US20160134742A1 - Subscription-based wireless service for a canal hearing device - Google Patents
Subscription-based wireless service for a canal hearing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160134742A1 US20160134742A1 US14/937,712 US201514937712A US2016134742A1 US 20160134742 A1 US20160134742 A1 US 20160134742A1 US 201514937712 A US201514937712 A US 201514937712A US 2016134742 A1 US2016134742 A1 US 2016134742A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hearing device
- wireless
- subscription
- service
- identification data
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
- H04M1/72409—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
- H04M1/72415—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories for remote control of appliances
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
- H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
- H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
- H04M1/6066—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone including a wireless connection
-
- H04M1/72533—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
- H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
- H04B1/385—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
- H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
-
- H04W4/008—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/18—Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
- H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
- H04B1/385—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
- H04B2001/3866—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets carried on the head
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/023—Completely in the canal [CIC] hearing aids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/55—Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/18—Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
Definitions
- Examples described herein relate to hearing devices, and include particularly subscription-based wireless hearing devices.
- the ear canal 14 is generally hidden from view (front and side) behind a backward projecting eminence known as the tragus 5 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the ear canal 14 is also hidden from view from the back by the presence of the pinna 4 (also referred to as auricle).
- the dimensions and contours of the ear canal 14 vary significantly among individuals.
- Placement of a hearing device inside the ear canal 14 is generally desirable for various electroacoustic advantages such as reduction of the acoustic occlusion effect, improved energy efficiency, reduced distortion, reduced receiver vibrations, and improved high frequency response. Canal placement may also be desirable for cosmetic reasons since the majority of the hearing impaired may prefer to wear an inconspicuous hearing device.
- a canal hearing device can be inserted entirely or partially inside the ear canal. In the context of this application, any hearing device inserted inside the ear canal, whether partially or completely, may be referred to as a canal hearing device. This includes what is known in the hearing aid industry as Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC), Receiver-In-Canal, (RIC), In-The-Canal (ITC), and extended wear deep canal invisible types.
- CIC Completely-In-the-Canal
- RIC Receiver-In-Canal
- ITC In-The-Canal
- a wireless hearing device system for providing a subscription-based wireless service may include a hearing device and a personal computing device.
- the hearing device may include wireless circuitry, a memory and a speaker.
- the speaker may be configured for placement inside the ear canal.
- the memory may store identification data associated with the hearing device.
- the hearing device may be configured to selectively provide a wireless service.
- the wireless service provided by or to the hearing device may be enabled, disabled, or controlled in accordance with the validation data or the subscription data.
- the hearing device may be communicatively coupled to a wireless gateway device for communication with a remote subscription database.
- the wireless gateway device may be configured to communicatively couple the hearing device to a remote server.
- the personal computing device may be configured to communicatively couple to the hearing device and validate a subscription of the hearing device using subscription data and the identification data.
- the personal computing device may receive the identification data from the hearing device.
- the remote server may be configured to receive the identification data associated with the hearing device.
- the subscription data and/or the validation data may be determined using the identification data.
- the subscription data and/or the validation data may be stored in the remote subscription database.
- the personal computer may receive subscription data from a remote server.
- FIG. 1 is a view of the ear canal, showing an example of a wireless canal hearing device assembly inserted therein.
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a modular canal hearing device assembly depicting a lateral module and a seal assembly detached.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a subscription-based hearing device system including a hearing device, a client computer, and a remote server.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wireless service for a hearing device communicatively coupled to an appliance and a computing device, where the computing device is in communication with a server over the Internet.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a subscription-based hearing device system comprising a remote server in communication with a hearing device using a computing device.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a hearing device in communication with a remote server and an appliance via a gateway device over a network.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a hearing device in communication with a server via a gateway device over a network and an appliance on the client side.
- the present disclosure describes examples of subscription-based wireless services associated with a wireless hearing device system.
- the wireless hearing device system may include a hearing device configured to selectively provide a wireless service.
- the hearing device may be configured to activate or provide a wireless service in accordance with a subscription.
- the hearing device may include a lateral section and a main section.
- the hearing device may be integrated or modular.
- the hearing device may receive subscription data and/or validation data associated with the subscription from a computing device or from a remote server associated with the wireless hearing device system.
- the wireless hearing device system may include a hearing device 1 having a main section 20 and a lateral section 40 .
- the main section 20 may include durable components, such as a microphone, a speaker 57 , a wireless electronics 74 , a wireless antenna 75 , and sound processing circuitry.
