate the speech signals themselves. The hearing aid (60A) has means (49A, 50A) for communicating information regarding the detected speech signals wirelessly to a similar hearing aid (60B) worn contralaterally by the user for the purpose of mutually enhancing speech signals in the two hearing aids (60A, 60B) when speech is detected to be originating from the front of the user, and means (52B) for suppressing speech enhancement in the contralateral hearing aid (60B) when speech is detected to be originating from the ipse-lateral side of the user. The invention further ...

Systems and methods for tracking and presenting tinnitus therapy data

SWITCHING STRUCTURES FOR HEARING AID

A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically, non-manually switches at least one of inputs, filters, or programmable parameters in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnet in a telephone handset. The hearing aid further is programmed based on time-varying characteristics of the magnetic field. Wireless activation or deactivation of the hearing aid is also described. A magnetic field dependant switch turns the hearing aid on or off.

LOW LATENCY AUDIO ENHANCEMENT

A hearing aid system and method is disclosed. Disclosed embodiments provide for low latency enhanced audio using a hearing aid earpiece and an auxiliary processing unit wirelessly connected to the earpiece. These and other embodiments are disclosed herein.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING AND PRESENTING TINNITUS THERAPY DATA

AUDIO DEVICE WITH A VOICE COIL CHANNEL AND A SEPARATELY AMPLIFIED TELECOIL CHANNEL

A portable audio device has a voice coil audio signal processor in which a desired audio content signal is combined with an anti-noise signal produced by an active noise cancellation block. A voice coil amplifier receives a volume setting and is coupled to an output of the voice coil audio signal processor. A speaker is coupled to an output of the voice coil amplifier. In addition, a telecoil audio signal processor also receives the desired audio content, and feeds a telecoil amplifier that receives a telecoil coupling strength setting, followed by a telecoil. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

IMPROVED HEARING AID DEVICES WITH REDUCED BACKROUND AND FEEDBACK NOISES

A personal sound processing apparatus is disclosed that comprises an earphone; a microphone; an electronic sound processor connected between an automatic gain controller (AGC) and a digital volume controller, an automated feedback tracker operatively connected to the microcontroller, and an audio signal amplifier to amplify audio signals which level is controlled by the digital volume controller. The microcontroller is configured to execute electronic instructions for recognizing at least one of a feedback noise condition and a background noise condition in the audio signals and to send a control signal to the digital volume controller to adjust volume level in response to presence of the at least one of the feedback noise condition and the background noise condition.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEARING AID APPRAISAL AND SELECTION

The selection of hearing aids can be based on many factors which are beyond a simple compensation for the hearing impairment of the user. The process of selecting hearing aids can be time consuming and resource intensive. By rapidly and effectively providing the necessary context to hearing-impaired individuals to evaluate the benefit provided by various hearing aids, without the traditional time consuming fitting trial, the purchase of a device can be expedited and provide the necessary correction to negate the effects of auditory deprivation. A system and method for enabling improved hearing aid appraisal and selection processes is provided.

VOLUME CONTROL FOR HOERGERAETE.

Digital hearing aid equipment

SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM, FOR EXAMPLE A SOUND SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM OR A HEARING AID DEVICE

Signal processing system (1), for example a sound signal processing system or a hearing aid device, comprising: -at least one signal input (5); -at least one signal output (7), -at least one signal processor (3), the signal processor (3) being configured to process signals received from the signal input (5), and to feed processed signals to the signal output (7) via at least one processor output (17); -at least one by-pass system (9, 11) configured to fade-out and/or decouple the processor output (17) at least partly from the at least one signal output (7), and to couple and/or fade-in the at least one signal input (5) at least partly to the at least one signal output (7) during the mentioned fading out and/or decoupling of the processor output (17). The invention also relates to a signal processing method.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEARCH/TREATMENT OF TINNITUS

A method and a system for search/treatment of tinnitus are disclosed. The method includes outputting a tinnitus search interface, which comprises several response regions corresponding to the different frequency bands within audible frequency range of human beings, outputting an acoustic signal corresponding to the response region selected by a user, and storing the frequency information corresponding to the user's tinnitus frequency as a tinnitus frequency band. Accordingly, tinnitus may be rapidly diagnosed and treated.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LOWERING A PITCH SENSATION AS PERCEIVED BY A COCHLEAR IMPLANT PATIENT

An exemplary method of lowering a pitch sensation as perceived by a cochlear implant patient includes 1) identifying a most apical electrode included in a plurality of electrodes disposed within a cochlea of the patient, 2) directing a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the plurality of electrodes to apply one or more anodecathode biphasic stimulation pulses to the most apical electrode during a stimulation period, and 3) directing the cochlear implant to apply one or more cathode-anode biphasic stimulation pulses to one or more other electrodes included in the plurality of electrodes during the stimulation period. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Automated scanning for hearing aid parameters

A hearing aid system is provided that facilitates adjustment of signal processing parameters θ of the hearing aid system with minimum user intervention, wherein the hearing aid system is capable of calculating signal processing parameters θ for evaluation of the user when the user has entered an input, e.g. using a smartwatch, to this effect. The evaluation takes place for a certain time period and in the event that the user has entered a consent input indicating that he or she is pleased with the set θ of signal processing parameters under evaluation, the hearing aid system continues processing with those signal processing parameters; and if the user is not pleased with the signal processing parameters θ under evaluation, the hearing aid system calculates another set {circumflex over (θ)} of signal processing parameters for evaluation of the user.

Antenna unit

An antenna unit is disclosed. A hearing device, such as a hearing aid, having an antenna device is disclosed. The antenna unit allows wireless communication to and from the hearing device.

METHOD FOR SELECTING TRANSMISSION DIRECTION IN A BINAURAL HEARING AID

The disclosure relates to binaural hearing instruments and more particularly to reduction of processing time required in a binaural hearing aid system. According to the disclosure, there is provided a method comprising mono-directional transmission of data blocks comprising audio and/or information frames from one hearing instrument to the other hearing instrument or vice versa in a binaural hearing aid. According to the disclosure, the direction of transmission is determined by a quantity characterizing the presence of usable information content in the sound signal picked up by the hearing instruments of the binaural hearing aid. It is proposed to use one or more of local SNR, local voice activity detection indication, local level, local speech intelligibility estimate to determine the direction of transmission, although other quantities may be used.

Method and system for providing hearing assistance to a user

Method for providing hearing assistance to a user by capturing audio signals with a microphone arrangement of a transmission unit; analyzing, by a voice activity detector of the transmission unit, the captured audio signals to judge whether a voice is present close to the microphone arrangement or not, analyzing, by a noise level estimator, the captured audio signals to estimate a surrounding noise level, processing the captured audio signals and transmitting, by a transceiver of the transmission unit, the processed audio signals via a wireless link to a receiver unit, and stimulating the user's hearing, by stimulating means at or in at least one user ear, according to the received audio signals, wherein the audio signals are processed via the wireless link by setting the gain applied to the audio signals according to the close voice/no close voice judgment of the voice activity detector and the estimated surrounding noise level.

HEARING AID DEVICE

A hearing aid device with a dichotic function comprises a first sound input/output component having a first microphone configured to be worn on one ear, a second sound input/output component having a second microphone configured to be worn on the other ear, and a dichotic setting component. The dichotic setting component determines the occurrence of time masking according to a sound signal inputted from the first microphone or the second microphone, and activates or deactivates the dichotic function according to this determination result. The hearing aid device improves the hearing aid effect. 1. A hearing aid device with a dichotic function comprising:a first sound input/output component including a first microphone configured to be worn on one ear of a user of the hearing aid device;a second sound input/output component including a second microphone configured to be worn on the other ear of the user; anda dichotic setting component configured to determine an occurrence of time masking according to a sound signal inputted from the first microphone or the second microphone, and either activate or deactivate the dichotic function according to the determination result.2. The hearing aid device according to claim 1 ,wherein the dichotic setting component includes:a speech detector configured to determine whether or not the sound signal inputted from the first microphone or the second microphone includes a human voice; anda speech rate calculator configured to calculate a speech rate at which the human voice included in the sound signal is spoken,wherein when the speech detector has determined that a human voice is included in the sound signal, the dichotic setting component determines the occurrence of the time masking according to the speech rate calculated by the speech rate calculator.3. The hearing aid device according to claim 2 ,wherein the dichotic setting component:determines that the time masking has occurred when the speech detector has determined that a ...

TINNITUS TREATMENT DEVICE AND RECORDING MEDIUM

A tinnitus treatment device provides a sound stimulus for tinnitus treatment to a user who is a tinnitus patient on a unit time basis, and includes: a controller; and a recording medium in which a treatment program is stored. The treatment program is executed by the controller to perform: analogizing one or both of a RI effect curve and a TL decrease curve for tinnitus treatment sound provided to the user; generating the tinnitus treatment sound based on the one or both of the RI effect curve and the TL decrease curve which is analogized; and presenting the tinnitus treatment sound generated to the user via a sound presentation unit on the unit time basis to provide the sound stimulus to the user.

SIGNAL COMPENSATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

A signal compensation method and an electronic device adapted to the method are provided. The signal compensation method includes storing filter data related to a hearing aid in a storage unit, recording a first sound signal, and compensating for the first sound signal, based on the filter data.

Hearing aid device having wireless communication

A hearing aid device having a telecoil and a power consuming element is disclosed. The hearing aid device further comprises an at least partial loop in the power supply line, which at least partial loop provides a magnetic signal that at least attenuates or cancels noise induced from the power draw of the power consuming component.

Compact hearing aids

The present disclosure relates to compact hearing aids, components thereof, and support systems therefor, as well as methods of insertion and removal thereof. The compact hearing aids generally include a sensor, such as a microphone, an actuation mass, an energy source for providing power to the compact hearing aid, a processor, and an actuator enclosed in a housing that is designed to be inserted through the tympanic membrane during a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. In operation, the microphone receives sound waves and converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A processor then modifies the electrical signals and provides the electrical signals to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion, which actuates the actuation mass to modulate the velocity or the position of the tympanic membrane.

Method and device for choosing the program of a hearing aid

Die Erfindung gibt eine Verfahren und eine dazugehörige Vorrichtung zum Anwählen mindestens eines Programms (P1, P2, ..., Pn) bei einem Hörgerät an. Durch einmaliges oder mehrmaliges Drücken (101) eines Tastmittels (1), beispielsweise eines Druckschalters, innerhalb eines definierten Zeitabschnitts (T) kann in eines der Programme (P1, P2, ..., Pn) gemäß einer dem Programm (P1, P2, ..., Pn) entsprechenden Wiederholungszahl (WZ) geschaltet werden.

Method for automatic adjustment of an amplifier of a hearing aid and hearing aid

Zur Verbesserung der Sprachverständlichkeit bei der Versorgung mit einem Hörhilfegerät werden während des Betriebes des Hörhilfegerätes Sprachsignalpegel und Störsignalpegel in mehreren Frequenzbändern eines Eingangssignals (A) ermittelt. Es folgt eine automatische Einstellung der Verstärkung in Abhängigkeit der ermittelten Signalpegel und der Signalfrequenz. Dabei erfolgt die Ermittlung von Verstärkungsparametern unter Einbeziehung eines Lautheitsmodells (6) sowie eines Sprachverständlichkeitsmodells (7).

Method and apparatus for tonal enhancement in hearing aid

An audio processing circuit tracks tonal components in an audio stream and enhances them by synthesizing matching tones, processing the matched tones, and mixing them in with the audio stream. A hearing assistance device, for example a hearing aid, includes such an audio processing circuit for enhancing the pitched or tonal parts of tonal sound such as speech or music.

ヒアリングアシスタンス装置

... ヒアリングアシスタンスデバイスは、音波の特性を示しているデータをキャプチャするために前記特徴に反応する2つのトランスデューサーを具備している。前記デバイスは、それぞれのトランスデューサーが前記デバイスを装着している人のそれぞれの耳の近傍に位置するように構成されている。信号プロセッサは、人に面している第1音源を示しているデータを、人に面していない第2音源を示しているデータよりも、相対的により多くの強調を提供するために前記データを処理する。少なくとも1つのスピーカーは、人に音を再生するために前記データを利用する。アクティブノイズリダクションシステムは、前記人に聞こえる人の近傍における環境雑音の量を減少させるための信号を前記スピーカーに提供する。 ...

СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННАЯ РАБОЧАЯ МАШИНА

СЛУХОВОЙ ПРИБОР

... 1. Способ преобразования звукового сигнала в сигнал, способный компенсировать потерю слуха человека с нарушением слуха, с использованием слухового прибора с приемником, блоком обработки и преобразователем, причем упомянутый способ содержит следующие этапы:a) принимают входной сигнал приемником, причем упомянутый входной сигнал является характерным для звукового сигнала;b) обрабатывают принятый сигнал блоком обработки, причем упомянутая обработка содержит этап фильтрации, при этом фильтрация основана на аудиограмме человека с нарушением слуха, являющейся частотной функцией потери слуха человека с нарушением слуха, чтобы компенсировать потерю слуха; иc) обеспечивают обработанный сигнал передатчиком, причем упомянутый обработанный сигнал основан на фильтрованном сигнале;отличающийся тем, что обработка дополнительно содержит этап возведения в квадрат принятого сигнала, причем фильтрации подвергают квадратичный сигнал.2. Способ по п.1, при этом обработка дополнительно содержит этап извлечения ...

Hörgerät

Hörgerät mit: - Mitteln zur Verstärkung von zum Ohr gelangendem Schalldruck; - einer Ausgabeeinrichtung für hörbare Signale; - einer Befehlssteuerung für das Hörgerät; - einem Bedienfeld, wobei die Befehlssteuerung und das Bedienfeld in ein miniaturisiertes, kompaktes, am Körper des Benutzers tragbares Gehäuse eines separaten Kommunikationsgeräts integriert sind, wobei dieses Kommunikationsgerät zwischen einer Hörfunktion und mindestens einer weiteren Kommunikationsfunktion umschaltbar ist, wobei die Ausgabeeinrichtung des Hörgeräts als Ausgabeeinrichtung hörbarer Signale des Kommunikationsgeräts bei Ausführung der weiteren Kommunikationsfunktion dient, wobei die Befehlssteuerung nach dem Bluetooth-Standard kommuniziert.

Use of electronic instrument to promote self-awareness of eating, and to prevent or limit obesity, employs hearing aid to amplify eating sounds

A hearing aid is used to increase perception of chewing noise, by making it louder. The hearing aid has optimally-sealed coupling with the ear. An instant-fit instrument is used, with a sealed termination plug in the aural tract. Classification is used in conjunction with a system for active prevention of the occlusion effect; to reduce disadvantageous effects when the user's- or other voices are being heard. During normal hearing, the hearing aid is programmed to amplify for etymotic response, i.e. a true hearing response.

Verfahren zum Übertragen eines Audiosignals

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren (26) zum Übertragen eines Audiosignals (16) von einem Sender (18) zu einem Empfänger (20) sowie ein Hörgerät (4), insbesondere Hörhilfegerät, mit einer Kommunikationseinrichtung (24), die zum Senden und/oder Empfangen eines Audiosignals (16) gemäß einem derartigen Verfahren (26) vorgesehen und eingerichtet ist. Die Erfindung betrifft ferner ein Hörgerätesystem (2) mit zwei Hörgeräten (4), das vorgesehen und eingerichtet ist, Audiosignale (16) zwischen den beiden Hörgeräten (4) mittels deren Kommunikationseinrichtungen (24) gemäß einem derartigen Verfahren zu übertragen.

The method for modifying an audio signal

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Modifizieren eines Audiosignals, das die folgenden Schritte umfasst: a. Bestimmen eines Kompressionsparameters (y) des zu modifizierenden Audiosignals; b. Zerlegen des Audiosignals in verschiedene Frequenzbänder; c. Ermitteln der Werte des Kompressionsparameters (y) für jedes Frequenzband; d. Komprimieren wenigstens eines Teils der Frequenzbänder in Abhängigkeit von dem bestimmten Kompressionsparameter (y); Die Erfindung bezieht sich ferner auf eine Vorrichtung zum Modifizieren eines Audiosignals, die wenigstens eine Zerlegungseinheit (11) zum Zerlegen eines ankommenden Audiosignals in verschiedene Frequenzbänder, mehrere Kompressionseinheiten (12) zum Komprimieren wenigstens eines Teils der Frequenzbänder in Abhängigkeit von einem bestimmten Kompressionsparameter (y) und eine Steuereinheit (13) zum Bestimmen der Werte eines Kompressionsparameters (y) mittels einer spezifischen I/O-Funktion (1-8) für jedes Frequenzband und unter Verwendung ...

INTEGRATED AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SWITCH FOR HEARING AIDS

APPARATUS FOR THE ELECTROACOUSTIC CONVERSION OF ENERGY.

Audio class-compliant charging accessories for wireless headphones and headsets

A headphone is disclosed herein. The headphone includes a wireless transceiver, a wired communication module, a power storage device, a speaker, and control circuitry. The wireless transceiver and the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver are connected to the speaker via the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to determine whether to control the speaker according to data received via the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver and to seamlessly transition control of the speaker from data received from one of the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver to the other of the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver.

CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR AN INTEGRATED OUTPUT AMPLIFIER

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for an integrated output amplifier (1) with two constant current sources (2, 3), a voltage amplifier with two inputs (5, 6) and two outputs (7, 8) and two output transistors (Q1, Q2) coupled with these, as well as two feedback networks (9, 10) producing negative feedback which are connectedbetween the output transistors and the corresponding input transistors of the voltage amplifier (4). The first two feedback networks (9, 10) are connected between thecollectors of the output transistors (Q1, Q2) and the base electrodes of the corresponding input transistors of the voltage amplifier (4). In addition, a third feedback network (11) is connected on the input side to the base electrodes of the output transistors and on the output side to the input of a current splitting network (16) via a transistor (Q3) acting as a current sink, whereby said current splitting network has a signal input (17). The current splitting network (16) has two parallel ...

Systems and methods for a tinnitus therapy

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEARCHING AND TREATING TINNITUS CAPABLE OF EFFECTIVELY TREATING TINNITUS

PURPOSE: Method and system for searching and treating tinnitus are provided, which enable to accurately search tinnitus using a tone of the frequency band divided into the high definition. CONSTITUTION: A method for searching and treating tinnitus is as follows. The tinnitus search interface including a plurality of reaction zones is outputted. The tone of the frequency band corresponding to the reaction zone selected by a user is output. The frequency band information of the same tone as the tinnitus sound of a user is stored as the tinnitus frequency band. The reaction zone is provided as the number that divides a part of the audible frequency band of a man into 1/k octave resolution. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2010 ...

HEARING AID

The present invention enables repeat playback using a simplified operation that does not require a button operation. A hearing aid provided with: a motion sensor that detects the behavior of a hearing aid or a hearing aid attachment; a control unit that executes a prescribed process when a prescribed behavior is detected by the motion sensor; and a memory that records external audio. When a signal indicating that the prescribed behavior has been detected is obtained from the motion sensor, the control unit plays back the audio data stored in the memory.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FITTING OF A HEARING DEVICE

The invention relates to system and method for configuring a hearing device (100) with an external configuration unit (101), the method comprising the steps of: a) processing at least two sound recordings in the external processing unit (104') with different parameter settings (105'a, 105'b), b) combining them into one joint signal, c) feeding the joint signal to the hearing device's output transducer (107), bypassing the rest of the hearing device (100), d) emitting the joint signal, e) letting the user (111) choose one of the sound recordings that fits his/her requirements best, f) repeating steps a) to e) with varying parameter settings, g) transmitting a chosen parameter setting to the hearing device (100), wherein in step a) the sound recordings to be processed are chosen according to the situation the hearing device (100) will be used for or the specific hearing impairment of a user (111) of the hearing device (100).

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH HEARING SUPPORT AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING THE SAME

The present invention is related to a personal communication device arranged for providing hearing support. The personal communication device comprises an input for receiving an audio signal, programmable processing means and an output for outputting the processed signal. The programmable processing means is arranged for performing a filtering operation on a digital version of the audio signal in a first signal path based on parameter settings and for providing control logic for determining the parameter settings based on information on user preferences, on audiological information and on information on the listening situation, in which the personal communication device is used, obtained via sound environment analysis of the received audio signal and/or via sensing means of the personal communication device, so that the programmable processing means is operable as a hearing loss compensation module arranged for outputting a hearing loss compensated signal. The programmable processing means ...

POWER MANAGEMENT FOR HEARING AID DEVICE

Improved approaches to reducing power consumption in hearing aids are disclosed. According to one aspect, hearing aids (namely, one or more components thereof) are able to be operated in diffeferent operational modes - at least one of which is a power saving mode. According to another aspect, intelligent switching between the operational modes is performed to reduce power consumption when appropriate.

