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Небесная энциклопедия

Космические корабли и станции, автоматические КА и методы их проектирования, бортовые комплексы управления, системы и средства жизнеобеспечения, особенности технологии производства ракетно-космических систем

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Мониторинг СМИ

Мониторинг СМИ и социальных сетей. Сканирование интернета, новостных сайтов, специализированных контентных площадок на базе мессенджеров. Гибкие настройки фильтров и первоначальных источников.

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Поддерживает ввод нескольких поисковых фраз (по одной на строку). При поиске обеспечивает поддержку морфологии русского и английского языка
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Применить Всего найдено 1262. Отображено 100.
19-01-2012 дата публикации

RECEIVER-IN-CANAL HEARING DEVICE CABLE CONNECTIONS

Номер: US20120014549A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment. 1. A hearing device comprising:a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear;hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component;a first connector portion disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics; anda second connector portion adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion.2. The hearing device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts.3. The hearing device of claim 1 , wherein the second connector portion is rigid.4. The hearing device of claim 1 , wherein the second connector portion is pliable.5. The hearing device of claim 1 , wherein the second connector portion includes rigid and pliable portions.6. The hearing device of claim 1 , wherein the first connector portion includes a socket and the second connector portion includes a plug.7. The hearing device of claim 6 , wherein the socket includes a surface mount connection for mounting to the component.8. ...

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Номер записи: 1
12-04-2012 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR USING MULTIPLE HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE PROGRAMMERS

Номер: US20120087524A1
Автор: Howes Christopher Larry
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

This disclosure relates to fitting and adjusting hearing assistance devices, including but not limited to hearing aids, using multiple programmers. A method is provided for using multiple programmers for hearing assistance devices. The method includes automatically detecting the programmers using fitting software on a personal computer. The method also includes communicating with each of the programmers simultaneously using the software to automatically detect hearing assistance devices compatible with the software. In certain variations if hearing assistance devices are detected on more than one programmer, a user is prompted to select a programmer. In certain variations, if hearing assistance devices are detected on one programmer, a fitting session is initiated for the detected hearing assistance devices. 1. A method for communicating with programmers of hearing assistance devices , the method comprising:executing fitting software on a computer;automatically detecting the programmers using the fitting software and the computer;automatically detecting hearing assistance devices connected to the programmers; andautomatically initiating a fitting session with at least one of the detected hearing assistance devices.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising notifying the fitting software of any programmers having no hearing assistance devices detected.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein automatically detecting the programmers includes detecting the programmers wirelessly.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein communicating with each of the programmers includes sending queries to each installed claim 1 , connected and compatible programmer.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance devices include a cochlear implant.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance devices include a hearing aid.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the hearing aid includes a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the hearing aid includes ...

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Номер записи: 2
12-04-2012 дата публикации

HOUSING FOR A STANDARD FIT HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20120087526A1
Автор: Higgins Sidney A., Schroeder Aaron Jon
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing aid kit includes a standard fit, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid and a hearing aid tool set. The CIC hearing aid is for extended use and includes a core module inserted into a sleeve. The core module and the sleeve each include various features providing for a minimum overall size, ease of insertion, removal, and cleaning, and enhanced sound transmission. The tool set is configured to be stored and carried in a single piece and provides for adjustment and cleaning of the CIC hearing aid. Open ear fits and occlusive ear fits are possible using different sleeves. 1. A hearing aid for use in an ear canal , comprising:a hearing aid circuit including a microphone, a receiver, and a processor circuit coupled between the microphone and the receiver; anda case housing the hearing aid circuit, the case including a base structure being a continuous wall structure and including a rear portion housing at least the microphone and having a first opening, a front portion housing at least the receiver and having a second opening, and a middle portion configured to hold a battery, wherein the first opening and the second opening are on planes that are approximately perpendicular to each other.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the rear portion houses portions of the processor circuit.3. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the case comprises a receiver lid bonded to the front portion of the base structure over the second opening claim 1 , the receiver lid including a receiver port.4. The hearing aid of claim 3 , wherein the middle portion comprises a battery cradle configured to hold the battery claim 3 , the battery cradle having a low-profile wall allowing the battery to be rolled out of the case.5. The hearing aid of claim 4 , wherein the hearing aid circuit comprises a tactile snap providing for confirmation that the battery is inserted in proper orientation.6. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the case comprises an end cap bonded to the base structure ...

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Номер записи: 3
12-04-2012 дата публикации

STANDARD FIT HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE WITH REMOVABLE SLEEVE

Номер: US20120087527A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing aid kit includes a standard fit, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid and a hearing aid tool set. The CIC hearing aid is for extended use and includes a core module inserted into a sleeve. The core module and the sleeve each include various features providing for a minimum overall size, ease of insertion, removal, and cleaning, and enhanced sound transmission. The tool set is configured to be stored and carried in a single piece and provides for adjustment and cleaning of the CIC hearing aid. Open ear fits and occlusive ear fits are possible using different sleeves. 1. A hearing aid for use in an ear canal , comprising:a core module including a hearing aid circuit and a case housing the hearing aid circuit, the hearing aid circuit including a receiver; anda soft sleeve configured to accommodate at least a portion of the core module, the sleeve including a wall and a receiver port on the wall, the receiver port providing for transmission of sound from the receiver and including a plurality of boomerang ports.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises a wall having an interior surface including retention ribs to keep the core module embedded in the sleeve.3. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the case comprises an exterior surface including raised ribs creating an acoustic and environmental seal between the case and the sleeve.4. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises a removal strand including a handle claim 1 , the removal strand allowing for removal of the hearing aid from the ear canal by pulling the handle.5. The hearing aid of claim 4 , wherein the handle comprises raised bulbs.6. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises flanges configured to provide for occlusion of the ear canal.7. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises anchors configured to secure the hearing aid in the ear canal.8. A hearing aid for use in an ear canal claim 1 , comprising:a core module including a hearing ...

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Номер записи: 4
12-04-2012 дата публикации

ADJUSTMENT AND CLEANING TOOL FOR A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20120087528A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing aid kit includes a standard fit, completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid and a hearing aid tool set. The CIC hearing aid is for extended use and includes a core module inserted into a sleeve. The core module and the sleeve each include various features providing for a minimum overall size, ease of insertion, removal, and cleaning, and enhanced sound transmission. The tool set is configured to be stored and carried in a single piece and provides for adjustment and cleaning of the CIC hearing aid. Open ear fits and occlusive ear fits are possible using different sleeves. 1. A hearing aid tool for use with a hearing aid having a magnetically adjustable circuit , a receiver port for sound transmission , and a battery , the hearing aid tool comprising:a magnetic wand allowing for adjusting the magnetically adjustable circuit, the magnetic wand including a cleaning tool adapted for cleaning the receiver port.2. The hearing aid tool set of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic wand comprises a shaft and a handle claim 1 , and the handle is rotatable about the shaft to expose the built-in cleaning tool.3. The hearing aid tool set of claim 2 , wherein the built-in cleaning tool comprises a brush.4. The hearing aid tool set of claim 1 , further comprising a wand shield configured to accommodate a portion of the magnetic wand claim 1 , the wand shield being fork-shaped and sized to allow a positive grip of the battery.5. The hearing aid tool set of claim 4 , wherein the wand shield is metal injection molded.6. The hearing aid tool set of claim 5 , wherein the wand shield is made of a material having magnetic shielding properties.7. The hearing aid tool set of claim 6 , wherein the wand shield is made of stainless steel.8. A hearing aid tool set for use with a hearing aid having a magnetically adjustable circuit claim 6 , a receiver port for sound transmission claim 6 , and a battery claim 6 , comprising:a magnetic wand allowing for adjusting the magnetically adjustable ...

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Номер записи: 5
17-05-2012 дата публикации

WIRELESS SYSTEM FOR HEARING COMMUNICATION DEVICES PROVIDING WIRELESS STEREO RECEPTION MODES

Номер: US20120121094A1
Автор: Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present subject matter relates to the wireless stereo reception of first and second audio information by wireless hearing communication devices. One type of device which may employ the present subject matter is a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. Various forms and protocols of signal transmission are employed in varying embodiments. The present subject matter includes various communication modes such as eavesdropping modes and relaying modes. 1. (canceled)2. A system for a wearer having a first ear and a second ear , comprising:a remote source adapted to provide stereo audio wireless communications;a first hearing communication device adapted transmit and receive wireless communications to and from the remote source, the wireless communications including first stereo channel audio information and second stereo channel audio information, wherein the first hearing communication device is adapted to provide the first stereo audio channel information to the first ear;a second hearing communication device adapted to eavesdrop on the wireless communications between the remote source and the first hearing communication device to receive the second stereo channel audio information, the second hearing communication device adapted to provide the second stereo channel audio information to the second ear;wherein the second hearing communication device is adapted to receive signals without an electrical connection to the first hearing communication device; andwherein the eavesdropping includes the second hearing communication device receiving signals from the remote source using a mode that is different than a mode used by the first hearing communication device.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the remote source is adapted to conduct frequency division multiplexed communications.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the remote source is adapted to conduct time division multiplexed communications.5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the remote source is adapted to ...

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Номер записи: 6
17-05-2012 дата публикации

AID TEST SYSTEM

Номер: US20120121099A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for diagnosing operation errors in hearing assistance devices, including but not limited to hearing aids. The hearing assistance device includes a microphone and a receiver. In various approaches, a housing is configured to hold the hearing assistance device and to provide a controlled acoustic environment between the microphone and receiver. A lid is configured to cover an opening in the housing to seal the housing from external sounds, in various approaches. In some examples, the hearing assistance device is configured to detect placement of the lid on the housing from within the housing and, once placement is detected, output acoustic signals through the receiver and compare resulting microphone input to baseline parameters to diagnose calibration errors. 1. A diagnostic apparatus for a hearing assistance device comprising a microphone and a receiver , the apparatus comprising:a housing configured to hold the hearing assistance device in a repeatable configuration to provide a controlled acoustic environment between the microphone and receiver, the housing including a lid to cover an opening in the housing to seal the housing from external sounds; andmeans for the housing to initiate a testing procedure conducted by the hearing assistance device.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the means is incorporated into the lid.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the lid includes a magnetic signal source.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the lid includes a lever or protrusion adapted to initiate a testing mode in the hearing assistance device when closed on the housing.5. The apparatus of wherein the housing includes a magnetic or electromagnetic source adapted to provide a signal recognizable by the hearing assistance device to initiate the testing procedure.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a direct audio input connector adapted to connect to the hearing assistance device claim 1 , and wherein the ...

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Номер записи: 7
21-06-2012 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE SETTINGS USING DETECTED SOUND ENVIRONMENT

Номер: US20120155664A1
Автор: Kindred Jon S., Zhang Tao
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and more particularly to a system for evaluating hearing assistance device settings using detected sound environment. Various examples of a hearing assistance device and method using actual use and hypothetical use logs are provided. Such logs provide a dispenser or audiologist the ability to see how a device is operating with actual settings and how the device would have operated had hypothetical settings been used instead. In various examples, the system allows for collection of statistical information about actual and hypothetical use which can assist in parameter setting determinations for a specific user. The settings may be tailored to that user's commonly experienced sound environment. Wireless communications of usage logs is discussed. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents. 110-. (canceled)11. A method , comprising:saving an actual usage log in a hearing assistance device;saving a hypothetical usage log in the hearing assistance device; andtransferring at least portion of information from the actual usage log or the hypothetical usage log to a second device.12. The method of claim 11 , comprising:comparing information in the actual usage log to information in the hypothetical usage log; andchanging one or more actual usage parameters based on the comparing.13. The method of claim 11 , comprising:saving a second set of hypothetical usage log information in the hearing assistance device.14. The method of claim 13 , comprising:comparing information in the second hypothetical usage log to information in the actual usage log.15. The method of claim 14 , comprising:comparing information in the second hypothetical usage log to information in the hypothetical usage log.16. The method of claim 14 , comprising:changing one or more actual usage parameters based on the comparing of information ...

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Номер записи: 8
28-06-2012 дата публикации

AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL WITH OUT OF BAND BLOCKING SIGNAL COMPENSATION

Номер: US20120164965A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a method of receiving an input signal. The method, in various embodiments, includes detecting a peak of the input signal and detecting an envelope of the input signal. In various embodiments, the peak and envelope are used to identify out-of-band blocking signals and to adjust gain control. The method also includes comparing the peak to a first threshold Tp and comparing the envelope to a second threshold Te. In the method, if the peak is above the first threshold and the envelope is below the second threshold, then ignoring the input signal. If the envelope is above the second threshold, the method includes applying automatic gain control to decode information encoded in the input signal. 1detecting a peak of the input signal;detecting an envelope of the input signal;comparing the peak to a first threshold Tp;comparing the envelope to a second threshold Te; andif the peak is above the first threshold and the envelope is below the second threshold, then deeming the input signal to be affected by an out-of-band blocking signal. A method of receiving an input signal, comprising: The present application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/651,178, filed on Dec. 31, 2009, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/539,524, filed on Oct. 6, 2006, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,664,211, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/724,636, filed Oct. 7, 2005, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.The present disclosure relates to radio frequency communications, and in particular to gain control in radio frequency communications.As wireless devices become more commonplace, the probability of signal interference from multiple radio sources increases. If the gain of a receiver is not ...

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Номер записи: 9
12-07-2012 дата публикации

Method and apparatus for monitoring wireless communication in hearing assistance systems

Номер: US20120177235A1
Автор: Jeffrey Paul Solum
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

A system collects information on performance of short-range wireless communication in local hearing aid systems. The information is analyzed, for example, to inform local users to adjust the local hearing aid systems, to adjust operational parameters for improving wireless communication in the local hearing aid systems, and/or to improve wireless connectivity and reliability in future products.

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Номер записи: 10
12-07-2012 дата публикации

FREQUENCY TRANSLATION BY HIGH-FREQUENCY SPECTRAL ENVELOPE WARPING IN HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20120177236A1
Автор: Baskent Deniz, Edwards Brent, Fitz Kelly
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping in hearing assistance devices. The present subject matter relates to improved speech intelligibility in a hearing assistance device using frequency translation by high-frequency spectral envelope warping. The system described herein implements an algorithm for performing frequency translation in an audio signal processing device for the purpose of improving perceived sound quality and speech intelligibility in an audio signal when presented using a system having reduced bandwidth relative to the original signal, or when presented to a hearing-impaired listener sensitive to only a reduced range of acoustic frequencies. 1filtering the audio signal to generate a high frequency filtered signal, the filtering performed at a splitting frequency;transposing at least a portion of an audio spectrum of the filtered signal to a lower frequency range by a transposition process to produce a transposed audio signal; andsumming the transposed audio signal with the audio signal to generate an output signal,wherein the transposition process includes:estimating an all-pole spectral envelope of the filtered signal;applying a warping function to the all-pole spectral envelope of the filtered signal to translate the poles above a specified knee frequency to lower frequencies, thereby producing a warped spectral envelope; andexciting the warped spectral envelope with an excitation signal to synthesize the transposed audio signal.. A method for processing an audio signal received by a hearing assistance device, comprising: This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/043,827, filed on Mar. 6, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This disclosure relates generally to hearing assistance devices, and more particularly to frequency translation by high-frequency ...