- the hearing device 1 may be configured for positioning in the ear.
- the hearing device 1 may include a memory, for example non-volatile memory.
- the memory may store identification data 80 , as described herein.
- the lateral section 40 may incorporate a rechargeable battery cell 42 therein.
- the hearing device 1 may be an integrated assembly.
- the hearing device 1 may include a modular main section 20 (also referred to as main module) and a modular lateral section 40 (also referred to as lateral module).
- the lateral module 40 may be configured for mating with the main module 20 to form a canal hearing device 1 (interchangeably referred to herein as a canal hearing device assembly, hearing device assembly, canal hearing device, and hearing device).
- the speaker 57 of the hearing device 1 may be configured to transmit sounds 55 into the ear canal 14 of a user 100 .
- the main module 20 may include a receiving cavity 21 ( FIG. 2 ) shaped to accommodate the battery cell 42 , at least partially within.
- the battery cell 42 may be rechargeable and have a generally cylindrical shape.
- the main module 20 may include electrical contacts 36 and 37 for electrically coupling the main module 20 with the battery cell 42 to power the electrical components within the main module 20 (e.g., amplifier circuitry and microphone).
- the battery cell 42 may be partially disengaged so as to place the hearing device 1 in the OFF condition or during charging.
- the wireless hearing device 1 may include one or more of the features of canal hearing devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,467,556, titled, “CANAL HEARING DEVICE WITH DISPOSABLE BATTERY MODULE,” U.S. Pat. No.
- the main section 20 may be coupled at its medial end 31 to an ear tip assembly 79 .
- the ear tip assembly 79 is preferably manufactured of a flexible material, such as a polymer, and configured as a replaceable or disposable component.
- the ear tip assembly 79 may couple to the main section 20 by engaging with a holding tab 26 .
- the holding tab 26 may be positioned generally on the medial end 31 of the main section 20 .
- the lateral end of the hearing device 1 may include a handle portion 50 .
- the handle portion 50 may facilitate handling of the hearing device 1 during insertion or removal from the ear.
- the handle portion 50 may include a shaft 51 and a knob 52 .
- the handle portion 50 may include wireless electronics 74 and/or a wireless antenna 75 (collectively referred to as “wireless circuitry”).
- the wireless circuitry may be operable to connect the hearing device 1 to a network 65 .
- the lateral end of the hearing device 1 may include switches 78 a - c for manual activation of a wireless service.
- At least one of the switches 78 a - c may be configured for placement substantially behind the tragus 5 of a user 100 when the hearing device 1 is provided in an ear of the user 100 .
- the behind the tragus 5 switch may be activated by applying a manual force to the tragus 5 . Placement and activation of the behind the tragus 5 switch may allow for inconspicuous wear of the hearing device 1 and use of the wireless service.
- the wireless hearing device system may include a personal computing device 10 configured to wirelessly couple to the hearing device 1 and the network 65 .
- the personal computing device 10 may be a personal computer, a smartphone 13 , a tablet, a portable media device, or any other device capable of executing computer instructions at a client side 2 .
- the personal computing device 10 includes a processor and memory for storing executable instructions.
- the personal computing device 10 may be configured to execute the instructions to perform functions as described herein.
- the instructions may include instructions for executing one or more software applications, e.g., subscription validation app 33 .
- the personal computing device 10 may include communications circuitry, such as a USB interface 38 or a wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth).
- the personal computing device 10 may be connected to a network 65 , for example the Internet, to access a remote server 70 .
- the personal computing device 10 may include a wireless interface for data transfer over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or other wireless protocols.
- the personal computing device 10 may be communicatively coupled to a network 65 via a gateway device 72 , or any other type of device to access a network 65 , for example the Internet, using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication.
- the gateway device 72 may be a router or a node of a mesh network.
- the personal computing device 10 may wirelessly receive identification data 80 from the hearing device 1 ( FIG. 5 ).
- the identification data 80 may be used to verify a subscription of the hearing device 1 .
- the computing device may be coupled to a remote server 70 with access to subscription data 69 associated with the subscription via the Internet, as shown in FIGS. 3-7 .
- the computing device 10 may verify the subscription of the hearing device 1 . In some examples, the subscription may be verified by comparing the subscription data 69 and the identification data 80 of the hearing device 1 . In some examples, the personal computing device 10 may enable or disable a wireless service, upon a determination of a valid subscription.
- the personal computing device 10 may be configured to validate a subscription of the hearing device 1 using subscription data retrieved from a remote server and the identification data 80 associated with the hearing device 1 .
