Hearing aid detection
US9065929B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2250/12
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hearing aid compatible portable electronic audio device is configured to automatically determine whether or not the device is being used by a hearing impaired user who is wearing a hearing aid, and select a mode of operation based on this determination. The device includes a proximity sensor and a magnetic field sensor. The proximity sensor is used to detect a change in distance of the device to the user's ear. The magnetic field sensor is used to detect a change in magnetic field caused by the device moving relative to the hearing aid. The device selects between a normal audio mode of operation and a hearing aid compatible mode of operation based on both the change in detected distance and the change in detected magnetic field. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.