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Номер записи: 11
23-08-2012 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC RECEPTION ENHANCEMENT OF HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20120213392A1
Автор: Trine Timothy Daniel, Woods William S., Zhang Tao
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Method and apparatus for automatic reception enhancement of hearing assistance devices. The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for automatic reception enhancement in hearing assistance devices. It provides a power estimation scheme that is reliable against both steady and transient input. It provides a TSM estimation scheme that is effective and efficient both in terms of storage size and computational efficiency. The embodiments employing a decision tree provide a weight factor between the omnidirectional and compensated directional signal. The resulting decision logic improves speech intelligibility when talking under noisy conditions. The decision logic also improves listening comfort when exposed to noise. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents. 1an omnidirectional microphone having a first reception profile;a directional microphone having a second reception profile;an omni input adapted to receive digital samples representative of signals received by the omnidirectional microphone;a directional input adapted to receive digital samples representative of signals received by the directional microphone;a mixing module connected to the omni input, the mixing module providing a mixing ratio for a block of digital samples, α(k);a compensation filter connected to the directional input and the mixing module, the compensation filter adapted to output a third reception profile which substantially matches the first reception profile;a first multiplier receiving the omni input and a signal value of (1−α(k)) from the mixing module;a second multiplier receiving the directional input and a signal value of α(k) from the mixing module; anda summing stage adding outputs of the first multiplier and the second multiplier,{'sub': 'c', 'claim-text': {'br': None, 'i': s', 'n,k', 'k', 's', 'n,k', 'k', 's', 'n,k, 'sub': c', 'O', 'D, '()=(1−α())*()+α()(),'}, 'wherein the output ...

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Номер записи: 12
30-08-2012 дата публикации

REVISION CONTROL WITHIN HEARING-AID FITTING SOFTWARE

Номер: US20120219159A1
Автор: Burk Matthew, Edgar Daniel Mark
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A method for revision control within hearing-aid fitting software may nclude storing session fitting data for a plurality of fitting sessions of a hearing assistance device; displaying a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface including a list of the plurality of fitting sessions of the hearing assistance device, the graphical user interface allowing for selection of two or more fitting sessions for display; receiving a selection of a fitting session from the list; and in response to receiving the selection, updating the graphical user interface to include a response curve related to the selected fitting session. 1. A method comprising:storing session fitting data for a plurality of fitting sessions of a hearing assistance device;displaying a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface including a list of the plurality of fitting sessions of the hearing assistance device, the graphical user interface allowing for selection of two or more fitting sessions for display;receiving a selection of a fitting session from the list; andin response to receiving the selection, updating the graphical user interface to include a response curve related to the selected fitting session.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein displaying a graphical user interface includes displaying data representing a current fitting session of the hearing assistance device in the list.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein displaying a graphical user interface includes displaying data representing fitting sessions completed at a time different than the current fitting session in the list.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving a selection of another fitting session from the list.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:concurrently displaying the response curve related to the selected fitting session and a response curved related to the another fitting session, wherein the response curve related to the selected fitting session is in a first format and the ...

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Номер записи: 13
30-08-2012 дата публикации

OMNIPHOBIC PERFORATED BARRIER FOR HEARING AID TRANSDUCERS

Номер: US20120219167A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for mitigating foreign material buildup for hearing assistance device components. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device transducer barrier device configured to resist accumulation and passage of foreign materials, the barrier device comprising a plug adapted to fit within a receiver opening. In various embodiments, the plug includes a membrane that is coated with oleophobic and hydrophobic materials, the membrane adapted to include an aperture, wherein the barrier is acoustically transparent but prevents the accumulation and passage of unwanted materials. Other barriers, such as a plug with a plurality of holes are described. In some embodiments a molded plastic plug including a plurality of holes provides the barrier. 1. A barrier device configured to resist accumulation of foreign materials and passage of the foreign materials to a transducer of a hearing assistance device , the barrier device comprising:a plug adapted to fit within a opening of a portion of the hearing assistance device, the plug comprising a membrane having an aperture, the membrane comprising one or both of oleophobic and hydrophobic materials,wherein the barrier device is acoustically transparent and prevents accumulation of the foreign materials and passage of the foreign materials to the transducer.2. The barrier device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is approximately 0.004 inches in diameter.3. The barrier device of claim 1 , wherein the plug is plastic.4. The barrier device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is configured in the shape of a circle claim 1 , ellipse claim 1 , oval claim 1 , square claim 1 , rectangular claim 1 , elongate claim 1 , slit claim 1 , or irregular shape.5. The barrier device of claim 1 , wherein the membrane includes a semi-rigid microporous membrane claim 1 , a microporous PTFE claim 1 , a nonporous membrane claim 1 , thin paper claim 1 , plastics claim 1 , sheet vinyl ...

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Номер записи: 14
06-09-2012 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING RIGHT AND LEFT CIRCUIT CONFIGURATIONS OF HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20120224704A1
Автор: Splettstoeszer Dale
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

This disclosure relates to method and apparatus for selecting right and left configurations of hearing assistance device circuits, such as battery polarity. In various applications the present subject matter is applicable to a flexible circuit in hearing assistance devices, including but not limited to hearing aids. In one example, a printed circuit board is configured during manufacture to be used in either a left or a right hearing assistance device. The printed circuit board includes a solder selectable portion to provide for selection of left or right during assembly of the hearing assistance device, according to various embodiments. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:a printed circuit board configured during manufacture to be used in either a left or a right hearing assistance device, the printed circuit board including a solder selectable portion to provide for selection of left or right configuration of the hearing assistance device.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the printed circuit board includes a flexible circuit.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the solder selectable portion includes a jumper finger.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the solder selectable portion includes a first portion that can be soldered to select a first polarity configuration of a battery of the hearing assistance device and a second portion that can be soldered to select a second polarity configuration of the battery of the hearing assistance device.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the first portion and the second portion have contacts of a circular shape.6. The device of claim 4 , wherein the first portion and the second portion have contacts of a crescent shape.7. The device of claim 4 , wherein the first portion and the second portion have contacts of a square shape.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device includes a cochlear implant.9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device is a hearing aid.10. The device of claim 9 ...

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Номер записи: 15
13-09-2012 дата публикации

ENTRAINMENT AVOIDANCE WITH POLE STABILIZATION

Номер: US20120230503A1
Автор: Theverapperuma Lalin
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A system of signal processing an input signal in a hearing assistance device to avoid entrainment wherein the hearing assistance device including a receiver and a microphone, the method comprising using an adaptive filter to estimate an acoustic feedback path from the receiver to the microphone, generating one or more estimated future pole positions of a transfer function of the adaptive filter, analyzing stability of the one or more estimated pole positions for an indication of entrainment and adjusting the adaptation of the adaptive filter based on the stability. 1. A method of signal processing an input signal in a hearing assistance device to avoid entrainment , the hearing assistance device including a receiver and a microphone , the method comprising:using an adaptive filter to estimate an acoustic feedback path from the receiver to the microphone;generating one or more estimated future pole positions of a transfer function of the adaptive filter;analyzing stability of the one or more estimated pole positions for an indication of entrainment; andadjusting adaptation of the adaptive filter based on the stability.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising initializing the adaptive filter claim 1 , including the acts of:providing a white noise input signal to the adaptive filter to estimate the acoustic feedback path;estimating a denominator polynomial of an adaptive filter transfer function of the adaptive filter using one or more coefficients of the adaptive filter; andscaling the denominator polynomial using a scaling factor to determine the estimated future pole positions.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein each of the future pole positions is converted to lattice form.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein estimating the denominator polynomial comprises:monitoring a feedback cancellation error signal for an indication of convergence; andupon an indication of convergence, determining the denominator polynomial of the adaptive filter transfer function using the ...

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Номер записи: 16
13-09-2012 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MICROPHONE MATCHING FOR WEARABLE DIRECTIONAL HEARING DEVICE USING WEARER'S OWN VOICE

Номер: US20120230526A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Method and apparatus for microphone matching for wearable directional hearing assistance devices are provided. An embodiment includes a method for matching at least a first microphone to a second microphone, using a user's voice from the user's mouth. The user's voice is processed as received by at least one microphone to determine a frequency profile associated with voice of the user. Intervals are detected where the user is speaking using the frequency profile. Variations in microphone reception between the first microphone and the second microphone are adaptively canceled during the intervals and when the first microphone and second microphone are in relatively constant spatial position with respect to the user's mouth. 1a first microphone to produce a first output signal;a second microphone to produce a second output signal;a first directional filter adapted to receive the first output signal and produce a first directional output signal;a digital signal processor adapted to receive signals representative of the sounds from the user's mouth from at least one or more of the first and second microphones and to detect at least an average fundamental frequency of voice, or pitch output;a voice detection circuit adapted to receive the second output signal and the pitch output and to produce a voice detection trigger;a mismatch filter adapted to receive and process the second output signal, the voice detection trigger, and an error signal, wherein the error signal is a difference between the first output signal and an output of the mismatch filter;a second directional filter adapted to receive the mismatch output and produce a second directional output signal; anda first summing circuit adapted to receive the first directional output signal and the second directional output signal and to provide a summed directional output signal,wherein in use, at least the first microphone and the second microphone are in relatively constant spatial position with respect to the user ...

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Номер записи: 17
20-09-2012 дата публикации

BALL AND SOCKET CONNECTION WITH AN ACOUSTIC SEAL AND MOUNTING INTERFACE FOR A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20120237065A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods to provide improved connections for components of hearing assistance devices. Various embodiments include an apparatus including a receiver case configured to house a hearing assistance device receiver, the receiver case including a spherical receiver spout having an opening. The apparatus also includes a receptacle housing having a spherical socket adapted to mate with the spherical receiver spout to form a ball and socket connection. An insert within the spherical socket is configured to establish a retained interference fit with the opening of the receiver spout when the connection is formed so as to create an acoustic seal therebetween. 1. An apparatus for use with a hearing assistance device , the apparatus comprising:a receiver case configured to house a hearing assistance device receiver, the receiver case including a spherical receiver spout, the spherical receiver spout including an opening; and a spherical socket adapted to mate with the spherical receiver spout to form a ball and socket connection; and', 'an insert within the spherical socket, the insert configured to establish a retained interference fit with the opening of the receiver spout when the connection is formed so as to create an acoustic seal therebetween., 'a receptacle housing including2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the opening in the spherical receiver spout has a radially concave contour.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the insert within the spherical socket is convex and configured to establish a retained interference fit with the concave opening of the receiver spout when the connection is formed so as to create an acoustic seal therebetween.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the insert includes an elastomeric component.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the elastomeric component is adapted to be molded inside the receptacle housing.6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the elastomeric component is adapted ...

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Номер записи: 18
18-10-2012 дата публикации

POPPET VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING A PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR

Номер: US20120260993A1
Автор: Penning Bruce R.
Принадлежит: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.

A poppet valve assembly to control a pneumatic actuator may include a housing having a central bore. A first module may be disposed within the central bore, and the first module may have a first and second poppet valve. A second module may also be disposed within the central bore, and the second module may have a third and fourth poppet valve. A supply of pressurized fluid may be in fluid communication with a plurality of control valves such that pressurized fluid from the control valves opens and closes the poppet valves. The supply of pressurized fluid may also be in fluid communication with the first module and the second module such that the opening and closing of the poppet valves controls the position of the pneumatic actuator. 1. A poppet valve assembly comprising:a valve housing having a central bore;a first module disposed within the central bore, the first module comprising a first normally closed poppet valve and a second normally closed poppet valve, wherein each of the first and second normally closed poppet valves has an open position and a closed position;a central port formed in the first module, wherein the central port of the first module is adapted to be coupled to a first volume of a pneumatic cylinder;an exhaust port formed in the first module such that the central port is in fluid communication with the exhaust port when the first poppet valve is in the open position; anda supply port formed in the first module such that the central port is in fluid communication with the supply port when second poppet valve is in the open position,wherein the supply port is configured to be in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized fluid such that when the second poppet valve is in the open position, pressurized fluid is provided to the first volume of the pneumatic cylinder, andwherein the exhaust port is configured to vent pressurized fluid from the first volume of the pneumatic cylinder when the first poppet valve is in the open position.2. The ...

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Номер записи: 19
18-10-2012 дата публикации

COMPACT PROGRAMMING BLOCK CONNECTOR FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20120263328A1
Автор: Higgins Sidney A.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present subject matter relates to a method and apparatus for a compact programming block for a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. In one embodiment, the compact programming block is formed in a programming block module with another component and the programming block module includes a flexible circuit design. The design incorporates a first flexible circuit disposed in a programming module that receives a second flexible circuit connection. The programming block module includes a plurality of contact springs and is shaped to provide a small profile that is integrated with a microphone housing. The integrated microphone and programming block module can be used in a hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the programming block is integrated with a pushbutton, and the integrated pushbutton and programming block can be used in a hearing assistance device. 1. A module for a hearing assistance device adapted to be worn on or in an ear of a user , the module comprising:a housing configured to accommodate a microphone and a programming connector, the housing configured to provide external electrical contacts to the microphone and the programming connector, the housing shaped to be a component of the hearing assistance device,wherein the programming connector is configured to receive a flexible programming tape and to connect to the flexible programming tape using a flexible circuit that mates with the flexible programming tape when inserted into the programming connector.2. The module of claim 1 , further comprising a cover configured to connect to the housing.3. The module of claim 2 , wherein the housing and cover form a slit opening configured to receive the flexible programming connector.4. The module of claim 2 , further comprising an elastomeric pad between the cover and the flexible circuit claim 2 , the pad configured to improve the connection between the flexible circuit and the flexible programming tape.5. The module of claim 1 , ...

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Номер записи: 20
15-11-2012 дата публикации

REMOTE CONTROL OF HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20120288127A1
Автор: Ramachandran Venkat, Salvetti Arthur, Zhang Tao
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus of communicating instructions to a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. In various embodiments instructions are formed using tones sent to the hearing assistance device. The instructions can be used to control the operation of the hearing assistance device. The signals may include dual tone multifunction signals or other nonstandard signals. Various detection processes are provided which include but are not limited to using a modified complex Goertzel algorithm to detect tones. The remote device can be a standard device or can be modified to provide the proper signals. The following techniques can be applied to hearing assistance devices including, but not limited to completely-in-the-canal devices, in-the-canal devices, behind-the-ear devices, receiver-in-canal devices, and implanted devices, such as cochlear implants. 1. A hearing aid , comprising:a telecoil to receive a signal; anda programmable processor in communication with the telecoil, the programmable processor configured to perform program instructions for a Goertzel process for detection of information encoded in the signal at predetermined tone frequencies of interest, the information including a control message, the programmable processor programmed to perform a control process based on the control message, the processor further adapted to perform hearing aid processing.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the Goertzel process is adapted to process subband information in subbands including the predetermined tone frequencies of interest.3. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the Goertzel process is adapted to process subband information to obtain the information encoded in the signal.4. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the Goertzel process is adapted to decode information sent as dual tone multi-function signals for use in controlling the hearing aid.5. The hearing aid of claim 4 , wherein the processor is programmed to ...

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Номер записи: 21
22-11-2012 дата публикации

HEARING AID MAGNETIC SENSOR WITH COUNTER WINDINGS

Номер: US20120294468A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing aid includes a magnetic sensor to sense a sound signal being a magnetic field. The magnetic sensor includes a telecoil to sensor the sound signal and a counter coil to cancel a noise signal resulting from electromagnetic interference. In one embodiment, a driver circuit for the counter coil allows for automatic adjustment of the hearing aid circuit for an interference null. 1. A hearing aid for delivering a sound to an ear canal , comprising: a telecoil configured to sense the sound signal; and', 'a counter coil configured to allow for generation of a counter signal being a counter magnetic field having a counter direction approximately opposite to a direction of a noise signal being an ambient magnetic field;, 'a magnetic sensor configured to sense a sound signal being a sound magnetic field representing the sound, the magnetic sensor includinga processor configured to process the sound signal; anda receiver configured to deliver the processed sound signal to the ear canal.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the counter coil is configured to allow for generation of the counter signal having a direction that is approximately 180-degree opposite to a direction of the sound signal.3. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the telecoil comprises telecoil windings claim 2 , and the counter coil comprises counter coil windings claim 2 , the telecoil windings and the counter windings formed by winding wires in opposite directions.4. The hearing aid of claim 3 , wherein the telecoil windings and the counter windings are coaxial.5. The hearing aid of claim 4 , wherein the counter coil is formed by winding a wire over the telecoil.6. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein magnetic sensor comprises a single device integrating the telecoil claim 1 , telecoil connectors allowing for electrical connections to the telecoil claim 1 , the counter coil claim 1 , and counter coil connectors allowing for electrical connections to the counter coil.7. The hearing aid of claim ...