- the personal computing device 10 may be connected to the Internet to access a remote server 70 and web services.
- the personal computing device 10 may transmit a request to the remote server 70 to retrieve subscription data 69 and/or validation data 74 from the remote server 70 .
- the request may include forwarding identification data associated with the hearing device 1 (e.g., identification data 80 ).
- the request may be initiated responsive to coupling of the personal computing device 10 with the hearing device 1 .
- the personal computing device 10 may receive, from the remote server, either of the subscription data 69 or validation data which may be generated responsive to a subscription validation by the remote server 70 .
- the personal computing device 10 may determine the validity of the subscription via a client software application 33 .
- the identification data 80 may include identifying information that may be unique to a particular hearing device.
- the subscription data 69 may include identifying information of hearing devices, which are authorized to provide one or more wireless services.
- identification data retrieved from memory of the hearing device 1 may be compared with the subscription data 69 to determine if the hearing device 1 should be enabled to provide a given wireless service.
- a subscription is said to be validated upon a determination that the hearing device 1 should be enabled for a given wireless service based on the comparison between the identification data and subscription data.
- the wireless service may subsequently be enabled on the hearing device 1 responsive to the validation of the subscription.
- the wireless hearing device 1 may be configured to selectively provide a wireless service to a user 100 of the hearing device 1 .
- the wireless hearing device 1 may be configured to activate, control, enable and/or disable one or more wireless services in accordance with the subscription data 69 .
- a wireless service may provide a desired functionality.
- the wireless service may include remotely controlling an appliance 73 , such as a wireless electronic lock, an electronically-controlled lighting, a home appliance, and a wireless medical device.
- the wireless service may include providing an online hearing aid fitting.
- the wireless service may include a subscription-based audio streaming service.
- the wireless service may include using physiological sensors of the hearing device 1 to provide a medical service and/or activity tracking.
- any of the wireless services may be enabled, disabled, and/or controlled by the wireless hearing device 1 in accordance with a service subscription. Controlling of any of the wireless services may include changing a parameter of the wireless service based on the subscription data 69 and/or the validation data 74 , such as a tier in a multi-tiered wireless service, hearing test parameters, medical alert parameters, and/or appliance parameters.
- the appliance 73 may be on a client side 3 or a remote side 4 . In some examples, an appliance 73 on the client side 3 may be controlled by the wireless hearing device 1 using a direct wireless connection between the appliance 73 and the wireless hearing device 1 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- an appliance 73 on a remote side 4 may be controlled by the hearing device 1 using a gateway device 72 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- an appliance 73 may stream audio to the hearing device 1 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- a personal computing device 10 for example smartphone 13 , may be in communication with the hearing device to exchange data, for example to conduct an online hearing test or an online hearing aid fitting, as shown in FIG. 4 .
- a software application for control or validation of a service subscription may be executed by any device associated with the hearing device 1 , such as the personal computing device 10 (e.g., client subscription validation app 33 ) or the remote server 70 (e.g., remote subscription validation app 71 ), as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the software application 33 may initiate a subscription validation request and/or initiate the wireless service upon subscription validation.
- the software application may be embedded, browser-based or standalone.
- the software application may include embedded code executable by a device associated with the hearing device system, such as a charging station.
- the hearing device user 100 may be required to login to access the software application.
- the software application may include a user interface 90 for logging in, viewing a subscription, and/or modifying the service subscription.
- the remote server 70 provided on a server side 4 may be accessible via the network 65 to any devices communicatively associated with the wireless hearing device 1 on a client side 3 , such as the personal computing device 10 (e.g., a smartphone 13 ).
- the remote server 70 may receive requests for validation of a service subscription from the personal computing device 10 .
- the remote server 70 may access subscription data 69 from a subscription database 84 .
- the remote server 70 may deliver subscription data 69 or validation data 74 to the personal computing device 10 that requested validation of a subscription of a user 100 or potential subscriber of the hearing device 1 .
- Subscription data 69 may include a subscription validity determination and/or may be used to validate the subscription.
- the remote server 70 on the server side 4 may execute a remote subscription validation application 71 .
- the remote subscription validation application 71 may determine subscription validity using information stored in a subscription database 84 .
- a client subscription validation application 33 may be executed by the computing device 10 for determining subscription validity.
- the subscription validation application 33 may initiate the subscription validity determination upon detection of the hearing device 1 .
- the subscription validation application 33 may request the subscription validity determination.
- the request may include submitting identification data 80 associated with the hearing device 1 .
