338results about "Hearing device specific tools" patented technology

A hearing aid insertable into an ear canal includes a microphone which translates acoustic energy into electrical signals, signal processing circuitry which processes the electrical signals provided by the microphone, a receiver which converts the processed electrical signals into acoustic energy, and a power source connectable to the signal processing circuitry.

Apparatuses and methods for delivering sound to ear canal are provided. The apparatus generally includes a compressible and resilient toroidal section having an inner side and an outer side. An aperture extends from the outer side to the inner side and the outer side has a well disposed within an inner side surface about the aperture. The apparatus further includes a compressible and resilient spout integrated with the toroidal section and extending away from the inner side. The spout includes a channel disposed within an inner spout surface and the channel is coupled to the well.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing comprises at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers is placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. According to the second aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument comprising a behind-the-ear component and an external component for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear as well as a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component is provided, where the connection link is reversibly pluggable to the behind-the-ear component and / or the in-the-ear-canal component and has a length that is reversibly adjustable. The hearing instrument also comprises fixation means for reversibly fixing the adjusted length of the connection link. A hearing instrument according to the third aspect comprises a fixation means separate from the in-the-ear-canal component. The fixation means may be positioned in the ear canal and rest therein. The in-the-ear-canal component may be connected to the fixation means and detached therefrom when the same is already in the ear canal. A hearing instrument according to the fourth aspect of the invention comprises an in-the-ear-canal component to be placed in a user's ear canal and fixation means for fixing it in the ear canal. The fixation means comprise an outer shell which is shaped to fit (i.e. custom shaped to fit the specific user's ear geometry) in the user's ear canal and a mounting structure for holding the in-the-ear-canal component. The outer shell is preferably resilient, i.e. has an elasticity allowing temporal deformation.

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

A system related to improved protective coverings for ear-bud-type speaker devices. The system includes a shaped elastic cover that is structured and arranged to envelope substantially the entire earbud speaker housing. A consumer kit and methods of use and fabrication are also disclosed.

An earphone system (1; 23) comprising a wireless earphone (2; 20, 21) and a portable holding device (3; 22). The earphone (2; 20, 21) comprises an ear hook (8) for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 21) to the ear (14) of a user. The holding device (3; 22) comprises an outer surface (25) with an earphone recess (4; 30, 31) adapted for receiving the earphone (2; 20, 21) with the ear hook (8), such that the ear hook (8) follows the outer surface (25) of the holding device (3; 22), and attachment means for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 21) in the earphone recess (4; 30, 31).

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.

The invention relats to wireless pairing of earbuds and a case. A case for a pair of wireless earbuds includes a lid and a lid sensor configured to generate a detect signal when the lid is moved from a closed position to an open position. The case further includes circuitry configured to, in response to receiving the detect signal, send a signal to the wireless earbuds to turn them on and to initiate a pairing sequence between the wireless earbuds and an electronic device.

Progress in hearing aids has come a long way. Yet despite such progress hearing aids are not the perfect answer to many hearing problems. Some adult ears cannot accommodate tightly fitting hearing aids. Mouth movements such as chewing, talking, and athletic or other active endeavors also lead to loosely fitting ear molds. It is well accepted that loosely fitting hearing aids are the cause of feedback noise. Since feedback noise is the most common complaint of hearing aid wearers it has been the subject of various patents. Herein a hearing aid assembly is provided eliminating feedback noise. The assembly includes the combination of a hearing aid with a headset developed to constrict feedback noise.

The present invention relates hearing protection devices for the human ear. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide hearing protection devices capable of tunable acoustic attenuation. The invention relates further to ear plugs comprising a fluid-containing balloon for occlusion of the ear canal, which are capable of being adjusted for example by modifying fluid composition and / or fluid pressure within the balloon to vary attenuation at different frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. Other embodiments provide an earplug with fixed attenuation comprising: a body of compressible / expandable-recovery material shaped and sized to fit in an ear canal; and at least one chamber disposed within the body and comprising a filler material chosen from at least one of water, aphrons, water with solid or gelatinous particles suspended, and oil with particles suspended.

A headphone having reduced tendency to tangle comprises an input portion for receiving electrical signals from an output device, an output portion for providing audio signals to a user in response to the electrical signals, a plurality of wires coupled to the input portion and the output portion for providing the electrical signals to the output portion, and a restraint mechanism coupled to the plurality of wires and cable of being repositioned along the plurality of wire, wherein the restraint mechanism is for physically receiving insertion of at least a portion of the input portion and for physically restraining movement of the portion of input portion with respect to output portion when the portion of the input portion is physically inserted into the restraint mechanism, wherein a temporary and removable closed loop of wire is formed from the plurality of wires, until a sufficient separation force is applied.

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.

The hearing device comprises an ear-piece (1) which is designed to be worn at least partially in an ear canal of a user of the hearing device. The ear-piece (1) comprises a vent passage (3) connecting the ear canal with the atmosphere. The vent passage (3) has an inner opening (8) towards the ear-canal and an outer opening (9) towards the atmosphere. The ear-piece (1) further comprises a vent extension (4). The vent extension (4) is a protrusion extending the vent passage (3) beyond the body (2) of the ear-piece (1). The vent extension (4) is adapted for abutting on a surface of the body of the user and is thereby inconspicuous and / or contributes thereby to retention. A method for manufacturing such a hearing device is also disclosed.

A case stores an earphone set proximate to a digital media device (DMD). The case includes a top component that forms a storage compartment for storing the earphone set, and a coupling mechanism for attaching the top component to the DMD such that the storage compartment is proximate a rear side of the DMD. The earphone set may be wound onto a retaining clip that includes a first cutout sized to receive the two ear-pieces and a first pair of notches, disposed on opposite edges of the plate, about which the two wires are wound. A distance between inner segments of the notches is a function of the length of the wires such that an inline control panel and a junction splitter of the earphone set are positioned within a periphery of the retaining clip.