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Номер записи: 22
06-12-2012 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A BINAURAL HEARING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM USING MONAURAL AUDIO SIGNALS

Номер: US20120308019A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present application provides method and apparatus for a binaural hearing assistance system using a monaural audio signal input. The system, in various examples, provides adjustable delay/phase adjustment and sound level adjustment. Different embodiments are provided for receiving the monaural signal and distributing it to a plurality of hearing assistance devices. Different relaying modes are provided. Special functions are supported, such as telecoil functions. The system also has examples that account for a head-related transfer function in providing advanced sound processing for the wearer. Other examples are provided that are described in the detailed description. 1a wireless device to transmit a signal containing monaural information;a first hearing assistance device including: a first radio receiver to receive the signal; an adjustable phase shifter adapted to apply a plurality of controllable, incremental phase shifts to the monaural information on the signal; and a first speaker to produce a first audio signal for the first ear; anda second hearing assistance device including a second radio receiver and a second speaker to produce a second audio signal for the second ear,wherein the first and second audio signals are produced with adjustable relative phase based on a setting of the adjustable phase shifter.. An apparatus for a user having a first ear and a second ear, comprising: This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/456,538, filed on Jul. 10, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This application relates generally to method and apparatus for a hearing assistance system, and more particularly to method and apparatus for a binaural hearing assistance system using a monaural audio signal.Modern wireless audio devices frequently apply a monaural signal to a single ear. For example, devices such as cell phones and cellular headsets ...

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Номер записи: 23
06-12-2012 дата публикации

MIXING OF IN-THE-EAR MICROPHONE AND OUTSIDE-THE-EAR MICROPHONE SIGNALS TO ENHANCE SPATIAL PERCEPTION

Номер: US20120308057A1
Автор: Edwards Brent, Kalluri Sridhar
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

This document provides a hearing assistance device for playing processed sound inside a wearer's ear canal, the hearing assistance device comprising a first housing, signal processing electronics disposed at least partially within the first housing, a first microphone connected to the first housing, the first microphone adapted for reception of sound, a second microphone configured to receive sound from inside the wearer's ear canal when the hearing assistance device is worn and in use and microphone mixing electronics in communication with the signal processing electronics and in communication with the first microphone and the second microphone, the microphone mixing electronics adapted to combine low frequency information from the first microphone and high frequency information from the second microphone to produce a composite audio signal. 1a first housing;signal processing electronics disposed at least partially within the first housing;a first microphone connected to the first housing, the first microphone adapted for reception of sound;a second microphone configured to receive sound from inside the wearer's ear canal when the hearing assistance device is worn and in use; andmicrophone mixing electronics in communication with the signal processing electronics and in communication with the first microphone and the second microphone, the microphone mixing electronics adapted to combine low frequency information from the first microphone and high frequency information from the second microphone to produce a composite audio signal.. A hearing assistance device for playing processed sound inside a wearer's ear canal, comprising: This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/174,450, entitled “MIXING OF IN-THE-EAR MICROPHONE AND OUTSIDE-THE-EAR MICROPHONE SIGNALS TO ENHANCE SPATIAL PERCEPTION,” filed on Jul. 16, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of ...

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Номер записи: 24
06-12-2012 дата публикации

Antennas for hearing aids

Номер: US20120308058A1
Автор: Beau Jay Polinske
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit provides a compact design for a hearing aid to communicate wirelessly with a system external to the hearing aid. In an embodiment, an antenna includes metallic traces in a hybrid circuit that is configured for use in a hearing aid. The antenna includes contacts in the hybrid circuit to couple the metallic traces to electronic devices in the hybrid circuit. In an embodiment, the metallic traces form a planar coil design having a number of turns of the coil in a substrate in the hybrid circuit. In another embodiment, the metallic traces are included in a flex circuit on a substrate in the hybrid circuit. An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit allows for use in a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid.

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Номер записи: 25
13-12-2012 дата публикации

HEARING AID WITH INTEGRATED TELECOIL AND BATTERY RECHARGE COIL

Номер: US20120314893A1
Автор:
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing aid is powered by a rechargeable battery and senses a sound signal being a magnetic field using a telecoil. The hearing aid includes a battery recharge coil for receiving power from a hearing aid charger via an inductive couple. The telecoil and the inductive coil are integrated into a single device. 1. A hearing aid for delivering sounds to an ear canal , comprising:a coil assembly integrating a telecoil and a recharge coil, the telecoil configured to generate a sound signal in response to a sound magnetic field, the recharge coil configured to generate a power signal in response to a power magnetic field;a processor coupled to the telecoil, the processor configured to process the sound signal;a receiver coupled to the processor, the receiver configured to deliver the processed sound signal to the ear canal;a rechargeable battery; anda charging circuit coupled between the recharge coil and the rechargeable battery, the charging circuit configured to charge the rechargeable battery using the power signal.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the coil assembly comprises:a core;a first wire wound on the core to form the telecoil; anda second wire wound on the core to form the recharge coil.3. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the core comprises a permeable core.4. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the core comprises a metallic core.5. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the coil assembly comprises the telecoil and the recharge coil integrated by winding separate wires on a core.6. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the charging circuit comprise a rectifier claim 1 , a low-pass filter claim 1 , and a voltage regulator.7. The hearing aid of claim 6 , wherein the charging circuit further comprises a charge controller configured to control whether and when to charge the rechargeable battery for optimal performance of the rechargeable battery.8. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the processor comprises a digital signal processor.9. The hearing aid ...

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Номер записи: 26
03-01-2013 дата публикации

VALVE SIGNATURE DIAGNOSIS AND LEAK TEST DEVICE

Номер: US20130000753A1
Автор: LaFountain Robert L., Li Jingli, Penning Bruce R., Rigsby Bruce
Принадлежит: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.

A valve signature diagnosis and leak testing device includes a spool valve operatively connected to a pilot valve, the pilot valve being configured to position the spool valve to one of an open position and a closed position. A blocker valve is fluidly connected to a control fluid outlet of the spool valve. An electrical module is operatively connected to the pilot valve, a supply of control fluid, and the blocker valve, the electrical module being capable of sending pulsed electrical signals to the pilot valve and the blocker valve to selectively position the spool valve and the blocker valve to an open or closed position. 1. A valve signature diagnosis and leak testing device for a control valve , the valve signature diagnosis and leak testing device comprising:a spool valve operatively connected to a pilot valve, the pilot valve being configured to position the spool valve to one of an open position and a closed position, the spool valve including a first control fluid inlet, a first control fluid outlet, and a second control fluid outlet, the first control fluid inlet being fluidly connected to a supply of control fluid and the first control fluid outlet being configured to be connected to a valve actuator;a blocker valve fluidly connected to the second control fluid outlet; andan electrical module operatively connected to the pilot valve, the supply of control fluid, and the blocker valve, the electrical module being capable of sending pulsed electrical signals to the pilot valve and the blocker valve to selectively position the spool valve and the blocker valve to an open or a closed position,wherein the open position of the spool valve fluidly connects the first control fluid inlet to the first control fluid outlet and the closed position of the spool valve fluidly connects the first control fluid outlet to the second control fluid outlet.2. The valve signature diagnosis and leak testing device of claim 1 , wherein the electrical module includes a main ...

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Номер записи: 27
03-01-2013 дата публикации

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS AUDIO DEVICES

Номер: US20130004002A1
Автор: Duchscher Rob, Magstadt Randy L., Preves David A., Solum Jeffrey Paul, Victorian Thomas A.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present subject matter provides a system for wireless communications between one or more wireless audio devices and other electronics for providing a rich set of streaming audio, control, programming and enhanced hearing functions. 1an interface including a first port adapted to receive the audio information from the remote source, a second port adapted to wirelessly communicate the audio information in a packetized format to the plurality of wireless hearing assistance devices, the interface including digital electronics to provide a plurality of transmission modes.. A system for wireless communications of audio information from a remote source to a plurality of wireless hearing assistance devices each having a receiver for reception of communications, comprising: This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/447,617, filed on Jun. 5, 2006, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/687,707 filed Jun. 5, 2005, the benefit of priority of each of which is claimed hereby, and each of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.The present subject matter relates generally to wireless communications and more particularly to wireless communication systems for wireless audio devices.Audio devices for listening to sound are becoming more diverse and prolific with time. Audio device manufacturers find new technologies and applications which enable new solutions and designs. In an effort to make audio devices more portable, manufacturers are becoming increasingly interested in producing wireless devices. New forms of content and communication arise which provide opportunities and engineering hurdles for manufacturers.What is needed in the art is a system for communication with wireless audio devices. Such a system should be flexible to provide enhanced features. The system should be configurable for a variety ...

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Номер записи: 28
03-01-2013 дата публикации

PLANAR INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE FOR HYBRID CIRCUITS

Номер: US20130005084A1
Автор: Dumas Craig, Sundermurthy Vijaykumar
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Described herein is an electronic device in which one or more planar interconnect structure are interposed between two substrates each incorporating a hybrid circuit. The planar interconnect structure has a plurality of conductive traces formed on one of its faces for electrically connecting sets of interconnection points of each of the hybrid circuits. 1disposing a plurality of first electronic components on at least a first side or a second side of a first substrate to form a first hybrid circuit,disposing a first set of interconnect points on the first side of the first substrate and electrically connected with the first hybrid circuit;disposing a plurality of second electronic components on at least a first side or a second side of a second substrate to form a second hybrid circuit,disposing a second set of interconnect points on the first side of the second substrate and electrically connected with the second hybrid circuit;done or more planar interconnect structures, each having a plurality of conductive traces formed on one of its faces that traverse between two opposite edges of the planar interconnect structure leaving exposed ends of the conductive traces on the two opposite edges;disposing one or more planar interconnect structures between the first sides of the first and second substrates, each planar interconnect structure having a plurality of conductive traces formed on one of its faces that traverse between two opposite edges of the planar interconnect structure leaving exposed ends of the conductive traces on the two opposite edges, wherein the two opposite edges of the planar interconnect structure contact the first sides of the first and second substrates such that the exposed ends of the conductive traces are aligned with the first and second sets of interconnection points to form conductive paths therebetween and electrically connect the first and second hybrid circuits.. A method for constructing an electronic device, comprising: This patent ...

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Номер записи: 29
17-01-2013 дата публикации

DETECTING AND SWITCHING BATTERY POLARITY IN A BATTERY CHARGER

Номер: US20130015824A1
Автор: Newton James R.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for detecting and switching battery polarity in a battery charger. In various embodiments, a method includes grounding a first terminal of a battery inserted in a charger and sensing a bipolar voltage from a second terminal of the battery. The bipolar voltage is converted to a reduced unipolar voltage for sensing by an input to a microcontroller. A low resistance analog switch connects the battery to a charging circuit. The switch state of the analog switch is controlled using an output of the microcontroller, to present the proper battery polarity to the charging circuit based on the unipolar voltage. The battery is charged using the charging circuit, in various embodiments. 1. A method , comprising:grounding a first terminal of a battery inserted in a charger;sensing a bipolar voltage from a second terminal of the battery;converting the bipolar voltage to a reduced unipolar voltage for sensing by an input to a microcontroller;controlling a switch state of a low resistance analog switch using an output from the microcontroller, wherein the low resistance analog switch connects the battery to a charging circuit, and wherein the switch state is controlled to present the proper battery polarity to the charging circuit based on the unipolar voltage; andcharging the battery using the charging circuit.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein converting the bipolar voltage to a reduced unipolar voltage includes using a precision diode circuit with voltage scaling.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein converting the bipolar voltage to a reduced unipolar voltage for sensing by an input to a microcontroller includes converting the bipolar voltage to a reduced unipolar voltage for sensing by an A/D (analog/digital) input to the microcontroller.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein converting the bipolar voltage to a reduced unipolar voltage includes converting the bipolar voltage to a range of 1.0V to 3.1V to be compatible ...

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Номер записи: 30
17-01-2013 дата публикации

HEARING AID WITH MAGNETOSTRICTIVE ELECTROACTIVE SENSOR

Номер: US20130016862A1
Автор: Lin Wei Li, Newton James R., Sacha Michael Karl
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing aid includes a magnetostrictive electroactive (ME) sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field or a mechanical pressure. In various embodiments, the ME sensor is used for cordless charging of a rechargeable battery in the hearing aid by generating an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field generated for power transfer, magnetic sound signal reception, and/or detection of user commands by sensing a magnetic field or a pressure applied to the hearing aid. 1. A hearing aid , comprising:a hearing aid circuit including a microphone, a receiver, and an audio processor coupled between the microphone and the receiver;a rechargeable battery coupled to the hearing aid circuit to power the hearing aid circuit;a magnetostrictive electroactive (ME) sensor configured to generate an power signal in response to a first magnetic field and generate a driving signal in response to a second magnetic field or a pressure; and a battery charging circuit coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to charge the rechargeable battery using the power signal; and', 'a switch coupled to the hearing aid circuit and configured to control the hearing aid circuit using the driving signal., 'a sensor processing circuit coupled to the ME sensor, the sensor processing circuit including2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , comprising a housing encapsulating at least the hearing aid circuit and the sensor processing circuit.3. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the ME sensor is encapsulated in the housing.4. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the ME sensor is incorporated into the housing.5. The hearing aid of claim 4 , wherein the housing comprises a battery door claim 4 , and the ME sensor is incorporated into the battery door.6. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the ME sensor comprises two magnetostrictive layers and a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between the two magnetostrictive layers.7. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the ME sensor ...

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Номер записи: 31
24-01-2013 дата публикации

WIRELESS MONITORING AND CONTROL OF SAFETY STATIONS IN A PROCESS PLANT

Номер: US20130021167A1
Автор: Harper, JR. Ronald D.
Принадлежит: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.

A safety station for use in a process plant includes one or more leverless limit switches to detect activation of one or more parts of the safety station. The safety station further includes a wireless transmitter coupled to the leverless limit switches to transmit signals associated with the safety station to a base station device, which is communicatively coupled to one or more control and/or monitoring devices. 1. A safety station for use in a process plant , the safety station comprising:one or more leverless limit switches to detect activation of one or more parts of the safety station; anda wireless transmitter coupled to the leverless limit switches to transmit signals associated with the safety station to a base station device, wherein the base station device is communicatively coupled to one or more control and/or monitoring modules.2. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein the leverless limit switch is a GO® switch manufactured by the TopWorx corporation.3. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein the leverless limit switch remains latched until physically reset.4702. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein the wireless transmitter is the Rosemount dual input transmitter manufactured by the Emerson corporation.5. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein the wireless transmitter is an intrinsically safe wireless transmitter.6. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein the safety station is a safety shower and/or an eye wash station.7. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more control and/or monitoring stations is a remote touch screen panel.8. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more control and/or monitoring stations is a paperless recorder.9. The safety station of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more control and/or monitoring stations is a workstation.10. A safety station monitoring and control system in a process plant claim 1 , the system comprising:one or more safety stations ...

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Номер записи: 32
31-01-2013 дата публикации

SWITCH MODULE

Номер: US20130027831A1
Автор: Penning Bruce R.
Принадлежит: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.