- the personal computing device 10 may be in communication with the remote subscription validation application 71 for determining subscription validity.
- the remote subscription validation application 71 may receive identification data 82 and determine service subscription validity using the subscription database 84 .
- the subscription validity determination may be transmitted to the client subscription validation application 33 .
- the client subscription validation application 33 may receive the subscription data 69 and make a subscription validity determination.
- Wireless services associated with the hearing device 1 may be enabled or disabled according to the service subscription validity condition, for example a valid subscription condition or an invalid subscription condition.
- the wireless hearing device system may include a wireless gateway device 72 , which may be used for connecting to a network and communicating with one or more components of the wireless hearing device system.
- the wireless gateway device may be used for accessing a remote subscription database 84 .
- the gateway device 72 may transmit and/or receive data from the remote subscription database 84 , an appliance 73 , and/or a personal computing device 10 .
- the gateway device 72 may transmit a query to the remote subscription database 84 , an appliance 73 , and/or a personal computing device 10 .
- the gateway device 72 may receive a result responsive to the query and deliver the result to the hearing device 1 .
- the gateway device 72 may include any of a router, an access point, a wireless bridge, and a node of a mesh network.
- the validation process may be performed by a computing device on the client side 3 (e.g., personal computing device 10 ).
- the validation process may be performed by a computing device on the remote side 4 (e.g., remote server 70 ).
- the hearing device 1 receives validation data 74 . Communication may be established between the hearing device 1 and a remote server through the gateway device 72 .
- the gateway device may transmit to the remote server a request for validation of a subscription of the hearing device.
- the remote server may perform a validation process and transmit, through the gateway device 72 , validation data 74 to the hearing device 1 .
- the validation data 74 may be indicative of a valid subscription of the hearing device 1 .
- the wireless hearing device 1 may be configured to enable a given wireless service upon receipt of validation data indicative of a valid subscription of the wireless hearing device 1 for the given wireless service.
- the wireless hearing device 1 may be configured such that the wireless service is not enabled or to disable a given wireless service upon receipt of validation data which is not indicative of a valid subscription of the wireless hearing device 1 for the given wireless service.
- the network 65 may be a mesh network.
- the gateway device 72 may be a node connected to the mesh network.
- the mesh network may be accessible by the hearing device 1 using any wireless protocol including Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, or Wi-Fi.
- the wireless hearing device 1 may deliver or receive a signal from the gateway device 72 to facilitate communication between the hearing device 1 and another device on the mesh network, such as an appliance 73 .
- the gateway device 72 may utilize any number of intermediate devices on the mesh network to relay a signal to a target device. It may be advantageous to utilize a mesh network to allow the wireless hearing device 1 to communicate over a greater range than typically possible over a low energy wireless system such as Bluetooth Low Energy.
- utilizing a mesh network may allow the wireless hearing device 1 to communicate with a remote server 70 using a device on the mesh network with Internet access.
- a software application may include functionality to automatically detect when a wireless service is available to use. Upon detection of the availability to use, the software application may initiate a subscription validation request, or proceed with enabling or disabling the wireless service associated with the wireless hearing device 1 in accordance with the service subscription.
- the software application may initiate a subscription validation request in response to detecting a hearing device in proximity, such as when the hearing device is worn in an ear (in-situ) of a subscriber and the device executing the software application is proximate thereto.
- the subscription validation request may also be initiated in response to a user activating a switch 78 a - c of the canal hearing device assembly for a user attempting to use a wireless service of the wireless hearing device 1 .
- the subscription validation request may be automatically performed periodically.
- a software application may determine a subscription status by obtaining an identification data 80 from the wireless hearing device 1 .
- Identification data 80 may include a serial number, a user name or an identification number, or any other kind of identification data stored in the wireless hearing device 1 .
- the identification data 80 may be provided by a user.
- the computing device 10 may deliver the identification data 80 to the remote server 70 using a network, for example the Internet.
- the software application may transmit the identification data 80 to the remote server 70 to receive or determine a subscription status to control a wireless service and/or program the hearing device 1 , for example enabling or disabling the wireless service.
- the subscription status may be based on a usage of the wireless service.
- the hearing device 1 may comprise circuitry or software configured to measure or count usage of the wireless service.
- the hearing device 1 may comprise a clock or timer configured to record a duration of use of the wireless service.
- the hearing device 1 , the personal computing device 10 or the remote server 70 may store a subscription credit count, for example a number of uses or use duration. The subscription credit count may be decremented based on usage by the user 100 .
