US 6,694,034 B2
Transmission detection and switch system for hearing improvement applicationsGeneral
US 6,694,034 B2
Transmission detection and switch system for hearing improvement applications
Tech Center:
2600 Communications
Examiner:
Curtis Kuntz
Art Unit:
2643 Telecommunications: Analog Radio Telephone; Satellite and Power Control; Transceivers, Measuring and Testing; Bluetooth; Receivers and Transmitters; Equipment Details
Inventors:
Stephen D. Julstrom; Elmer V. Carlson; Norman P. Matzen; Robert B. Schulein; Willem Soede
Assignee:
Priority:
01/07/00
Filed:
12/28/00
Granted:
02/17/04
Expiration:
05/29/21
Abstract
A hearing aid system for selecting one of two audio sources is disclosed. The hearing aid system comprises hearing aid circuitry, such as, for example, a hearing aid amplifier and speaker, as well as a primary source for audio, such as, for example, a hearing aid microphone. The hearing aid system also comprises a secondary source for audio, such as, for example, a directional microphone worn or otherwise supported by a person speaking or by the hearing aid user, as well as detection and switch circuitry to select which of the primary and secondary audio sources should be directed to the hearing aid circuitry. In operation, the detection and switch circuitry receives a signal transmission (preferably wireless) from the secondary audio source and determines whether the signal received is desirable. If the signal transmission is desirable, the circuitry selects that signal for coupling with the hearing aid circuitry. If the transmission signal is not desirable, the circuitry selects the signals from the primary audio source for coupling with the hearing aid circuitry.
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
H04H04R2225/51H04R