A switch module used for position sensing may be operated in a number of modes for compatibility with a number of legacy position sensing products. A dry switch circuit can be configured to provide a direct output, emulating dry reed, high-side or low-side switched configurations. Alternatively, the dry switch circuit can be connected to an input of a NAMUR circuit to provide the known current output for that standard. In another configuration the dry switch can be selectively coupled to one of two NAMUR circuits allowing the switch module to provide a low-to-high current NAMUR output or a high-to-low current NAMUR output. 1. A switch module arranged and adapted to report a position of a moveable element external to the switch module , the switch module comprising:a first external connection, a second external connection, and a third external connection;a dry contact relay having a relay contact position responsive to a position of a component external to the switch module, the dry contact relay having a common connection, a normally open connection and a normally closed connection, where the normally open connection corresponds to a first position of the moveable element and the normally closed connection corresponding to a second position of the moveable;a NAMUR circuit having a first input connection pair and a first output connection pair;an electrical connection from the normally open connection of the dry relay to a first input of the first input connection pair of the NAMUR circuit;a selector operable to connect the common connection of the dry contact relay to i) a null contact of the selector or ii) a second input of the first input connection pair of the NAMUR circuit;a second electrical connection from the first output of the NAMUR circuit to one of the first external connection or the second external connection; anda third electrical connection between the second output of the NAMUR circuit to the third external connection;a first jumper that removeably ...

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Номер записи: 33
14-03-2013 дата публикации

HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES WITH ECHO CANCELLATION

Номер: US20130064405A1
Автор: Kindred Jon S., Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

According to various embodiment of a method of operating a hearing instrument, an acoustic signal pathway is provided from a microphone through a signal processor to a hearing instrument (HI) receiver in an acoustic mode of operation. An RF transmit signal pathway is provided from the microphone to an RF transmitter, and an RF receive signal pathway is provided from the RF receiver through the signal processor to the HI receiver in an RF mode of operation. An input signal representative of sound detected by the microphone is adaptively filtered. A first adaptation rate is used for the acoustic mode of operation and a second adaptation rate is used for the RF mode of operation. The second adaptation rate is faster than the first adaptation rate. 1a microphone;a hearing instrument (HI) receiver;a signal processor; andan RF antenna, an RF receiver, and an RF transmitter;wherein the hearing instrument is configured to operate in an acoustic mode and an RF mode;wherein in the acoustic mode, the signal processor processes a signal representative of a sound detected by the microphone into a processed signal, and the HI receiver outputs an audio signal representative of the processed signal;wherein in the RF mode, the RF transmitter transmits, using the antenna, a signal representative of a sound detected by the microphone, the signal processor processes a signal representative of a signal received by the RF receiver using the antenna, and the HI receiver outputs an audio signal representative of the processed signal.. A hearing instrument, comprising: This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/402,849, entitled filed on Mar. 12, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.This application relates generally to hearing assistance devices, and more particularly to cancelling, removing or diminishing echo in hearing assistance devices.Examples of hearing ...

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Номер записи: 34
11-04-2013 дата публикации

AUDIO PROCESSING COMPRESSION SYSTEM USING LEVEL-DEPENDENT CHANNELS

Номер: US20130089228A1
Автор: Strelcyk Olaf
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for a level-dependent compression system for hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device having a buffer for receiving time domain input signals and a frequency analysis module to convert time domain input signals into a plurality of subband signals. A power detector is adapted to receive the subband signals and to provide a subband version of the input signals. A nonlinear gain stage applies gain to the plurality of subband versions of the input signals, and a frequency synthesis module processes subband signals from the nonlinear gain stage and to create a processed output signal. The device also includes a filter for filtering the signals, and a level-dependent compression module. The level-dependent compression module is adapted to provide bandwidth control to the plurality of subband signals produced by the frequency analysis stage. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:a buffer adapted for receiving time-domain input signals;a frequency analysis module adapted to convert the time domain input signals into a plurality of subband signals;a power detector adapted to receive the subband signals and to provide a subband version of the input signals;a nonlinear gain stage adapted to apply gain to the plurality of subband versions of the input signals;a frequency synthesis module adapted to process subband signals from the nonlinear gain stage and to create a processed output signal;a filter for filtering the input signals and the output signal; anda level-dependent compression module adapted to provide bandwidth control to the plurality of subband signals produced by the frequency analysis module.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the level-dependent compression module includes level-dependent analysis channels to control a compressive-gain signal as a function of frequency.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the level-dependent ...

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Номер записи: 35
02-05-2013 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MICROPHONES SHARING A COMMON ACOUSTIC VOLUME

Номер: US20130108089A1
Автор: Lin Wei Li
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for improved microphones sharing an acoustic volume. Some embodiments are useful for hearing assistance devices. Examples of an improved microphone module offering omnidirectional and directional microphone capsules are provided. Different mounting and interconnection embodiments are provided. Different electrical connector embodiments are discussed. Improvements in space and performance, and other efficiencies, are provided by the teachings set forth herein. 120-. (canceled)21. A hearing assistance device , comprising:hearing assistance electronics;a housing having a first port and a second port; and a first microphone capsule including a first opening;', 'a second microphone capsule including a second opening; and', 'wherein the first opening and the second opening are configured to be aligned and acoustically sealed to provide a shared acoustic volume for the first microphone capsule and the second microphone capsule, and', 'wherein the first opening is configured to receive sound from the first port and the second opening is configured to receive sound from the second port., 'a microphone module configured to be positioned in the housing and configured to provide signals to the hearing assistance electronics, the microphone module including22. The hearing assistance device of claim 21 , wherein the first microphone capsule and the second microphone capsule are configured to share an opening.23. The hearing assistance device of claim 21 , wherein the first microphone capsule is a directional microphone capsule and the second microphone capsule is an omnidirectional microphone capsule.24. The hearing assistance device of claim 21 , wherein the first and second microphone capsules are directional microphone capsules.25. The hearing assistance device of claim 21 , wherein the first and second microphone capsules are omnidirectional microphone capsules.26. The hearing assistance device of claim 21 , wherein the ...

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Номер записи: 36
02-05-2013 дата публикации

ENHANCED DYNAMICS PROCESSING OF STREAMING AUDIO BY SOURCE SEPARATION AND REMIXING

Номер: US20130108096A1
Автор: Fitz Kelly
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

This application relates to a systems and methods for enhanced dynamics processing of streaming audio by source separation and remixing for hearing assistance devices, according to one example. In one embodiment, an external streaming audio device processes sources isolated from an audio signal using source separation, and mixes the resulting signals back into the unprocessed audio signal to enhance individual sources while minimizing audible artifacts. Variations of the present system use source separation in a side chain to guide processing of a composite audio signal. 1. A method , comprising:isolating individual sound source components from an audio signal;independently processing the individual sound source components;after processing the components, mixing the sound source components with the audio signal to produce a mixed audio signal to minimize audible artifacts; andproviding the mixed audio signal to a wearer using a hearing assistance device worn by the wearer.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein independently processing the individual sound source components includes independently compressing the individual sound source components.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein independently processing the individual sound source components includes applying source-specific gain processing to the individual sound source components.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein mixing the compressed sound source components includes providing a mix that is customized to compensate for the wearer's hearing loss.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein isolating individual sound source components from an audio signal includes using non-negative matrix factorization.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising processing the audio signal in parallel with the isolated individual source components before mixing.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein processing the audio signal includes delaying the audio signal to compensate for latency in source separation.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein ...

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Номер записи: 37
06-06-2013 дата публикации

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING AMBIENT NOISE BASED ON ANNOYANCE PERCEPTION AND MODELING FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED LISTENERS

Номер: US20130142369A1
Автор: McKinney Martin, VISHNUBHOTLA Srikanth, Xiao Jinjun, Xu Buye, Zhang Tao
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for annoyance perception and modeling for hearing-impaired listeners. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method for improving noise cancellation for a wearer of a hearing assistance device having an adaptive filter. In various embodiments, the method includes calculating an annoyance measure or other perceptual measure based on a residual signal in an ear of the wearer, the wearer's hearing loss, and the wearer's preference. A spectral weighting function is estimated based on a ratio of the annoyance measure or other perceptual measure and spectral energy. The spectral weighting function is incorporated into a cost function for an update of the adaptive filter. The method includes minimizing the annoyance or other perceptual measure based cost function to achieve perceptually motivated adaptive noise cancellation, in various embodiments. 1. A method for improving noise cancellation for a wearer of a hearing assistance device having an adaptive filter , the method comprising:calculating an annoyance measure based on a residual signal in an ear of the wearer, the wearer's hearing loss, and the wearer's preference;estimating a spectral weighting function based on a ratio of the annoyance measure and spectral energy; andincorporating the spectral weighting function into a cost function for an update of the adaptive filter.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising minimizing the annoyance based cost function to achieve perceptually motivated adaptive noise cancellation.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising updating the cost function based on input noise.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein updating the cost function includes updating the cost function during run-time.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein updating the cost function includes using a noise type classifier.6. The method of claim 3 , wherein updating the cost function includes updating the cost function adaptively.7. The method of ...

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Номер записи: 38
13-06-2013 дата публикации

COMPRESSION OF SPACED SOURCES FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20130148813A1
Автор: Edwards Brent, Strelcyk Olaf
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

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 ...

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Номер записи: 39
01-08-2013 дата публикации

HEARING AIDS WITH ADAPTIVE BEAMFORMER RESPONSIVE TO OFF-AXIS SPEECH

Номер: US20130195296A1
Автор: Merks Ivo
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing assistance system includes an adaptive directionality controller to control a target direction for sound reception. The adaptive directionality controller includes a beamformer, a speech detector to detect off-axis speech being speech that is not from the target direction, and a steering module to steer the beamformer in response to a detection of the off-axis speech. 1. A hearing assistance system for receiving and processing sounds with control of directionality of sound reception , comprising: detect off-axis speech being a speech that is not from the target direction; and', 'steer the beamformer to reduce cancellation of the off-axis speech by the beamformer in response to a detection of the off-axis speech., 'a processor configured to process the received sounds and including an adaptive directionality controller configured to control a target direction of the sound reception using a beamformer, the adaptive directionality controller configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the adaptive directionality controller is programmed to detect the off-axis speech using output of forward-looking and rearward-looking cardioids.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the adaptive directionality controller is programmed to:calculate a rearward signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the rearward SNR being the SNR of a rearward-looking cardioid; anddetect the off-axis speech using the rearward SNR.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the adaptive directionality controller is programmed to:compare the rearward SNR to a specified threshold SNR; andindicate the detection of the off-axis speech in response to the rearward SNR being larger than the specified threshold SNR.5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the adaptive directionality controller is programmed to:calculate a forward SNR, the forward SNR being the SNR of a forward-looking cardioid;compare the rearward SNR to the forward SNR; andindicate a rear source of the off-axis speech in response to the rearward SNR exceeding ...

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Номер записи: 40
01-08-2013 дата публикации

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL AND OMNIDIRECTIONAL HYBRID MICROPHONE FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20130195297A1
Автор: Burns Thomas Howard
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for an directional microphone arrays for hearing assistance devices. In various embodiments, the present subject matter provides a microphone array system for receiving sounds including a first directional microphone, a second directional microphone and an omnidirectional microphone. The first directional microphone has a first directional axis in a first direction, and the second directional microphone has a second directional axis that is collinear with the first direction and pointing in the same direction as the first direction. The omnidirectional microphone has a sound sampling position that is a disposed between the first directional microphone and the second directional microphone, and the omnidirectional microphone sound sampling position is on or about the first directional axis. Weighted outputs of the first directional microphone, second directional microphone, and omnidirectional microphone are processed to provide a second order directional microphone system, according to various embodiments. 1. A microphone array system for receiving sounds , comprising:a first directional microphone having a first directional axis in a first direction;a second directional microphone having a second directional axis that is collinear with the first direction and pointing in the same direction as the first direction;an omnidirectional microphone having a sound sampling position that is a disposed between the first directional microphone and the second directional microphone;wherein the omnidirectional microphone sound sampling position is on or about the first directional axis and wherein weighted outputs of the first directional microphone, second directional microphone, and omnidirectional microphone are processed to provide a second order directional microphone system.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first directional microphone claim 1 , the second directional microphone and the omnidirectional ...

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Номер записи: 41
01-08-2013 дата публикации

HEARING AID WITH INTEGRATED FLEXIBLE DISPLAY AND TOUCH SENSOR

Номер: US20130195298A1
Автор: Sacha Michael Karl
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A user interface incorporated onto a hearing aid includes flexible hybrid component integrating a touch sensor into a bendable display. The touch sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, includes one or more sensor elements allowing a user to control operation of the hearing aid by touching. The bendable display presents information related to the operation of the hearing aid to the user. 1. A hearing aid , comprising:a hearing aid circuit including a microphone, a receiver, and a processing circuit coupled between the microphone and the receiver;a hearing aid housing containing the hearing aid circuit; and a display layer configured to dynamically display information indicative of operation of the hearing aid; and', 'a sensor layer on the display layer, the sensor layer including a capacitive sensor configured to sense touching., 'a user interface coupled to the processing circuit and including a bendable display including2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the bendable display further comprises a cover layer on the sensor layer for protection of the sensor layer and the display layer.3. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the hearing aid housing comprises a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces claim 1 , and the bendable display comprises a top display encompassing a substantial portion of the top surface.4. The hearing aid of claim 3 , wherein the hearing aid housing is an in-the ear (ITE) housing configured for an ITE hearing aid claim 3 , and the top surface is a surface facing outward when the ITE hearing aid is positioned during use.5. The hearing aid of claim 3 , wherein the hearing aid housing is a behind-the ear (BTE) housing configured for an BTE hearing aid claim 3 , and the top surface is a surface facing upward when the BTE hearing aid is positioned during use.6. The hearing aid of claim 5 , wherein the bendable display further comprises one or more side displays each incorporated into a side surface of the plurality of side surfaces.7. The ...

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Номер записи: 42
08-08-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUDIO FEATURE OF A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20130202137A1
Автор: Edgar Daniel Mark
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A method of using a remote control application for controlling a hearing assistance device may include displaying a user interface layout on a display of a mobile device, the user interface layout including at least one user input element associated with controlling an audio feature of a hearing assistance device; receiving a selection of the at least one user input element; translating the selection of the at least one user input element into a remote signal for controlling the feature of the hearing assistance device; and transmitting the remote signal to the hearing assistance device via a transmitter attachment coupled to the mobile device. 1. A method comprising:displaying a user interface layout on a display of a mobile device, the user interface layout including at least one user input element associated with controlling an audio feature of a hearing assistance device;receiving a selection of the at least one user input element;translating the selection of the at least one user input element into a remote signal for controlling the audio feature of the hearing assistance device; andtransmitting the remote signal to the hearing assistance device via a transmitter attachment coupled to the mobile device.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein translating the selection of the at least one user input element into a remote signal for controlling the audio feature of the hearing assistance device comprises:determining the type of the hearing assistance device; andretrieving the remote signal from a database of remote signals based on the type of the hearing assistance device and the feature of the hearing assistance device associated with the user input element.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting, via the transmitter attachment, an audio signal associated with audio data stored on the mobile device.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the audio feature of the hearing assistance device is stopping the audio signal from playing on the hearing ...

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Номер записи: 43
22-08-2013 дата публикации

SWITCHING STUCTURES FOR HEARING AID

Номер: US20130216075A1
Автор: Kariniemi Robert, Sacha Michael Karl
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

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 ...

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Номер записи: 44
05-09-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE INCLUDING RECEIVER IN THE CANAL

Номер: US20130230197A1
Автор: Higgins Sidney A.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device connection system for a user having an ear canal comprising a housing, electronics disposed in the housing, a cable electrically connected to the receiver and at least one conductive silicone component to electrically connect the electronics to the receiver. 1a housing;electronics disposed in the housing;a receiver adapted to be placed in the ear canal;a cable electrically connected to the receiver; andat least one conductive silicone component to electrically connect the electronics to the receiver.. A hearing assistance system for a user having an ear canal, the system comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/857,439 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,385,573 on Feb. 26, 2013), filed Sep. 19, 2007, and entitled “System for Hearing Assistance Device Including Receiver in the Canal,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.This application relates to hearing assistance devices and more particularly to electrical connections for hearing assistance devices.Hearing assistance devices often require connection of separate components, thus exposing connectors to the environment outside a component housing. The exposed connectors, and associated cable, are susceptible to forces which can disrupt the connection. Additionally, most hearing assistance device users desire that any exposed component of a hearing assistance device be of minimal distraction to the user's appearance. Therefore, there exists in the art a need for improved connectors for hearing assistance device systems that provide reliable connections between system components and minimal visual distraction.This application addresses the foregoing needs in the art and other needs not discussed herein. Embodiments of system are provided for connection of a receiver placed in the ear of a user to electronics for a hearing assistance device. Some hearing assistance device application configurations ...