- the personal computing device 10 may periodically communicate with the remote server 70 to synchronize the subscription credit count based on usage, renewals, cancellations, etc.
- the personal computing device 10 may enable or disable the wireless service of the wireless hearing device 1 according to the credit and authorization for the wireless service following synchronization with the remote server 70 .
- the remote server 70 may receive the identification data 80 and query a database 84 for service subscription data 69 associated with the wireless hearing device 1 , as shown in FIGS. 3-7 .
- the remote server 70 may deliver the subscription data 69 obtained from the database 84 to the device that requested it, for example the personal computing device 10 .
- the remote server 70 may perform a validation of a subscription and deliver a determination of whether the service subscription is valid or not.
- the remote server 70 may perform the validation of the subscription from service subscription data 69 .
- the remote server 70 may host a website and/or an application, for example subscription validation app 33 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- a service subscription may be determined to be invalid, for example due to a non-payment or service subscription expiration.
- the wireless service associated with the wireless hearing device may be disabled.
- An indicator may alert the user of the invalid subscription.
- the indicator may be an audible alert delivered to the user's ear.
- the hearing device 1 may allow a limited use of the wireless service upon determining an expired service subscription to allow a subscriber a reasonable time period (grace period) to remedy the cause of the invalid subscription. The limited use may include reduced functionality of the wireless service.
- the wireless hearing device 1 and or the appliance 73 may be reprogrammed to disable the wireless service upon a determination of an invalid or an expired service subscription.
- the wireless hearing device 1 may be programmed to deliver a warning message to alert a subscriber about the need to renew the service subscription, for example to request making a payment.
- the wireless service may include providing a medical service, activity tracking or health monitor.
- Physiologic sensors may be incorporated within the wireless hearing device 1 in conjunction with providing the medical service and/or activity tracking
- the physiologic sensors may include, but are not limited to, electrodes, a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor, oxygen level sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and a glucose level sensor. It will be understood that a variety of physiological and motion sensors may be included in the wireless hearing device 1 . Incorporating the physiological sensors within the hearing device 1 may be advantageous because the ear canal 14 is tethered to the human body during activity, for example during walking or exercise, and the physiology of the ear canal 14 includes capillaries suited to measure certain physiological parameters such as heart rate.
- a processor within the wireless hearing device 1 may execute software to mitigate noise due to motion artifacts (e.g., walking or chewing).
- the medical service may include medical condition reporting or an emergency alert, such as a fall or a heart attack.
- a fall may be detected using an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope within the wireless hearing device 1 .
- a heart attack may be detected using a heart rate sensor within the wireless hearing device 1 .
- the wireless hearing device 1 may determine that the medical emergency has occurred when the sensor readings match one or more of the patterns.
- the hearing device 1 may communicate with a remote medical alert service based on the determination that the medical emergency has occurred.
- the remote medical alert service may be alerted when the user 100 presses a switch 78 a - c on the hearing device 1 .
- the switch 78 a - c may be pressed for a prolonged period, such as 2 or more seconds, indicating a medical emergency.
- a prolonged press may be advantageous to ensure that the switch 78 a - c is not being accidently pressed, or to differentiate from other remote control functions not associated with a medical emergency.
- the medical service for example integrations with a professional provider, may be defined in the subscription data 69 .
- the activity tracking or health monitoring service may include automatic tracking of health parameters, such as heart rate, steps, or calories burned. Since the wireless hearing device 1 can be worn in the ear for prolonged periods of time and may be inconspicuously worn, it may be desirable for the hearing device user 100 to track activity. Further, the wireless hearing device 1 may be better suited to provide activity tracking due to its position in the ear canal 14 , as discussed above.
- the analytics of tracked activity to monitor and store may be defined in the service subscription data 69 . In some examples, the activity tracking or health monitoring data, or analytics calculated therefrom, may be sent to a provider or compared to levels received from a provider in accordance with the service subscription data 69 . The hearing device 100 may be audibly alerted if not in compliance with levels defined by the provider.
- Examples disclosed herein offer a subscription-based wireless service for a wireless hearing device with minimal upfront payment, while ensuring adequate revenue stream for a manufacturer or a service provider.
- the enabling or disabling of the wireless service may be performed by the wireless hearing device 1 , or a computing device providing a wireless service, for example audio streaming to the wireless hearing device, or a medical alert system, on a subscription basis.
- Subscription-based wireless services can be advantageous to defray the cost of use, or ownership of a hearing device.