HEARING AID FITTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING SOUND SEGMENTS REPRESENTING RELEVANT SOUNDSCAPE

Disclosed herein are systems and methods enabling hearing aid fitting by a non-expert consumer at home. 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 m~situ, while allowing the consumer to adjust fitting parameters based perceptual assessment of hearing device output. The sound segments define a fitting soundscape representing a practical range of sounds 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. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow home dispensing of hearing devices without requiring specialized instruments or clinical settings.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING REPRESENTATION BY AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS SYSTEM OF AUDIO SIGNALS HAVING INTERMEDIATE SOUND LEVELS

An exemplary system includes a detection facility configured to detect an input sound level of an audio signal presented to an auditory prosthesis patient; and an adaptive gain control (AGC) facility configured to 1) determine whether the detected input sound level is in a quiet region, an intermediate region, or a loud region, and 2) apply a gain to the audio signal in accordance with an AGC gain function that specifies the gain to be substantially equal to or less than a first gain threshold if the detected input sound level is in the quiet region, substantially equal to or less than a second gain threshold if the detected input sound level is in the loud region, and greater than the first and second gain thresholds if the detected input sound level is in the intermediate region. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for audio processing

A method and apparatus for introducing a time-varying time delay randomly into the individual reproduction channels of a sound recording, two in the case of binaural presentation. This emulates the temporal aspect of microphone and/or listener motion. The present invention may be applied as a unidirectional process. No preparation of the source material is required. It can be applied to any multichannel audio signal set. It can process analog or digital signals. The process may be used with headphones, loudspeakers, hearing aids or similar assistive hearing devices.

Binaural hearing aid with frequency unmasking

A hearing aid includes: at least one microphone for provision of at least one microphone audio signal in response to sound received at the at least one microphone; a signal separation unit configured to provide an estimate of a target signal and an estimate of a masker signal based on the at least one microphone audio signal; a frequency modifying unit configured to modify a frequency content of at least one of the estimate of the target signal and the estimate of the masker signal, to thereby output the estimated target signal and the estimated masker signal substantially in different frequency bands; and a receiver for conversion of a combination of the estimate of the target signal and the estimate of the masker signal output by the frequency modifying unit into an acoustic signal for transmission towards an eardrum of a user of the hearing aid.

Hearing device comprising an own voice detector

A hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, adapted for being arranged at least partly on a user's head or at least partly implanted in a user's head is provided. The hearing device comprises an own voice detector comprising first and second signal strength detectors for providing signal strength estimates of first and second electric input signals. The own voice detector comprises a comparison unit operationally coupled to the first and second signal strength detectors and configured to compare the signal strength estimates of the first and second electric input signals and to provide an indication of the difference between said signal strength estimates; and a control unit for providing an own voice detection signal indicative of a user's own voice being present or not present in the current sound in the environment of the user, the own voice detection signal being dependent on said signal strength comparison measure.

Voice switched gain system

A voice switched gain system is disclosed for loudspeaking telephone and hearing aid applications involving electret microphones. A voice switched gain circuit comprises an audio pre-conditioning circuit for providing a conditioned audio input referenced to an unconditioned audio input to a compandor circuit. A linear gain level reference generator circuit generates a level for comparison with the audio input level. A decision circuit then controls the compandor operation based on the result of the comparison. The decision circuit either maintains the audio output of the compandor in a compressed state or expands the audio input signal to a higher level expanded state for transmission. Two such circuits are provided in a loudspeaking telephone system, one circuit for maintaining a preemptive near end control through appropriate timing of the dual decision process. Far end control is provided by the other voice switched gain circuit. Altogether three states of operation are possible, an ...

METHOD FOR AUGMENTING HEARING

One variation of a method for augmenting sound includes: at a mobile computing device and a connected audio output device, outputting a tone in a hearing test; based on a response to the tone entered by a user, generating a hearing profile for the user and corresponding to the mobile computing device and the audio output device; receiving an audio signal; qualifying the audio signal as a particular audio type from a set of audio types; selecting, from a set of sound profiles, a particular sound profile corresponding to the particular audio type; at the mobile computing device, transforming the audio signal into a processed audio signal according to the particular sound profile and the hearing profile of the user; and outputting the processed audio signal at the connected audio output device.

METHOD OF ADAPTING A HEARING DEVICE TO A USER'S EAR, AND A HEARING DEVICE

The application relates to a hearing device comprising an input unit for providing an electric input audio signal, a configurable signal processing unit for processing an audio signal and providing a processed audio signal, and a reversible output transducer for converting an electric output signal to an acoustic output sound. The hearing device further comprises a measurement unit configured to convert a sound pressure level to an electric signal, termed the measurement signal, and a control unit configured to determine a present electric impedance of the output transducer or a measure indicative of said present electric impedance from said measurement signal. This has the advantage that no additional microphone or other measurement equipment is needed to provide a (e.g. in-situ) real ear measurement of sound pressure level. The invention may e.g. be used to control audio signal processing in hearing aids, headsets, ear phones, active ear protection systems, or combinations thereof.

Listening device with automatic mode change capabilities

A hearing aid includes a casing configured to fit behind an ear of a user's head and against a side of the user's head. The hearing aid further includes a first proximity sensor associated with the casing and configured to generate a first signal that is proportional to a proximity of the casing to the ear and includes a processor coupled to the first proximity sensor and configured to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes in response to the first signal.

Method of calibrating audio output device with playback of adjusted audio

The disclosed technologies calibrate audio output based on a computer-based hearing evaluation. In an embodiment, the disclosed technologies perform operations that include playing an electronic file that contains segments of digital music that have different playback attributes, wherein playback attribute include at least one of volume data, frequency data, left/right data; during the playing of the electronic file, recording timestamp data and user account data that are associated with a user input; mapping the timestamp data to a set of playback attributes of a segment of the digital music; determining calibration data based on the timestamp data and the set of playback attributes; storing the calibration data in a user profile that is associated with the user account data; when different digital music is played, automatically calibrating the playing of the different digital music based on the user profile that is associated with the user account data.

Hearing aid, in particular behind-the-ear hearing assistance aid

A hearing aid, in particular a behind-the-ear hearing assistance aid, contains a transmitting and/or receiving unit having an antenna element for wireless signal transmission and for wireless energy transfer to an energy store. The antenna element is formed as a foil structure, which at least sectionally encloses the energy store.

EAR-WORN ELECTRONIC DEVICE EMPLOYING USER-INITIATED ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT ADAPTATION

An ear-worn electronic device comprises a microphone configured to sense sound in an acoustic environment, an acoustic transducer, and a non-volatile memory configured to store a plurality of parameter value sets, each of the parameter value sets associated with a different acoustic environment. A control input is configured to receive a control input signal produced by at least one of a user-actuatable control of the ear-worn electronic device and an external electronic device communicatively coupled to the ear-worn electronic device in response to a user action. A processor is configured to classify the acoustic environment using the sensed sound and determine a listening intent preference of the user. The processor is configured to apply, in response to the control input signal, one of the parameter value sets appropriate for the classification and the listening intent preference of the user.

BINAURAL HEARING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A BINAURAL HEARING SYSTEM

A method for operating a binaural hearing system having first and second hearing instruments includes using respective electroacoustic first and second input transducers of the first and second hearing instruments to generate first and second input signals from ambient sound. The first and second input signals are used to ascertain respective first and second instantaneous gain parameters. A first parameter of an automatic gain control for the first input signal and/or a second parameter of an automatic gain control for the second input signal is/are adjusted so that the adjustment results in a difference between the first and second instantaneous gain parameters being decreased. Signal processing for the first or second input signal using the thus adjusted first or second parameter of the automatic gain control is performed in the first or second hearing instrument. A binaural hearing system is also provided.

Adaptive solid hearing system according to environment change and noise change

A user is allowed to three-dimensionally recognize environment change and noise change corresponding to the sound directionality of the left and right sides through a control parameter that is set by analyzing an audio signal received from a first smart hearing device formed on one side and a second smart hearing device formed on an opposite side.

Hearing evaluation and configuration of a hearing assistance-device

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

Noise filter in a hearing aid

Noise signal filtering in hearing aid involves at least partly suppressing and/or damping signal at least at next anticipated time point if a known constant noise repetition frequency detected The noise signal filtering method involves detecting the repletion frequency of the noise signal and, if a known constant frequency is detected, at least partly suppressing and/or damping the signal at least at the next anticipated time point. This is done in a manner analogous to a radio receiver noise blanker, using a transistor to momentarily shunt the audio path. The detection process is carried out over the duty cycle and/or the fundamental frequency of the noise signal. - AN INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for an arrangement for filtering noise signals in a hearing aid.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING REPRESENTATION BY AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS SYSTEM OF AUDIO SIGNALS HAVING INTERMEDIATE SOUND LEVELS

BINAURAL HEARING AID SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF PROVIDING BINAURAL BEATS

Noise filter in a hearing aid

Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Hörgerätes

Die Erfindung nennt ein Verfahren (30) zum Betrieb eines Hörgerätes (4), welches wenigstens einen ersten Eingangswandler (32a), einen zweiten Eingangswandler (32b) und wenigstens einen Ausgangswandler (50) umfasst, wobei der erste Eingangswandler (32a) aus einem Schallsignal der Umgebung ein erstes Eingangssignal (36a) generiert und der zweite Eingangswandler (32b) aus dem Schallsignal ein zweites Eingangssignal (36b) generiert, wobei einer ersten Nutzsignalquelle (38a) eine erste Richtung (20a) und einer zweiten Nutzsignalquelle (38b), welche von der ersten Nutzsignalquelle (38a) räumlich getrennt ist, eine zweite Richtung (20b) zugeordnet wird, wobei anhand des ersten Eingangssignals (36a) und des zweiten Eingangssignals (36b) ein in der ersten Richtung (20a) ausgerichtetes erstes Richtsignal (40a) und ein in der zweiten Richtung (20b) ausgerichtetes zweites Richtsignal (20b) gebildet werden, und wobei anhand des ersten Richtsignals (40a) und des zweiten Richtsignals (40b) ein Ausgangssignal ...

Digitales Hörhilfegerät

Bei einem netzunabhängig betreibbaren medizinischen Gerät (1) mit wenigstens einer Spannungsquelle (2), einem Signaleingang (3) zur Aufnahme eines Eingangssignals und einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit (4) sind die Abtastrate für das Eingangssignal bzw. die Taktfrequenz wenigstens eines digitalen Bauelements (5) veränderbar. Damit kann der Energiebedarf gemäß den Erfordernissen der Signalverarbeitung oder, wenn der Entladezustand der Spannungsquelle (2) dies erfordert, reduziert werden.

Operating panel for hearing aid remote control or programming unit

An input section (1) is invisibly divided into regions assigned to one or more hearing aid parameters to be changed. By activating one or more regions, individual or combined settings can be made or the hearing aid parameters altered. A macro can be run by activating a region of the input section. The input section is at least two-dimensional. The parameters may be changed in steps. The input section may be operated using a pointer, mouse, touch-screen or joystick.

Hearing apparatus

The hearing apparatus comprises at least one speaker as a pair of headphones 96, at least one microphone, and processing means, wherein the microphone is arranged to transmit audio to the processing means, and the processing means is arranged to relay audio to the speaker. The processing means may comprise noise cancellation means.

PROCEDURE AND APPARATUS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE ACOUSTIC PARAMETERS OF A HEARING AID USING A SOFTWARE MODEL.

SWITCHING CONFIGURATION FOR AN INTEGRATED OUTPUT AMPLIFIER

The method for modifying an input signal

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Modifizieren eines Eingangssignals, vorzugsweise eines Audiosignals, umfassend das Teilen des Eingangssignals in wenigstens einen ersten Eingangsteil und einen zweiten Eingangsteil, die Verstärkung wenigstens des ersten Eingangsteils mit einer linearen Verstärkung zum Erzeugen eines ersten Ausgangsteils und die nichtlineare Verstärkung wenigstens des zweiten Eingangsteils des Eingangssignals zum Erzeugen eines zweiten Ausgangsteils und das Summieren des ersten Ausgangsteils und des zweiten Ausgangsteils zum Bereitstellen eines Ausgangssignals, und auf ein Hörgerätesystem, das wenigstens eine Empfangseinheit zum Empfangen eines Eingangssignals, vorzugsweise eines Audiosignals, einen linearen Verstärker und wenigstens einen nichtlinearen Verstärker umfasst, die jeweils mit der Empfangseinheit verbunden sind, um wenigstens Teile des elektrischen Eingangssignals zu empfangen und zu verstärken oder zu modifizieren, und außerdem jeweils mit einer ...

A hearing aid adapted to a specific type of voice in an acoustical environment, a method and use

P-2008-001 AU-CN 21-Jan-2009 A HEARING AID ADAPTED TO A SPECIFIC TYPE OF VOICE IN AN ACOUSTICAL ENVIRONMENT, A METHOD AND USE The invention relates to ahearing aid comprising a microphone for converting an ambient sound signal to an electric sound signal, a voice detector adapted to determine if a voice is present in said electric sound signal and a frequency analyzer to determine a fundamental frequency of a voice present in said electric sound signal, a signal processor adapted to process said electric sound signal - or an electric signal derived from it - in dependence of adjustable processing parameters, a memory comprising corresponding sets of processing parameters and fundamental voice frequencies, a decision unit to select and forward from the memory to the signal processor a set of processing parameters in accordance with a fundamental frequency determined by the frequency analyzer. The invention further relates to a method of adapting a hearing aid and to the use of such hearing ...

Method and apparatus for determining an amplification factor of a hearing aid device

Abstract Method and apparatus for determining an amplification factor of a hearing aid device For a hearing aid device, an amplification factor (Qi) is gen erated by means of the following steps: forming (142) a numer ator (Zi), wherein the numerator (Zi) includes a total with a first total component which is formed by means of multiplica tion of a strength (Xpi) of an approximately undisturbed sig nal (Xi) with a first weighting (WXi) and a second total com ponent, which is formed by multiplication of a strength (Ypi) of a disturbed signal (Yi) with a second weighting (WYi); forming (144) a denominator (Ni), which includes the numerator (Zi) as a first summand and a strength (SSpi) of an interfer ence signal (SSi) as a second summand; determining (146) the amplification factor (Qi) by means of forming a quotient (Qi) from the numerator (Zi) divided by the denominator (Ni). An apparatus (10) is also provided, which is prepared so as to implement the method (100) according to the invention ...

Middle ear implantable microphone

A method of sensing vibrations in the middle ear is presented. The method includes implanting a transducer in the middle ear. The transducer measures vibration, within a predetermined frequency range, of at least one component of the middle ear. The transducer has a resonance frequency within the predetermined frequency range, and further has a limited frequency response in a portion of the frequency range. The implanting includes operatively coupling the implant to the at least one component of the middle ear such that the limited frequency response of the transducer is complimentary to, and compensated by, the frequency characteristics of the at least one component of the middle ear.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEARING AID APPRAISAL AND SELECTION

The selection of hearing aids can be based on many factors which are beyond a simple compensation for the hearing impairment of the user. The process of selecting hearing aids can be time consuming and resource intensive. By rapidly and effectively providing the necessary context to hearing-impaired individuals to evaluate the benefit provided by various hearing aids, without the traditional time consuming fitting trial, the purchase of a device can be expedited and provide the necessary correction to negate the effects of auditory deprivation. A system and method for enabling improved hearing aid appraisal and selection processes is provided.

AUTOMATIC FSK TUNING CIRCUIT FOR A HEARING AID AND METHOD

An FSK transceiver (21) for use in a hearing aid has means for automatic tuning of the transceiver frequency. The automatic tuning means comprises a phase difference detector (26, 27, 28, 29) and a tuning manager (25) adapted to control the frequency of a resonant circuit of the FSK transceiver (21) according to information received from the phase difference detector (26, 27, 28, 29). The phase difference detector (26, 27, 28, 29) measures the phase difference across a component (Ci) of the resonant circuit of the FSK transceiver (21). If the phase difference (A) of a binary FSK symbol is equal to the phase difference (B) of the opposite binary FSK symbol, the resonant circuit is tuned, otherwise the tuning manager (25) performs a tuning procedure in order to minimize the difference ...

Circuit Arrangement for an Integrated Output Amplifier

Dynamic driver in hearing instrument

Listening device comprising an interface to signal communication quality and/or wearer load to surroundings

The invention discloses a listening device comprising an interface to signal communication quality and/or wearer load to surroundings. The listening device processes an electric input sound signal and provides an output stimulus perceivable to a wearer of the listening device as sound, the listening device comprising a signal processing unit for processing an information signal originating from the electric input sound signal and to provide a processed output signal forming the basis for generating said output stimulus. A perception unit establishes a perception measure indicative of the wearer's present ability to perceive said information signal. A signal interface communicates the perception measure to another person or device. This has the advantage of allowing an information delivering person (a communication partner) to adjust his or her behavior relative to an information receiving person wearing a listening device to thereby increase the listening device wearer's chance of perceiving ...

청력 보조 디바이스 제어

... 청력 보조 디바이스는 사람 또는 이동 디바이스 상에서 착용된 청력 보조기일 수도 있다. 청력 보조 디바이스는 신호 프로세싱 파라미터들에 기초하여 청력 보조 알고리즘을 수행할 수도 있다. 모집단에 대한 청각학적 값들의 세트가 식별될 수도 있다. 청각학적 값들의 세트는 제 1 개수의 차원들을 가진다. 청각학적 값들의 세트는 감소된 데이터 세트로 변환된다. 감소된 데이터 세트는 제 1 개수의 차원들보다 더 적은 제 2 개수의 차원들을 가진다. 프로세서는 감소된 데이터 세트에 대한 궤적을 계산한다. 궤적은 청력 보조 디바이스를 위한 신호 프로세싱 파라미터들을 제공한다.

HEARING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

The invention relates to a method of operating a hearing instrument (11) having an electro-acoustic (12) or electro-mechanical output transducer (54), wherein, as long as a high battery status is detected, a standard audio signal processing mode is selected; and, once a low battery status has been detected, a low power audio signal processing mode is selected, having reduced power consumption compared to the standard audio signal processing mode in order to extend battery lifetime, wherein the low power audio signal processing mode includes at least one of the following changes compared to the standard audio signal processing mode: selectively reducing the gain at predefined frequencies compared to the gain at other frequencies less relevant for speech intelligibility; switching-off at least one of the following audio signal processing functions for at least part of the audio frequencies: feedback canceling, auditory scene classification, frequency compression, noise reduction, pinna simulation ...

HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

The invention refers to hearing devices (1) and methods of operating hearing devices (1). In one aspect, the hearing device (1) comprises a power supply unit (2) comprising a primary energy storing unit (3) and, in addition, a secondary energy storing unit (4). The power supply unit (2) is configured such that the secondary energy storing unit (4) is rechargeable by means of the primary energy storing unit (3). E.g., the primary energy storing unit (3) has a higher energy density than said secondary energy storing unit (4), and the secondary energy storing unit (4) has a lower internal resistance than said primary energy storing unit (3). This allows to provide electronic circuits (11; 12; 13; 14) of the hearing device (1) with pulsed currents. In another aspect, the hearing device (1) comprises at least one processor (10;13;14), which is alternately operated in one of at least two operating modes. A first operating mode (A) is characterized by high processing activity and high power consumption ...

Integrated automatic telephone switch

A hearing aid includes a microphone for providing an electrical signal representative of a received acoustic signal, a means for filtering the electrical signal and a means for automatic switching. Upon detecting a presence of a magnetic field, the means for automatic switching enables the means for filtering to modify a frequency response of the hearing aid to boost a low frequency gain and reduce a high frequency gain. Such filtering can be used with or without a telecoil. A hearing aid including a telecoil is configured with a preamplifier, a inductive element, and a switch control integrated onto a single common circuit board.

Method for restricting the output level in hearing apparatuses

Psychoacoustic boundary conditions are to be better taken into account in the amplification of input signals of a hearing apparatus. To this end, a channel-specific compression characteristic curve is predetermined in a number of spectrally-separated processing channels of the hearing apparatus, which defines a relationship between an input level and an output level in the respective processing channel of the hearing apparatus. A respective input signal portion is amplified in each processing channel as a function of a channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve. A channel-specific input level threshold is predefined here for each processing channel. Finally, the respective channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve is then defined according to the predetermined channel-specific compression characteristic curve below the channel-specific input level threshold and the respective curve of the channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve is defined ...

Process for communication and hearing aid system

Time-limited electrical audio signals are fed to an electromechanical output transducer in addition to the signals from the hearing aid input. Some of the time-limited audio signals are user-defined. The process is implemented in a hearing aid having an electromechanical transducer and a signal processor. An audio signal generator has a user-changeable memory and/or a read/write memory that can be programmed by the user.