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Номер записи: 45
26-09-2013 дата публикации

REAL EAR MEASUREMENT SYSTEM USING THIN TUBE

Номер: US20130251166A1
Автор: Higgins Sidney A., Jacoby Robert P., Yanz Jerry L., Zhang Tao
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

An embodiment of a hearing assistance apparatus for performing a Real Ear Measurement (REM), comprises a hearing assistance device housing, a microphone within the housing, an earhook connected to the housing, and a flexible tube. The house has a first opening for guiding sound into the housing to the microphone. The housing and the connected earhook form an interface, where the earhook has a shape to provide a slot near the interface of the housing and the earhook. The tube guides sound, and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the flexible tube and the slot of the earhook cooperate to retain the first end of the flexible tube in the slot of the earhook and flush with the housing to provide a sound-tight connection with the first opening. 1. A method for performing a Real Ear Measurement (REM) for a user's canal using a hearing assistance apparatus with a receiver , a microphone , and a sound tube , comprising:presenting a periodic signal to the receiver to provide a calibrated sound in the user's ear canal;using the microphone and the sound tube to capture a plurality of samples from the sound in the ear canal for each desired frequency;producing a real-ear coupler difference (RECD) using the plurality of samples and a coupler response; andstoring the RECD in memory of the hearing assistance device.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transforming the samples into a frequency domain claim 1 , and checking for bad capture for each sample.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transforming the samples into a frequency domain claim 1 , and checking for body movements.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transforming the samples into a frequency domain claim 1 , and generating an average on the samples.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:transforming the samples into a frequency domain;checking for temporal variations for each sample while in the frequency domain to find clean samples; andgenerating an average using ...

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Номер записи: 46
26-09-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION LINKS FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20130251180A1
Автор: Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Various system embodiments comprise a plurality of devices adapted to wirelessly communicate with each other. The plurality of devices includes a battery-operated hearing assistance device adapted to be worn by a person. The hearing aid device includes a signal processing circuitry connected to a microphone and a receiver. At least one of the plurality of devices includes a link quality management device adapted to assess a link quality for a first wireless communication channel, provide channel metrics indicative of the assessed quality for the first wireless communication channel, and adjust wireless communication over the first wireless communication channel using the channel metrics for the first wireless communication channel. 1. (canceled)2. A system , comprising:a first hearing assistance device configured to be worn by a person;a second hearing assistance device configured to be worn by the person;each of the first and second hearing assistance devices including a microphone, a receiver, and signal processing circuitry connected to the microphone and the receiver, wherein each of the first and second hearing assistance devise is battery-operated and is configured with wireless communication capabilities and is configured to use the wireless communication capabilities to wirelessly transmit audio data; assess link quality for a first wireless channel over which the first hearing assistance device transmits audio data and a second wireless channel over which the second hearing assistance device transmits audio data, and', 'control, using the assessed link quality, wireless communication with the first and second hearing assistance devices., 'a link quality management device configured to3. The system of claim 2 , wherein:the first hearing assistance device is configured to generate the digital audio signal transmitted over the first wireless channel from a signal from the microphone in the first hearing assistance device; andthe second hearing assistance ...

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Номер записи: 47
10-10-2013 дата публикации

SPEECH RECOGNITION SYSTEM FOR FITTING HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20130266164A1
Автор: Woods William S.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods to provide improved fitting and programming of hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a system for fitting a hearing assistance device. In one embodiment, the system includes a programmer and a hearing assistance device configured to receive a transmission including commands and information from the programmer. The programmer is configured to receive voice commands for fitting the hearing assistance device and to initiate transmissions to the hearing assistance device using speech recognition, in various embodiments. The transmissions are used to provide control of the function or settings of the hearing assistance device. In one embodiment the programmer includes a personal computer. The programmer includes a cellular telephone, in one embodiment. Other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 1. A system for fitting a hearing assistance device , the system comprising:a programmer configured to transmit commands and information to the hearing assistance device,wherein the programmer is programmed to receive voice commands for fitting the hearing assistance device, process the commands using speech recognition, and to use recognized voice commands to produce transmissions of the commands and the information tier fitting the hearing assistance device.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the programmer includes a personal computer.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the programmer includes a cellular telephone.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device is a cochlear implant and the programmer is configured to send commands that may by be used by the cochlear implant.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the programmer is further programmed to receive gesture inputs for fitting the hearing assistance device.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device is a hearing aid.7. The system of ...

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Номер записи: 48
07-11-2013 дата публикации

METHOD FOR ACOUSTICAL LOADING OF HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE RECEIVER

Номер: US20130294625A1
Автор: Burns Thomas Howard
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and in particular to improved methods and apparatus for acoustical loading of hearing assistance device receivers. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance method. A hearing assistance device including hearing assistance electronics is provided. A receiver assembly includes a receiver that is configured to convert an electrical signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an acoustic signal. The receiver is acoustically loaded using air inside the receiver assembly, providing a plurality of acoustical resonators that can be tuned to smooth a frequency response of the receiver to improve audio quality of the receiver. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:hearing assistance electronics;a receiver assembly including a receiver configured to convert an electrical signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an acoustic signal, the receiver assembly including a plurality of acoustical resonators;wherein the receiver is configured to be acoustically loaded using air inside the receiver assembly by tuning at least one of the plurality of acoustical resonators to smooth a frequency response of the receiver to improve audio quality of the receiver.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the receiver assembly includes a mu metal housing configured to enclose the receiver.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of acoustical resonators include at least one Helmholz resonator.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device includes a hearing aid.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the hearing aid includes an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid.6. The device of claim 4 , wherein the hearing aid includes a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.7. The device of claim 4 , wherein the hearing aid includes an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid.8. The device of claim 4 , wherein the hearing aid includes a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing ...

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Номер записи: 49
07-11-2013 дата публикации

FLEX CONNECTOR FOR A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20130294628A1
Автор: Higgins Sidney A., Zajicek Gary
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present disclosure relates to improved receiver connectors for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance system including a flex connector. A hearing assistance device housing includes hearing assistance electronics for a hearing assistance device. The system also includes a receiver configured to convert an electrical signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an acoustic signal. The receiver is configured to enable a quick connect and disconnect at various degrees on and off vertical axial alignment with repeatable reliability, according to various embodiments. 1. A receiver module for a hearing aid including a receptacle connector and circuitry connected to the receptacle connector , the receiver module comprising:a receiver configured to transmit sound;a receiver case housing the receiver; anda flex tab connector coupled to the receiver and the case, the flex tab connector configured to mate with the receptacle connector to provide electrical connection between the receiver and the circuitry and including a flex substrate and conductive contacts on the flex substrate.2. The receiver module of claim 1 , wherein the conductive contacts are duplicated on both sides of the flex substrate.3. The receiver module of claim 2 , wherein flex tab connector comprises a male connector.4. The receiver module of claim 1 , comprising a long axis claim 1 , and wherein the flex tab connector is bendable from the long axis.5. The receiver module of claim 4 , wherein the flex tab connector is further bendable about the long axis.6. The receiver module of claim 4 , wherein the flex tab connector is on the long axis when being in an unconstrained state.7. The receiver module of claim 4 , wherein the flex tab connector is off the long axis when being in an unconstrained state.8. A hearing aid including circuitry to process sounds claim 4 , the hearing aid comprising:a receiver module including a receiver configured ...

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Номер записи: 50
21-11-2013 дата публикации

HEARING AID SYSTEMS

Номер: US20130308802A1
Автор: Eaton Anthony M., Ruzicka Jerome C.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Systems, structures, and methods are provided to fit, program, or upgrade a hearing aid system to a patient. One embodiment includes the use of a mobile device to interact with the hearing aid system through a short-range network. The mobile device is also adapted to communicate with a server through a long-range wireless network. The server may reside on the Internet. 1. (canceled)2. A method to be performed using a mobile device and a non-transitory application with executable instructions to be executed by the mobile device , the method , comprising:receiving, using the mobile device and the application to be executed by the mobile device, digital transmissions through a long-range network into the mobile device, wherein receiving digital transmissions through the long-range network includes receiving digital transmissions through a wireless cellular network, and a microphone to pick up sound and produce an audio signal;', 'a processing system to process the audio signal from the microphone into a processed signal tailored to fit the hearing-impaired patient; and', 'a speaker to convert the processed signal into an output audio signal and present the output audio signal to the hearing-impaired patient,, 'programming, using the mobile device and application to be executed by the mobile device a hearing aid through a wireless short-range communication link that is configured to be worn in or near an ear of a hearing-impaired patient, the hearing aid includingwherein programming includes using digital data within the received digital transmissions to program the processing system of the hearing aid to fit the hearing-impaired patient.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising using the mobile device and the application to be executed by the mobile device to access an Internet connection through the wireless cellular network and to communicate with a server through the cellular network and through the Internet connection to use Internet communication to ...

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Номер записи: 51
21-11-2013 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY IN A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20130308807A1
Автор: Burns Thomas Howard
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

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 ...

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Номер записи: 52
28-11-2013 дата публикации

SWITCHING STRUCTURES FOR HEARING AID

Номер: US20130315423A1
Автор: Bren Mark A., Peterson Timothy S., Roberts Randall W., Sacha Michael Karl
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

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 ...

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Номер записи: 53
28-11-2013 дата публикации

Hearing aid systems

Номер: US20130315424A1
Автор: Anthony M. Eaton, Jerome C. Ruzicka
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

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

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Номер записи: 54
12-12-2013 дата публикации

HEARING AID WITH DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING IN EAR PIECE

Номер: US20130329926A1
Автор: Sacha Michael Karl
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and in particular to behind the ear and receiver in canal hearing aids with distributed processing. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance device including hearing assistance electronics in a housing configured to be worn above or behind an ear of a wearer. The hearing assistance device includes an ear piece configured to be worn in the ear of the wearer and a processing component at the ear piece configured to perform functions in the ear piece and to communicate with the hearing assistance electronics, in various embodiments. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:hearing assistance electronics in a housing configured to be worn above or behind an ear of a wearer;an ear piece configured to be worn in the ear of the wearer; anda processing component at the ear piece configured to perform functions in the ear piece and to communicate with the hearing assistance electronics using a wired connection.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processing component includes a microcontroller.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processing component includes a microprocessor.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processing component includes a digital signal processor (DSP).5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processing component includes a custom chip design.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processing component includes combinational logic.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processing component is configured to communicate with the hearing assistance electronics using a single wire.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ear piece includes a receiver configured to convert an electrical signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an acoustic signal.9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ear piece includes a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor.10. The device of claim 9 , wherein the processing component is configured to ...

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Номер записи: 55
02-01-2014 дата публикации

INFRARED SENSORS FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20140003637A1
Автор: Burns Thomas Howard
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for infrared sensors on hearing assistance devices. In various embodiments, a hearing assistance device includes a housing, hearing assistance electronics within the housing, and an infrared sensor connected to the hearing assistance electronics. The infrared sensor is configured to detect proximity or touch by the wearer to control the hearing assistance device, in various embodiments. In one embodiment, the sensor circuit is configured to detect the wearer when the housing is worn. 1. A hearing assistance device for a wearer , comprising:a housing;hearing assistance electronics within the housing; andan infrared sensor coupled to the hearing assistance electronics, wherein the infrared sensor is configured to detect proximity or touch by the wearer.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the infrared sensor is configured to switch upon detection of proximity or touch.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the infrared sensor is adapted to control one or more functions of the hearing assistance electronics.4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the infrared sensor is adapted to turn the device on and off.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing is adapted to mount in or about an ear of a person.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance electronics include a wireless communication unit.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein further comprising an array of infrared sensors.8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the array of infrared sensors includes a photodiode array.9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the infrared sensor includes a light emitting diode (LED).10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the infrared sensor is adapted to determine a direction of a swipe by the wearer's finger.11. A hearing assistance device for a wearer claim 1 , the device comprising:a housing; andhearing assistance electronics housed in the housing;an infrared sensing switch connected to the hearing assistance electronics, the ...

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Номер записи: 56
16-01-2014 дата публикации

HEARING INSTRUMENT TRANSDUCTION APPARATUS USING FERROELECTRET POLYMER FOAM

Номер: US20140016804A1
Автор: Burns Thomas Howard
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, and more particularly to hearing assistance devices using ferroelectret (also referred to as piezoelectret) polymer foam. Various embodiments include ferroelectret polymer foam on or in the hearing instrument as a microphone. Various embodiments include ferroelectret polymer foam on or in the hearing instrument as a momentary switch sensor. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:a transduction element including ferroelectret polymer foam.2. The hearing assistance device of claim 1 , wherein the ferroelectret polymer foam has a thickness of between about 50 and 500 microns.3. The hearing assistance device of claim 1 , wherein multiple layers of ferroelectret film are used to provide the desired thickness of ferroelectret polymer foam.4. The hearing assistance device of claim 3 , wherein four layers of ferroelectret film are used to provide the desired thickness of ferroelectret polymer foam.5. The hearing assistance device of claim 3 , wherein each layer has a thickness of approximately 70 microns.6. The hearing assistance device of claim 3 , wherein the multiple layers of ferroelectret film are laminated.7. The hearing assistance device of claim 1 , wherein the ferroelectret polymer foam includes piezoelectric polymers of polypropylene (PP) foam.8. The hearing assistance device of claim 1 , wherein the ferroelectret polymer foam includes voided low-density polypropylene (LDPP).9. The hearing assistance device of claim 1 , wherein the ferroelectret polymer foam includes fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).10. The hearing assistance device of claim 1 , wherein the ferroelectret polymer foam includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).11. The hearing assistance device of claim 1 , wherein the ferroelectret polymer foam is configured to be used as a momentary switch sensor.12. A method claim 1 , comprising:forming a hearing assistance device including a ferroelectret polymer foam. ...

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Номер записи: 57
16-01-2014 дата публикации

ANTENNAS FOR HEARING AIDS

Номер: US20140016806A1
Автор: Polinske Beau Jay
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit provides a compact design for a hearing aid to communicate wirelessly with a system external to the hearing aid. In an embodiment, an antenna includes metallic traces in a hybrid circuit that is configured for use in a hearing aid. The antenna includes contacts in the hybrid circuit to couple the metallic traces to electronic devices in the hybrid circuit. In an embodiment, the metallic traces form a planar coil design having a number of turns of the coil in a substrate in the hybrid circuit. In another embodiment, the metallic traces are included in a flex circuit on a substrate in the hybrid circuit. An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit allows for use in a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid. 1communication electronics adapted for use with a hybrid circuit in the hearing aid; andan antenna including one or more metallic traces connected to the communication electronics, the antenna adapted for assembly with the hybrid circuit.. An apparatus for use in a hearing aid, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/410,042, filed on Mar. 1, 2012, which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/550,821, filed on Aug. 31, 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,180,080, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/357,751, filed on Feb. 17, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,593,538, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/287,892, filed on Nov. 28, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/091,748, filed on Mar. 28, 2005, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.This invention relates generally to antennas, more particularly to antennas for hearing aids.Hearing aids can provide adjustable operational modes or characteristics that improve the performance of the hearing aid for a specific person or in a specific environment. Some of the operational characteristics are volume control, tone control, ...