- a subscription based model may allow a consumer to subscribe to certain selected features and services, thereby eliminating costs associated with unwanted features.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Neurosurgery (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Telephone Function (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
- Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/078,361 entitled “SUBSCRIPTION-BASED WIRELESS SERVICE FOR A HEARING DEVICE,” filed Nov. 11, 2014. The aforementioned provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, for any purpose.
- Examples described herein relate to hearing devices, and include particularly subscription-based wireless hearing devices.
- The
ear canal 14 is generally hidden from view (front and side) behind a backward projecting eminence known as thetragus 5, as shown inFIG. 1 . Theear canal 14 is also hidden from view from the back by the presence of the pinna 4 (also referred to as auricle). The dimensions and contours of theear canal 14 vary significantly among individuals. - Placement of a hearing device inside the
ear canal 14 is generally desirable for various electroacoustic advantages such as reduction of the acoustic occlusion effect, improved energy efficiency, reduced distortion, reduced receiver vibrations, and improved high frequency response. Canal placement may also be desirable for cosmetic reasons since the majority of the hearing impaired may prefer to wear an inconspicuous hearing device. A canal hearing device can be inserted entirely or partially inside the ear canal. In the context of this application, any hearing device inserted inside the ear canal, whether partially or completely, may be referred to as a canal hearing device. This includes what is known in the hearing aid industry as Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC), Receiver-In-Canal, (RIC), In-The-Canal (ITC), and extended wear deep canal invisible types. - The cost of a canal hearing device can be several thousands of dollars which is prohibitive to many potential consumers. According to industry reports, roughly 1 in 5 hearing impaired people own a hearing device, leaving the majority without a hearing solution. Solutions to make canal hearing devices more affordable and/or accessible to hearing impaired people may be desirable.
- A wireless hearing device system for providing a subscription-based wireless service may include a hearing device and a personal computing device. The hearing device may include wireless circuitry, a memory and a speaker. The speaker may be configured for placement inside the ear canal. The memory may store identification data associated with the hearing device. The hearing device may be configured to selectively provide a wireless service. The wireless service provided by or to the hearing device may be enabled, disabled, or controlled in accordance with the validation data or the subscription data. In some examples, the hearing device may be communicatively coupled to a wireless gateway device for communication with a remote subscription database. The wireless gateway device may be configured to communicatively couple the hearing device to a remote server.
- The personal computing device may be configured to communicatively couple to the hearing device and validate a subscription of the hearing device using subscription data and the identification data. The personal computing device may receive the identification data from the hearing device. The remote server may be configured to receive the identification data associated with the hearing device. The subscription data and/or the validation data may be determined using the identification data. The subscription data and/or the validation data may be stored in the remote subscription database. The personal computer may receive subscription data from a remote server.
- The above and still further objectives, features, aspects and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of certain preferred and alternate embodiments and method of manufacture and use thereof; constituting the best mode presently contemplated of practicing the invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a view of the ear canal, showing an example of a wireless canal hearing device assembly inserted therein. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a modular canal hearing device assembly depicting a lateral module and a seal assembly detached. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a subscription-based hearing device system including a hearing device, a client computer, and a remote server. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wireless service for a hearing device communicatively coupled to an appliance and a computing device, where the computing device is in communication with a server over the Internet. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a subscription-based hearing device system comprising a remote server in communication with a hearing device using a computing device. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a hearing device in communication with a remote server and an appliance via a gateway device over a network. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a hearing device in communication with a server via a gateway device over a network and an appliance on the client side. - Certain details are set forth below to provide a sufficient understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that some embodiments may not include all details described. In some instances, well-known structures, hearing aid components, circuits, and controls, have not been shown in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments of the invention.
- The present disclosure describes examples of subscription-based wireless services associated with a wireless hearing device system. The wireless hearing device system according to examples of the present disclosure may include a hearing device configured to selectively provide a wireless service. In some examples, the hearing device may be configured to activate or provide a wireless service in accordance with a subscription. The hearing device may include a lateral section and a main section. The hearing device may be integrated or modular. In some embodiments, the hearing device may receive subscription data and/or validation data associated with the subscription from a computing device or from a remote server associated with the wireless hearing device system.
