Magnetically controllable hearing aid
US5659621A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/61
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling an adjustable operational parameter of a hearing aid by the use of an external magnetic actuator held in proximity with the hearing aid. The hearing aid has a microphone for generating signals, hearing aid circuitry for processing the signals, an output transducer for transforming the processed signals to a user compatible form, and a single magnetic switch, such as a reed switch, connected to the hearing aid circuitry. The magnetic switch controls the hearing aid circuitry to adjust an adjustable operational parameter, such as volume. In one embodiment the adjustable operational parameter continues to adjust or cycle between a minimum and a maximum as long as the magnetic actuator is maintained in proximity with the magnetic switch. When the magnetic actuator is removed the adjustment ceases. The invention allows precise adjustment and control of an adjustable parameter with minimal effort and movement by the user. The hearing aid circuitry may include a memory to allow a desired setting of the adjustable operational parameter to be saved when the hearing aid is turned off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.