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Номер записи: 58
16-01-2014 дата публикации

ANTENNAS FOR STANDARD FIT HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20140016807A1
Автор: Helgeson Michael, Polinske Beau Jay, Rabel Jay, Sanguino Jorge F., Solum Jeffrey Paul, Tourtelotte David
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna. 1a housing;a power source;a radio circuit within the housing and electrically connected to the power source;an antenna having an aperture, wherein the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture; anda transmission line to electrically connect the antenna to the radio circuit.. A hearing assistance device, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/340,604, filed Dec. 19, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This application relates generally to antennas, and more particularly to antennas for hearing assistance devices.Examples of hearing assistance devices, also referred to herein as hearing instruments, include both prescriptive devices and non-prescriptive devices. Examples of hearing assistance devices include, but are not limited to, hearing aids, headphones, assisted listening devices, and earbuds.Hearing instruments can provide adjustable operational modes or characteristics that improve the performance of the hearing instrument for a specific person or in a specific environment. Some of the operational characteristics are volume control, tone control, and selective signal input. These and other operational characteristics can be programmed into a hearing aid. A programmable hearing aid can be programmed using wired or wireless communication technology.Generally, hearing instruments are small and require extensive design to fit all the necessary electronic components into the hearing instrument or attached to ...

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Номер записи: 59
16-01-2014 дата публикации

Method and apparatus for a hearing assistance device with pinna control

Номер: US20140016810A1
Автор: Brian Fideler, Michael Karl Sacha, Sidney A. Higgins, Thomas Howard Burns
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for disposition between a pinna and a head of a user, the apparatus including a behind-the-ear housing, the housing having a first lateral side located adjacent the user's ear and a second lateral side located adjacent the side of the user's head when the apparatus is worn as directed, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the behind-the-ear housing, and a control disposed on at least one lateral side of the behind-the-ear housing, the control coupled to the hearing assistance electronics.

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Номер записи: 60
16-01-2014 дата публикации

Method to estimate the sound pressure level at eardrum using measurements away from the eardrum

Номер: US20140018698A1
Автор: Janice LoPresti, Tao Zhang
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

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

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Номер записи: 61
23-01-2014 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC RECEPTION ENHANCEMENT OF HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20140023213A1
Автор: Trine Timothy Daniel, Woods William S., Zhang Tao
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Method and apparatus for automatic reception enhancement of hearing assistance devices. The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for automatic reception enhancement in hearing assistance devices. It provides a power estimation scheme that is reliable against both steady and transient input. It provides a TSM estimation scheme that is effective and efficient both in terms of storage size and computational efficiency. The embodiments employing a decision tree provide a weight factor between the omnidirectional and compensated directional signal. The resulting decision logic improves speech intelligibility when talking under noisy conditions. The decision logic also improves listening comfort when exposed to noise. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents. 1. (canceled)2. An apparatus , comprising:a first microphone input configured to receive a first microphone signal with a first reception profile over a frequency range;a second microphone input configured to receive a second microphone signal with a second reception profile over the frequency range;a compensation filter connected to the second microphone input and configured to output the second microphone signal with a third reception profile which substantially matches the first reception profile;a mixing module connected to the first microphone input to receive the first microphone signal with the first reception profile and connected to compensation filter to receive the second microphone signal with the third reception profile, the mixing module configured to provide a mixing ratio (α(k)), for the first microphone signal with the first reception profile and the second microphone signal with the third reception profile based on relative signal strength and nature of the received signals; receive the first microphone signal with the first reception profile over the frequency range;', 'receive a first signal ...

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Номер записи: 62
23-01-2014 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN INPUT DEVICE FOR HEARING AID MODIFICATION

Номер: US20140023214A1
Автор: Edgar Daniel Mark
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for an input device for hearing aid fitting or modification. According to various embodiments, a Microsoft Kinect® or other gesture sensing input device senses a plurality of gestured inputs or speech made remotely from the computer for fitting or modifying a hearing aid. The Microsoft Kinect® or other gesture sensing input device communicates with the fitting system to simplify the fitting process, removing the restriction of mouse and keyboard, and allowing patient participation in the fitting or modification process for a hearing assistance device. 1. A method for fitting a hearing aid worn by a wearer with a fitting system , comprising:programming a three-dimensional gesture sensing input device adapted to input a plurality of gestures or speech by a user of the system during a fitting session and adapted to convert each of the gestures into information useable by the fitting system for the fitting session.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional gesture sensing input device includes a Microsoft Kinect® input device.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes settings for the fitting system based on the gestures or speech.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes settings for the hearing aid based on the gestures or speech.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising logging the gestures or speech during the fitting session.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information indicates starting a fitting session.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information includes an indicated ear.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information indicates an environment change.9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising cycling a current memory environment to another environment.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information indicates a louder or softer volume setting.11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information indicates playing certain media ...

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Номер записи: 63
23-01-2014 дата публикации

HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FOR ON- AND OFF- BODY ACCESSORIES

Номер: US20140023216A1
Автор: Sacha Michael Karl, Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The present disclosure related to hearing assistance devices such as hearing aids, and in particular to a hearing assistance device with wireless communication for on- and off-body accessories. In various embodiments, a hearing aid includes a housing, hearing assistance electronics within the housing, and conductive material incorporated into a portion of the housing. According to various embodiments, the conductive material includes a transmission line portion configured to conduct a signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an antenna portion of the conductive material on an exterior surface of the housing. In various applications, the conductive material includes a first antenna configured for short range communication with other body worn devices or accessories. The hearing aid also includes a second antenna within the housing, the second antenna configured for conducting RF radiation for long range communication, in various embodiments. 1. A hearing aid for a wearer having a hearing impairment , the hearing aid adapted to perform wireless communications , comprising:a housing;hearing assistance electronics within the housing; andconductive material incorporated into a portion of the housing, the conductive material including a transmission line portion configured to conduct a signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an antenna portion of the conductive material on an exterior surface of the housing.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the conductive material is formed by a stereolithographic process.3. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the conductive material includes a conductive elastomer.4. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the conductive material includes a liquid metal.5. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein the conductive material is deposited on a surface of the housing using a spray nozzle.6. The hearing aid of claim 5 , wherein the spray nozzle is configured to be computer controlled to adjust impedance claim 5 , conductive ...

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Номер записи: 64
23-01-2014 дата публикации

Methods and apparatus for improving speech understanding in a large crowd

Номер: US20140023217A1
Автор: Tao Zhang
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

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.

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Номер записи: 65
23-01-2014 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR TRAINING AND IMPROVEMENT OF NOISE REDUCTION IN HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20140023218A1
Автор: Woods William S.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A system is provided for training and improvement of noise reduction in hearing assistance devices. In various embodiments the system includes a hearing assistance device having a microphone configured to detect sound. A memory is configured to store background noise detected by the microphone and configured to store a previous recording of speech. A processor includes a training module coupled to the memory and configured to perform training on a binary classifier using programmable feature extraction applied to a sum of the speech and the noise. The processor is configured to process the sound using an output of the binary classifier. 1. A system , comprising:a hearing assistance device including a microphone configured to detect sound;a memory configured to store background noise detected by the microphone and configured to store a previous recording of speech; anda processor including a training module coupled to the memory and configured to perform training on a binary classifier using programmable feature extraction applied to a sum of the speech and the noise, wherein the processor is configured to process the sound using an output of the binary classifier.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein two states of the binary classifier correspond to time/frequency cells when a ratio of speech to noise power is above and below a programmable threshold.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the programmable threshold includes a gain (G) of 0.5.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sum of the speech and the noise includes a sum at a programmable power ratio.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device includes the memory.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device includes the processor.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the memory is included in an external device.8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the external device includes a streaming device.9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the external device includes a cellular telephone.10. ...

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Номер записи: 66
30-01-2014 дата публикации

USER INTERFACE CONTROL OF MULTIPLE PARAMETERS FOR A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20140029776A1
Автор: Dundas John Andrew
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for a user interface control to allow control of multiple parameters from a single control for a hearing assistance device. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to hearing assistance device for a wearer, including a housing, hearing assistance electronics housed in the housing, and a tinnitus therapy generator housed in the housing. A user interface control is connected to the electronics and the generator, and the control is configured to sense input from the wearer and provide for selection and adjustment of operational parameters for the electronics and the generator based on the sensed input. Other aspects are provided without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 1. A hearing assistance device for a wearer , the device comprising:a housing;hearing assistance electronics housed in the housing;a tinnitus therapy generator housed in the housing;a user interface control connected to the electronics and the generator, the control configured to sense input from the wearer and provide for selection and adjustment of operational parameters for the electronics and the generator based on the sensed input.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the user interface control includes a capacitive switch.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the user interface control is within the housing.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the user interface control is on the housing.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the operational parameters for the tinnitus therapy generator include frequency shaping of tinnitus therapy stimulus.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the operational parameters include relative loudness of amplification of the hearing assistance electronics and noise generation of the tinnitus therapy generator.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the input from the wearer includes a tap and release to select the hearing assistance electronics.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the input from ...

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Номер записи: 67
30-01-2014 дата публикации

VISUAL SPEECH MAPPING

Номер: US20140029778A1
Автор: Bartunek Joshua Elliot
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Described herein are an apparatus and method for displaying the signal processing effects of a hearing upon speech. Such visual speech mapping may include displaying text corresponding to words spoken to a patient wearing a hearing aid as derived from an input signal derived from the hearing aid. The text is displayed with indicia representing the effects of the signal processing function performed by the hearing aid upon individual letters or groups of letters. 1. A method , comprising:having selected words spoken to a patient wearing a hearing aid;receiving the input signal generated by the hearing aid before application of compensatory signal processing;employing a speech recognition algorithm to generate text from the received input signal that corresponds to the selected spoken words;receiving a parameter set from the hearing aid that defines one or more compensatory signal processing performed by the hearing aid;displaying the text along with indicia representing the effects of the one or more compensatory signal processing functions on particular letters or groups of letters.2. The method of wherein the one or more compensatory signal processing functions include frequency specific amplification.3. The method of wherein the one or more compensatory signal processing functions include noise reduction.4. The method of wherein the one or more compensatory signal processing functions include directional processing.5. The method of wherein the one or more compensatory signal processing functions include frequency translation.6. The method of wherein the indicia representing the effects of the one or more compensatory signal processing functions include changing the typeface of the displayed text.7. The method of wherein the indicia representing the effects of the one or more compensatory signal processing functions include changing the size of the displayed text.8. The method of wherein the indicia representing the effects of the one or more compensatory signal ...

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Номер записи: 68
13-02-2014 дата публикации

BINAURALLY COORDINATED COMPRESSION SYSTEM

Номер: US20140044291A1
Автор: Dundas John Andrew, Kalluri Sridhar, Strelcyk Olaf, Xia Jing
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

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 ...

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Номер записи: 69
13-02-2014 дата публикации

ENVIRONMENTALLY SEALED HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20140044292A1
Автор: Bergner Thomas Blaise, Spaulding Thomas
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing an environmentally sealed hearing assistance device that is easy to manufacture. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of manufacturing a hearing assistance device. A hearing assistance device electrical component is placed into a mold and a liquid polymer resin is inserted into the mold. The polymer resin is cured into a solid state to encase the electrical component. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device is assembled using the encased electrical component. The polymer resin is adapted to resist moisture ingress and to protect the electrical component from corrosion, shock and vibration, in various embodiments. 1. A method of manufacturing a hearing assistance device , the method comprising:placing a hearing assistance device electrical component into a mold;inserting a liquid polymer resin into the mold;curing the polymer resin into a solid state to encase the electrical component; andassembling the hearing assistance device using the encased electrical component.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein placing a hearing assistance device electrical component into a mold includes placing the electrical component into a lattice structure.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising assembling the hearing assistance device using multiple encased electrical components.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein assembling the hearing assistance device includes assembling a hearing aid5. The method of claim 4 , wherein assembling the hearing aid includes assembling a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein assembling the hearing aid includes assembling an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid.7. The method of claim 4 , wherein assembling the hearing aid includes assembling an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid.8. The method of claim 4 , wherein assembling the hearing aid includes assembling a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid.9. The method of claim 4 , ...

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Номер записи: 70
13-02-2014 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OWN-VOICE SENSING IN A HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20140044294A1
Автор: Burns Thomas Howard, Jensen Lars Tuborg
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for own-voice sensing in hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing assistance device adapted to process sounds, including sounds from a wearer's mouth. According to various embodiments, the device includes a hollow plastic housing adapted to be worn in the ear of the wearer and a differential sensor mounted to an interior surface of the housing in an ear canal of the wearer. The differential sensor includes inlets located within the housing and the differential sensor is configured to improve speech intelligibility of sounds from the wearer's mouth, in various embodiments. 1. An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing assistance device adapted to process sounds , including sounds from a wearer's mouth , comprising:a hollow plastic housing adapted to be worn in an ear of the wearer; anda differential sensor mounted to an interior surface of the housing configured to be placed in an ear canal of the wearer, the differential sensor having inlets located within the housing, wherein the differential sensor is configured to improve speech intelligibility of sounds from the wearer's mouth.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the differential sensor includes a differential microphone.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the differential sensor is directly mounted to the interior surface.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the differential sensor is indirectly mounted to the interior surface.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the differential sensor is mounted to amplify bone-conducted vibrations.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the differential sensor is configured to be placed in an elastomeric sleeve claim 1 , the sleeve having a resonance frequency configured to enhance frequency response of the differential sensor.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a barrier window at an eartip proximate to a medial ear canal air cavity.8. The device of ...

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Номер записи: 71
13-02-2014 дата публикации

Telecoil in a detachable direct audio input accessory

Номер: US20140044295A1
Автор: Andrew Joseph Johnson
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing a hearing assistance device with a detachable telecoil. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an apparatus for communication with a hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a telecoil and a direct audio input (DAI) connector electrically connected to the telecoil. The DAI connector is configured to detachably attach to a DAI port of the hearing assistance device and to pass a signal from the telecoil to the hearing assistance device, in various embodiments.

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Номер записи: 72
06-03-2014 дата публикации

Binaural enhancement of tone language for hearing assistance devices

Номер: US20140064496A1
Автор: Ning Li
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

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.

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Номер записи: 73
06-03-2014 дата публикации

GATEWAY FOR A WIRELESS HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Номер: US20140064528A1
Автор: Flood Stephen Paul, Polinske Beau Jay, Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing a gateway for a wireless hearing assistance device. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. One or more message and alert inputs are received and the message and alert inputs are processed to obtain an output. The output is wirelessly transmitted to a hearing assistance device, and the output is configured to be played via audio to a wearer of the hearing assistance device and to interrupt a current audio stream being played to the wearer, in various embodiments. 1. An apparatus for wireless communication with a hearing assistance device , the apparatus comprising:one or more inputs configured to receive messages and alerts directed to a wearer of a hearing assistance device;a processor configured to process the messages and alerts to obtain an output adapted to be played via audio to a wearer of the hearing assistance device, and to interrupt a current audio stream being played to the wearer; anda wireless transmitter configured to transmit the output to the hearing assistance device.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inputs includes a microphone.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the apparatus is adapted to detect the alerts using the microphone.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the alerts include an alarm.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the alarm includes a fire alarm.6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the alarm includes a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a wireless gateway device.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a computer.9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a cellular phone claim 1 , smart phone claim 1 , or other cell phone/entertainment device (CPED).10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a television streamer (T VS) device.11. A ...

