491results about "Hearing aids testing/monitoring" patented technology

A wearable device has a motion detector configured to detect motion of the device and produce a motion signal relating to motion of the device, a contact sensor configured to detect if the device is in contact with an object and produce a contact signal relating to whether the device is in contact with an object, and a controller operatively coupled with the motion detector and the contact sensor. The controller is configured to switch between on and off-states as a function of at least one of the motion signal and contact signal. The device also has a sound transducer or other transducer operatively coupled with the controller. The controller is configured to change the state of the sound transducer between on and off-states in response to receipt of the motion signal, and the contact signal.

A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

An apparatus for testing of a hearing device is described, which includes the following components:a housing with a test area embodied to accommodate a hearing device, with the test area including a microphone area and an earpiece area,a signal generator and a loudspeaker, to create a defined acoustic test signal in the microphone area,a microphone arranged in the earpiece area to detect an acoustic response signal emitted by the hearing device,an evaluation circuit to assess the functional state of the hearing device on the basis of the response signal, anda display device to display the functional state of the hearing device.

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.

Hearing devices configured to fit within the bony portion of the ear canal and batteries that may be used with same. One such hearing device includes a hearing device core, defining a size and a shape, and including a battery and an acoustic assembly, with a microphone and a receiver with a sound port that is adjacent to a portion of the battery, and a flexible seal apparatus on the hearing device core. The size, shape and configuration of the hearing device core, and the flexibility of the seal, are such that the hearing device is positionable within the ear canal bony region with the entire microphone medial of the bony-cartilaginous junction.

Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe an apparatus, system, and method that allow a user to perceive notifications (audible or otherwise) corresponding to an external event in any manner deemed appropriate.

A mobile communication device (50) receives an audio stream as input and delivers a processed audio stream as output. The mobile communication device has a data connection providing access to the Internet, and a short range data connection for delivering a processed audio stream as output to a specific hearing aid (10). The mobile communication device acquires a data set containing hearing aid settings for said specific hearing aid from a remote server (71), and adjusts the emulation software application by means of the data set containing hearing aid settings for said specific hearing aid (10). The mobile communication device transmits the control signals and a processed audio stream to the specific hearing aid via said short range data connection and the specific hearing aid outputs the audio signal to the user without additional amplification. The invention also provides a method of signal processing in a mobile communication device.

There is provided a method for monitoring a hearing device comprising an electroacoustic output transducer worn at a user's ear or in a user's ear canal, the method comprising: measuring the electrical impedance of the output transducer; analyzing the measured electrical impedance of the output transducer in order to evaluate the status of the output transducer and / or of an acoustical system cooperating with the output transducer; and outputting a status signal representative of the status of the output transducer and / or of the acoustical system cooperating with the output transducer.

A computer-implemented method including energizing an actuator of an auditory prosthesis with a driving signal, de-energizing the actuator, obtaining information indicative of a momentum-indicative parameter of the actuator while the actuator is de-energized, and evaluating the obtained information, and assessing actuator performance based on the action of evaluating.

In a method of initializing a binaural hearing aid system (1) both ipse- and contra-lateral individualized adjustment data are stored in both hearing aids of the binaural hearing aid system for transmission between the hearing aids. This provides an easy backup of the data. The invention further provides a hearing aid having means adapted for performing such a method.

A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. The invention utilizes an externally positioned test measurement device to obtain measurements of the electrical impedance of an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. In one embodiment, the test measurement device may comprise a signal generator for generating the test signal for the actuator, a signal processing unit to compute the electrical impedance from voltage and current measurements, and a user interface to provide an output that is usable to asses the performance of the actuator. The electrical impedance is computable from the voltage and current of the signal passing through the actuator. The electrical impedance is directly related to the mechanical impedance present at the interface between the actuator and middle ear of a patient. As such, by driving the actuator at one or more predetermined frequencies the resultant voltage and current measurements may be utilized to assess whether the implanted transducer is operative and whether a desired interface between the transducer and the middle ear of patient (e.g. the ossicular chain) is present.

Embodiments of the invention include a method of preventing ferrite migration in a hearing aid including an antenna stack and a battery stack wherein the antenna stack sits on the battery stack, the method comprising the steps of: conformally coating the top and sides of the antenna stack using a conformal coating material; and separately coating all the surfaces of the battery stack using a separate material.

The method comprises the steps ofautomatically monitoring and detecting indications indicative of a forthcoming event concerning hearing systems;if such an indication is detected, retrieving identification data identifying at least one device of the hearing system concerned, referred to as specific device, or a user of said hearing system concerned, referred to as specific user; ansusing said identification data for retrieving further data related to said specific device as device data or related to said specific user as user data.The method and the corresponding system can be used for adjusting said specific hearing system or other support actions, like dispensing consumables for said specific hearing system, or preparatory actions, like launching a suitable fitting program or loading audiological data related to the user.

A method of calibrating an implantable microphone for a hearing prosthesis is disclosed. For an implantable microphone which includes a vibration sensor to provide body noise cancellation, a calibration method is disclosed, in which known acoustic and vibration signals are provided by an external device. This may be as part of the external charging system for an implantable device.

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 portable assistive listening system for enhancing sound for hearing impaired individuals includes a fully functional hearing aid and a separate handheld digital signal processing (DSP) device. The focus of the present invention is directed to the handheld DSP device and a unique method of processing incoming audio signals. The DSP device includes a programmable digital signal processor, a UWB transceiver for communicating with the hearing aid and / or other wireless audio sources, an LCD display, and a user input device (keypad). The handheld device is user programmable to apply different sound enhancement algorithms for enhancing sound signals received from the hearing aid and / or other audio source. The handheld device is capable of receiving audio signals from multiple sources, and gives the user control over selection of incoming sound sources and selective enhancement of sound. Specifically, the invention focuses on a proprietary method of adjusting the master volume and equalization of each of the multiple incoming audio signals prior to mixing all of the enhanced signals for output. Applying a Master Volume and Equalization setting prior to mixing provides for a more evenly enhanced sound and better overall sound intelligibility, as well as reducing processing power drained from the system during use.