Hearing aid with hinge less battery drawer

An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid comprising a body portion provided with a receiving space and a battery drawer configured to be received by the receiving space is disclosed. The battery drawer comprises a space configured to receive and maintain a battery in a fixed position. The battery drawer is slidably arranged in the receiving space of the body portion, in such a manner that the battery drawer is inserted into the receiving space in a slidable manner.

Hearing device with spatial cue information processing capability

A hearing device includes: a sound analyser configure to receive a sound signal and determine a contribution of at least one sound source associated with the sound signal; a difference estimator coupled to the sound analyser, and configured to estimate spatial cue information of the at least one sound source for storage in the hearing device; and a communication device configured to receive from a second hearing device information related to the at least one sound source; wherein the difference estimator is configured to update the stored spatial cue information of the at least one sound source based on the information received by the communication device.

Hearing device

A hearing device configured to be worn at an ear of a user, where the hearing device comprising an antenna unit. The antenna unit comprises an active unit being connected to a ground unit by a feeder unit, the active unit includes an active surface, and a shield unit having a continuous surface, where a first section of the continuous surface may be arranged adjacent to the active surface. Furthermore, the active surface may be configured to transmit an electric field in a direction along or perpendicular to an ear-to-ear axis of the user when the hearing device may be worn in its operational position by the user, whereby the electric field may be coupled by a capacitive coupling towards the first section generating an electromagnetic near field, and where the shield unit may be configured to focus the electromagnetic near field inside the hearing device.

Systems and methods for tracking and presenting tinnitus therapy data

The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for tinnitus therapy may include tracking a tinnitus therapy over a duration, the tinnitus therapy including a tinnitus therapy sound matching a patient's perceived tinnitus played over the duration and presenting each of a volume evolution of the tinnitus therapy sound and usage data of the tinnitus therapy over the duration.

Configurable hearing system

The application relates to a configurable hearing device such as a hearing aid comprising an input transducer adapted to transform an input sound signal to an electrical input signal; a memory storing at least two different performance categories, each comprising a group of technical features, the group of technical features of each of the at least two different performance categories being at least partially overlapping and each technical feature of the group of technical features being defined by a selectable range and/or parameter settings; a signal processing unit adapted to access the memory and to process the electrical input signal in accordance with an active performance category selectable from the at least two different performance categories, the signal processing unit providing a processed electrical signal; and an output transducer adapted to transform the processed electrical signal to an output signal producing a hearing perception to a user of the hearing device. The invention ...

HEARING AID WITH AUTOMATIC MODE CHANGE CAPABILITIES

A hearing aid includes a casing configured to fit behind an ear of a user's head and against a side of the user's head. The hearing aid further includes a first proximity sensor associated with the casing and configured to generate a first signal that is proportional to a proximity of the casing to the ear and includes a processor coupled to the first proximity sensor and configured to select an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes in response to the first signal.

HEARING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEARING SYSTEM

A hearing system () capable of assisting a user of the hearing system () to find a location where satisfactory hearing performance is achievable is described. The hearing system () comprises at least one hearing device () with an input transducer (), an output transducer (), and a processing unit () operatively connected to the input transducer () as well as to the output transducer (). The hearing system () further comprises a first means () for determining from a signal of the input transducer () at least one parameter () representative of a current acoustic environment at a current location, and a second means () for indicating to a user of the hearing system () a degree of suitability of the current location to achieve satisfactory hearing performance based on the at least one parameter (). 2160. The hearing system () of claim 1 , wherein the at least one parameter () representative for the current acoustic environment is one of the following:average noise level;reverberation time;direct-to-reverberant ratio;rate of acoustic shock events.318060. The hearing system () of or claim 1 , further comprising a third means () for determining from the at least one parameter () a figure of merit regarding the suitability of the current location to achieve satisfactory hearing performance.4180. The hearing system () of claim 3 , wherein the third means () is adapted to compute the figure of merit based on at least one of the following:{'b': '60', 'a linear function of a single parameter () representative for the current acoustic environment;'}{'b': '60', 'a linear combination of multiple parameters () representative for the current acoustic environment;'}{'b': '60', 'a non-linear function, such as for instance a sigmoid function, of at least one parameter () representative for the current acoustic environment.'}5140. The hearing system () of one of the to claim 3 , wherein the second means is capable of providing an indication of the suitability of the current location to ...

Hearing aid

In a hearing aid ( 100 ), a control device ( 4 ) comprises a transmission characteristic calculator ( 18 ), a correction characteristic calculator ( 21 ), and a correction component ( 17 ). The transmission characteristic calculator ( 18 ) calculates an at-fitting transmission characteristic Gf (ω) on the basis of correction-use sound data and first sound data produced by collection at an ear canal microphone ( 10 ) of correction-use sound outputted from a receiver ( 3 ) during fitting. The transmission characteristic calculator ( 18 ) calculates an in-usage transmission characteristic Gu (ω) on the basis of correction-use sound data and third sound data produced by collection at the ear canal microphone ( 10 ) of correction-use sound outputted from the receiver ( 3 ) according to user operation after fitting. The correction characteristic calculator ( 21 ) calculates a correction characteristic H (ω) on the basis of the at-fitting transmission characteristic Gf (ω) and the in-usage transmission characteristic Gu (ω). The correction component ( 17 ) corrects input sound data that has undergone hearing aid processing by a hearing aid processor ( 16 ) on the basis of the correction characteristic H (ω).

Sound output apparatus and method of controlling the same

A method of controlling a sound output apparatus is provided. The method includes determining frequency bands respectively corresponding to an audible band and an inaudible band in relation to a sound that is received via the sound output apparatus by referring to hearing characteristics of a user using the sound output apparatus, compensating for a perception degree in relation to the inaudible band by emphasizing information regarding the audible band of the sound based on a result of the determining, and outputting a sound obtained by reflecting the compensating.

Hearing aid with occlusion suppression

A hearing aid includes an ambient microphone configured to receive and convert environmental sound into an electronic input signal, a hearing loss processor configured to process the electronic input signal in accordance with a hearing loss of a user, and generate an electronic output signal, a receiver, an ear canal microphone configured for converting ear canal sound pressure into an ear canal signal, an occlusion suppressor for reception and processing of the ear canal signal and for transmitting an occlusion suppression signal, and a signal combiner configured for combining the occlusion suppression signal and the electronic output signal to form a combined signal, and for transmitting the combined signal to the receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the combined signal, and convert the combined signal into an acoustic output signal, and wherein the receiver has a frequency response with a lower cut-off frequency that is less than 40 Hz.

System and Method for Selective Enhancement Of Speech Signals

A system and method for selectively enhancing an audio signal to make sounds, particularly speech sounds, more distinguishable. The system and method are designed to divide an input auditory signal into a plurality of spectral channels having associated unenhanced signals and perform enhancement processing on a first subset of the spectral channels and not perform enhancement processing on a second subset of the spectral channels. The enhancement processing is performed by determining an output gain for at least the first subset of spectral channels based on a time-varying history of energy of the unenhanced signals associated with each channel in the first subset of the spectral channels and applying the output gain for each of the first subset of the spectral channels to the unenhanced signals to form enhanced signals associated with each of the first subset of the spectral channels. The system and method are then designed to combine the plurality of enhanced signals associated with each of the first subset of the spectral channels and the unenhanced signals associated with each of the second subset of the spectral channels to form a selectively enhanced output auditory signal.

Hearing system with analogue control element

A hearing system is described comprising a hearing device with a signal processing unit and at least one analogue control element ( 5 ) with a selector ( 6 ) with a delimited selecting range for selecting at least one particular setting of the hearing system. Each setting controls one or multiple parameters of the hearing device ( 1 ), and the analogue control element ( 5 ) is operatively connected to the signal processing unit. Furthermore, the selecting range of the analogue control element ( 5 ) is partitioned into discrete segments, each identified by a distinctive identification digit, and at least two successive segments define a section (Pos 1, . . . , Pos 4 ), each section is identified by a distinctive section digit; wherein each section (Pos 1, . . . , Pos 4 ) represents a particular setting of the hearing system. Furthermore a non volatile memory (NVM) unit section is provided storing the identification digit and the respective section digit according to the position of the selector ( 6 ), said storing being controlled by the signal processing unit and the signal processing unit is only modifying the stored identification digit and the section digit in the non volatile memory (NVM) unit section when the position of the selector ( 6 ) is moved over at least two successive segments of the selecting range.

Hearing assistance system for providing consistent human speech

Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe an apparatus, system, and method that allows a user of a hearing assistance system to perceive consistent human speech. The consistent human speech can be based upon user specific preferences.

Sound processing based on a confidence measure

A method for processing sound that includes, generating one or more noise component estimates relating to an electrical representation of the sound and generating an associated confidence measure for the one or more noise component estimates. The method further comprises processing, based on the confidence measure, the sound.

Diminishing tinnitus loudness by hearing instrument treatment

A listening device comprises an input transducer providing an electric input signal comprising audio and a detector coupled to the input transducer, for determining whether the electric input signal is a broadband signal or not and providing a detection signal in response. The listening device furthermore comprises a controllable filter for filtering the electric input signal being coupled to the detector and the input transducer and for outputting a filtered electric input signal such that a component of the electric input signal in the tinnitus frequency range is dampened, if the detection signal indicates that the electric input signal is a broadband signal, and outputting an unfiltered electric input signal such that a component of the electric input signal in the tinnitus frequency range is not dampened, if the detection signal indicates that the electric input signal is not a broadband signal.

Electrode impedance spectroscopy

Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to impedance spectroscopy in an active implantable medical device (AIMD) comprising a component with one or more electrodes. In an embodiment, the AIMD applies a signal at a plurality of frequencies using one or more of the electrodes. Measurements are then obtained for the applied signal to determine impedance(s) at the applied frequencies of the tissue in which the electrodes are located.

HEARING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME

A method for operating a hearing system () is described, the hearing system comprising a signal processor () controlled by settings of sound processing parameters referred to as current settings, wherein the current settings are stored in a first memory unit (), and a second memory unit () comprises former settings. The method comprises 1110118191112115431218. A method for operating a hearing system () comprising a hearing device () , said hearing system () comprising a first () and a second memory unit () , an input converter () , a signal processor () controllable by sound processing parameters for processing audio signals obtained from said input converter () , a user interface () comprising a reset user control () and one or more programming user controls , and a programming unit () , wherein said signal processor () is controlled by settings of sound processing parameters available in said first memory unit () , referred to as current settings , and{'b': '3', 'wherein said programming unit () is structured and configured for adjusting said current settings as requested by operations of at least one of said one or more programming user controls, and'}{'b': 18', '19', '12, 'wherein said first memory unit () comprises said current settings, and said second memory unit () comprises settings of sound processing parameters formerly available for controlling said signal processor (), referred to as former settings,'}said method comprising the step of{'b': 18', '4, 'a) replacing said current settings in said first memory unit () by said former settings upon operation of said reset user control ();'}and one of the steps of{'b': '19', 'b1) automatically replacing said former settings in said second memory unit () by new former settings upon receiving a request for adjusting at least one setting of said current settings from an operation of at least one of said one or more programming user controls, provided that no adjustment to said current settings as requested by an ...

METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEARING DEVICE AS WELL AS A HEARING DEVICE

Acclimatization of a hearing device user to a hearing device is made more acceptable by automatic acclimatization management. The intensity of the hearing device is increased in the long term, e.g. during several months. The speed of the intensity increase depends on user inputs. A user controls an audio processing parameter (APP), such as volume, with a user control. Each time the user switches the hearing device off and on again, the power-on value (POV) of the audio processing parameter (APP) is changed. The amount of the change depends on which settings for the audio processing parameter (APP) have been selected by the hearing device user and how long the settings have been active. An initial power-on value (iPOV) and a target power-on value (tPOV), which is to be reached at the end (H) of the acclimatization phase, may be programmed by an audiologist. 210. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said acclimatization algorithm is a biased user preference learning algorithm claim 1 , said biased user preference learning algorithm being derived from an unbiased user preference learning algorithm which is designed to determine a setting statistically preferred by said hearing device user () for said audio processing parameter (APP) claim 1 , said biased user preference learning algorithm being responsive to said adjustment actions in a way that adjustments in a first adjustment direction are taken into account stronger than adjustments in an opposing second adjustment direction claim 1 , wherein said first adjustment direction is a direction towards said target power-on value (tPOV).3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the adjustments in the first adjustment direction are implemented by applying a faster learning speed than for adjustments in the second adjustment direction.4. The method according to one of the preceding claims claim 2 , wherein said audio processing parameter (APP) is volume and claim 2 , as the case may be claim 2 , said first ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADDING AUDIBLE NOISE WITH TIME VARYING VOLUME TO AUDIO DEVICES

A method and apparatus for adding audible noise with time varying volume to audio devices are disclosed which makes the time varying volume envelope of the added audible noise proportional to the time varying volume envelope of sound for frequencies where an individual has a restricted range of perception. The method and apparatus are used to improve the audibility, speech intelligibility, and word recognition characteristics in audio devices. 1. An audio system , comprising:a filtered volume determiner configured to receive a first signal, wherein the filtered volume determiner is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a volume envelope for a first range of selected frequencies of the first signal;a filtered noise generator configured to generate a third signal corresponding to noise substantially within a second range of selected frequencies;a signal modulator, coupled to the filtered volume determiner and to the filtered noise generator, wherein the signal modulator is configured to receive from the filtered volume determiner the second signal, and wherein the signal modulator is configured to receive from the filtered noise generator the third signal, and wherein the signal modulator is configured to generate a fourth signal substantially similar to a product of a weighted second signal and a weighted third signal; anda mixer, coupled to the signal modulator, wherein the mixer is configured to receive from the signal modulator the fourth signal, and wherein the mixer is configured to receive a fifth signal substantially similar to the first signal, and wherein the mixer is configured to generate a sixth signal substantially similar to a sum of a weighted fourth signal and a weighted fifth signal.2. The audio system of claim 1 , wherein the first range of selected frequencies is selected as a function of a user's hearing loss.3. The audio system of claim 1 , wherein the first range of selected frequencies comprises frequencies for which a user's ...

METHOD OF SIGNAL PROCESSING IN A HEARING AID SYSTEM AND A HEARING AID SYSTEM

A method of processing signals in a hearing aid system () comprises the steps of transforming two audio signals to the time-frequency domain, calculating the interaural coherence, deriving a first gain based on the interaural coherence, applying the first gain value in the amplification of the time-frequency signals, and transforming the signals back into the time domain for further processing in the hearing aid. The first gain value as a function of the value representing the interaural coherence comprises three contiguous ranges for the values representing the interaural coherence, where the maximum slope in the first and third range are smaller than the maximum slope in the second range, the first range comprising low interaural coherence values, the third range comprising high interaural coherence values, and the second range comprising intermediate interaural coherence values. The invention further provides a hearing aid system () adapted for suppression of interfering speakers. 1. A method for processing signals in a hearing aid system comprising the steps of:providing a first signal representing the output from a first input transducer in a first hearing aid of the hearing aid system;providing a second signal representing the output from a second input transducer of the hearing aid system;transforming the first and second signal from the time domain and to the time-frequency domain hereby providing a third and fourth signal, respectively;calculating a value representing the interaural coherence between the third and fourth signal hereby providing a fifth signal;deriving a first gain value for the hearing aid system based on the fifth signal;applying the first gain value in the amplification of the third signal in the first hearing aid hereby providing a sixth signal;transforming the sixth signal from the time-frequency domain and to the time domain hereby providing a seventh signal for further processing in the hearing aid system; andwherein the relation ...

HEARING INSTRUMENT

A method for transforming a sound signal into a signal capable of compensating for the hearing loss of a hearing impaired person using a hearing instrument with a receiver, a processing unit and a transmitter, includes the following steps: a) receiving an input signal by the receiver, the input signal being representative for a sound signal; b) processing the received signal by the processing unit, the processing including the step of filtering; and c) providing the processed signal by the transmitter; where the processing further includes the step of squaring the received signal, the filtering taking place on the squared signal. 1. A method for transforming a sound signal into an audible signal e.g. for a hearing impaired person , comprising the following steps:a) receiving an input signal being representative for a sound signal;b) processing the received signal, said processing comprising the step of filtering; andc) transmitting the processed signal, preferably to the hearing impaired person;characterized in that the processing further comprises the step of squaring the received signal, the filtering taking place on the squared signal.21. A method according to clause , wherein processing further comprises the step of taking the square root of the filtered signal.32. A method according to clause , wherein taking the square root of the filtered signal includes restoring the polarity of the signal based on the polarity of the received signal.413. A method according to any of the clauses - , wherein processing further comprises the step of differentiating the received signal , the squaring taking place on the differentiated signal.54. A method according to clause , wherein processing further comprises the step of integrating the filtered signal or integrating the square root of the filtered signal if applicable.6. A method according to any of the preceding clauses , wherein filtering is based on an audiogram of the hearing impaired person , said audiogram being the ...

PERSONALIZED HEARING PROFILE GENERATION WITH REAL-TIME FEEDBACK

A personalized hearing profile is generated for an ear-level device comprising a memory, microphone, speaker and processor. Communication is established between the ear-level device and a companion device, having a user interface. A frame of reference in the user interface is provided, where positions in the frame of reference are associated with sound profile data. A position on the frame of reference is determined in response to user interaction with the user interface, and certain sound profile data associated with the position. Certain data is transmitted to the ear level device. Sound can be generated through the speaker based upon the audio stream data to provide real-time feedback to the user. The determining and transmitting steps are repeated until detection of an end event. 1. A method for generating a personalized hearing profile for an ear-level device of a type comprising a memory , a microphone and a speaker , each coupled to a processor , the method comprising:establishing communication between the ear-level device and a companion device, the companion device comprising a user interface;providing a menu including items having positions on a user interface, and mapping data which maps different menu items to different sound profile data;upon a menu item being selected, causing the ear-level device to process audio according to predetermined sound profile data.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said menu items have corresponding positions on a frame of reference claim 1 , including:causing an audio sample to be played by the ear-level device using predetermined sound profile data to process the audio sample;while the audio sample is being played, determining a change in position on the frame of reference, the change in position being indicated by user interaction with the user interface, and using the mapping data and the determined change in position, changing the sound profile data used to process the audio sample; andrepeating the ...

COMPRESSION OF SPACED SOURCES FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

This application relates to a system for compression and mixing for hearing assistance devices by application of compression to individual sound sources before applying a head-related transfer function (HRTF) to prevent compression and cross modulation of interaural-level-difference (ILD) cues for localization, according to one example. Variations of the present system use coordinated compression to left and right individual source signals after application of HRTFs. 1. An apparatus for processing sound for a hearing assistance device placed at a wearer's ear , the apparatus comprising:a receiver adapted to receive signals from a sound environment;a processor connected to the receiver, the processor adapted to process received signals to isolate individual sound source components, the processor further adapted to apply a head-related transfer function to the individual sound source components;a compressor connected to the processor, the compressor adapted to independently compress each of the individual sound source components prior to the application of the head-related transfer function;a mixer connected to the compressor, the mixer adapted to mix the compressed sound source components to produce a mixed output signal; anda speaker connected to the mixer, the speaker integrated with the hearing assistance device and adapted to output the mixed output signal at the wearer's ear.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the compressor is adapted to apply coordinated compression to the individual sound components after application of the head-related transfer function.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the head related transfer function is applied at an individual angle of reception for each of the individual sound components.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the receiver is adapted to receive sound signals having a stereo right (SR) and a stereo left (SL) sound signal.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the processor is adapted to process the SR and SL signals ...

HEARING ASSISTANCE SUITABILITY DETERMINING DEVICE AND HEARING ASSISTANCE SUITABILITY DETERMINING METHOD

A hearing assistance suitability determining device, that determines suitability including whether a subject can clearly hear speech using dichotic hearing assistance, includes: a subject hearing ability information input unit; a hearing ability type determining unit that determines at least one hearing ability type that corresponds to the hearing ability information, based on hearing ability information frequency characteristics; a suitability determining unit that determines suitability for dichotic hearing assistance based on the at least one hearing ability type determined by the hearing ability type determining unit; and suitability presenting unit that presents the suitability determined by the suitability determining unit. The suitability determining unit determines, by referring to a correspondence relationship, suitability based on clarity improvement for speech sound corresponding to the determined hearing ability type, the correspondence relationship indicating, for each hearing ability type, degree of perceived speech clarity improvement by the dichotic hearing assistance. 1. A hearing assistance suitability determining device comprising:a hearing ability information input unit configured to receive hearing ability information indicating a hearing ability of a subject for frequencies;a hearing ability type determining unit configured to determine at least one of hearing ability types that corresponds to the hearing ability information, based on frequency characteristics of the hearing ability information received by the hearing ability information input unit, the hearing ability types each being defined by a tendency in a change of a hearing ability with respect to frequencies;a suitability determining unit configured to determine a suitability of the subject for dichotic hearing assistance based on the at least one hearing ability type determined by the hearing ability type determining unit; anda suitability presenting unit configured to present the ...