A battery charger for a hearing aid includes a housing that defines at least one socket for receiving any one of a plurality of adapters. Each adapter closely fits and at least partially contains one hearing aid to hold the hearing aid in place during charging. The hearing aid includes a plurality of electrical contacts in a pattern and the adapter defines a plurality of apertures in the same pattern. Resilient contacts in the charger extend through the apertures in the adapter to contact the hearing aid.

A hearing aid and handling tool is provided, where the hearing aid has all parts thereof inside the ear canal and comprise a casing part with a retention element extending radially between the casing part and the circumference of an ear canal of a user. A sound exit is provided at a first side of the retention element and mechanical connection parts are provided at an opposed side of the retention element. According to the invention complementary mechanical connection parts are provided at the handling tool.

A headphone having reduced tendency to tangle comprises an input portion for receiving electrical signals from an output device, an output portion for providing audio signals to a user in response to the electrical signals, a plurality of wires coupled to the input portion and the output portion for providing the electrical signals to the output portion, and a restraint mechanism coupled to the plurality of wires and cable of being repositioned along the plurality of wire, wherein the restraint mechanism is for physically receiving insertion of at least a portion of the input portion and for physically restraining movement of the portion of input portion with respect to output portion when the portion of the input portion is physically inserted into the restraint mechanism, wherein a temporary and removable closed loop of wire is formed from the plurality of wires, until a sufficient separation force is applied.

Methods and apparatus for cleaning hearing aid devices are disclosed. Drying is facilitated in hearing instruments through a novel combination of heater and desiccant in an essentially closed system. Greater efficiency is obtained by minimizing the volume of gas, e.g., air, requiring moisture extraction.

Methods, tools, and methods of manufacturing said tools are provided for inserting a hearing device deeply into the ear canal of a user and adjusting its medial-lateral position therein. The provided tools comprise a shaft. A distal end of the shaft can be coupled to the hearing device. The shaft is flexible to facilitate its insertion into the tortuous ear canal and minimize injurious contact with the ear canal. The length of the shaft can be adjusted to adjust the depth of insertion of the shaft into the ear canal, customizing the tool for an individual user. Medial advancement of the shaft into the ear canal is limited by a base, side extension, or mold coupled to a proximal portion of the shaft or other proximal part of the tool.

A hearing aid device configured to be partly or fully inserted into the ear canal of a user is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises a receiver (loudspeaker) adapted to generate and send an air-borne acoustic signal towards the eardrum when the hearing aid device is partly or fully inserted into the ear canal. The hearing aid device further comprises a microphone configured to receive acoustic signals. The hearing aid device comprises a processing unit configured to determine if the hearing aid device is positioned in a correct position in the ear canal on the basis of the acoustic signals received by the microphone.

The invention provides a device and method for inserting a deep-in-the-ear-canal (DIC) hearing aid into the ear canal. The method may be performed by a DIC hearing aid user self-inserting the hearing aid or by a second person assisting the user. Embodiments of a DIC hearing aid insertion device include a base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear, a chimney configured to fit into the ear canal projecting distally from the base and having a channel sized for a DIC hearing aid, and a piston. The piston is supported by a support structure such that the piston's longitudinal axis is collinear with the channel and the piston is moveable into the channel. A method of using the insertion device includes seating the DIC hearing aid in the insertion device, positioning the base of the insertion conformably within the conchal bowl of the ear, and inserting the hearing aid deep into the ear canal. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to in situ activation and programming of the DIC hearing aid, as well as its removal from the ear canal.

A system for remotely controlling an audio device or the audio emitted by a pair of headphones / earbuds through the coupling of coupling devices (with each other and / or with a coupling base), which may be part of the headphones / earbuds, respectively. The coupling of the headphones may effectively create a switch, which is connected to the input of a remote control module. The remote control module may send a specific signal to the audio device through a pin on the headphone plug (which may be received by a headphone jack on the device though a multi-pin cable interface). This signal may be determined by a control module activated via the completion of a circuit through the temporary coupling of the two earbuds / headphones. The audio device, to which the plug is connected via a headphone jack, may perform various actions based on the signal emitted via a pin on the headphone ring.

The invention relates to wireless earbuds with electronic contacts. A wireless earbud includes a housing having a stem portion coupled to an ear portion. The stem portion has an electrical connector disposed on a distal end that includes first and second electrical contacts coupled to receive power for recharging a battery within the wireless earbuds.

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.

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to implementing personalized sound management applications. A module comprising hardware and software is provided to manufacturers to build a device. A process is architected for remote enabling of a device with personalized sound management applications. Consumers select applications for managing their sound environment through purchased and subscription hardware and applications via a web environment. All products developed by manufacturers are tested and certified running the personalized sound management applications. Manufacturers and consumers may both be covered under for liability insurance. Users may remotely purchase may update, purchase hardware, add and download subscription based applications, and replace consumable through the web environment.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing comprises at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers is placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. According to the second aspect of the invention, a hearing instrument comprising a behind-the-ear component and an external component for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear as well as a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component is provided, where the connection link is reversibly pluggable to the behind-the-ear component and / or the in-the-ear-canal component and has a length that is reversibly adjustable. The hearing instrument also comprises fixation means for reversibly fixing the adjusted length of the connection link. A hearing instrument according to the third aspect comprises a fixation means separate from the in-the-ear-canal component. The fixation means may be positioned in the ear canal and rest therein. The in-the-ear-canal component may be connected to the fixation means and detached therefrom when the same is already in the ear canal.