Low-Cost, Programmable, Time-Limited Hearing Health aid Apparatus, Method of Use, and System for Programming Same
First Claim
1. A programmable hearing aid device comprising:
- a controller including a processor and memory, wherein the controller is coupled to a microphone, a speaker and a data signal communications interface;
wherein the processor is operable to execute an audio data signal processing program using digital signal processor (“
DSP”
) correction factors stored in the memory for modifying a sound input signal representative of sound input received at the microphone.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A low-cost, programmable, time-limited hearing aid (104) and a means (102) to program the hearing aid with user-specific hearing-loss data (101) for the purpose of emulating the performance of a more permanent, but more costly, hearing aid device. The hearing aid is operational for only a limited time, and is intended for temporary, evaluative purposes. By providing the user with a low-cost, but temporary, means to evaluate the benefits of assisted hearing, he or she becomes more comfortable with its use, and therefore is more amenable to the more involved process and greater expense of being fitted for a more permanent hearing health solution. A method of use of the hearing health aid and the associated programming system that allows a hearing-loss candidate to evaluate the effectiveness of the hearing aid device is also presented.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A programmable hearing aid device comprising:
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a controller including a processor and memory, wherein the controller is coupled to a microphone, a speaker and a data signal communications interface;
wherein the processor is operable to execute an audio data signal processing program using digital signal processor (“
DSP”
) correction factors stored in the memory for modifying a sound input signal representative of sound input received at the microphone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A low-cost, programmable, time-limited hearing aid, comprising
means for programming the hearing aid with user-specific hearing-loss data for emulating the performance of a more permanent hearing aid device.
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17. A method for using a low-cost, programmable, temporary hearing
aid, comprising the steps of providing a controller including a processor and memory, wherein the controller is coupled to a microphone, a speaker and a data signal communications interface, wherein the processor is operable to execute an audio data signal processing program using digital signal processor (DSP) correction factors stored in the memory for modifying a sound input signal representative of sound input received at the microphone; - and
wherein the processor includes a counter and a programmable timing means for disabling operations of the hearing aid device after a predetermined count is reached at the counter. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification