Hearing aid system with a programmable hearing aid and a transmission and/or reception unit, a transmission and/or reception unit as well as a programmable hearing aid

• US 20020191806A1
• Filed: 03/25/2002
• Published: 12/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Rohrseitz, Kristin, Zoels, Fred
• Application Number:
  US10/105,584
• Publication Number:
  US 20020191806A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/323
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/51 Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/558 Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/602 of batteries

Abstract

In a hearing aid, a communication unit that is a transmission and/or reception unit detachably connected to the hearing aid is provided for wireless programming. This unit preferably comprises the external shape of a hearing aid battery and can be introduced into the battery compartment of the hearing aid for programming. As a result, components needed for the wireless programming of the hearing aid are only connected to the hearing aid during programming.

Claims

1. A hearing aid system, comprising:

a programmable hearing aid;

a communication unit which is at least one of a transmission unit and a reception unit, the communication unit being detachably connectable to the hearing aid and is configured to transmit or receive signals for wirelessly programming the hearing aid, the communication unit comprising a housing that is fashioned for introduction into a battery compartment of the hearing aid.

2. A communication unit which is at least one of a transmission unit and a reception unit for a hearing aid system, comprising a housing for introducing the communication unit into a battery compartment of a programmable hearing aid of the hearing aid system, the housing significantly comprising the external shape of a hearing aid battery or accumulator.

3. The communication unit according to claim 2, further comprising a voltage source for supplying voltage to the communication unit and the hearing aid.

4. The communication unit according to claim 3, wherein the voltage source is fashioned as an accumulator.

5. The communication unit according to claim 3, wherein the voltage source is fashioned as a standard voltage source having a smaller structural size compared to a structural size prescribed by the battery compartment of the hearing aid.

6. The communication unit according to claim 2, further comprising contacts configured to connect voltage supply lines and data lines of the hearing aid.

7. A programmable hearing aid for a hearing aid system, comprising:

a battery compartment configured to accept and contact a communication unit which is at least one of a transmission and reception unit.

8. The programmable hearing aid according to claim 7, further comprising:

a voltage supply located within the communication unit that supplies both the communication unit and the hearing aid when the communication unit is introduced into the hearing aid.

9. The programmable hearing aid according to claim 7, further comprising an antenna connectable to the communication unit.

10. A method for programming a hearing aid, comprising:

providing a programmable hearing aid having a battery compartment holding a battery or an accumulator;

removing the battery or accumulator from the hearing aid;

introducing a communication unit into the battery compartment, the communication unit being at least one of a transmission unit and a reception unit and configured to fit within the battery compartment;

transmitting or receiving signals from the communication unit to the hearing aid;

removing the communication unit from the hearing aid; and

replacing the battery or accumulator in the hearing aid.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

transmitting or receiving signals by the communication unit from an external programming device.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

providing power to both the communication device and the hearing aid from a common voltage source located within the communication device.