372results about "Electronic input selection/mixing" patented technology

An improved hearing aid, and processes for adaptively processing signals therein to improve the perception of desired sounds by a user thereof. In one broad aspect, the present invention relates to a process in which one or more signal processing methods are applied to frequency band signals derived from an input digital signal. The level of each frequency band signal is computed and compared to at least one plurality of threshold values to determine which signal processing schemes are to be applied. In one embodiment of the invention, each plurality of threshold values to which levels of the frequency band signals are compared, is derived from a speech-shaped spectrum. Additional measures such as amplitude modulation or a signal index may also be employed and compared to corresponding threshold values in the determination.

A listening instrument includes a) a microphone unit for picking up an input sound from the current acoustic environment of the user and converting it to an electric microphone signal; b) a microphone gain unit for applying a specific microphone gain to the microphone signal and providing a modified microphone signal; c) a direct electric input signal representing an audio signal; d) a direct gain unit for applying a specific direct gain to the direct electric input signal and providing a modified direct electric input signal; e) a detector unit for classifying the current acoustic environment and providing one or more classification parameters; f) a control unit for controlling the specific microphone gain applied to the electric microphone signal and / or the specific direct gain applied to the direct electric input signal based on the one or more classification parameters.

A hearing improvement device using a multi-coil coupling system and methods for operating such a device are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may use an array microphone to provide highly directional reception. The received audio signal may be filtered, amplified, and converted into a magnetic field for coupling to the telecoil in a conventional hearing aid. Multiple transmit inductors may be used to effectively couple to both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear type hearing aids, and an additional embodiment is disclosed which may be used with an earphone, for users not requiring a hearing aid.

A portable assistive listening system for enhancing sound for hearing impaired individuals includes a hearing aid and a separate handheld digital signal processing device. The hearing aid includes a microphone, a digital signal processor, a speaker, a power source, an ultra-wide band (UWB) transceiver, and a control system configured and arranged to monitor a status of the power source and a status of the UWB transceiver, to receive an input signal from the microphone, to selectively route the input signal for processing responsive to the status of the power source and of the UWB transceiver, and to deliver an output signal to the speaker. The handheld digital signal processing apparatus includes a UWB transceiver, and a digital audio signal processor configured and arranged to receive the input signal from the earpiece control system, to process the input signal to enhance the input signal and to output the enhanced signal to the hearing aid control system. The hearing aid and the signal processing apparatus communicate through the UWB transceivers.

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.

A microphone assembly comprising a transducer for receiving sound and outputting a corresponding control signal. The assembly also comprises means for detecting a magnetic field and outputting a signal relating to the field. A hearing aid comprising the assembly has a processor receiving the control signal and selecting between the microphone signal and a signal relating to the magnetic field, such as a signal received from a telephone hand set or a telecoil.

A hearing aid includes a sound input device, and a speaker, wherein the speaker includes a compartment with magnet suspended in a fluid containing magnetic particles and wherein a coil wrapped around the compartment or in close proximity thereto excites the magnet to vibrate causing pressure waves to vibrate a diaphragm proximal to the magnet.

Systems provide an audio / visual output to each of a plurality of listeners in a manner that permits individualized audio adjustment, wherein audio comprises a first signal that is substantially voice and a second signal that is substantially other than voice. The systems may include a video device, a storage medium, and a transmitter that transmits the first and second signals to a plurality of personal listening devices. Each of the plurality of personal listening devices may include first and second receivers, first and second adjustment devices, an audio signal combining device, and one or more transducers, wherein the systems permit each of the plurality of listeners to adjust the first and second signals independently of other ones of the plurality of listeners in an audience.

A hearing improvement device using a multi-coil coupling system and methods for operating such a device are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may use an array microphone to provide highly directional reception. The received audio signal may be filtered, amplified, and converted into a magnetic field for coupling to the telecoil in a conventional hearing aid. Multiple transmit inductors may be used to effectively couple to both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear type hearing aids, and an additional embodiment is disclosed which may be used with an earphone, for users not requiring a hearing aid.

An information distribution system enhances a vehicle audio / video system. The system flexibly delivers audio and video, potentially obtained from many different sources, to different locations in the vehicle. Each passenger receives the audio or video that is of interest to them without distracting interruptions.

A hearing aid apparatus is disclosed that employs both an omnidirectional microphone and at least one directional microphone of at least the first order. The electrical signals output from the directional microphone are supplied to an equalization amplifier which at least partially equalizes the amplitude of the low frequency electrical signal components of the electrical signal with the amplitude of the mid and high frequency electrical signal components of the electrical signals of the directional microphone. A switching circuit accepts the signals output from both the omnidirectional microphone and the directional microphone. The switching circuit connects the signal from the omnidirectional microphone to an input of a hearing aid amplifier when the switching circuit is in a first switching state, and connects the output of the equalization circuit to the hearing aid amplifier input when the switching circuit is in a second switching state. The switching circuit may be automatically switched in response to sensed ambient noise levels.

A removable bezel (122) for use with an audio device (120) to enhance operation with a hearing aid (102). The removable bezel (122) has an electromagnetic coil (132) that is coupled to the audio output (124, 304, 404, 406) of the audio device. The electromagnetic coil (132) is either inductively coupled to an acoustic transducer (124) within the audio device (120) or by a direct electrical connection (314). The electromagnetic coil (132) has multiple turns and provides an enhanced magnetic field to a “T-Coil” magnetic pick up (112) within most conventional hearing aids (102). A cellular phone (104) is an example of an audio device used with the present invention. A method for use of the removable bezel (122) is also provided.

A storage system for storing a hearing aid comprises means for providing power (101), a storage space (102) for containing a hearing aid, output means, communication means through which data from the hearing aid is received wirelessly and a processing unit for processing data received from the hearing aid. The output means is capable of providing functioning and guiding information (104) concerning the functioning of the hearing aid and for guiding the user through positioning of the hearing aid, respectively. The invention further provides a hearing aid, a kit and a method of testing a hearing aid.

A method for providing multiple users with voice-to-remaining audio (VRA) adjustment capability includes receiving at a first decoder a voice signal and a remaining audio signal and simultaneously receiving at a second decoder, the voice signal and the remaining audio signal, wherein the voice signal and the remaining audio signal are received separately; and separately adjusting by each of the decoders, the separately received voice and remaining audio signals.