Systems and Methods for Diagnosis and Treating Tinnitus

Systems and methods for diagnosis or treating tinnitus are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for treating tinnitus includes receiving, by a programmed computer system, input data representative of one or more of the following characteristics of an user tinnitus: central frequency, bandwidth, volume, hearing threshold, and tone to noise ratio of a user tinnitus; processing, in real-time, by the programmed computer system, user tinnitus data to generate a user tinnitus profile based on the received one or more categories of user tinnitus data; and generating, in real-time, by the programmed computer system, a notched audio output according to the user tinnitus profile. 1. A method for treating tinnitus comprising:receiving, by a programmed computer system, input data representative of one or more of characteristics of an user tinnitus: central frequency, bandwidth, volume, hearing threshold, and tone to noise ratio of a user tinnitus;processing, in real-time, by the programmed computer system, user tinnitus data to generate a user tinnitus profile based on the received one or more categories of user tinnitus data; andgenerating, in real-time, by the programmed computer system, a notched audio output according to the user tinnitus profile.2. The method of further comprising providing claim 1 , in real time claim 1 , by the programmed computer system claim 1 , the notched audio output to the user.3. The method of wherein the step of generating comprises:assessing, in real time, by the programmed computer system, a software of a hearing aid device; andmodifying, in real time, by the programmed computer system, the software of the hearing aid device according to the user tinnitus profile.4. The method of wherein the step of modifying comprises programming the hearing aid device to reduce the transmission of sound in a frequency range surrounding the central frequency of the user tinnitus.5. The method of wherein the step of receiving comprises:presenting to a user ...

Middle Ear Implantable Microphone

A method of sensing vibrations in the middle ear is presented. The method includes implanting a transducer in the middle ear. The transducer measures vibration, within a predetermined frequency range, of at least one component of the middle ear. The transducer has a resonance frequency within the predetermined frequency range, and further has a limited frequency response in a portion of the frequency range. The implanting includes operatively coupling the implant to the at least one component of the middle ear such that the limited frequency response of the transducer is complimentary to, and compensated by, the frequency characteristics of the at least one component of the middle ear. 1. A method of sensing vibrations in the middle ear , the method comprising:implanting a transducer in the middle ear, the transducer for measuring vibration, within a predetermined frequency range, of at least one component of the middle ear, the transducer having a resonance frequency within the frequency range, the transducer further having a limited frequency response in a portion of the frequency range, wherein implanting includes:operatively coupling the implant to the at least one component of the middle ear such that the limited frequency response of the transducer is complimentary to, and compensated by, the frequency characteristics of the at least one component of the middle ear.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the resonance frequency is one of between 300 Hz to 4.5 kHz claim 1 , and between 500 Hz to 2.5 kHz.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined frequency range is between 100 Hz to 10 kHz.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transducer acts as a high pass filter and has a limited frequency response in the low frequency range claim 1 , the low frequency range being one of between 100 Hz to 300 Hz claim 1 , between 100 Hz to 500 Hz claim 1 , between 100 Hz to 1000 Hz claim 1 , between 100 Hz to 2.5 kHz claim 1 , and between 100 Hz to 4.5 KHz.5. The method ...

Method and system for providing hearing assistance to a user

A method for providing hearing assistance to a user by capturing input audio signals; estimating a speech level of the input audio signals and an ambient noise level of the input audio signals; applying a gain model to the input audio signals to transform the input audio signals into filtered audio signals, wherein, for a each ambient noise level, the gain varies as a function of the speech level and wherein the function varies according to the ambient noise level changing the ratio of the gain at low speech levels and at high speech levels as a function of the ambient noise level; wirelessly transmitting the filtered audio signals to a receiver unit forming or being connected to a user hearing stimulator, the stimulator being worn at or in the user's ear; and stimulating the user's hearing by the stimulator according to audio signals supplied by the receiver unit.

METHOD OF CONTROLLING SOUNDS GENERATED IN A HEARING AID AND A HEARING AID

A hearing aid () configured to control the generation of relaxing sound comprises an acoustical-electrical transducer (), means () for deriving a characteristic value from the electrical audio signal, comparator means () configured to compare the derived characteristic value with a selected threshold value; relaxing sound generating means (), first signal processing means () adapted for increasing or decreasing the level of the electrical relaxing sound signal as a function of the control value and a selected threshold value, means () for adding the processed electrical relaxing sound signal to the electrical audio signal, second signal processing means () configured to amplify the electrical input signal and an electrical-acoustical output transducer (). The invention further provides a method of controlling the generation of relaxing sound in a hearing aid (). 1. A hearing aid configured to control the generation of relaxing sound comprising:an acoustical-electrical transducer adapted for converting an acoustical input sound into an electrical audio signal;means for deriving a characteristic value from the electrical audio signal;comparator means configured to compare the derived characteristic value with a selected threshold value hereby providing a control value;switching means configured to select a first threshold value if the characteristic value drops below a second threshold value, while the second threshold value is selected, and to select the second threshold value if the characteristic value exceeds the first threshold value, while the first threshold value is selected, and wherein the second threshold value is smaller than the first threshold value;relaxing sound generating means for providing an electrical relaxing sound signal;first signal processing means adapted for increasing or decreasing the level of the electrical relaxing sound signal as a function of the control value and the selected threshold value, hereby providing a processed electrical ...

HEARING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD

An at least partially implantable hearing assistance system, having an audio signal source, an audio signal processing unit for processing audio signals from the audio signal source, an implantable output transducer for stimulating a user's hearing according to the processed audio signals, a hermetically sealed gas-filled chamber forming part of said output transducer or forming part of an microphone as said audio signal source, a barometric pressure sensor for sensing the presently prevailing atmospheric pressure, and a correction signal unit for generating a correction signal as a predetermined function of the sensed atmospheric pressure, wherein said correction signal is adapted to be used by a pressure compensation element of the system for adjusting the system gain in a manner so as to compensate for the impact of deviations of the atmospheric pressure from a reference value on the compliance of said gas-filled chamber. 119-. (canceled)20. An at least partially implantable hearing assistance system , comprising an audio signal source , an audio signal processing unit for processing audio signals from the audio signal source , an implantable output transducer for stimulating a user's hearing according to the processed audio signals , a hermetically sealed gas-filled chamber forming part of said output transducer or forming part of an microphone as said audio signal source , a barometric pressure sensor for sensing a presently prevailing atmospheric pressure , and a correction signal unit for generating a correction signal as a predetermined function of a sensed atmospheric pressure , wherein said correction signal is adapted to be used by a pressure compensation element of the system for adjusting a system gain in a manner so as to compensate for an impact of deviations of the atmospheric pressure from a reference value on a compliance of said gas-filled chamber.21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the gas-filled chamber is sealed by a membrane forming part of ...

HEARING AID AND A METHOD OF ENHANCING SPEECH REPRODUCTION

A hearing aid (A) configured to be worn by a hearing-impaired user has a speech detector (A) and a speech enhancer (A) for enhancing speech being present in an input signal of the hearing aid (A). The speech detector (A) has means () for independently detecting the presence of voiced and unvoiced speech in order to allow for the speech enhancer (A) to increase the gain of speech signals suitably fast to incorporate the speech signals themselves. The hearing aid (A) has means (A, A) for communicating information regarding the detected speech signals wirelessly to a similar hearing aid (B) worn contralaterally by the user for the purpose of mutually enhancing speech signals in the two hearing aids (A, B) when speech is detected to be originating from the front of the user, and means (B) for suppressing speech enhancement in the contralateral hearing aid (B) when speech is detected to be originating from the ipse-lateral side of the user. The invention further provides a method of enhancing speech in a hearing aid. 1. A hearing aid comprising means for enhancing speech , and a band-split filter , the speech-enhancing means comprising a speech detector and a selective gain controller , the band-split filter being configured for separating an input signal into a plurality of frequency bands , the speech detector having means for detecting a noise level , means for detecting a voiced speech signal and means for detecting an unvoiced speech signal in each frequency band of the plurality of frequency bands of the input signal , and the selective gain controller being adapted for increasing the gain level applied to the output signal by a predetermined amount in those frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands where the voiced speech signal level is higher than the detected noise level.2. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the means for detecting a voiced speech signal comprises an envelope filter for extracting an envelope signal from the input signal.3 ...

BINAURAL HEARING AID SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF PROVIDING BINAURAL BEATS

A binaural hearing aid system () is adapted to provide binaural beats to a hearing aid user. The invention further provides a method of generating binaural beats. 1. A binaural hearing aid system comprising a first hearing aid , a second hearing aid , wireless link means and synchronizing means , wherein said first hearing aid comprisesa first acoustical-electrical transducer for transforming an acoustic signal into a first audio input signal;a first processing means configured to amplify a first processor input signal and provide a first processor output signal;a first electrical-acoustical output transducer adapted for converting the processor output signal into sound;first sound generating means adapted for providing a first synthesized signal;first frequency shift means adapted for shifting a first electrical audio signal in frequency hereby providing a first frequency-shifted electrical audio signal, wherein said first electrical audio signal is one of said first audio input signal and said first synthesized signal;first summing means adapted for adding the first frequency-shifted electrical audio signal to the other one of said first audio input signal and said first synthesized signal to provide said first processor input signal; wherein thewireless link means is configured for establishing a wireless connection between said first and said second hearing aid of the binaural hearing aid system; and wherein thesynchronizing means is adapted for synchronizing the operation of said first hearing aid and said second hearing aid at least with respect to said first frequency-shifted electrical audio signal.2. The binaural hearing aid system according to claim 1 , wherein said first sound generating means is arranged in said first hearing aid.3. The binaural hearing aid system according to claim 1 , comprising an external device claim 1 , wherein said first sound generating means is arranged in said external device claim 1 , and said first hearing aid is adapted to ...

METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEARING DEVICE AS WELL AS A HEARING DEVICE

A method for operating a hearing device () that is openly coupled to an ear () of a hearing device user is described. The method comprising the steps of determining a momentary acoustic situation by processing an input signal of the hearing device (), selecting a hearing program out of at least two hearing programs in dependence on the determined momentary acoustic situation, at least one of the at least two hearing programs being suitable for calm acoustic situations, and at least another one of the at least two hearing programs being suitable for noisy acoustic situations, applying a gain only above a predefined frequency limit to the input signal of the hearing device () if one of the at least one hearing program for calm acoustic situations is selected, and reducing noise in the input signal only in a frequency range within audible frequencies if one of the at least one hearing program for noisy acoustic situations is selected. Therewith, a remarkably better matching of the needs of mild to very mild hearing losses is obtained than with known hearing devices. 114. A method for operating a hearing device () that is openly coupled to an ear () of a hearing device user , the method comprising the steps of:{'b': '1', 'determining a momentary acoustic situation by processing an input signal of the hearing device (),'}selecting a hearing program out of at least two hearing programs in dependence on the determined momentary acoustic situation, at least one of the at least two hearing programs being suitable for calm acoustic situations, and at least another one of the at least two hearing programs being suitable for noisy acoustic situations,{'b': '1', 'applying a gain only above a predefined frequency limit to the input signal of the hearing device () if one of the at least one hearing program for calm acoustic situations is selected, and'}reducing noise in the input signal only in a frequency range within audible frequencies if one of the at least one hearing program ...

SWITCHING STUCTURES FOR HEARING AID

An apparatus is provided that includes an input system, an output system, and a sensor for sensing magnetic fields. In one example, a signal processing circuit electrically connects the input system to the output system, and a magnetic sensor adapted to inhibit the acoustic input and function as a magnetic input in the presence of a magnetic field. In one example, the magnetic sensor includes a giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensor. In another example, the magnetic sensor includes an anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR) sensor. The magnetic field can be generated by, among other things, a magnet in a telephone handset. The hearing aid further is programmed based on time-varying characteristics of the magnetic field. Wireless activation or deactivation of the hearing aid is also described. Other examples and options are provided herein. 1an input system including a GMR sensor adapted to detect information modulated on a time varying magnetic field;an acoustic output system; anda signal processing circuit adapted to process signals from the input system and to present processed signals to the output system.. An apparatus, comprising: The present application is a is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/037,549, filed Jan. 16, 2005 which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/244,295, filed Sep. 16, 2002, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.The present application is generally related to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/659,214, filed Sep. 11, 2000, and titled AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR HEARING AID, which is hereby incorporated by reference.The present application is generally related to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/243,412, filed Sep. 12, 2002, and titled DUAL EAR TELECOIL SYSTEM, which is hereby incorporated by reference.This invention relates generally to hearing aids, and more particularly to switching structures and systems for a hearing aid.Hearing aids can provide adjustable operational modes or ...

METHOD OF FITTING A BINAURAL HEARING AID SYSTEM

A method fits a binaural hearing aid system for a person with a small or moderate asymmetrical hearing loss. The method comprises providing first hearing loss data for a right ear of a user; providing second hearing loss data for a left ear of a user; determining a difference between the first and second hearing loss data; classifying the degree of similarity of the first and second hearing loss data; determining basic hearing loss data to for each of the first and second hearing instruments depending on hearing loss classes; and calculating frequency dependent target gain values for each of the first and second hearing instruments. 1. A method of fitting a binaural hearing aid system to a user , the binaural hearing aid system comprising first and second hearing instruments adapted for being located at or in the right and left ear , respectively , of the user , the first and second hearing instruments being adapted to apply a frequency dependent gain to an input signal according to the user's hearing impairment , and for presenting an enhanced output signal to the user , the method comprising;providing first hearing loss data for a right ear of the user;providing second hearing loss data for a left ear of the user;determining a hearing loss difference measure indicative of a difference between said first and second hearing loss data;classifying a degree of similarity of the first and second hearing loss data based on said hearing loss difference measure into at least three different hearing loss classes EQUAL, SIMILAR and DIFFERENT;determining basic hearing loss data to form the basis for calculating sets of frequency dependent target gain values for each of the first and second hearing instruments depending on said hearing loss classes, wherein said basic hearing loss data are identical for the first and second hearing instruments, if said hearing loss class is EQUAL or SIMILAR;wherein said basic hearing loss data are different for the first and second hearing ...

METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A HEARING DEVICE AND A HEARING DEVICE THAT IS OPERABLE ACCORDING TO SAID METHOD

The present invention is related to the adjusting of a hearing device () to the hearing preferences of a user of said hearing (). The hearing device () comprises an input transducer () for providing an electrical signal that corresponds to an acoustical input signal, a processing unit () for processing the electrical signal according to a set of process parameters (G1, . . . ,Gn) to provide an intermediate signal, and an output transducer () for providing an output signal to the user of said hearing device (), wherein the output signal corresponds to the intermediate signal. The method comprises the step of providing a set of adjustment parameters (A1, . . . ,Am), which, at least partly, represents an individual hearing characteristic of the user of said hearing device () and the further step of adapting the set of process parameters (G1, . . . ,Gn) as a function of an adjustment control signal (ACS) and the set of adjustment parameters (A1, . . .,Am). 11112010301. A method for adjusting a hearing device () to the hearing preferences of a user of said hearing device () , the hearing device () comprising an input transducer () for providing an electrical signal that corresponds to an acoustical input signal , a processing unit () for processing the electrical signal according to a set of process parameters (G1 , . . . ,Gn) to provide an intermediate signal , and an output transducer () for providing an output signal to the user of said hearing device () , the output signal corresponding to the intermediate signal , said method comprising the steps of:{'b': '1', 'providing a set of adjustment parameters (A1, . . . ,Am), which, at least partly, represents an individual hearing characteristic of the user of said hearing device (); and'}adapting the set of process parameters (G1, . . . ,Gn) as a function of an adjustment control signal (ACS) and the set of adjustment parameters (A1, . . . ,Am).2. The method according to claim 1 , comprising the step of adapting the set ...

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH HEARING SUPPORT AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING THE SAME

A personal communication device provides hearing support, and includes an input receiving an audio signal, a programmable processor, and an output outputting the processed signal. The programmable processor performs a filtering operation on a digital version of the audio signal in a first signal path based on parameter settings and provides control logic that determines the parameter settings based on information on user preferences, on audiological information and on information on the listening situation to provide hearing loss compensation. The programmable processor has a second signal path in parallel with the first signal path that receives the digital version of the audio signal and parameter settings and determining the filter coefficients of the filtering operation based on the parameter settings and the digital version of the audio signal. 120-. (canceled)21. A personal communication device arranged to provide hearing support , said personal communication device comprising an input arranged to receive an audio signal , a programmable processor , and an output that outputs the processed signal , whereinsaid programmable processor comprises a filter arranged to perform a filtering operation on a digital version of said audio signal in a first signal path configurable by parameter settings;said programmable processor further having a second signal path in parallel with said first signal path, said second signal path comprising a module that performs a transfer function calculation arranged to receive said digital version of said audio signal and said parameter settings and to determine the filter coefficients of said filter based on said parameter settings and said filter digital version of said audio signal;said programmable processor being arranged to provide a control logic that determines and keeps said parameter settings based on user preferences, on audiological information and on information about the listening situation, in which said personal ...

METHOD FOR RESTRICTING THE OUTPUT LEVEL IN HEARING APPARATUSES

Psychoacoustic boundary conditions are to be better taken into account in the amplification of input signals of a hearing apparatus. To this end, a channel-specific compression characteristic curve is predetermined in a number of spectrally-separated processing channels of the hearing apparatus, which defines a relationship between an input level and an output level in the respective processing channel of the hearing apparatus. A respective input signal portion is amplified in each processing channel as a function of a channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve. A channel-specific input level threshold is predefined here for each processing channel. Finally, the respective channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve is then defined according to the predetermined channel-specific compression characteristic curve below the channel-specific input level threshold and the respective curve of the channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve is defined with a compression ratio of greater than 8 above the channel-specific input level threshold. 1. A method of amplifying an input signal in a hearing apparatus , the method which comprises:predefining a channel-specific compression characteristic curve in each of a plurality of spectrally-separated processing channels of the hearing apparatus, the compression characteristic curve defining a relationship between an input level and an output level in a respective processing channel of the hearing apparatus;predefining a channel-specific input level threshold for each processing channel;defining a respective channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve according to the predetermined channel-specific compression characteristic curve below the channel-specific input level threshold;{'b': '8', 'defining a respective curve of the channel-specific operating compression characteristic curve with a compression ratio of greater than above the channel-specific input level ...

METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEARING APPARATUS

A method operates a hearing apparatus in which an operating parameter of the hearing apparatus is determined and smoothed by a filter. The smoothing includes, for each input value, to classify the input value in accordance with its association with a plurality of predetermined classes and increase a counter assigned to the respective class which is associated with the input value. The counter with the greatest counter value is determined and the operating parameter value assigned to the counter with the greatest counter value is output as an output variable of the filter. 1. A method for operating a hearing apparatus , which comprises the steps of:determining an operating parameter of the hearing apparatus; a) for each input value of the operating parameter, classifying the input value in accordance with an association with a plurality of predetermined classes and increasing a counter assigned to a respective class associated with the input value;', 'b) determining the counter with a greatest counter value; and', 'c) outputting an operating parameter value assigned to the counter with the greatest counter value as an output variable of the filter., 'smoothing the operating parameter via a filter, the smoothing includes the following steps2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in the step c) claim 1 , outputting the operating parameter value assigned to the counter with the greatest counter value as the output variable only if the greatest counter value exceeds a predetermined threshold value and that otherwise the operating parameter value output last is retained as the output variable.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded by one counter value in step c) claim 2 , all counter values are set to zero after outputting the output variable.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein each of the predetermined classes is respectively a cohesive interval across a predetermined non-discrete value range.5. The ...

Hearing instrument and method of operating the same

A hearing instrument and a method of operating a hearing instrument are provided. The hearing instrument includes an electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical output transducer. When a low battery status of the hearing instrument is detected, a low power audio signal processing mode is selected to extend a lifetime of a battery. The low power audio signal processing mode includes reducing a gain at predefined frequencies; switching off an audio signal processing function for one or more audio frequencies; switching-off parts of a digital audio processor to reduce a duty cycle; and reducing power consumption of an audio signal preamplifier, an audio signal analog-to-digital converter or an audio signal digital-to-analog converter.