- In some examples, the wireless hearing device system may include a
hearing device 1 having amain section 20 and alateral section 40. Themain section 20 may include durable components, such as a microphone, aspeaker 57, awireless electronics 74, a wireless antenna 75, and sound processing circuitry. Thehearing device 1 may be configured for positioning in the ear. Thehearing device 1 may include a memory, for example non-volatile memory. The memory may storeidentification data 80, as described herein. Thelateral section 40 may incorporate arechargeable battery cell 42 therein. In some examples, thehearing device 1 may be an integrated assembly. In some examples thehearing device 1 may include a modular main section 20 (also referred to as main module) and a modular lateral section 40 (also referred to as lateral module). Thelateral module 40 may be configured for mating with themain module 20 to form a canal hearing device 1 (interchangeably referred to herein as a canal hearing device assembly, hearing device assembly, canal hearing device, and hearing device). Thespeaker 57 of thehearing device 1 may be configured to transmitsounds 55 into theear canal 14 of a user 100. - The
main module 20 may include a receiving cavity 21 (FIG. 2 ) shaped to accommodate thebattery cell 42, at least partially within. Thebattery cell 42 may be rechargeable and have a generally cylindrical shape. Themain module 20 may include electrical contacts 36 and 37 for electrically coupling themain module 20 with thebattery cell 42 to power the electrical components within the main module 20 (e.g., amplifier circuitry and microphone). In some examples, thebattery cell 42 may be partially disengaged so as to place thehearing device 1 in the OFF condition or during charging. Thewireless hearing device 1 may include one or more of the features of canal hearing devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,467,556, titled, “CANAL HEARING DEVICE WITH DISPOSABLE BATTERY MODULE,” U.S. Pat. No. 8,855,345, titled, “BATTERY MODULE FOR PERPENDICULAR DOCKING INTO A CANAL HEARING DEVICE,” and U.S. Pat. No. 9,060,233, titled, “RECHARGEABLE CANAL HEARING DEVICE AND SYSTEMS,” as well as pending patent application Ser. No. 14/832,751, titled, “CANAL HEARING DEVICE AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL OF AN APPLIANCE USING BEHIND THE TRAGUS SWITCH,” filed Aug. 21, 2015, and Ser. No. 14/826,721, titled, “CANAL HEARING DEVICE AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL OF AN APPLIANCE,” filed Aug. 14, 2015, all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any purpose. - The
main section 20 may be coupled at itsmedial end 31 to anear tip assembly 79. Theear tip assembly 79 is preferably manufactured of a flexible material, such as a polymer, and configured as a replaceable or disposable component. Theear tip assembly 79 may couple to themain section 20 by engaging with a holdingtab 26. In some examples, the holdingtab 26 may be positioned generally on themedial end 31 of themain section 20. - In some examples, the lateral end of the
hearing device 1 may include ahandle portion 50. Thehandle portion 50 may facilitate handling of thehearing device 1 during insertion or removal from the ear. Thehandle portion 50 may include ashaft 51 and aknob 52. In some examples, thehandle portion 50 may includewireless electronics 74 and/or a wireless antenna 75 (collectively referred to as “wireless circuitry”). The wireless circuitry may be operable to connect thehearing device 1 to anetwork 65. In some examples, the lateral end of thehearing device 1 may include switches 78 a-c for manual activation of a wireless service. In some examples, at least one of the switches 78 a-c may be configured for placement substantially behind thetragus 5 of a user 100 when thehearing device 1 is provided in an ear of the user 100. The behind thetragus 5 switch may be activated by applying a manual force to thetragus 5. Placement and activation of the behind thetragus 5 switch may allow for inconspicuous wear of thehearing device 1 and use of the wireless service. - In some examples, the wireless hearing device system may include a
personal computing device 10 configured to wirelessly couple to thehearing device 1 and thenetwork 65. Thepersonal computing device 10 may be a personal computer, asmartphone 13, a tablet, a portable media device, or any other device capable of executing computer instructions at aclient side 2. Thepersonal computing device 10 includes a processor and memory for storing executable instructions. Thepersonal computing device 10 may be configured to execute the instructions to perform functions as described herein. The instructions may include instructions for executing one or more software applications, e.g.,subscription validation app 33. Thepersonal computing device 10 may include communications circuitry, such as aUSB interface 38 or a wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth). In some examples, thepersonal computing device 10 may be connected to anetwork 65, for example the Internet, to access aremote server 70. - The
personal computing device 10 may include a wireless interface for data transfer over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or other wireless protocols. Thepersonal computing device 10 may be communicatively coupled to anetwork 65 via agateway device 72, or any other type of device to access anetwork 65, for example the Internet, using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication. Thegateway device 72 may be a router or a node of a mesh network. In some examples, thepersonal computing device 10 may wirelessly receiveidentification data 80 from the hearing device 1 (FIG. 5 ). Theidentification data 80 may be used to verify a subscription of thehearing device 1. In some examples, the computing device may be coupled to aremote server 70 with access tosubscription data 69 associated with the subscription via the Internet, as shown inFIGS. 3-7 . In some examples, thecomputing device 10 may verify the subscription of thehearing device 1. In some examples, the subscription may be verified by comparing thesubscription data 69 and theidentification data 80 of thehearing device 1. In some examples, thepersonal computing device 10 may enable or disable a wireless service, upon a determination of a valid subscription. - The
