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Apparatus and method for magnetically controlling a hearing aid

  • US 5,553,152 A
  • Filed: 08/31/1994
  • Issued: 09/03/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/31/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A hearing aid system comprising:

  • a) a magnetic actuator for utilization external the ear;

    b) a hearing aid sized for placement substantially within an ear canal, comprising;

    i) a microphone for generating electrical signals from acoustical input;

    ii) an output transducer earphone for transforming processed electrical signals into a user compatible form; and

    iii) hearing aid circuity connected to the microphone and the output transducer, the hearing aid circuitry comprising signal processing circuitry and control processing circuitry, the signal processing circuitry configured for processing said electrical signals generated by the microphone, the signal processing circuitry including a plurality of adjustable operational parameters,iv. a single magnetic switch actuatable by the magnetic actuator, when said actuator is moved into proximity with the hearing aid, the actuator and switch sized such that, with the hearing aid in the ear canal, the magnetic switch is actuatable by the actuator positioned exterior of the ear canal, the single magnetic switch connected to the hearing aid circuity, the control processor circuitry configured to sense actuation of the single magnetic switch and to switch between and adjust the operational parameters exclusively by the actuation of the single magnetic switch whereby said adjustable operational parameters may be adjusted exclusively by moving the magnetic actuator into and out of proximity with the hearing aid without insertion into the ear canal and without contacting the hearing aid.

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