HEARING DEVICE AND A METHOD OF SELECTING AN OPTIMAL TRANSCEIVER CHANNEL IN A WIRELESS NETWORK

A method in a wireless network comprising a plurality of frequency channels and a receiving participant, the method includes: receiving data on a first subset of the plurality of frequency channels, wherein the frequency channels in the first subset are utilized at least once; receiving data on a second subset of the plurality of frequency channels; determining packet error rates for the respective frequency channels in the first and the second subsets; and selecting one of the plurality of frequency channel as an optimal frequency channel based on a result from the act of determining. 1. A method in a wireless network comprising a plurality of frequency channels and a receiving participant , the method comprising:receiving data on a first subset of the plurality of frequency channels, wherein the frequency channels in the first subset are utilized at least once;receiving data on a second subset of the plurality of frequency channels;determining packet error rates for the respective frequency channels in the first and the second subsets; andselecting one of the plurality of frequency channel as an optimal frequency channel based on a result from the act of determining.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising determining long term evaluations of the respective frequency channels in the first and second subsets based on the packet error rates for the respective frequency channels in the first and the second subsets claim 1 , and a first time constant;wherein the one of the plurality of frequency channels is selected as the optimal frequency channel based on the long term evaluations.3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:determining long term evaluations of the respective frequency channels in the first and second subsets based on the packet error rates for the respective frequency channels in the first and the second subsets, and a first time constant; anddetermining short term evaluations of the respective frequency channels in the ...

HEARING AID WITH IMPROVED COMPRESSION

A hearing aid includes a microphone for conversion of acoustic sound into an input audio signal, a signal processor for processing the input audio signal for generation of an output audio signal; and a transducer for conversion of the output audio signal into a signal to be received by a human, wherein the signal processor includes a compressor with a compressor input/output rule that is variable in response to a signal level of the input audio signal. 1. A hearing aid , comprising:a microphone for conversion of acoustic sound into an input audio signal;a signal processor for processing the input audio signal for generation of an output audio signal; anda transducer for conversion of the output audio signal into a signal to be received by a human;wherein the signal processor includes a compressor with a compressor input/output rule that is variable in response to a signal level of the input audio signal.2. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the compressor input/output rule is variable in response to an estimated signal dynamic range of the input audio signal.3. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein a compression ratio of the input/output rule is variable.4. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , further comprising a valley detector for determination of a minimum value of the input audio signal claim 1 , wherein a first gain value of the compressor for a first signal level is increased if the determined minimum value times a compressor gain at the determined minimum value is less than a threshold.5. The hearing aid according to claim 4 , wherein the first gain value of the compressor for the first signal level is decreased if the determined minimum value times the compressor gain at the determined minimum value is greater than the threshold.6. The hearing aid according to claim 4 , further comprising a peak detector for determination of a maximum value of the input audio signal claim 4 , wherein a second gain value of the compressor for a second ...

SOI ANALOGIC FRONT CIRCUIT FOR MEDICAL DEVICE

The present disclosure provides an SOI analog front circuit for a medical device, characterized in that it comprises an automatic gain control loop and a 2-order-3-bit-quantization Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter, wherein: the automatic gain control loop is configured to implement automatic control of loop gain and output an analog signal to the 2-order-3-bit-quantization Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter; and the 2-order-3-bit-quantization Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the analog signal output from the automatic gain control loop into a digital code and output the digital code to a DSP for processing. The analog front circuit for the medical hearing aid device may be implemented by integration of three comparators, an analog-digital hybrid automatic gain control loop and a 2-order-3-bit-quantization Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter on a single chip using SOI process with high reliability and low power consumption. The analog front circuit has high accuracy, high reliability, and low power consumption. The analog front circuit may be applied in the medical hearing aid device. 1. An SOI analog front circuit for a medical device , characterized in that it is implemented by SOI process with high reliability and low power consumption and comprises an automatic gain control loop and a 2-order-3-bit-quantization Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter , wherein:the automatic gain control loop is configured to implement automatic control of loop gain and output an analog signal to the 2-order-3-bit-quantization Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter; andthe 2-order-3-bit-quantization Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the analog signal output from the automatic gain control loop into a digital code and output the digital code to a DSP for processing.2. The SOI analog front circuit for the medical device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the automatic gain control loop ...

HEARING AID WITH BEAMFORMING CAPABILITY

A hearing aid includes a first microphone for providing a first audio input signal, a second microphone for providing a second audio input signal, a signal processor configured for generating a hearing loss compensated audio output signal based at least in part on the audio input signals, and a receiver for converting the audio output signal into an output sound signal, wherein the signal processor is configured to perform directional processing, based on the first and second audio input signals, in a first frequency range and substantially omni-directional processing in a second frequency range, at least a part of the first frequency range being higher than the second frequency range, and wherein a lower cutoff frequency of the first frequency range is adjustable. 121-. (canceled)22. A hearing aid comprising:a first microphone for providing a first audio input signal;a second microphone for providing a second audio input signal;a signal processor configured for generating a hearing loss compensated audio output signal based at least in part on the audio input signals;a receiver for converting the audio output signal into an output sound signal; anda bandsplit filter configured for generating at least two high pass audio signals and a low pass audio signal, wherein the at least two high pass audio signals are based on the first and second audio input signals, respectively;wherein the signal processor comprises a beamformer operatively connected to an output of the bandsplit filter, the beamformer being configured for receiving the at least two high pass audio signals for generating a high frequency beamformed audio signal;wherein the signal processor further comprises a mixer for mixing the low pass audio signal and the high frequency beamformed audio signal; andwherein the bandsplit filter has an adjustable cross-over frequency for adjustment of a frequency range of the at least two high pass audio signals and a frequency range of the low pass audio signal.23. The ...

MODULAR AUDITORY PROSTHESIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes a sound processor module configured to process an audio signal and operate in accordance with a plurality of control parameters and an accessory header module configured to be selectively coupled to the sound processor module and facilitate external adjustment of one or more control parameters included in the plurality of control parameters while coupled to the sound processor module. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. 1. An auditory prosthesis system comprising:a sound processor module configured operate in accordance with a plurality of control parameters; anda control header module configured to be selectively coupled to the sound processor module and comprising one or more input facilities configured to adjust one or more control parameters included in the plurality of control parameters in response to manual input while the control header module is coupled to the sound processor module.2. The auditory prosthesis system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more control parameters are not adjustable while the control header module is not coupled to the sound processor module.3. The auditory prosthesis system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more control parameters comprise at least one of a volume parameter claim 1 , a sensitivity parameter claim 1 , and a program selection parameter.4. The auditory prosthesis system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more input facilities comprise at least one of a control knob and a program selection switch.5. The auditory prosthesis system of claim 1 , wherein the control header module is configured to be selectively coupled to the sound processor module by hot plugging into the sound processor module.6. The auditory prosthesis system of claim 1 , wherein the control header module comprises a plurality of connector pins configured to selectively make contact with a plurality of corresponding contacts included in a header interface assembly that is a part of the sound ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY IN A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

The disclosure relates to the use of a MEMS magnetometer or an array of MEMS magnetometers as energy harvesting sensor(s) in a hearing assistance device. The MEMS magnetometer(s) can be located within the existing geometry of a typical balanced-armature receiver currently used in hearing assistance devices. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:an input transducer for receiving sound and producing an input signal;electronic circuitry for amplifying the input signal to produce an output signal;a balanced armature receiver configured to convert the output signal from the electronic circuitry to sound; and,a MEMS magnetometer coupled to the receiver for harvesting magnetic energy produced by the receiver.2. The device of wherein the MEMS magnetometer is mechanically coupled to the receiver to harvest vibrational energy produced by the receiver.3. The device of wherein the magnetometer is fabricated by a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process.4. The device of wherein the magnetometer is integrated onto a printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the receiver.5. The device of wherein the magnetometer is integrated onto solder pads of the PCB.6. The device of wherein the mechanical resonance frequency of the magnetometer is configured to coincide with the mechanical resonance frequency of the armature of the balanced armature receiver.7. The device of further comprising a programming interface for adjusting the electrical current in a charge pump of the magnetometer.8. The device of further comprising a battery for supplying power to the device and wherein the magnetometer is configured to recharge the battery with energy harvested from the receiver.9. The device of further comprising multiple magnetometers connected in series.10. The device of further comprising multiple magnetometers connected in parallel.11. A method for operating a hearing assistance device claim 1 , comprising:receiving sound and producing an input signal;amplifying the input signal to produce an ...

SWITCHING STRUCTURES FOR HEARING AID

A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically, non-manually switches at least one of inputs, filters, or programmable parameters in the presence of a magnetic field. 1. A hearing aid , comprising:an input system;an output system;a solid state tunneling magnetic sensor generating a magnetic field signal;a processor configured to be programmed to process signals from the input system and provide the processed signals to the output system,wherein the processor is configured to receive the magnetic field signal from the sensor, and is programmable to select parameters for signal processing using a first digital filter or a second digital filter, the selection of either the first digital filter or the second digital filter based at least in part on the magnetic field signal.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the solid state tunneling magnetic sensor includes a spin dependent tunneling (SDT) device.3. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the SDT device is fabricated using photolithography.4. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the SDT device includes a saturation field range from 0.1 to 10 kA/m.5. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the SDT device is configured to be used as a hearing aid switch.6. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the SDT device is configured to provide hearing aid programming signals.7. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the SDT device includes a giant magnetoresistivity (GMR) material layer claim 2 , and wherein the SDT device includes a conduction path perpendicular to a plane of the GMR material layer.8. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the input system includes a microphone.9. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the input system is configured to switch from an acoustic input to a magnetic input based on the magnetic field signal.10. The hearing aid of claim 9 , wherein the magnetic input includes a telecoil.11. A hearing aid claim 9 , comprising:a power source;a hearing aid circuit; anda solid state tunneling magnetic ...

ADAPTIVE HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE USING PLURAL ENVIRONMENT DETECTION AND CLASSIFICAITON

Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for adaptive hearing assistance devices using plural environment detection and classification. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of operating a hearing assistance device for a wearer. Acoustic inputs are received and a plurality of acoustic environments are determined by performing signal processing in parallel based on the received acoustic inputs. According to various embodiments, an audiological parameter of the hearing assistance device is adjusted based the determined plurality of acoustic environments. 1. A method of operating a hearing assistance device for a wearer , the method comprising:receiving acoustic inputs using the hearing assistance device;determining a plurality of acoustic environments by performing signal processing in parallel based on the received acoustic inputs; andadjusting an audiological parameter of the hearing assistance device based the determined plurality of acoustic environments using hearing assistance electronics.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving acoustic inputs includes using a series of detectors.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining a plurality of acoustic environments includes determining whether the acoustic inputs include speech.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining a plurality of acoustic environments includes determining whether the acoustic inputs include noise.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining a plurality of acoustic environments includes determining whether the acoustic inputs include wind.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining a plurality of acoustic environments includes concurrently determining whether the acoustic inputs include speech claim 1 , wind and noise.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein adjusting an audiological parameter of the hearing assistance device includes adjusting frequency dependent gain information.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein adjusting an audiological ...

Enhancing perception of frequency-lowered speech

Among other things, a sound processing device system is disclosed to assist a hearing-impaired human listener recognize speech sounds or phonemes. The device system may be configured at least to generate an output audio signal at least by transposing and causing a negative rank ordering of frequency of at least a portion of the input audio signal. Compression also may be performed on the at least the portion of the input audio signal as part of generating the output audio signal. The negative rank ordering may be performed on a high-frequency portion of the input audio signal that becomes a low-frequency portion of the output audio signal by the transposing. The low-frequency portion of the output audio signal may represent an inverted ordering of frequencies or frequency segments present in the high-frequency portion of the input audio signal.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEARING AID APPRAISAL AND SELECTION

The selection of hearing aids can be based on many factors which are beyond a simple compensation for the hearing impairment of the user. The process of selecting hearing aids can be time consuming and resource intensive. By rapidly and effectively providing the necessary context to hearing-impaired individuals to evaluate the benefit provided by various hearing aids, without the traditional time consuming fitting trial, the purchase of a device can be expedited and provide the necessary correction to negate the effects of auditory deprivation. A system an method for enabling improved hearing aid appraisal and selection processes is provided. 1. A method , executable on one or more processors , of appraisal and selection of hearing aids , the method comprising:receiving a plurality of user parameters determined from audiometric parameters defining hear-ability of the user;determining one or more hearing aids, configurable to meet the requirements of the plurality of user parameters;determining one or more characterization audio files associated with the determined one or more hearing aids and associated source audio files from which the one or more characterization audio files were generated; andplaying to the user through audio transducers coupled to a playback device the one or more characterization audio files and the associated source audio files.2. The method of further comprising determining one or more source files based upon the plurality of received user parameters prior to determining the one or more characterization audio files.3. The method of further comprising receiving a user selection of a source audio file from the determined one or more source files.4. The method of wherein determining the one or more characterization audio files is performed for user parameters defined for each ear of the user claim 1 , wherein a different characterization audio file is played to each ear of the user simultaneously.5. The method of further comprises receiving an ...

BINAURAL HEARING AID WITH FREQUENCY UNMASKING

A hearing aid includes: at least one microphone for provision of at least one microphone audio signal in response to sound received at the at least one microphone; a signal separation unit configured to provide an estimate of a target signal and an estimate of a masker signal based on the at least one microphone audio signal; a frequency modifying unit configured to modify a frequency content of at least one of the estimate of the target signal and the estimate of the masker signal, to thereby output the estimated target signal and the estimated masker signal substantially in different frequency bands; and a receiver for conversion of a combination of the estimate of the target signal and the estimate of the masker signal output by the frequency modifying unit into an acoustic signal for transmission towards an eardrum of a user of the hearing aid. 1. A hearing aid comprising:at least one microphone for provision of at least one microphone audio signal in response to sound received at the at least one microphone;a signal separation unit configured to provide an estimate of a target signal and an estimate of a masker signal based on the at least one microphone audio signal;a frequency modifying unit configured to modify a frequency content of at least one of the estimate of the target signal and the estimate of the masker signal, to thereby output the estimated target signal and the estimated masker signal substantially in different frequency bands; anda receiver for conversion of a combination of the estimate of the target signal and the estimate of the masker signal output by the frequency modifying unit into an acoustic signal for transmission towards an eardrum of a user of the hearing aid.2. A binaural hearing aid system , comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'a first hearing aid according to ; and'}a second hearing aid comprising:at least one microphone for provision of at least one microphone audio signal in response to sound received ...

Methods and apparatus for improving speech understanding in a large crowd

Methods and devices are described for improves speech understanding by hearing aid users in crowded environments. In one embodiment, a hearing aid wearer's speech signal is extracted using the microphone or microphones in the hearing aid. The hearing aid is configured to wirelessly transmit the extracted speech signals to a central processing station that enhances the extracted speech signals received from all registered hearing aids. The central processing station processes the received speech signals individually based on provided hearing losses mixes the signals based on the provided preferences, wirelessly transmits the mixed signal to each registered hearing aid for play back.

METHOD OF AND HEARING AID FOR ENHANCING THE ACCURACY OF SOUNDS HEARD BY A HEARING-IMPAIRED LISTENER

A method for enhancing the accuracy of sounds heard by a hearing-impaired listener is disclosed. The method for enhancing the accuracy of sounds heard by a hearing-impaired listener includes receiving an input sound, increasing or decreasing the energy of the high frequency section and then lowering the frequency of the high frequency section, and then combining the low high frequency section with the high frequency section of which the energy was increased/decreased and the frequency was lowered. 1. A method for enhancing the accuracy of sounds heard by a hearing-impaired listener , comprising the following steps:(A) receiving an input sound, wherein the input sound includes a high frequency section and a non-high frequency section;(B) increasing or decreasing the energy of the high frequency section to form a high frequency sound processing section;(C) lowering the frequency of the high frequency sound processing section to form a frequency-lowered high frequency sound-amplifying section;(D) combining the non-high frequency section with the frequency-lowered high frequency sound-amplifying section to form a modified input sound; and(E) outputting the modified input sound.2. The method for enhancing the accuracy of sounds heard by a hearing-impaired listener as claimed in claim 1 , wherein step (C) lowers the frequency of the high frequency sound processing section by means of frequency compression or frequency shifting.3. The method for enhancing the accuracy of sounds heard by a hearing-impaired listener as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the frequency of the high frequency section is between 1000 Hz and 96000 Hz claim 2 , and the frequency of the non-high frequency section is between 0 Hz and 6000 Hz.4. The method for enhancing the accuracy of sounds heard by a hearing-impaired listener as claimed in claim 3 , wherein in step (E) claim 3 , the modified input sound is outputted after undergoing energy amplification once again.5. The method for enhancing the accuracy ...

Automatic Sound Optimizer

Disclosed herein are systems and methods that help to optimize the sound quality produced when a sound processing mode is enabled in an audio device, such as a hearing prosthesis. When the sound processing mode is enabled, a sound processor in the audio device will create a candidate transformed signal based on a default set of parameters associated with the sound processing mode (i.e. a candidate signal processing function). Further, the sound processor will create a reference transformed signal based on the same enabled sound processing mode, but with a varied set of parameters (i.e. a modified signal processing function). The sound processor will then compare the candidate transformed signal to the reference transformed signal to determine which signal has a higher quality. The device then creates an output based on the higher quality signal.

BINAURALLY COORDINATED COMPRESSION SYSTEM

A hearing assistance system includes a pair of hearing aids performing dynamic range compression while preserving spatial cue to provide a hearing aid wearer with satisfactory listening experience in complex listening environments. In various embodiments, the dynamic range compression is binaurally coordinated based on number and distribution of sound source(s). In various embodiments, in addition to preserving spatial cue, the dynamic range compression is controlled to optimize audibility and comfortable loudness of target signals. 1. A method for operating a hearing aid set including a first hearing aid and a second hearing aid , the method comprising:performing a first dynamic range compression including applying a first gain to a first audio signal in the first hearing aid;performing a second dynamic range compression including applying a second gain to a second audio signal in the second hearing aid;detecting an acoustic scene; andcontrolling the first dynamic range compression and the second dynamic range compression using the detected acoustic scene, such that the first dynamic range compression and the second dynamic range compression are performed independently in response to the detected acoustic scene indicating a single sound source, and the first dynamic range compression and the second dynamic range compression are coordinated, in response to the detected acoustic scene indicating a plurality of sound sources, using a distribution of sound sources of the plurality of sound sources indicated by the detected acoustic scene.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the acoustic scene comprises:{'sub': '1', 'determining a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the first audio signal;'}{'sub': '2', 'determining a second signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the second audio signal;'}{'sub': 1', '2, 'determining whether a minimum of SNRand SNRexceeds a threshold SNR;'}{'sub': 1', '2, 'declaring that the detected acoustic scene indicates the single sound source in ...

HEARING AID HAVING LEVEL AND FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT GAIN

An improved open-ear hearing aid to compensate for hearing loss includes a microphone for picking up incident sound and converting it to an electrical audio signal. An ear insert positionable within a human ear canal is provided for producing an output sound amplified within one or more frequency bands in response to incident sound picked up by the microphone. The in-band gain of the amplified sound output of the ear insert's loudspeaker is dependent on the user's hearing loss characteristics and the sound pressure levels of the incident sound. The form of the ear insert allows transmission of incident sound directly to the eardrum, where it is summed at the eardrum with the amplified sound output from the ear insert. Sound output is maximum at low incident sound pressure levels and minimum when the incident sound exceeds a set cut-off level. 1. An open-ear hearing aid for compensating for loss of hearing in the human ear comprising:input means for picking up incident sound to be received by the human ear and converting it to an electrical audio signal,output means including an output transducer positionable within a human ear canal for producing a sound output in response to incident sound picked-up by said input means, said output means having a form that allows transmission of incident sound directly to the eardrum, where it combines with the sound output from said output transducer, the combination of incident sound and sound output from said output means resulting in the sound perceived by the wearer of the hearing aid, and ["i) the sound output is amplified within a frequency band set in accordance with the user's hearing loss characteristics;", 'ii) the gain of the amplified sound output within said frequency band is dependent on the sound pressure levels of the incident sound; and', 'iii) the output transducer produces substantially no sound output when the incident sound pressure level exceeds a set cut-off level, whereby the sound perceived by the wearer ...

Binaural enhancement of tone language for hearing assistance devices

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for binaural enhancement of tone language for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method for enhancing pitch in a hearing assistance system having a first and second hearing assistance device. A signal is received using a microphone of the first hearing assistance device. Pitch detection is performed on the signal to obtain a pitch value. The pitch value is wirelessly transmitted from the first hearing assistance device to the second hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the pitch value of the first hearing assistance device is combined with a pitch value of the second hearing assistance device. The gain is adjusted based on the combined pitch value, in various embodiments.

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SHIELDING EXTERNAL NOISE FOR USE IN HEARING AID DEVICE

Provided is an external noise shielding apparatus and method for use in a hearing aid device. The external noise shielding apparatus and method periodically monitors and shields external noise introduced into the hearing aid device to thus enable a user to discernibly hear a voice signal even in the external noise environment. 2. An external noise shielding method for use in a hearing aid device , the external noise shielding method comprising:a noise spectrum subtracted signal temporary storing step in which an incoming signal input from a microphone is analog-to-digital converted by an analog-to-digital (AD) converter and stored in an input buffer memory, the digital signal is fast-Fourier-transformed by a fast Fourier transformer (FFT), the fast-Fourier-transformed signal is stored as the N quantities of complex data, only an amplitude component is calculated separately from the N amounts of complex data, an amplitude spectrum of a linear unit is transformed into the amplitude spectrum of a decibel (dB) unit, to thus obtain the N/2 quantities of the dB converted amplitude spectrum, and the obtained N/2 quantities of the dB converted amplitude spectrum is averaged into a noise spectrum for a period of time that is set in a timer of a digital signal processor (DSP) integrated circuit (IC) amplifier unit to thus temporarily store the noise spectrum, or the obtained N/2 quantities of the dB converted amplitude spectrum is averaged into a noise spectrum for a period of time whenever a user presses a digital memory toggle button switch, to thus temporarily store a signal that is obtained by subtracting the noise spectrum from a noise plus voice signal;a gain changing step in which the previously temporarily stored noise spectrum is subtracted from the noise plus voice spectrum that is continuously calculated and created in real-time, and a gain is changed through an operation of ascending or descending an amplitude in each frequency in the noise shielded voice spectrum ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING REPRESENTATION BY AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS SYSTEM OF AUDIO SIGNALS HAVING INTERMEDIATE SOUND LEVELS

An exemplary system includes a detection facility configured to detect an input sound level of an audio signal presented to an auditory prosthesis patient; and an adaptive gain control (AGC) facility configured to 1) determine whether the detected input sound level is in a quiet region, an intermediate region, or a loud region, and 2) apply a gain to the audio signal in accordance with an AGC gain function that specifies the gain to be substantially equal to or less than a first gain threshold if the detected input sound level is in the quiet region, substantially equal to or less than a second gain threshold if the detected input sound level is in the loud region, and greater than the first and second gain thresholds if the detected input sound level is in the intermediate region. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed. 1. A system comprising:a detection facility configured to detect an input sound level of an audio signal presented to an auditory prosthesis patient; and determine whether the detected input sound level is in a quiet region that includes input sound levels at or below a first input sound level boundary, an intermediate region that includes input sound levels above the first input sound level boundary and below a second input sound level boundary, or a loud region that includes input sound levels at or above the second input sound level boundary, and', 'apply a gain to the audio signal in accordance with an AGC gain function that specifies the gain to be substantially equal to or less than a first gain threshold if the detected input sound level is in the quiet region, substantially equal to or less than a second gain threshold if the detected input sound level is in the loud region, and greater than the first and second gain thresholds if the detected input sound level is in the intermediate region., 'an adaptive gain control (“AGC”) facility communicatively coupled to the detection facility and configured to'}2. The system of claim 1 ...

HEARING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS

A hearing assistance device includes two transducers which react to a characteristic of an acoustic wave to capture data representative of the characteristic. The device is arranged so that each transducers is located adjacent a respective ear of a person wearing the device. A signal processor processes the data to provide relatively more emphasis of data representing a first sound source the person is facing over data representing a second sound source the person is not facing. At least one speaker utilizes the data to reproduce sounds to the person. An active noise reduction system provides a signal to the speaker for reducing an amount of ambient acoustic noise in the vicinity of the person that is heard by the person. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:an active noise reduction system for reducing the level of ambient noise that reaches a user's ears from sound sources located in a zone in which the user is located, the active noise reduction system having at least one speaker to reproduce sounds including anti-noise sounds for canceling out at least a portion of the ambient noise;a plurality of transducers located on the hearing assistance device for sensing sound present in the zone and outputting signals from the plurality of transducers representative of the sensed sounds; anda signal processing system for emphasizing sound produced by sound sources located in a desired region of the zone relative to sound produced by sound sources located in undesired regions of the zone, where an output of the signal processing system is provided back to the user through the at least one speaker, transforms the signals output by the plurality of transducers into the frequency domain;', 'determines a magnitude relationship and a phase relationship between the frequency domain representations of the transducer signals, for each bin of the frequency domain representations, on a block by block basis;', 'compares the magnitude relationship and the phase relationship to ...

Hearing device with brainwave dependent audio processing

A hearing device is adapted to be arranged on or at least partly implanted in an individual's head and comprises: an input unit providing an input audio signal; a signal processing circuit adapted to process the input audio signal; an output unit adapted to provide an audible signal to the individual; one or more electrodes adapted to detect electric brain potentials of the individual; and a brainwave measurement circuit adapted to determine one or more EEG signals from electric signals received from the one or more electrodes. The hearing device further comprises: a first spectrum analyser determining first audio spectra; a reconstructor adapted to repeatedly reconstruct second audio spectra; a first correlator to determine coherence between the first and the second audio spectra; and a control unit adapted to alter said processing in dependence on the coherence.

Bilateral Matching of Frequencies and Delays for Hearing Implant Stimulation

A bilateral hearing implant system has a left side and a right side. There is an interaural time delay (ITD) processing module on each side that adjusts ITD characteristics of the stimulation signals based on defined groups of stimulation channels that include: i. an apical channel group on each side corresponding to a lowest range of audio frequencies up to a common apical channel group upper frequency limit, wherein a common number of one or more stimulation channels is assigned to each apical channel group, and wherein corresponding apical channel group stimulation channels on each side have matching bands of audio frequencies, and ii. one or more basal channel groups on each side corresponding to higher range audio frequencies above the apical channel group upper frequency limit. 1. A bilateral hearing implant system having a left side and a right side , the system comprising:a plurality of audio processing stages on each side configured to process input audio signals to generate corresponding neural tissue stimulation signals using a plurality of stimulation channels each having an assigned band of audio frequencies; i. an apical channel group on each side corresponding to a lowest range of audio frequencies up to a common apical channel group upper frequency limit, wherein a common number of one or more stimulation channels is assigned to each apical channel group, and wherein corresponding apical channel group stimulation channels on each side have matching bands of audio frequencies; and', 'ii. one or more basal channel groups on each side corresponding to higher range audio frequencies above the apical channel group upper frequency limit, wherein a common number of basal channel groups are defined on each side, and wherein one or more stimulation channels are assigned to each basal channel group;, 'wherein the audio processing stages on each side include an interaural time delay (ITD) processing module configured for adjusting ITD characteristics of the ...

HEARING AID OPERATING IN DEPENDENCE OF POSITION

A new hearing aid system is provided, comprising a location detector, e.g. a GPS receiver, for determination of the geographical position of the user of the hearing aid system, and an environment detector configured for determination of the type of sound environment surrounding the user of the hearing aid system based on sound as received by the hearing aid system and the geographical position of the hearing aid system as determined by the location detector. 1. A hearing aid system comprising: a first microphone for provision of a first audio input signal in response to sound signals received at the first microphone in a sound environment,', 'a first processor that is configured to process the first audio input signal in accordance with a first signal processing algorithm to generate a first hearing loss compensated audio signal, and', 'a first output transducer for conversion of the first hearing loss compensated audio signal to a first acoustic output signal;, 'a first hearing aid with'}a first sound environment detector configured for determining a type of sound environment surrounding a user of the hearing aid system, and for provision of a first output for selection of the first signal processing algorithm based on the determined type of sound environment; anda location detector configured for determining a geographical position of the hearing aid system;wherein the first sound environment detector is configured for determining the type of sound environment surrounding the user of the hearing aid system based on the first audio input signal and the geographical position of the hearing aid system.2. The hearing aid system according to claim 1 , wherein the location detector includes a GPS receiver.3. The hearing aid system according to claim 1 , wherein the first sound environment detector is configured for recording the geographical position determined by the location detector together with the type of sound environment at the geographical position.4. The ...

Hearing Aid and Method for Use of Same

A hearing aid and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hearing includes a body that at least partially conforms to the contours of the external ear and is sized to engage therewith. Various electronic components are contained within the body, including an electronic signal processor that is programmed with a preferred hearing range, which may be an about 10 Hz frequency to an about 30 Hz frequency range of sound corresponding to highest hearing capacity of a patient. Sound received at the hearing aid is converted to the preferred hearing range prior to output. 1. A system for aiding hearing , the system comprising:a programming interface configured to communicate with a device, the device including a housing securing a microphone, a speaker, a user interface, a processor, non-transitory memory, and storage therein, the device including a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the microphone, the speaker, the user interface, the processor, the non-transitory memory, and the storage; 'program the processor with a preferred hearing range, the preferred hearing range being a frequency range of sound corresponding to a hearing capacity of a patient;', 'the non-transitory memory accessible to the processor, the non-transitory memory including first processor-executable instructions that, when executed, by the processor cause the system to receive an input analog signal from the microphone,', 'convert the input analog signal to a digital signal,', 'transform through compression the digital signal into a processed digital signal having the preferred hearing range,', 'convert the processed digital signal to an output analog signal, and', 'drive the output analog signal to the speaker., 'the non-transitory memory accessible to the processor, the non-transitory memory including second processor-executable instructions that, when executed, by the processor cause the system to2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the preferred ...

HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD OF HEARING DEVICE COMMUNICATION

A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; a memory unit; and an interface; wherein the processing unit is configured to: receive a connection request for a session via the interface; obtain a session identifier; transmit, via the interface, a connection response comprising a hearing device identifier and the session identifier; receive, via the interface, an authentication message comprising an authentication key identifier and client device data; select a hearing device key from a plurality of hearing device keys in the memory unit based on the authentication key identifier; and verify the client device data based on the selected hearing device key. 1. A hearing device comprising:a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device;a memory unit; andan interface; receive a connection request for a session via the interface;', 'obtain a session identifier;', 'transmit, via the interface, a connection response comprising a hearing device identifier and the session identifier;', 'receive, via the interface, an authentication message comprising an authentication key identifier and client device data;', 'select a hearing device key from a plurality of hearing device keys in the memory unit based on the authentication key identifier; and', 'verify the client device data based on the selected hearing device key., 'wherein the processing unit is configured to2. The hearing device of claim 1 , wherein the session identifier is for a session claim 1 , and wherein the processing unit is configured to terminate the session if a verification of the client device data fails.3. The hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication message comprises an authentication type identifier claim 1 , and wherein the processing unit is configured to select the hearing device key from the plurality of hearing device keys based on the authentication type ...

External ear insert for hearing enhancement

A hearing enhancement device using wave amplification in the outer ear cavities of a user and transducer placement to provide frequency based enhancement of speech and music sounds without blocking the user's auditory canal.

HEARING AID WITH INCREASED ACOUSTIC BANDWIDTH

A hearing aid () includes a signal processor producing signals that have been processed to compensate for a hearing impairment, a first output converter (), a second output converter (), a first acoustic output transducer () and at least a second output transducer (). The first output converter () and the first output transducer () are configured to reproduce the high frequencies of the processed signals, and the second output converter () and the second output transducer () are configured to reproduce the low frequencies of the processed signals. The output converters () may preferably be embodied as direct digital drive output converters. The processed signals are split between the first and second output converters according to a cross-over frequency tunable by programming. 1. A hearing aid comprising:a digital signal processor configured to process a digital signal according to a prescription scheme in order to alleviate a hearing loss, and to output processed signals to:a first digital output stage having a first acoustic output transducer for reproducing low frequencies of the processed signals, anda second digital output stage having a second acoustic output transducer for reproducing high frequencies of the processed signals;wherein the signal processor has a frequency selection component operable on the processed signals to split the processed signals according to a cross-over frequency into the first and the second digital output stage; andwherein the cross-over frequency is set by programming.2. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second acoustic output transducers make up parts of the respective first and second digital output stages and are essentially driven as class D digital output amplifiers.3. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the first and the second acoustic output transducers are embodied as a single physical unit.4. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the cross-over frequency is selected to match ...

HEARING DEVICE WITH MODEL CONTROL AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

A hearing device includes: a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; and a memory unit; wherein the memory unit has stored therein: a hearing device identifier, and model data comprising model information data indicative of available models for the hearing device, the model information data comprising first model information and a signature; and wherein the processing unit is configured to: verify the model data, and proceed to a model update mode if verification of the model data fails. 1. A hearing device comprising:a processing unit configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user of the hearing device; anda memory unit; a hearing device identifier, and', 'model data comprising model information data indicative of available models for the hearing device, the model information data comprising first model information and a signature; and, 'wherein the memory unit has stored therein verify the model data, and', 'proceed to a model update mode if verification of the model data fails., 'wherein the processing unit is configured to2. The hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit is configured to verify the model data by verifying the signature of the model information data.3. The hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the model data comprises a model name and/or a model identifier claim 1 , and wherein the processing unit is configured to verify the model data based on the model name and/or the model identifier.4. The hearing device according to claim 3 , wherein the processing unit is configured to verify the model data by determining if a verification criterion based on the hearing device identifier claim 3 , the model name claim 3 , and the model identifier is fulfilled claim 3 , and wherein verification fails if the verification criterion is not met.5. The hearing device according to claim 3 , wherein the processing unit is configured to verify the model data by performing a check ...

Method for Processing an Acoustic Speech Input Signal and Audio Processing Device

The invention relates to a method for processing an acoustic input signal, preferably a speech signal, said method comprising the following steps: a) receiving a digital representation (S) of an acoustic input signal, b) calculating at least one statistical parameter (P) of the digital representation (S) of the acoustic input signal, c) calculating a compression ratio function (CR) based—on a prescribed constant compression ratio (CR), said prescribed constant compression ratio (CR) uniformly mapping acoustic input signals of a selected magnitude to acoustic output signals of a selected magnitude, and—on at least one statistical parameter (P) calculated in step b), and d) applying the non-uniform compression ratio function (CR) according to step c) on the digital representation (S) of the acoustic input signal delivering a digital representation (S) of an enhanced acoustic output signal. 1. A method for processing an acoustic input signal , the method comprising:a) receiving a digital representation of an acoustic input signal,b) calculating at least one statistical parameter of the digital representation of the acoustic input signal, on a prescribed constant compression ratio, where the prescribed constant compression ratio uniformly maps acoustic input signals of a selected magnitude to acoustic output signals of a selected magnitude, and', 'on at least one statistical parameter calculated in step b),, 'c) calculating a compression ratio function based'}wherein the compression ratio function deviates from the prescribed constant compression ratio by including a non-uniform mapping of acoustic input signals of a selected magnitude to acoustic output signals of a selected magnitude, wherein the non-uniformity of the mapping procedure is determined based on at least one statistical parameter calculated according to step b), andd) applying the non-uniform compression ratio function according to step c) on the digital representation of the acoustic input signal to ...

Hearing Aid and Method for Use of Same

A hearing aid and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hearing includes a body that at least partially conforms to the contours of an external ear and is sized to engage therewith. Various electronic components are contained within the body, including an electronic signal processor that is programmed with a respective left ear qualified sound range and a right ear qualified sound range. Each of the left ear qualified sound range and the right ear qualified sound range may be a range of sound corresponding to a preferred hearing range of an ear of the patient modified with a subjective assessment of sound quality according to the patient. Sound received at the hearing aid is converted to the qualified sound range prior to output. 1. A hearing aid for a patient , the hearing aid comprising:a left and a right body connected by a band member;each of the left and the right bodies at least partially conforming to contours of an external ear and sized to engage therewith;each of the left and right bodies including an electronic signal processor, a microphone, and a speaker housed therein, a signaling architecture communicatively interconnecting the microphone to the electronic signal processor and the electronic signal processor to the speaker;each of the electronic signal processors being programmed with a respective left ear qualified sound range and a right ear qualified sound range, each of the left ear qualified sound range and the right ear qualified sound range being a range of sound corresponding to a preferred hearing range of an ear of the patient modified with a subjective assessment of sound quality according to the patient; and receive an input analog signal from the microphone,', 'convert the input analog signal to a digital signal,', 'transform the digital signal into a processed digital signal having the qualified sound range,', 'in a dominant sound mode of operation, identify a loudest sound in the processed digital signal and ...

METHOD FOR DETECTING TONAL SIGNALS, A METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEARING DEVICE BASED ON DETECTING TONAL SIGNALS AND A HEARING DEVICE WITH A FEEDBACK CANCELLER USING A TONAL SIGNAL DETECTOR

The present invention proposes a method for providing at least one indication regarding whether an input signal contains a tonal signal component. The proposed method comprises decomposing the input signal into a plurality of band-limited input signals and then for each of one or more of the plurality of band-limited input signals performing the following step: estimating parameters of a parametric tonal signal model adapted to model and predict a tonal-only signal component of a selected one of the one or more of the plurality of band-limited input signals; synthesizing based on the estimated parameters a corresponding predicted band-limited input signal; and determining a measure of mismatch between the selected band-limited input signal and the corresponding predicted band-limited input signal. Subsequently, the at least one indication is provided based on the measure of mismatch determined for at least one of the one or more of the plurality of band-limited input signals. Furthermore, a method for operating a hearing device is proposed, which employs such a method for detecting tonal signals, and a hearing device with a feedback canceller is presented, which relies on a tonal signal detector in order to improve feedback cancelling. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the parametric tonal signal model is adapted to model the tonal-only signal component consisting of a predefined number of sinusoids.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the parameters of the parametric tonal signal model are estimated by means of linear prediction coefficients constrained such that a one-to-one relationship exists between the parameters of the parametric tonal signal model and the linear prediction coefficients.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the measure of mismatch is given by an error-to-signal energy ratio claim 2 , such as a ratio of a squared magnitude of a difference between the selected band-limited input signal and the corresponding predicted band-limited input signal and a ...

AUTOMATED SCANNING FOR HEARING AID PARAMETERS

A hearing aid system is provided that facilitates adjustment of signal processing parameters θ of the hearing aid system with minimum user intervention, wherein the hearing aid system is capable of calculating signal processing parameters θ for evaluation of the user when the user has entered an input, e.g. using a smartwatch, to this effect. The evaluation takes place for a certain time period and in the event that the user has entered a consent input indicating that he or she is pleased with the set θ of signal processing parameters under evaluation, the hearing aid system continues processing with those signal processing parameters; and if the user is not pleased with the signal processing parameters θ under evaluation, the hearing aid system calculates another set {circumflex over (θ)} of signal processing parameters for evaluation of the user. 1. A hearing aid system comprising: a first microphone for provision of a first audio signal in response to sound signals received at the first microphone from a sound environment,', 'a first hearing loss signal processor that is configured to process the first audio signal in accordance with a signal processing algorithm to generate a first hearing loss compensated audio signal for compensation of a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid system, wherein the signal processing algorithm F is configured to apply a first set of signal processing parameters,', 'a first output transducer for providing a first output signal to a user of the hearing aid system based on the first hearing loss compensated audio signal, and', 'a first interface configured for data communication with one or more other device(s);, 'a first hearing aid with'}a user interface; and calculating a second set of signal processing parameters comprising alternate value(s) for one or more of the signal processing parameters in the first set, and', 'controlling the first hearing loss signal processor to process the first audio signal with the signal ...

AUGMENTED ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS SYSTEM

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for an augmented environmental awareness system to present new and important sounds to a user in an enhanced auditory experience. In one aspect, a method includes detecting a new sound that was not present in a current auditory environment before the detection, adjusting electrical input signals that are determined to be characteristic of the new sound to generated adjusted electrical signals, generating electrical output signals from the adjusted electrical signals and from the electrical input signals that are not determined to be characteristic of the new sounds, and providing the electrical output signals to audio output transducers. 1. A system , comprising:audio output transducers that transduce electrical output signals into acoustic sounds; and detecting, based on the electrical input signals generated from audio input signals generated by transducers and data describing a current auditory environment, a new sound in the current auditory environment that was not present in the current auditory environment before the detection;', determining, based on the electrical input signals and data describing the current auditory environment, a classification of the new sound detected in the current auditory environment;', 'assigning, an importance to the new sound relative to the current auditory environment based on the classification of the new sound and the data describing the current auditory environment; and', 'adjusting the electrical input signals determined to be characteristic of the new sound relative to electrical input signals that are not determined to be characteristic of the new sound in the current auditory environment based on the assigned importance;, 'adjusting electrical input signals that are determined to be characteristic of the new sound to generate adjusted electrical signals, wherein an adjustment to the electrical input signals determined to be ...

BINAURAL HEARING AID AND METHOD OF REDUCING NOISE GENERATED BY TOUCHING HEARING AID

A method of reducing a noise generated by touching a hearing aid includes: obtaining a left ear sound received by a left ear hearing aid and a right ear sound received by a right ear hearing aid; determining if a sound energy intensity difference between the left ear sound and the right ear sound is greater than an energy threshold; if so, determining a larger energy intensity between the left ear sound and the right ear sound; if the energy intensity of the left ear sound is larger, replacing the left ear sound with the right ear sound such that the left and right ear hearing aids both output the right ear sound. 1. A method of reducing noise generated by touching hearing aid , applied to a binaural hearing aid , for reducing a noise caused by an external object which is directly touching the left ear hearing aid or the right ear hearing aid , wherein the binaural hearing aid comprises a left ear hearing aid and a right ear hearing aid , the method of reducing noise generated by touching hearing aid comprising:obtaining a left ear sound received by the left ear hearing aid, and obtaining a right ear sound received by the right ear hearing aid;determining if a sound energy intensity difference between the left ear sound and the right ear sound is greater than an energy threshold;if the sound energy intensity difference is greater than the energy threshold, determining a larger energy intensity between the left ear sound and the right ear sound;if the left ear sound has the larger energy intensity than the right ear sound because the external object is directly touching the left ear hearing aid to cause the noise, replacing the left ear sound with the right ear sound such that the left ear hearing aid and the right ear hearing aid both output the right ear sound; andif the right ear sound has the larger energy intensity than the left ear sound because the external object is directly touching the right ear hearing aid to cause the noise, replacing the right ear sound ...