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Номер записи: 74
10-04-2014 дата публикации

OUTPUT PHASE MODULATION ENTRAINMENT CONTAINMENT FOR DIGITAL FILTERS

Номер: US20140098967A1
Автор: Kindred Jon S., Natarajan Harikrishna P., Salvetti Arthur
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Method and apparatus for entrainment containment in digital filters using output phase modulation. Phase change is gradually introduced into the acoustic feedback canceller loop to avoid entrainment of the feedback canceller filter. Various embodiments employing different output phase modulation approaches are set forth and time and frequency domain examples are provided. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a sensor to receive sound and convert it to an electrical signal;an analog-to-digital converter to convert the electrical signal into a digital signal;a frequency analysis module to produce frequency domain subband signals from the digital signal;a summing node receiving the frequency domain subband signals and acoustic feedback compensation subband signals AFC(k) adapted to correct for acoustic feedback received by the sensor, the summing node providing error subband signals E(k) by subtraction of the received signals;a complex multiplier producing a gradually phase shifted version of the error subband signals E′(k);a hearing aid signal processing module to process the phase shifted error subband signals E′(k);a time synthesis module to produce time domain, processed, digital signals;a digital-to-analog converter providing an analog version of the processed, digital signals; anda receiver to produce processed sound from the analog version;wherein the processed, digital signals are passed through a bulk delay and converted back into frequency domain signals to be used for acoustic feedback cancellation by an adaptive filter which produces the acoustic feedback compensation subband signals AFC(k).2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the multiplier receives a gradually shifted phase signal from a phase shifter claim 1 , and the phase shifter module resets when reaching an aggregate phase of 360 degrees.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the ...

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Номер записи: 75
01-01-2015 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCALIZATION OF STREAMING SOURCES IN HEARING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM

Номер: US20150003653A1
Автор: Durant Eric A., Recker Karrie LaRae
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing assistance system streams audio signals from one or more streaming sources to a hearing aid set and enhances the audio signals such that the output sounds transmitted to the hearing aid wearer include a spatialization effect allowing for localization of each of the one more streaming sources. The system determines the position of the hearing aid set relative to each streaming source in real time and introduces the spatialization effect for that streaming source dynamically based on the determined position, such that the hearing aid wearer can experience a natural feeing of the acoustic environment. 1. A hearing assistance system for transmitting sounds to a user , the system comprising:a streaming source including a processing circuit configured to produce an audio signal and a streaming circuit configured to stream the audio signal;a hearing aid set configured to be communicatively coupled to the streaming source via a wireless link to receive the streamed audio signal, process the streamed audio signal to produce output sounds, and transmit the output sounds to the user, the output sounds having a spatialization effect allowing the user to locate the streaming source;a positioning system configured to determine the position of the hearing aid set relative to the streaming source in real time; anda spatialization processor configured to process the audio signal using the position of the hearing aid set relative to the streaming source such that the output sounds include the spatialization effect.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the positioning system comprises one or more stations each including a positioning sensor configured to determine at least one of a distance between the hearing aid set and the streaming device and an orientation of the hearing aid set relative to the streaming device.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the streaming source comprises a station of the one or more stations.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the hearing aid set ...

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Номер записи: 76
02-01-2020 дата публикации

Radio frequency mems devices for improved wireless performance for hearing assistance devices

Номер: US20200007996A1
Автор: Gregory John Haubrich, Jeffrey Paul Solum
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for wireless electronics using a MEMS switch for a hearing assistance device. The present application relates to a hearing assistance device configured to be worn by a wearer. The hearing assistance device includes a housing for electronics of the hearing assistance device, including wireless electronics. The wireless electronics include a plurality of radio frequency (RF) MEMS switches, in various embodiments. A hearing assistance processor is adapted to process signals for the wearer of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device includes an antenna, and a switchable capacitor bank configured for tuning the antenna, the switchable capacitor bank including one or more of the plurality of RF MEMS switches. The plurality of RF MEMS switches include an electrostatically deformed RF MEMS membrane, in an embodiment. Different configurations and approaches are provided.

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Номер записи: 77
08-01-2015 дата публикации

DYNAMIC NEGOTIATION AND DISCOVERY OF HEARING AID FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES BY FITTING SOFTWARE TO PROVIDE FORWARD AND BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY

Номер: US20150010159A1
Автор: Knight Kristopher, Tran David H.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A method to determine if a feature of a hearing assistance device may include transmitting, from a hearing assistance device application to a hearing assistance device, a request to determine if a feature is supported by the hearing assistance device; receiving, from the hearing assistance device, a response message identifying the feature as supported by the hearing assistance device; determining that the feature of the hearing assistance device is supported by the hearing assistance device application; and based on the determination, configuring the hearing assistance device application to control the feature of the hearing assistance device. 1. A method comprising:transmitting, from a hearing assistance device application to a hearing assistance device, a request to determine if a feature is supported by the hearing assistance device;receiving, from the hearing assistance device, a response message identifying the feature as supported by the hearing assistance device;determining that the feature of the hearing assistance device is supported by the hearing assistance device application; andbased on the determination and response, configuring the hearing assistance device application to control the feature of the hearing assistance device.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:parsing the response message to identify a version of the feature supported by the hearing assistance device; andconfiguring the hearing assistance device to control the feature with the version of the feature identified in the response message.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:updating a configuration file for the hearing assistance device to indicate the feature and version of the feature as supported by the hearing assistance device, the configuration file associated with the hearing assistance device application.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:transmitting, from the hearing assistance device application to the hearing assistance device, a request to ...

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Номер записи: 78
08-01-2015 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES IN A BLUETOOTH NETWORK

Номер: US20150010179A1
Автор: Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing assistance system provides for wireless communication between hearing assistance devices that are in a Bluetooth connection with a host device. In various embodiments, during a Bluetooth connection interval, one or more time slots are used for communication between the host device and one or more of the hearing assistance devices, while one or more additional time slots are reserved for communication between the hearing assistance devices. 1. A hearing assistance system , comprising:a host device including a master control circuit;a plurality of hearing assistance devices each including a slave control circuit;one or more first wireless communication links each configured to communicatively couple a hearing assistance device of the plurality of hearing assistance devices to the host device using a Bluetooth protocol;one or more second wireless communication links each configured to communicative couple a hearing assistance device of the plurality of hearing assistance devices to another hearing assistance device of the plurality of hearing assistance devices; anda network control system including the master control circuit and the slave control circuits, the network control system configured to assign one or more first time slots for the communication over each first link of the one or more first wireless communication links within a Bluetooth connection interval and one or more second time slots for the communication over each second link of the one or more second wireless communication links within the Bluetooth connection interval, the first and second time slots non-overlapping in time.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the host device comprises a hearing aid host device claim 1 , and the plurality of hearing assistance devices comprises a first hearing aid and a second hearing aid.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the host device comprises a smartphone.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the one or more second wireless communication links are each ...

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Номер записи: 79
15-01-2015 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE IN MULTIPLE-TALKER SETTINGS

Номер: US20150016644A1
Автор: Kalluri Sridhar, Strelcyk Olaf
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

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 ...

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Номер записи: 80
15-01-2015 дата публикации

Hearing aid with inductively coupled electromagnetic resonator antenna

Номер: US20150016645A1
Автор: Brent Bauman, Greg Haubrich, Jorge F. Sanguino
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

A hearing aid includes an antenna for wireless communication with another device. The antenna includes a primary element connected to the circuit of the hearing aid and one or more secondary elements parasitically coupled to the primary element. This antenna configuration substantially increases radiation efficiency when compared to an antenna with the primary element alone, without substantially increasing the size, power consumption, and complexity of the hearing aid.

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Номер записи: 81
15-01-2015 дата публикации

PARALLEL ANTENNAS FOR STANDARD FIT HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20150016646A1
Автор: Helgeson Michael, Polinske Beau Jay, Rabel Jay, Sanguino Jorge F., Solum Jeffrey Paul, Tourtelotte David
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

An embodiment of a hearing assistance device comprises a housing, a power source, a radio circuit, an antenna and a transmission line. The radio circuit is within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. The antenna has an aperture, and the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture. The transmission line electrically connects to the antenna to the radio circuit. Various antenna embodiments include a flex circuit antenna. 1. A hearing assistance device , comprising:a housing;a power source;a radio circuit within the housing and electrically connected to the power source;an antenna having an aperture, wherein the radio circuit is at least substantially within the aperture, wherein the antenna has two substantially parallel loops conforming to an outer perimeter of the housing; anda transmission line to electrically connect the antenna to the radio circuit.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the antenna includes multi-filar wire.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the antenna includes metal plating.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the antenna includes a metal shim.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is a flex circuit antenna claim 1 , the flex circuit antenna including a flex circuit.6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the power source is not within the aperture of the flex circuit antenna.7. The device of claim 5 , wherein the housing includes an outer shell with an inside surface and an outside surface claim 5 , and at least a portion of the flex circuit antenna conforms to a portion of the inside surface of the outer shell.8. The device of claim 5 , wherein the housing includes an outer shell with an inside surface and an outside surface claim 5 , and at least a portion of the flex circuit antenna is on a portion of the inside surface of the outer shell.9. The device of claim 5 , wherein the housing has a groove around the radio circuit claim 5 , and the groove adapted to receive at least a portion of the flex circuit ...

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Номер записи: 82
15-01-2015 дата публикации

ACOUSTICALLY TRANSPARENT BARRIER LAYER TO SEAL AUDIO TRANSDUCERS

Номер: US20150016648A1
Автор: Dobson Brian, Huynh Richard, Jacobi Robert, Kazemzadeh Farhad, Lin Wei Li, Shamla Gerald
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for mitigating foreign material buildup for hearing assistance device components. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device transducer barrier layer configured to resist accumulation and passage of foreign materials. In various embodiments, the barrier layer includes a membrane that is coated with oleophobic and hydrophobic materials, wherein the barrier is acoustically transparent but prevents the accumulation and passage of unwanted materials. 1. A plug for protecting an acoustic transducer having an acoustic aperture with a known cross section , comprising:a first portion that is generally hollow and elongate, the first portion having a shape substantially similar to the cross section geometry of the aperture of the acoustic transducer and configured to fit within the aperture of the acoustic transducer; anda second portion comprising a frame for capture of a substantially acoustically transparent thin film, the frame configured to be secured proximal to one end of the first portion, the frame configured to mechanically retain the film over at least a portion of the aperture of the acoustic transducer to maintain the film at a desired relaxed geometry to allow for free movement of the film,wherein the first portion and the second portion are shaped to be disposed within the aperture of the acoustic transducer and thereby retain the film to form an acoustically transparent plug with a barrier that prevents passage of foreign materials into the aperture to protect the acoustic transducer.2. The plug of claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured in two pieces that mate to capture the film.3. The plug of claim 2 , wherein the two pieces are configured to snap together.4. The plug of claim 2 , wherein the two pieces are configured to mate using a compression fit.5. The plug of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the frame is made from an adhesive tape.6. The plug of claim 2 , ...

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Номер записи: 83
09-01-2020 дата публикации

Ear-worn electronic device incorporating directional magnetic antenna

Номер: US20200015024A1
Автор: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

An ear-worn electronic device includes a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and the first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first side is configured to contact the wearer's head. A battery is disposed within the housing proximate the first end. An acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector is disposed within the housing proximate the second end. Electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed in the housing. A directional magnetic antenna is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio. The antenna comprises a core having a complex shape and a coil wound around a portion of the core. The core comprises a closed end oriented toward a source of magnetic noise and an open end oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.

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Номер записи: 84
21-01-2016 дата публикации

REFLOW SOLDERABLE FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT BOARD-TO-FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT BOARD CONNECTOR REINFORCEMENT

Номер: US20160021742A1
Автор: Johansson Susie, Lambert Andy
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A system embodiment may include a first flexible substrate with a first number of conductors, the first flexible substrate configured to be mechanically flexed. The system may further include a surface mounted device (SMD) mounted on the first flexible substrate and connected to at least some of the first number of conductors, and a first board-to-board connector element connected to at least some of the first number of conductors on a first side of the substrate. The first board-to-board connector element is configured to mechanically connect to a second board-to-board connector element on a second flexible substrate and to electrically connect at least some of the first number of conductors in the first flexible substrate to at least some conductors in the second flexible substrate. The system may further include a stiffener board connected by solder to a second side of the first flexible substrate opposite the board-to-board connector element.

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Номер записи: 85
22-01-2015 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION IN HEARING ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

Номер: US20150023513A1
Автор: Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A system collects information on performance of short-range wireless communication in local hearing aid systems. The information is analyzed, for example, to inform local users to adjust the local hearing aid systems, to adjust operational parameters for improving wireless communication in the local hearing aid systems, and/or to improve wireless connectivity and reliability in future products. 1. A system for monitoring short-range wireless communication in a local hearing aid system , the system comprising;a local device configured to be communicatively coupled to the local hearing aid system and to collect information related to performance of the short-range wireless communication;a network; anda computer communicatively coupled to the local device through the network and configured to receive, store, and analyze the information related to performance of the short-range wireless communication.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the information includes packet errors.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the information includes retries.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the information includes FEC errors.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the information includes throughput.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the information is used to proved bases for modifying an operational parameter related to the short-range wireless communication.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the operation parameter includes frequency band.8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the operation parameter includes modulation type.9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the operation parameter includes symbol rate.10. The system of claim 6 , wherein the operation parameter includes spreading codes.11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the short-range wireless communication includes radio frequency communication.12. A method claim 1 , including:monitoring short-range wireless communication in a local hearing aid system using a local device, including collecting information related to performance of the ...

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Номер записи: 86
22-01-2015 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20150023536A1
Автор: Scheller Thomas A.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for detection of special environments for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of operating a hearing assistance device for a user. A signal is received from a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone, representative of an environmental parameter sensed by the mobile device. In various embodiments, an acoustic environment about the mobile device is identified based on the received signal using a signal processor. An operational mode of the hearing assistance device is adjusted using the signal processor based on the identified acoustic environment, according to various embodiments. 1. A method of operating a hearing assistance device for a user , the method comprising:receiving a signal from a cellular telephone representative of an environmental parameter sensed by the cellular telephone;identifying an acoustic environment about the cellular telephone based on the received signal using a signal processor; andadjusting an operational mode of the hearing assistance device using the signal processor based on the identified acoustic environment.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying an acoustic environment includes identifying an inside of a moving vehicle.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein identifying an acoustic environment includes identifying an inside of a moving automobile.45. The method of claim 2 , wherein receiving a signal from a cellular telephone representative of an environmental parameter includes receiving a signal sensed by an accelerometer in the cellular telephone that movement at greater than mph is detected to identify the moving vehicle5. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving a signal from a cellular telephone representative of an environmental parameter includes receiving a signal from global positioning system (GPS) in the cellular telephone.6. The method of claim 3 , wherein adjusting an operational mode of the hearing ...

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Номер записи: 87
22-01-2015 дата публикации

WIRELESS BEACON SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20150023537A1
Автор: Solum Jeffrey Paul, Woods William S.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A beacon device adapted to wirelessly communicate with a hearing assistance device, the beacon device comprising a sensor to sense a signal related to determination of an acoustic environment, a memory to store information relating to the signal, a processor in communication with the memory and the sensor, the processor adapted to process the information, a wireless transmitter in communication with the memory and an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver to transmit information to the hearing assistance device. 1a sensor to sense a signal related to determination of an acoustic environment;a memory to store information relating to the signal;a processor in communication with the memory and the sensor, the processor adapted to process the information;a wireless transmitter in communication with the memory; andan antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver to transmit information to the hearing assistance device.. A beacon device adapted to wirelessly communicate with a hearing assistance device, the beacon device comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/388,341, filed Feb. 18, 2009, which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/029,564 filed Feb. 19, 2008 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This document relates to hearing assistance devices and more particularly method and apparatus for a wireless beacon system to identify acoustic environment for hearing assistance devices.Hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids, can provide adjustable operational modes or characteristics that improve the performance of the hearing assistance device for a specific person or in a specific environment. Some of the operational characteristics include, but are not limited to volume control, tone control, directionality, and selective signal input. These and other operational characteristics can be programmed into a hearing aid. Advanced hearing ...