The invention regards a method for measuring audio response of a real ear using the microphone of a hearing aid of an end user. The following sequence of steps is performed: provide a sound tight connection between the hearing aid microphone and a first end of a soundguiding flexible tube, disable any further microphones in the hearing aid, place a second end of the tube at the location wherefrom sound is to be captured, provide an audio sound signal at the area of the second end of the tube and record the sound guided through the tube to the microphone of the hearing aid, process the recorded sounds to retrieve sound level values. Hereby real ear measurements may be gained with a hearing aid with only one microphone without any additional measuring equipment.

The present invention is an apparatus for and method of remotely, automatically, and routinely conducting diagnostic testing on a programmable hearing aid to ensure that it is functioning as intended when optimized for an individual's needs and preferences. Because hearing aids deteriorate with time and buildup of earwax, individuals can be uncertain whether their hearing is worsening or the hearing aid is malfunctioning. The net effect is diminished hearing aid performance and thus diminished quality of life. The present invention tests the hearing aid for proper function as frequently as daily. Additionally, the present invention includes elements (201, 202) that enable the apparatus to perform a cleaning process to effectively remove earwax and other undesirable debris from the hearing aid. The cleaning process can occur prior to the diagnostic testing or as a result of the diagnostic testing.

Method for obtaining diagnostic information utilizing an electrical signal output from an implantable transducer. According to one aspect of the invention, a method includes the steps of vibrating an ossicular bone of a patient having an implanted transducer using an input provided over a biological conduction path. The method further includes sensing in the implanted transducer an initial movement of the ossicular bone caused by the input and obtaining an electrical signal output from the implanted transducer generated in response to sensing the initial movement. The electrical signal output is then utilized to determine the diagnostic information.

Data is transferred to and from a hearing aid by transmitting an audible carrier having a frequency greater than 5 kilohertz, modulating the carrier with data, and detecting the modulated carrier in the hearing aid with a narrow band filter. The frequency is in a region where impairment occurs and there are many other sounds, thereby masking the communication, yet not interfering with it.

The present universal wearable computing device relates to a hearing assistance system, device, method, and apparatus that provide a discreet approach to user hearing assistance, without relying on a conventional hearing aid. The hearing assistance system and the requisite electronics may be incorporated into frames that also function as eyeglasses with earphone(s) that may be connected to the frame to assist user hearing. An earphone may be configured with minimal electronics, such that a power source enable sound transmissions to the ear, is provided by a connection to the frame of the eyeglasses. In another example, the earphone is configured without any electronics and sound is transmitted to the user / listener's ear(s) via a psychoacoustic system. The sound quality of the transmissions to the earphones may be optimized using a tuning / equalizer application operating from a computing device, such as an app on a mobile device. The tuning / equalizer application can be used by the user / listener to optimize volume input levels to the earphone(s). The hearing assistance system may also protect from damaging environmental noise, provide heightened hearing capabilities, collect and process physiological and physical measurements, and provide communication capabilities for interacting with other computing devices.

Data is transferred to and from a hearing aid by transmitting an audible carrier having a frequency greater than 5 kilohertz, modulating the carrier with data, and detecting the modulated carrier in the hearing aid with a narrow band filter. The frequency is in a region where impairment occurs and there are many other sounds, thereby masking the communication, yet not interfering with it.

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.

A hearing device test system for use by a non-expert user may include a hearing device comprising a sound processor and a speaker and a portable test unit including a test microphone acoustically coupled to an exterior of the portable test unit via an acoustic calibration cavity. The portable test unit may include a coupler at an opening to the acoustic calibration cavity configured to receive the hearing device at least partially therein and the test microphone may be configured to produce a calibration signal input responsive to acoustic calibration stimuli provided by the speaker of the hearing device. The hearing device test system may also include a processor associated therewith and configured to measure a level of the calibration signal input.

A method is provided including: receiving a signal for regulating a valve of an ear-wearable device; and changing a state of the valve based on the signal, the changing including at least one of opening and closing the valve.

The method for adjusting a hearing system to individual hearing needs and preferences of a specific hearing system user by means of a fitting system comprising a visual display comprises:a) presenting on the visual display a visualization (33) simultaneously visualizingfor each of a group of data sets: whether or not the respective data set is accessible to a user of said fitting system; andfor each device selected in said fitting system to be part of said hearing system: whether or not the respective device is accessible to a user of said fitting system;byb1) displaying on the visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . . ) representing the respective data set or device, in case the respective data set and the respective device, respectively, is accessible to a user of said fitting system; andb2) not displaying on said visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . . ) representing the respective data set or device, in case the respective data set and the respective device, respectively, is not accessible to a user of said fitting system.

The method for manufacturing a hearing device, which hearing device includes at least one programmable processor, includes the steps of a) providing a set of software members, b) selecting a subset of said set, and c) creating an image of said subset, which is executable in said at least one processor. This allows to select from a large set of software members only those, which are suitable for a specific user. The system for manufacturing a hearing device in dependence of individual preferences of a user of said hearing device, which hearing device includes at least one programmable processor, includes a selecting tool allowing to select a subset of software members from a set of software members, and a build tool for creating an image of said subset of software members, wherein said image is executable in said at least one processor.