BINAURAL HEARING DEVICE SYSTEM WITH BINAURAL ACTIVE OCCLUSION CANCELLATION

A binaural hearing system includes a first hearing device and a second hearing device, each of which comprising: an input transducer; a transducer audio signal processor configured to provide a processed input transducer audio signal; an ear canal microphone; an ear canal audio signal processor configured to provide a processed ear canal audio signal; a first signal combiner configured to combine the processed input transducer audio signal with the processed ear canal audio signal to obtain an output transducer audio signal; a signal level detector configured to determine a signal level of (1) the output transducer audio signal or (2) an audio signal included in formation of the output transducer audio signal; and an output transducer; wherein the binaural hearing system further comprises a binaural excessive level detector connected to the first hearing device's signal level detector and the second hearing device's signal level detector. 1. A binaural hearing system comprising a first hearing device and a second hearing device , each of which comprises:an input transducer for provision of an input transducer audio signal; an ear canal microphone for provision of an ear canal microphone audio signal based on sound received inside the ear canal of a user wearing the binaural hearing device;', 'an ear canal audio signal processor configured to process the ear canal microphone audio signal into a processed ear canal audio signal;', 'a first signal combiner configured to combine the processed input transducer audio signal with the processed ear canal audio signal to obtain an output transducer audio signal;', 'a signal level detector configured to determine a signal level of (1) the output transducer audio signal or (2) an audio signal included in formation of the output transducer audio signal, wherein the signal level detector is configured to provide an output signal based on the determined signal level; and', 'an output transducer configured to provide an acoustic ...

SINGLE CHANNEL COCHLEAR IMPLANT ARTIFACT ATTENUATION IN LATE AUDITORY EVOKED POTENTIALS

Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods and systems for attenuating artifacts in single channel cochlear implants. Both high and low frequency artifacts can be attenuating using embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems. In some embodiments, low-pass filters, impedance balancing, and DC artifact estimation can be used, alone or in combination, to attenuate or completely remove artifacts in single channel cochlear implants. 1. A single channel artifact cancelation method , the method comprising:recording a single channel neural response signal from a patient using at least one electrode, wherein the neural response signal comprises at least one high frequency artifact, at least one low frequency artifact, and an attenuated neural response signal;attenuating the high frequency artifact by passing the recorded signal through a low-pass filter; andattenuating the low frequency artifact by balancing impedance in the at least one electrode;wherein, if the low frequency artifact remains after balancing impedance in the at least one electrode, further attenuating the low frequency artifact by estimating the low frequency artifact and subtracting the estimate from the recorded signal; andwherein the attenuated neural response signal is obtained after the attenuations.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attenuated neural response signal is obtained by using the equation:{'br': None, 'i': NR', 't', 't', 'DCA', 't, 'sub': f', 'est, '()≈SIG()−()'}{'sub': f', 'est, 'wherein t is time, NR(t) is the attenuated neural response signal, SIG(t) is the recorded signal, and DCA(t) is the estimated low frequency artifact.'}3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the artifacts are completely removed after the method is performed.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the neural response signal is represented by the equation:{'br': None, 'i': t', 'NR', 't', 'HFA', 't', 'DCA', 't, 'SIG()=()+()+()'}wherein t is time, SIG(t) is the recorded signal, NR(t) is the attenuated neural response ...

Selectively conditioning audio signals based on an audioprint of an object

A hearing aid system for selectively conditioning audio signals associated with a recognized object may include at least one processor. The processor may be programmed to receive audio signals acquired by a wearable microphone; analyze the received audio signals to obtain an isolated audio stream associated with a sound-emanating object in the environment of the user; determine an audioprint from the isolated audio stream; and use the audioprint to retrieve from a database information relating to the particular sound-emanating object. Based on the retrieved information, the processor may cause selective conditioning of at least one audio signal received by the wearable microphone from a region associated with the at least one sound-emanating object; and cause transmission of the at least one conditioned audio signal to a hearing interface device configured to provide sounds to an ear of the user. 1253-. (canceled)254. A hearing aid system for selectively conditioning audio signals associated with a recognized object , the hearing aid system comprising: receive audio signals acquired by a wearable microphone, wherein the audio signals are representative of sounds emanating from objects in an environment of a user;', 'analyze the received audio signals to obtain an isolated audio stream associated with a sound-emanating object in the environment of the user;', 'determine an audioprint from the isolated audio stream;', 'use the audioprint to retrieve from a database information relating to the particular sound-emanating object;', 'based on the retrieved information, cause selective conditioning of at least one audio signal received by the wearable microphone from a region associated with the at least one sound-emanating object; and', 'cause transmission of the at least one conditioned audio signal to a hearing interface device configured to provide sounds to an ear of the user., 'at least one processor programmed to255. The hearing aid system of claim 254 , wherein the ...

METHOD, HEARING SYSTEM AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR IDENTIFYING AN INTERFERENCE EFFECT

A method is specified for identifying an interference effect. The hearing system includes a hearing device, which is worn by a user for sound output to the user. The hearing system is configured to recurrently receive a report from the user such that an interference effect is present in the sound output. If the user reports an interference effect in a present situation, multiple features of the present situation are ascertained and stored as a feature set. An identification unit compares multiple stored feature sets to one another and ascertains those features which correspond in the multiple feature sets and which are then assumed as characteristic features of the interference effect, so that the identification unit identifies the interference effect on the basis of the characteristic features. 1. A method for identifying an interference effect , which comprises the steps of:providing a hearing system having a hearing device, the hearing device being worn by a user for outputting sound to the user, wherein the hearing system being configured to recurrently receive a report from the user when the interference effect is present in the sound output;ascertaining and storing multiple features of a present situation as a feature set, if the user reports the interference effect in the present situation; andcomparing, via an identification unit, multiple stored feature sets to one another and ascertaining the features which correspond in the multiple feature sets and which are then assumed as characteristic features of the interference effect, so that the identification unit identifies the interference effect on a basis of the characteristic features.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the identification unit is pretrained using previously known associations of the interference effects with the characteristic features.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:the identification unit is pretrained using training data, which contain real training data and ...

Restricting Hearing Device Adjustments Based on Modifier Effectiveness

A method for fitting a hearing device comprises: receiving an audio signal in the hearing device; providing a user interface for inputting at least one modifier value into the fitting device, the modifier value indicating, how a sound property of the audio signal should be modified by the hearing device; processing the audio signal with a sound processor of the hearing device in dependence of the at least one modifier value, thus providing a processed audio signal; outputting the processed audio signal to a user of the hearing device; determining an modifier effectiveness value based on the audio signal, the modifier effectiveness value indicating how much a change of the at least one modifier value results in a perceptible change of the processed audio signal output to the user; and restricting the inputting of the at least modifier value in dependence of the modifier effectiveness value. 1. A method for fitting a hearing device with a fitting device , the method comprising:receiving an audio signal in the hearing device;providing a user interface for inputting at least one modifier value into the fitting device, the modifier value indicating, how a sound property of the audio signal should be modified by the hearing device;processing the audio signal with a sound processor of the hearing device in dependence of the at least one modifier value, thus providing a processed audio signal;outputting the processed audio signal to a user of the hearing device;determining an modifier effectiveness value based on the audio signal, the modifier effectiveness value indicating how much a change of the at least one modifier value results in a perceptible change of the processed audio signal output to the user;restricting the inputting of the at least modifier value in dependence of the modifier effectiveness value.2. The method of claim 1 ,wherein the user interface is configured, such that solely a modifier value selected from a predefined set or a predefined set of modifier ...

HEARING AID AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HEARING AID

A hearing aid and a method of controlling a hearing aid are provided. The hearing aid includes a sensor configured to obtain sensor data corresponding to a user movement, a pattern identifying unit configured to identify a pattern in the sensor data, and a control unit configured to determine whether a pattern identifier is present in the pattern of the sensor data and to control operation of the hearing aid. 1. A hearing aid comprising:a sensor configured to obtain sensor data corresponding to a user movement;a pattern identifying unit configured to identify a pattern in the sensor data; anda control unit configured to determine whether a pattern identifier is present or absent in the pattern of the sensor data and to control the hearing aid.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , in response to a determination that a pattern identifier is present in the pattern of the sensor data claim 1 , the control unit is configured to initiate an operation of the hearing aid that corresponds to the pattern identifier.3. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the control unit is configured to confirm whether to perform the operation of the hearing aid that corresponds to the pattern identifier based on an input of another user movement.4. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the operation of the hearing aid comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: mode change claim 2 , full band gain control claim 2 , gain control per frequency band claim 2 , binaural hearing control claim 2 , directivity control claim 2 , connection control with other device claim 2 , and parameter setting.5. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to activate the sensor to obtain the sensor data in response to receiving a user input through an interface.6. The hearing aid of claim 5 , wherein the user input comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a button press claim 5 , a touch input claim 5 , and a sound input.7. The hearing aid ...

HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING HEARING SITUATIONS HAVING DIFFERENT SIGNAL SOURCES

A hearing aid has an acoustoelectric transducer, a pickup device for picking up an electrical or electromagnetic signal and converting it into an electrical signal. The hearing aid further has a signal processing device, an electromechanical transducer for outputting an acoustic signal, and a signal estimation device. The signal estimation device determines a correlation between signals of the acoustoelectric transducer and of the pickup device. The signal processing device adjusts a mixing ratio of the signals in the output signal depending on the correlation. 1. A hearing aid , comprising:an acoustoelectric transducer for converting an acoustic signal into a first electrical signal;a pickup device for picking up an electrical or electromagnetic signal and converting the electrical or electromagnetic signal into a second electrical signal;a signal estimation device connected in signal communication with said acoustoelectric transducer and said pickup device;a signal processing device connected in signal communication with said acoustoelectric transducer, with said pickup device and with said signal estimation device, said signal processing device being configured to receive the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal and to process the first and second electrical signals into a third electrical signal;an electromechanical transducer connected in signal communication with said signal processing device and configured to convert the third electrical signal into an acoustic signal and to output the acoustic signal;wherein said signal estimation device is configured to determine a correlation between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal and to communicate the correlation to said signal processing device, and said signal processing device is configured to adjust a proportion of the first electrical signal and of the second electrical signal in the third electrical signal depending on the correlation; andwherein said signal ...

DYNAMIC VIRTUAL HEARING MODELLING

Presented herein are techniques for generating, updating, and/or using a virtual hearing model associated with a recipient of an auditory prosthesis. The virtual hearing model is generated and updated for the recipient based on psychoacoustics data associated with the recipient and, in certain cases, based on psychoacoustics data gathered from one or more selected populations of auditory prosthesis recipients. The recipient-specific virtual hearing model can be used, in real-time, to determine one or more settings for the auditory prosthesis. 1. A method , comprising:at a computing system:receiving, from an auditory prosthesis configured to be worn by a recipient, a request for updated sound processing settings, wherein the request includes listening situation data representing an expected listening situation for the auditory prosthesis;determining, based on a recipient-specific virtual hearing model accounting for how the auditory prosthesis operates and aids a perception of the recipient, selected sound processing settings for use by the auditory prosthesis in the expected listening situation; andsending the selected sound processing settings to the auditory prosthesis.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recipient-specific virtual hearing model is a holistic model of an auditory system of the recipient accounting for claim 1 , in a bilateral manner claim 1 , operation of each of the outer ears claim 1 , middle ears claim 1 , and inner ear systems of the recipient claim 1 , as well as the hearing cognition in auditory cortex and brain of the recipient claim 1 , and how the auditory prosthesis operates and aids the perception of the recipient.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the selected sound processing settings for use by the auditory prosthesis in the expected listening situation comprises:iteratively performing simulations for the recipient-specific virtual hearing model in at least one virtual listening situation matching the expected listening ...

Individualized rehabilitation training of a hearing prosthesis recipient

Presented herein are techniques for increasing the user experience of implantable hearing prostheses through improvements in post-implantation clinical care.

METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEARING DEVICE SYSTEM, HEARING DEVICE SYSTEM, HEARING DEVICE AND DATABASE SYSTEM

A method operates a hearing device system that contains a hearing device and a database system, which is separate from the hearing device and is set up for communication with the hearing device. The method includes ascertaining a piece of location information for a current position of the hearing device and the location information is transmitted to the database. The database then ascertains whether an electronic device that is separate from the hearing device is situated at a prescribed physical distance from the hearing device. The presence of the separate electronic device within the prescribed physical distance is taken as a basis by the database system for creating for the hearing device a parameter set that contains a number of parameters pertaining to the signal processing of audible signals in the hearing device. This parameter set is used by the hearing device for the purpose of signal processing. 1. A method for operating a hearing device system having a hearing device and a database system being separate from the hearing device and set up for communication with the hearing device , which comprises the steps of:ascertaining a piece of location information for a current position of the hearing device;transmitting the location information to the database system;ascertaining via the database system if an electronic device that is separate from the hearing device is situated at a prescribed physical distance from the hearing device;creating for the hearing device a parameter set that contains a number of parameters for signal processing of audible signals in the hearing device if the database system detects a presence of the electronic device within the prescribed physical distance;transmitting via the database system the parameter set created to the hearing device; andusing the parameter set transmitted by the database system in the hearing device for the signal processing.2. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises during a creation of the ...

Method for selecting transmission direction in a binaural hearing aid

The disclosure relates to binaural hearing instruments and more particularly to reduction of processing time required in a binaural hearing aid system. According to the disclosure, there is provided a method comprising mono-directional transmission of data blocks comprising audio and/or information frames from one hearing instrument to the other hearing instrument or vice versa in a binaural hearing aid. According to the disclosure, the direction of transmission is determined by a quantity characterizing the presence of usable information content in the sound signal picked up by the hearing instruments of the binaural hearing aid. It is proposed to use one or more of local SNR, local voice activity detection indication, local level, local speech intelligibility estimate to determine the direction of transmission, although other quantities may be used.

METHOD FOR SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR A HEARING DEVICE, HEARING DEVICE, HEARING DEVICE SYSTEM, AND INTERFERENCE SOURCE TRANSMITTER FOR A HEARING DEVICE SYSTEM

In a method for signal processing in a hearing device, an acoustic noise signal is received by a microphone of the hearing device and processed by a signal processing unit of the hearing device for output to a hearing device user. An electromagnetic information signal is received by a receiving unit of the hearing device. From this information signal, a piece of information about an acoustic interference signal which is contained in the acoustic noise signal is derived. This piece of information is taken into account during the processing of the acoustic noise signal for reducing the acoustic interference signal. 1. A method for signal processing for a hearing device , which comprises the steps of:receiving an acoustic noise signal by a microphone;processing the acoustic noise signal for output to a hearing device user by a signal processing unit;receiving an electromagnetic information signal by a receiving unit;deriving a piece of information about an acoustic interference signal being contained in the acoustic noise signal from the electromagnetic information signal; andderiving an additional piece of information from the electromagnetic information signal, which relates to a source of the acoustic interference signal, the piece of information about the acoustic interference signal and the additional piece of information which relates to the source of the acoustic interference signal are taken into account during the processing of the acoustic noise signal for reducing the acoustic interference signal.2. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises deriving an acoustic sound profile from the electromagnetic information signal as the piece of information about the acoustic interference signal.3. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises attenuating the acoustic interference signal for purposes of reduction.4. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises blanking out the acoustic interference signal for purposes of ...

HEARING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM COMPRISING AN EEG-RECORDING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM

A hearing assistance system comprises an input unit for providing electric input sound signals u, each representing sound signals Ufrom a multitude nof sound sources S, an electroencephalography (EEG) system for recording activity of the auditory system of the user's brain and providing a multitude nof EEG signals y, and a source selection processing unit receiving said electric input sound signals uand said EEG signals y, and in dependence thereof configured to provide a source selection signal Ŝindicative of the sound source Sthat the user currently pays attention to using a selective algorithm that determines a sparse model to select the most relevant EEG electrodes and time intervals based on minimizing a cost function measuring the correlation between the individual sound sources and the EEG signals, and to determine the source selection signal Ŝbased on the cost functions obtained for said multitude of sound sources. 2. A hearing assistance system according to wherein the source selection processing unit is configured to use a stimuli reconstruction (SR) method for estimating the FIR inverse model from EEG signal to sound source.3. A hearing assistance system according to wherein the source selection processing unit is configured to use a sparse model for modeling the finite impulse response (FIR) filter from each sound source to each EEG channel.4. A hearing assistance system according to wherein the source selection processing unit is configured to use the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) methodology to reformulate the optimization problem into another one with different B vectors in the cost function.6. A hearing assistance system according to wherein said input unit comprises a sound source separation unit for providing said electric input sound signals ufrom one or more electric input sound signals representative of a mixture of said sound signals U.7. A hearing assistance system according to configured to provide an estimate ûof the ...

HEARING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM

There is provided a hearing assistance system, comprising an audio streaming device, a first hearing device for stimulating a first ear of a user, and a second hearing device for stimulating a second ear of the user, the audio streaming device comprising an audio input interface for receiving an input stereo audio signal, a unit for analyzing the input stereo audio signal in order to determine at least one azimuthal localization cue by comparing the two channels of the stereo signal, a unit for processing the input stereo audio signal in order to produce an output stereo audio signal, and a unit for supplying one channel of the output stereo audio signal to the first hearing device and for supplying the other channel of the output stereo audio signal to the second hearing device. 1. A hearing assistance system , comprising:an audio streaming device, a first hearing device for stimulating a first ear of a user, and a second hearing device for stimulating a second ear of the user, an audio input interface for receiving an input stereo audio signal,', 'a unit for analyzing the input stereo audio signal in order to determine at least one azimuthal localization cue by comparing the two channels of the stereo signal,', 'a unit for processing the input stereo audio signal in order to produce an output stereo audio signal, and', 'a unit for supplying one channel of the output stereo audio signal to the first hearing device and for supplying the other channel of the output stereo audio signal to the second hearing device,, 'the audio streaming device comprising'}wherein the processing unit is adapted to process the input stereo audio signal, based on the determined at least one azimuthal localization cue, in a manner so as to enhance a stereo effect perceived by the user of the hearing devices when stimulated by the output stereo signal, compared to stimulation by the input stereo signal.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first hearing device and the ...

FEEDBACK PATH EVALUATION IMPLEMENTED WITH LIMTED SIGNAL PROCESSING

A method, including operating an adaptive system of a hearing prosthesis, and determining one or more feedback path parameters of the hearing prosthesis based on the operation of the adaptive system of the hearing prosthesis. 1. A method , comprising:operating an adaptive system of a hearing prosthesis; anddetermining one or more feedback path parameters of the hearing prosthesis based on the operation of the adaptive system of the hearing prosthesis,wherein the action of determining one or more feedback path parameters includes determining the one or more feedback path parameters based on data based on adaptive filter coefficients of adaptive filters of the adaptive system.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a feedback management system of the hearing prosthesis operates based on operation of the adaptive system.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the action of determining one or more feedback path parameters is repeated in an iterative manner.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:decreasing a gain margin of the hearing prosthesis based on the determined one or more feedback path parameters, whereinthe actions of determining one or more feedback path parameters and decreasing the gain margin are repeated in an iterative process until a gain margin results in no feedback being detected.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the action of determining one or more feedback path parameters is executed autonomously by the hearing prosthesis.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data based on the adaptive filter coefficients corresponds to one or more values of the filter coefficients.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data based on the adaptive filter coefficients corresponds to data based on a change in the adaptive filter coefficients from a previous value of one or more of the adaptive filter coefficients.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the action of determining one or more feedback path parameters includes determining the one or more feedback path ...

HEARING DEVICE WITH EAR MONITORING FUNCTION

According to an aspect, a hearing device adapted to be worn at an ear of a user for in-situ monitoring of a middle ear of the user is disclosed. The hearing device includes a receiver adapted to direct an incident electrical acoustic signal of a predetermined level and a predetermined frequency toward a tympanic membrane of the user; a measurement microphone adapted to covert a reflected sound signal that is reflected from the tympanic membrane in response to the incident electrical acoustic signal to a reflected electrical acoustic signal; a comparator adapted to calculate a level difference between the predetermined level and a reflected level of the reflected electrical acoustic signal; and a notification generator adapted to generate an indicator signal representative of status of the middle ear of the user if the level difference is equal or more than a predetermined threshold level. 1. A hearing device adapted to be worn at an ear of a user for in-situ monitoring of a middle ear of the user , the hearing device comprisinga receiver adapted to direct an incident electrical acoustic signal of a predetermined level and a predetermined frequency toward a tympanic membrane of the user;a measurement microphone adapted to covert a reflected sound signal, reflected from the tympanic membrane in response to the incident electrical acoustic signal, to a reflected electrical acoustic signal;a comparator adapted to calculate a level difference between the predetermined level and a reflected level of the reflected electrical acoustic signal; anda notification generator adapted to generate an indicator signal representative of status of the middle ear of the user if the level difference is equal or more than a predetermined threshold level.2. The hearing device according to claim 1 , further comprisinga memory adapted to store at least one predetermined threshold level for at least one incident electrical acoustic signal with each incident electrical acoustic signal of the ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE IN MULTIPLE-TALKER SETTINGS

Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for hearing assistance in multiple-talker settings. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of operating a hearing assistance device for a user in an environment. A parameter is sensed relating to facing orientation of a talker in communication within the environment. Parameters related to location and talking activity of a talker can also be used. In various embodiments, facing orientation, location, and talking activity of the talker are estimated based on the sensed parameter. A hearing assistance device parameter is adjusted based on the estimated facing orientation, location, and talking activity of the talker, according to various embodiments. 1. A method of operating a hearing assistance device for a user in an environment , the method comprising:sensing parameters related to facing orientation, location, and talking activity of a talker in communication within the environment;estimating facing orientation, location, and talking activity of the talker based on the sensed parameters; andadjusting a hearing assistance device parameter based on the estimated facing orientation, location, and talking activity of the talker.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein estimating facing orientation claim 1 , location claim 1 , and talking activity of the talker includes using acoustic information received at both ears of the user.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein using acoustic information includes using sound level information.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein using acoustic information includes using sound spectrum information.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein using acoustic information includes using interaural differences in arrival time.6. The method of claim 2 , wherein using acoustic information includes using direct-to-reverberant energy ratios.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensing and estimating include using an estimation device in wireless communication with the hearing ...

Signal processor for a hearing device and method for operating a hearing device

A signal processor for a hearing device with an implantable stimulator having two or more electrodes for emitting electric charge pulses to neural-fibres of an individual. The processor has a signal path comprising an input circuit adapted to receive an acoustic-signal from the surroundings and provide at least one corresponding input audio-signal; a filter bank adapted to provide at least one band-limited audio-signal in dependence on the at least one input audio-signal; and a noise filter adapted to attenuate undesired signal components in the at least one band-limited audio-signal and to provide at least one corresponding noise-filtered signal. The processor is characterised in that the portion of the signal path preceding the noise filter neither causes an effective level compression nor an effective level expansion of the at least one noise-filtered signal when the at least one noise-filtered signal is derived from an acoustic signal having a level within the comfortable acoustic range.

DIRECTION OF ARRIVAL ESTIMATION IN MINIATURE DEVICES USING A SOUND SENSOR ARRAY

A hearing device comprises a sound system for estimating the direction of arrival of sound emitted by one or more sound sources creating a sound field. The sound system comprises an array of N sound receiving transducers (microphones), each providing an electric input signal, a processing unit comprising a) a model unit comprising a parametric model configured to be able to describe the sound field at the array as a function of the direction of arrival in a region surrounding and adjacent to the array; b) a model optimizing unit configured to optimize said model with respect to its parameters based on said sound samples; c) a cost optimizing unit configured to minimize a cost function of the model with respect to said direction of arrivals; d) an estimating unit configured to estimate the direction of arrival based on said parametric model with the optimized parameters and the optimized cost function. 2. A hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein said array of sound sensitive sensors is or comprises an array of microphones configured to be worn by a user claim 1 , e.g. mounted on the head of a user.3. A hearing device according to wherein said array of sound sensitive sensors comprises microphones integrated on a chip claim 1 , or MEMS microphones.4. A hearing device according to wherein the number N of sound sensitive sensors is larger than 3 claim 1 , e.g. in the range from 3 to 10 or larger than 10 claim 1 , such as larger than 50.5. A hearing device according to configured to provide that the distance between adjacent sound sensitive sensors is smaller than 0.01 m claim 1 , e.g. smaller than or equal to 0.007 m.6. A hearing device according to comprising a beamformer filtering unit for providing a beamformed signal based on one or more beamformer input signals representing said surrounding sound field claim 1 , and configured to use said estimate the direction of arrival in the determination of the beamformed signal.7. A hearing device according to ...

System and Method for Aiding Hearing

A system and method for aiding hearing are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, a programming interface is configured to communicate with a device. The system screens, via a speaker and a user interface associated with the device, a left ear—and separately, a right ear—of a patient at an incrementally selected frequency between a frequency range of 50 Hz to 5,000 Hz, with detected frequencies being re-ranged tested to better identify the frequencies and decibel levels heard. A frequency range of 5,000 Hz to 10,000 Hz is then tested. The system then determines a left ear preferred hearing range and a right ear preferred hearing range. 1. A system for aiding hearing , the system comprising:a programming interface configured to communicate with a device, the device including a housing securing a speaker, a user interface, a processor, non-transitory memory, and storage therein, the device including a busing architecture communicatively interconnecting the speaker, the user interface, the processor, the memory, and the storage; screen, via the speaker and the user interface, a left ear of a patient at an incrementally selected frequency between a frequency range of 50 Hz to 5,000 Hz at a first increment at a decibel range of 10 db to 120 db, with detected frequencies being re-ranged tested at a second increment, the second increment being more discrete than the first increment;', 'screen, via the speaker and the user interface, the left ear of the patient at an incrementally selected frequency between a frequency range of 5,000 Hz to 10,000 Hz at a third increment at a decibel range of 10 dB to 120 dB, with detected frequencies to be re-range tested at a fourth increment, the fourth increment being more discrete than the third increment;', 'determine a left ear preferred hearing range, the left ear preferred hearing range being a range of sound corresponding to highest hearing capacity of the left ear of the patient between 50 Hz and 10,000 Hz;', 'screen, via the ...

NOISE REDUCTION METHOD AND SYSTEM

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for reducing noise induced in one or more components in a hearing aid. The present disclosure provides methods for reducing noise induced in telecoils. 1. A signal processing method for reducing noise induced in a component of a hearing aid , wherein the hearing aid comprises a battery , an active component powered by the battery , a noise sensitive component providing an output signal , and a processor powered by the battery , when the active component is operated so as to cause a power drain from the battery , the method comprising:initiating, upon detection of the active component transitioning from an inactive state to an active state, a noise reduction processing in the processor, which is performed on the output signal from the noise sensitive component, to reduce electromagnetic noise induced by the active component, by:obtaining a noise reduced signal by subtracting a scaled noise estimate b*N from a noisy signal S, based on the output signal, where the scaling factor b is given by E(SN*)/E(|N|{circumflex over ( )}2), where * denotes the complex conjugation and E( ) denotes the expectation.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the expectation is implemented in terms of a first order IIR filter.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the detection of the active component transitioning from an inactive state to an active state includes monitoring power drain or usage from the battery via the processor.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the processor determines claim 1 , based on the current power usage claim 1 , if the active component is in an active state or a non-active state.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the noise induced in the noise sensitive component is in the audible frequency range.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the noise sensitive component is at least one of: a telecoil claim 1 , a receiver or a microphone.7. The method according to claim 1 , ...

METHOD FOR DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR A HEARING AID AND HEARING SYSTEM

A method for directional signal processing for a hearing aid includes generating first and second input signals from an ambient sound signal using first and second input transducers of the hearing aid and forming first and second directional signals based on the input signals. The directional signals have relative attenuations in directions of first and second useful signal sources. First and second amplification parameters for amplification of first and second useful signals of the signal sources are ascertained. A reference directional characteristic is defined for a reference directional signal. Based on the amplification parameters as a function of the reference directional characteristic, corrected first and second amplification parameters are ascertained so that an output directional signal, formed as a sum of the directional signals weighted by using the corrected amplification parameters, merges into a linearly scaled reference directional signal, if the first and second amplification parameters are equal. 1. A method for directional signal processing for a hearing aid , the method comprising:generating a first input signal from a sound signal of the surroundings by using a first input transducer of the hearing aid;generating a second input signal from the sound signal of the surroundings by using a second input transducer of the hearing aid;forming each of a first directional signal and a second directional signal based on the first input signal and the second input signal;providing the second directional signal with a relative attenuation in a direction of a first useful signal source;providing the first directional signal with a relative attenuation in a direction of a second useful signal source;ascertaining a first amplification parameter for an amplification of a first useful signal of the first useful signal source and a second amplification parameter for an amplification of a second useful signal of the second useful signal source;defining a ...

AUDIO PROCESSING APPARATUS

An audio processing apparatus includes a preprocessor which extracts a voice-band signal from a first electric signal, and outputs a first output signal containing the voice-band signal; a first controller which generates a first amplification coefficient for multiplying with the first output signal to compress a dynamic range of an intensity of the first output signal, and generates a first modified amplification coefficient by smoothing the first amplification coefficient with a first time constant; and a first multiplier which multiplies the first modified amplification coefficient and the first output signal. The first time constant is a first rise time constant when the intensity increases, and is a first decay time constant when the intensity decreases. The first rise time constant is not less than a temporal resolution of hearing of a hearing-impaired person, and is less than a duration time of sound which induces recruitment in the hearing-impaired person. 1. An audio processing apparatus , comprising:a first microphone which converts a first sound to a first electric signal;a preprocessor which extracts a voice-band signal from the first electric signal, and outputs a first output signal containing the voice-band signal;a first controller which generates a first amplification coefficient to be multiplied with the first output signal to compress a dynamic range of an intensity of the first output signal, and generates a first modified amplification coefficient by smoothing the first amplification coefficient with a first time constant; anda first multiplier which multiplies the first modified amplification coefficient and the first output signal,wherein the first time constant is a first rise time constant in when the intensity of the first output signal increases, and is a first decay time constant when the intensify of the first output signal decreases, andthe first rise time constant is greater than or equal to a temporal resolution of a sense of hearing ...

PERSONALIZED CALIBRATION OF AN IN-EAR DEVICE

An in-ear device occludes an ear canal of an ear of a user. The in-ear device is configured to be calibrated such that the user perceives audio content as though the in-ear device is not occluding the ear canal. A transducer of the in-ear device presents audio content, and an inner microphone of the in-ear device detects sound pressure data within the ear canal. A controller of the in-ear device determines a blocked sound pressure at the entrance to the ear canal based on sound pressure data from an outer microphone. The controller generates sound filters custom to the user based in part on the detected sound pressure within the ear canal and the blocked sound pressure at the entrance to the ear canal. The controller adjusts audio content using the sound filter, and the transducer presents the adjusted audio content to the user. 1. A method comprising:presenting audio content via a transducer of an in-ear device, the in-ear device occluding an ear canal of an ear of a user;detecting sound pressure data within the ear canal via a microphone of the in-ear device;determining a blocked sound pressure at an entrance to the ear canal using sound pressure data from a microphone of the in-ear device that is configured to capture sound external to the ear;generating a sound filter customized to the user based in part on the detected sound pressure within the ear canal and the blocked sound pressure at the entrance to the ear canal, the sound filter configured to remove effects of the ear canal being occluded on presented audio content;adjusting audio content using the sound filter; andpresenting, via the transducer, the adjusted audio content to the user.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining a length of the ear canal based on the detected sound pressure within the ear canal;determining, based on the length of the ear canal, an open sound pressure at the entrance to the ear canal; anddetermining a transfer function characterizing a ratio of the blocked ...

METHOD FOR CHECKING THE FUNCTIONING AND/OR SEATING OF A HEARING AID

A method checks the functioning and/or seating of a hearing aid. A plurality of sounds is acoustically rendered into a hearing aid seated in an auditory canal according to a user-specific audiogram. A user-specific reaction with respect to the auditory perception of each acoustically rendered sound is detected, and the functioning and/or the seating of the hearing aid in the auditory canal are inferred on the basis of the user-specific reaction. 1. A method for checking a functioning and/or a seating of a hearing aid , which comprises the steps of:acoustically rendering a number of sounds into the hearing aid seated in an auditory canal according to a user-specific audiogram;detecting a user-specific reaction with respect to an auditory perception of each acoustically rendered sound; andinferring the functioning and/or the seating of the hearing aid in the auditory canal on a basis of the user-specific reaction.2. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises inferring a faulty functioning and/or a faulty seating of the hearing aid in the auditory canal on a basis of the user-specific reaction.3. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises detecting the user-specific reaction with respect to the auditory perception by means of a computer or a mobile communication device.4. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises automatically detecting the user-specific reaction with respect to the auditory perception.5. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises automatically inferring the functioning and/or the seating of the hearing aid in the auditory canal on a basis of the user-specific reaction.6. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises acoustically rendering a sequence of the sounds containing sounds having different frequencies into the hearing device.7. The method according to claim 1 , which further comprises acoustically rendering the sounds having different frequencies into the hearing device ...

Transducer management

A hearing prosthesis, including an actuator assembly, and a chassis supporting the actuator assembly, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to vibrate when an electrical current is applied to the actuator assembly such that a first apparatus of the actuator assembly vibrates relative to a second apparatus of the actuator assembly, the chassis is connected to the second apparatus, and the actuator assembly retains data related to an operational performance of the actuator assembly.

BAND-PASS FILTER

A band-pass filter is described comprising a first first-order filter stage comprising a first resistor characterised by a first impedance and connected to a first node, referred to as a filter input node, and, through a second node to a first reactive component connected to a third node, the first impedance being such that a first current therethrough is dependent on the difference between the voltages at the first and second nodes; and a second first-order filter stage comprising a second resistor characterised by a second impedance and connected to the second node, and, through a fourth node, to a second reactive component connected to a fifth node. The second impedance is such that a second current therethrough is dependent on the negative of the sum of the voltages at the second and fourth nodes. The band-pass filter further comprises summing means for summing the voltages at the second and fourth nodes to output a voltage at a sixth node. 1. A band-pass filter comprising:a first first-order filter stage comprising a first resistor characterised by a first impedance and connected to a first node, referred to as a filter input node, and, through a second node, to a first reactive component connected to a third node, the first impedance being such that a first current therethrough is dependent on the difference between the voltages at the first and second nodes when the first current flows from the first node to the second node;a second first-order filter stage comprising a second resistor characterised by a second impedance and connected to the second node, and, through a fourth node, to a second reactive component connected to a fifth node, the second impedance being such that a second current therethrough is dependent on the negative of the sum of the voltages at the second and fourth nodes when the second current flows from the second node to the fourth node; anda summing element for summing the voltages at the second and fourth nodes to output a voltage at a ...

METHOD FOR OPERATING A HEARING DEVICE AND HEARING DEVICE FOR DETECTING OWN VOICE BASED ON AN INDIVIDUAL THRESHOLD VALUE

A method operates a hearing aid where a sound is recorded by a microphone. The sound is analyzed with respect to the correspondence thereof with the own voice of the hearing aid wearer and a characteristic value is produced, which indicates how strongly the sound corresponds with the own voice. The own voice is a sound type. The characteristic value is compared with a threshold value and, depending on whether the characteristic value lies above or below the threshold value, the sound is identified as the own voice. Depending on whether the sound has been identified as the own voice, the hearing aid is switched among a plurality operating modes. The method is characterized in that the threshold value is set in accordance with the user. Thus, an improved own-voice identification recognizer is formed, which distinguishes the own voice of the hearing aid wearer from another sound type. 1. A method for operating a hearing device , which comprises the steps of:recording a sound by means of a microphone;analyzing the sound with regard to its similarity with a hearing device wearer's own voice;generating a feature value that indicates an extent to which the sound is similar to the hearing device wearer's own voice, the hearing device wearer's own voice is a sound type;comparing the feature value with a threshold value, the threshold value is determined user-dependently and is set as an individual threshold value by determining the threshold value via a calibration procedure wherein the hearing device wearer's own voice is recorded and a plurality of individual feature values are generated, and finally the individual threshold value is set based on the individual feature values;detecting the sound as the hearing device wearer's own-voice depending on whether the feature value is above or below the threshold value; andswitching the hearing device between a plurality of operating modes depending on whether the sound was recognized as the hearing device wearer's own voice.2. ...

Hearing aid having a classifier for classifying auditory environments and sharing settings

A hearing system includes a hearing aid and a personal communication device connected via a short range data communication link. The hearing aid has a signal processor processing an input signal according to audio processing parameters, a sub-system applying respective sets of processing parameters for at least two modes, a classifier component analyzing the auditory environment statistically by comparing specific characteristics of the input signal to one or more thresholds. A program selector component selects automatically an appropriate mode for the signal processing sub-system according to the classifier output. The personal communication device offers the user a user interface for controlling and interacting with the program selector component of the hearing aid, and for generating and transmitting a notification to the hearing aid. Upon reception of the notification, the processor at least one of said one or more thresholds used by the classifier component.

HEARING AID FITTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING SOUND SEGMENTS REPRESENTING RELEVANT SOUNDSCAPE

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. 1. A method of hearing aid fitting for a consumer , the method comprising:delivering a sequence of test audio signals at a predetermined level from a fitting system to an input of a programmable hearing aid in-situ, wherein the test audio signals correspond to multiple test sound segments within a fitting soundscape selected within the audible range of normal human hearing;presenting output from the programmable hearing aid in-situ to the consumer's ear for audibility by the consumer, wherein the output results from the test audio signals according to fitting parameters programmed into the programmable hearing aid; andadjusting one or more of the fitting parameters in-situ by delivering a programming signal from the fitting system, wherein the adjustment is based on a consumer's perceptual assessment of the output of the programmable hearing aid in-situ, wherein the test audio signals comprise representations of a relatively loud level sound, a relatively soft level sound, a ...

SMARTPHONE-BASED HEARING AID

The present invention relates to a smartphone-based hearing aid which does not employ a separate power supply or digital signal processing device and instead has an analogue interface unit, configured with a single integrated circuit chip, connected between a plurality of microphones and a smartphone, thereby realizing a compact size, reducing the cost and enhancing the audio performance. Instead of employing a digital signal processing chip which is essentially used in the existing hearing aids or personal sound amplifiers, the smartphone-based hearing aid according to the present invention utilizes components such as a smartphone-embedded application processor (AP), RAM, digital-analogue converter, speaker and display and is therefore affordable. In particular, if a CPU and a GPU which are embedded in the application processor of the smartphone are utilized, digital signal processing necessary for the operation of the hearing aid can be performed within a short time of milliseconds (ms) just by using software. 1. A smartphone-based hearing aid , comprising:a microphone array configured with a plurality of microphones for converting a received sound signal into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal;an analog interface unit having a function for receiving a plurality of analog signals output by the microphone array, amplifying the analog signals, converting the amplified analog signals into respective digital signals, and outputting the digital signals to a smartphone and selectively having a function for converting a digital signal, received from the smartphone, into an analog signal and outputting the analog signal to a speaker;the smartphone performing signal processing necessary for a hearing aid operation on the digital signal received from the analog interface unit and outputting the signal-processed digital signal to the analog interface unit or converting the signal-processed digital signal into the analog signal and outputting the analog ...

HEARING AID AND HEARING AID DUAL USE DONGLE

A power dongle for a hearing aid includes conductive wires, each wire having a computing device end and a hearing aid end. A first connector is connected to the computing device end of each of the plurality of conductive wires to releasbly couple to an input/output port of the computing device and a second connector is connected to the hearing aid end of each of the plurality of conductive wires to releasably couple to an interface of the hearing aid, the second connector configured to deliver at least one of a first power supply and an audio signal from the computing device to the interface of the hearing aid. 120-. (canceled)21. An audio playback system , comprising:a left playback device configured to fit in a left ear of a user;a right playback device configured to fit in a right ear of a user;a first proximity sensor configured to detect a first proximity of the left playback device to the left ear of the user;a second proximity sensor configured to detect a second proximity of the right playback device to the right ear of the user;a memory configured to store a plurality of operating modes, wherein the plurality of operating modes provide parameters for reproducing a wireless audio signal received by the audio playback system, wherein at least one of the plurality of operating modes has parameters specific to at least one of the left playback device and the right playback device; anda processor configured to select one of the plurality of operating modes based on the first proximity and the second proximity.22. The audio playback system of claim 21 , further comprising a dongle couplable with the left playback device and the right playback device claim 21 , the dongle comprising a power source claim 21 , a first connection interface claim 21 , and a second connection interface.23. The audio playback system of claim 22 , wherein the first connection interface is releasably couplable to a first receptacle on the left playback device and the second connection ...