Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Hearing aids – electrical
Reexamination Certificate
2005-06-13
2008-10-07
Le, Huyen D (Department: 2615)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Hearing aids, electrical
C381S092000, C381S313000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07433481
ABSTRACT:
A digital hearing aid is provided that includes front and rear microphones, a sound processor, and a speaker. Embodiments of the digital hearing aid include an occlusion subsystem, and a directional processor and headroom expander. The front microphone receives a front microphone acoustical signal and generates a front microphone analog signal. The rear microphone receives a rear microphone acoustical signal and generates a rear microphone analog signal. The front and rear microphone analog signals are converted into the digital domain, and at least the front microphone signal is coupled to the sound processor. The sound processor selectively modifies the signal characteristics and generates a processed signal. The processed signal is coupled to the speaker which converts the signal to an acoustical hearing aid output signal that is directed into the ear canal of the digital hearing aid user. The occlusion sub-system compensates for the amplification of the digital hearing aid user's own voice within the ear canal. The directional processor and headroom expander optimizes the gain applied to the acoustical signals received by the digital hearing aid and combine the amplified signals into a directionally-sensitive response.
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Armstrong Stephen W.
Brown David R.
Ryan James G.
Sykes Frederick E.
Le Huyen D
Sound Design Technologies, Ltd.
Van Dyke Gardner, Linn & Burkhart, LLP
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