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Номер записи: 88
22-01-2015 дата публикации

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMBEDDING CONDUCTIVE TRACES INTO HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE HOUSINGS

Номер: US20150023539A1
Автор: Bauman Brent
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for embedding a conductive trace for a hearing assistance device housing. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of forming a hearing assistance device housing. The housing is constructed of plastic including a photo conductive dopant, in various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the housing is laser printed to activate the photo conductive dopant on the surface of the plastic to provide a conductive trace on a surface of the housing. The housing is plated using an electroless process to increase the conductivity of the conductive trace, in various embodiments. 1. A method of forming a hearing assistance device housing , comprising:constructing the housing of plastic including a photo conductive dopant;laser printing the housing to activate the photo conductive dopant on the surface of the plastic to provide a conductive trace on a surface of the housing; andplating the housing using an electroless process to increase the conductivity of the conductive trace.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein constructing the housing includes using a fused filament fabrication (FFF) process.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein constructing the housing includes using a photo positive paint to print copper traces on the housing.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein constructing the housing includes using a photo activated paint that is adapted to be laser activated and electroless plated.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the conductive trace on a surface of the housing includes providing the conductive trace on an inside surface of the housing.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the conductive trace on a surface of the housing includes providing the conductive trace on an outside surface of the housing.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the conductive trace on a surface of the housing includes providing the conductive trace on an outside surface followed by a high ...

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Номер записи: 89
22-01-2015 дата публикации

SYSTEM TO VISUALLY DISPLAY AND DEMONSTRATE HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE FEATURES

Номер: US20150024348A1
Автор: ElAzizi Hanaa, Hotchkiss Michelle, Neff Lori, Seel Erin
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A method to playback media of a feature of a hearing aid may include establishing a communication link between a computing device and a hearing assistance device; obtaining, over the communications link, a parameter of a feature of the hearing assistance device; querying from the computing device, using the obtained parameter as an input, a storage device external to the computing device for media associated with the feature; receiving the media associated with the feature from the storage device external to the computing device; and presenting the media received in response to the query to a user of the computing device. 1. A method comprising:establishing a communication link between a computing device and a hearing assistance device;obtaining, over the communications link, a parameter of a feature of the hearing assistance device;querying from the computing device, using the obtained parameter as an input, a storage device external to the computing device for media associated with the feature;receiving the media associated with the feature from the storage device external to the computing device; andpresenting the media received in response to the query to a user of the computing device.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:detecting, on a computing device, that a user has requested to retrieve a media file before querying the database.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the external database is queried in response to the communication link being established.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein presenting the media includes displaying claim 1 , on a display screen of the computing device claim 1 , a video of how to use the feature of the hearing assistance device.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:storing the received media on a local storage device of the computing device; andassociating the media with the feature of the hearing assistance device.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:obtaining, from the hearing assistance device, a ...

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Номер записи: 90
26-01-2017 дата публикации

Methods and apparatus for improving speech understanding in a large crowd

Номер: US20170026761A1
Автор: Tao Zhang
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

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.

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Номер записи: 91
29-01-2015 дата публикации

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROGRAMMING HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE USING PERCEPTUAL MODEL

Номер: US20150030170A1
Автор: Edwards Brent, Fitz Kelly
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing assistance system for delivering sounds to a listener provides for subjective, listener-driven programming of a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid, using a perceptual model. The system produces a distribution of presets using a perceptual model selected for the listener and allows the listener to navigate through the distribution to adjust parameters of a signal processing algorithm for processing the sounds. The use of the perceptual model increases the potential of fine tuning of the hearing assistance device available to the listener. 1. A hearing assistance system for delivering processed sound to a listener , comprising:a controller configured to produce a distribution of a plurality of presets in an N-dimensional space using a perceptual model, the plurality of presets including predetermined settings for a plurality of parameters of a signal processing algorithm, the perceptual model providing for a prediction of one or more qualities or features of the processed sound perceived by the listener for each individual preset of the plurality of presets.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to:compute parameter sets each corresponding to a preset of the plurality of presets, the parameter sets each including a set of values for the plurality of parameters;process a set of output sound signals using the computed parameter sets;subject the set of the output sound signals to the perceptual model to produce a model output representative of the prediction of the one or more qualities or features of each processed signal of the set of output sound signals perceived by the listener;compute pairwise distances each between a pair of presets of the plurality of presets using the model output; andproduce the distribution of the plurality of presets using the computed pairwise distances.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the user interface is configured to display a graphical representation of the distribution of the plurality ...

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Номер записи: 92
29-01-2015 дата публикации

HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE WITH ANTENNA OPTIMIZED TO REDUCE HEAD LOADING

Номер: US20150030190A1
Автор: Murray Casey, Rabel Jay
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid, includes an antenna for wireless communication. The antenna has one or more conductor dimensions that are approximately optimized for minimizing effects of head loading, which vary among users. In one embodiment, a conductor dimension of the antenna is identified for substantially affecting an effect of head loading on the antenna when the hearing assistance device is worn by a user. Performance of the wireless communication using the antenna is evaluated based on one or more performance criteria. The conductor dimension is approximately minimized while the performance of the wireless communication satisfies the one or more performance criteria. 1. A method for optimizing an antenna of a hearing assistance device for wireless communication , the method comprising:identifying at least one conductor dimension of the antenna that affects head loading on the antenna when the hearing assistance device is worn by a wearer;evaluating performance of the wireless communication using the antenna based on one or more performance criteria; andreducing variation in the head loading across different wearers by approximately minimizing the at least one conductor dimension while the performance of the wireless communication satisfies the one or more performance criteria.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying the at least one conductor dimension comprises identifying a dimension of a conductive portion of the antenna measured along a direction approximately parallel to the wearer's sagittal plane when the hearing assistance device is worn by the wearer.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein evaluating the performance of the wireless communication comprises:measuring one or more parameters representative of the performance of the wireless communication; andcomparing the one or more parameters to one or more corresponding thresholds specified in the one or more performance criteria.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the one or ...

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Номер записи: 93
29-01-2015 дата публикации

MIXING OF IN-THE-EAR MICROPHONE AND OUTSIDE-THE-EAR MICROPHONE SIGNALS TO ENHANCE SPATIAL PERCEPTION

Номер: US20150030192A1
Автор: Edwards Brent, Kalluri Sridhar
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

This document provides a hearing assistance device for playing processed sound inside a wearer's ear canal, the hearing assistance device comprising a first housing, signal processing electronics disposed at least partially within the first housing, a first microphone connected to the first housing, the first microphone adapted for reception of sound, a second microphone configured to receive sound from inside the wearer's ear canal when the hearing assistance device is worn and in use and microphone mixing electronics in communication with the signal processing electronics and in communication with the first microphone and the second microphone, the microphone mixing electronics adapted to combine low frequency information from the first microphone and high frequency information from the second microphone to produce a composite audio signal. 1a first housing;signal processing electronics disposed at least partially within the first housing;a first microphone connected to the first housing, the first microphone adapted for reception of sound;a second microphone configured to receive sound from inside the wearer's ear canal when the hearing assistance device is worn and in use; andmicrophone mixing electronics in communication with the signal processing electronics and in communication with the first microphone and the second microphone, the microphone mixing electronics adapted to combine low frequency information from the first microphone and high frequency information from the second microphone to produce a composite audio signal.. A hearing assistance device for playing processed sound inside a wearer's ear canal, comprising: This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/341,555, filed Dec. 30, 2011, which application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/174,450, filed on Jul. 16, 2008, which issued ...

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Номер записи: 94
05-02-2015 дата публикации

AUTOMATIC HEARING AID ADAPTATION OVER TIME VIA MOBILE APPLICATION

Номер: US20150036851A1
Автор: Howes Christopher Larry
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing assistance system for delivering sounds to a listener provides for programming of a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid, using a communication link with a secondary device such as a smartphone. An example hearing assistance system may compensate for a patient's hearing deficit in a gradually progressing fashion over a configured period of absolute time, device operation time, or a combination of absolute and operation time. The hearing assistance device may be programmed by an application operating on the secondary device to successively select a parameter set that defines an operating characteristic of the signal processing circuit from a group of such parameter sets over a period of time or in response to a listener or physician input. The physician input may be received by the secondary device over a network. The defined sequence may end in a parameter set that optimally compensates the patient's hearing. 1. A hearing assistance system for delivering sounds to a listener , comprising:a signal processor configured to process an input sound signal and produce an output sound signal to be delivered to the listener by executing a signal processing algorithm using values included in a plurality of parameters;a wireless communication module; and receive an initial set of values for the plurality of parameters;', 'communicate with a wireless device via the wireless communication module;', 'receive a data value from the wireless device; and', 'update at least one of the plurality of parameters in response to receiving the data value from the wireless device., 'a controller configured to2. The hearing assistance system of claim 1 , comprising a hearing aid including the signal processor claim 1 , the wireless communication module claim 1 , and the controller.3. The hearing assistance system of claim 1 , the wireless device comprising a user interface claim 1 , a network communication module configured to communicate with the wireless communication ...

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Номер записи: 95
05-02-2015 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMIZING HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES

Номер: US20150036852A1
Автор: Edwards Brent, Woods William S.
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, is a system for customizing a hearing assistance device for a wearer. According to various embodiments, data corresponding to the wearer's acoustic environment is logged using the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device is fitted by an adaptive fitting process controlled by the wearer, the adaptive fitting process having access to the data logged by the hearing assistance device to customize settings of the hearing assistance device for the wearer. In an embodiment, data related to fitting the hearing assistance device is sent via a network connection to a location accessible by the wearer's audiologist and/or device manufacturer. The sent data is used to create an interactive database, and the database is used for fitting hearing assistance devices for one or more wearers, in various embodiments. 1. A method for customizing a hearing assistance device for a wearer , comprising:logging data corresponding to the wearer's acoustic environment using the hearing assistance device; andfitting the hearing assistance device by a fitting process controlled by the wearer, the fitting process having access to the data logged by the hearing assistance device to customize settings of the hearing assistance device for the wearer.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:sending information relating to the fitting to a remote location using an Internet connection.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein sending includes sending one or more parameters related to the settings of the hearing assistance device derived from the fitting.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein fitting the hearing assistance device includes using an adaptive fitting process.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the adaptive fitting process includes using a genetic algorithm.6. The method of claim 2 , wherein sending includes sending to a location accessible by the wearer's audiologist.7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising: ...

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Номер записи: 96
05-02-2015 дата публикации

MUSIC PLAYER WATCH WITH HEARING AID REMOTE CONTROL

Номер: US20150036853A1
Автор: Lehe Richard Von, Solum Jeffrey Paul
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Described herein are devices and methods for enabling a hearing aid user to control the operation of the hearing aid and also select an audio source for streaming audio information such as music directly to the hearing aid. In one embodiment, these functionalities are combined into a single wrist-worn remote device that may also function as a watch. 1. A system , comprising:a hearing aid comprising an input transducer for converting sound into a input signal, processing circuitry for filtering and amplifying the input signal in accordance with specified signal processing parameters to produce an output signal, a radio transceiver interfaced to the processing circuitry, and an output transducer for converting the output signal into sound;wherein the processing circuitry of the hearing aid is configured to receive parameter sets that modify the operation of the hearing aid via the radio transceiver and further configured to receive an audio signal via the wireless transceiver from which an input signal is generated; and,a remote device comprising processing circuitry interfaced to a user input device and interfaced to a radio transceiver, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to transmit parameter sets and an audio signal to the hearing aid via the radio transceiver.2. The system of wherein the remote device incorporates a storage device for storing audio information and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to retrieve selected audio information from the storage device and for transmission to the hearing aid in accordance with a user command.3. The system of wherein the remote device is a wrist-worn device.4. The system of wherein the remote device incorporates a watch having timekeeping and alarm functionalities.5. The system of wherein the remote device is equipped with a rotating bezel for selecting from different audio sources accessible by the remote device for transmitting to the hearing aid.6. The system of wherein the remote device is ...

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Номер записи: 97
05-02-2015 дата публикации

HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICE WITH BALANCED FEED-LINE FOR ANTENNA

Номер: US20150036854A1
Автор: Polinske Beau Jay, Pooladian Nasser Thomas, Rabel Jay
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

A hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid, includes an antenna connected to a communication circuit through a feed-line for wireless communication. The antenna and the feed-line are configured and placed such that capacitance between their conductors is approximately minimized. In one embodiment, the feed-line includes feed-line conductors each including a major portion approximately perpendicular to an antenna conductor. In another embodiment, the feed-line includes a feed-line conductor crossing the antenna conductor, and at least one of the antenna conductor and the feed-line conductor includes a notch in the crossing area to reduce the crossing area. 1. A hearing aid , comprising ,an antenna housed in the hearing aid and including an antenna conductor;a communication circuit housed in the hearing aid and configured to perform wireless communication using the antenna; anda feed-line providing connections between the antenna and the communication circuit, the feed-line including feed-line conductors each including a major portion approximately perpendicular to the antenna conductor.2. The hearing aid of claim 1 , wherein feed-line comprises:a first branch including a first antenna pad for making a first connection to the antenna, a first circuit pad for making a first connection to the communication circuit, and a first conductor coupled between the first antenna pad and the first circuit pad; anda second branch including a second antenna pad for making a second connection to the antenna, a second circuit pad for making a second connection to the communication circuit, and a second conductor coupled between the second antenna pad and the second circuit pad,wherein the first conductor and the second conductor each include a major portion approximately perpendicular to the antenna conductor.3. The hearing aid of claim 2 , wherein the first conductor and the second conduction have substantially same lengths.4. The hearing aid of claim 3 , comprising a flex ...

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Номер записи: 98
05-02-2015 дата публикации

Range control for wireless hearing assistance device systems

Номер: US20150036855A1
Автор: Edward John Cunningham, Jeffrey Paul Solum
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories Inc

Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for wireless hearing assistance devices and in particular to a controllable range control for wireless hearing assistance device systems. An advertisement is used to allow the receiver to quickly receive streaming information, thus conserving power. In various embodiments, a system for communications with a hearing assistance device includes a wireless streaming device having a range control. The range control is configured to provide a first range for an advertisement transmission and a second range for a streaming information transmission. The first range is less than the second range, in various embodiments.

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Номер записи: 99
05-02-2015 дата публикации

INTEGRATION OF HEARING AIDS WITH SMART GLASSES TO IMPROVE INTELLIGIBILITY IN NOISE

Номер: US20150036856A1
Автор: CHABOT Xavier, Pruthi Tarun
Принадлежит: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatuses for integration of hearing aids with an MSD to improve intelligibility in noisy environments. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method of providing voice audio to a hearing aid or text in a hearing aid user's field of view, where the voice audio or text corresponds to a speaker of interest within a noisy environment, and where the speaker of interest is identified using smart glasses. An MSD graphical user interface is provided for a hearing aid user to identify a speaker of interest. The lip movement patterns of the speaker of interest are recorded by the smart glasses, and voice activity detection is performed on the lip movement patterns. Noise reduction is performed using the results of the voice activity detection. The noise-reduced voice audio may be transmitted to the hearing aid, or the speech recognition text may be transmitted to and displayed on the MSD. 1. A method comprising:providing a graphical user interface in a user field of vision for a user to identify a speaker of interest;recording a plurality of lip movement patterns of the speaker of interest;generating voice activity detection data from the plurality of lip movement patterns;recording voice audio data; andgenerating noise-reduced voice audio data, wherein generating the noise-reduced voice audio data uses the voice activity detection data to isolate voice audio within the recorded voice audio data corresponding to the speaker of interest.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein recording a plurality of lip movement patterns of the speaker of interest includes steering a focus of a microphone array to a location corresponding to the speaker of interest.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting the noise-reduced voice audio data to a hearing aid worn by the user.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the noise-reduced voice audio data is transmitted continually to the hearing aid.5. The method of claim ...

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Номер записи: 100