personal computing device 10 may be configured to validate a subscription of thehearing device 1 using subscription data retrieved from a remote server and theidentification data 80 associated with thehearing device 1. In some examples, thepersonal computing device 10 may be connected to the Internet to access aremote server 70 and web services. In some examples, thepersonal computing device 10 may transmit a request to theremote server 70 to retrievesubscription data 69 and/orvalidation data 74 from theremote server 70. The request may include forwarding identification data associated with the hearing device 1 (e.g., identification data 80). In some examples, the request may be initiated responsive to coupling of thepersonal computing device 10 with thehearing device 1. In response to the request, thepersonal computing device 10 may receive, from the remote server, either of thesubscription data 69 or validation data which may be generated responsive to a subscription validation by theremote server 70. When receiving subscription data, thepersonal computing device 10 may determine the validity of the subscription via aclient software application 33. - In some examples, the
identification data 80 may include identifying information that may be unique to a particular hearing device. Thesubscription data 69 may include identifying information of hearing devices, which are authorized to provide one or more wireless services. During a validation process (e.g., during execution of the software application 33), identification data retrieved from memory of thehearing device 1 may be compared with thesubscription data 69 to determine if thehearing device 1 should be enabled to provide a given wireless service. A subscription is said to be validated upon a determination that thehearing device 1 should be enabled for a given wireless service based on the comparison between the identification data and subscription data. The wireless service may subsequently be enabled on thehearing device 1 responsive to the validation of the subscription. - The
wireless hearing device 1 may be configured to selectively provide a wireless service to a user 100 of thehearing device 1. By selectively, it may be generally understood, that thewireless hearing device 1 may be configured to activate, control, enable and/or disable one or more wireless services in accordance with thesubscription data 69. A wireless service may provide a desired functionality. For example, the wireless service may include remotely controlling anappliance 73, such as a wireless electronic lock, an electronically-controlled lighting, a home appliance, and a wireless medical device. The wireless service may include providing an online hearing aid fitting. The wireless service may include a subscription-based audio streaming service. The wireless service may include using physiological sensors of thehearing device 1 to provide a medical service and/or activity tracking. Any of the wireless services may be enabled, disabled, and/or controlled by thewireless hearing device 1 in accordance with a service subscription. Controlling of any of the wireless services may include changing a parameter of the wireless service based on thesubscription data 69 and/or thevalidation data 74, such as a tier in a multi-tiered wireless service, hearing test parameters, medical alert parameters, and/or appliance parameters. Theappliance 73 may be on aclient side 3 or aremote side 4. In some examples, anappliance 73 on theclient side 3 may be controlled by thewireless hearing device 1 using a direct wireless connection between theappliance 73 and thewireless hearing device 1, as shown inFIG. 7 . In some examples, anappliance 73 on aremote side 4 may be controlled by thehearing device 1 using agateway device 72, as shown inFIG. 6 . In some examples, anappliance 73 may stream audio to thehearing device 1, as shown inFIG. 4 . In some examples, apersonal computing device 10, forexample smartphone 13, may be in communication with the hearing device to exchange data, for example to conduct an online hearing test or an online hearing aid fitting, as shown inFIG. 4 . - A software application for control or validation of a service subscription may be executed by any device associated with the
hearing device 1, such as the personal computing device 10 (e.g., client subscription validation app 33) or the remote server 70 (e.g., remote subscription validation app 71), as shown inFIG. 3 . Thesoftware application 33 may initiate a subscription validation request and/or initiate the wireless service upon subscription validation. In some examples, the software application may be embedded, browser-based or standalone. In some examples, the software application may include embedded code executable by a device associated with the hearing device system, such as a charging station. In some examples, the hearing device user 100 may be required to login to access the software application. The software application may include auser interface 90 for logging in, viewing a subscription, and/or modifying the service subscription. - The
remote server 70 provided on aserver side 4 may be accessible via thenetwork 65 to any devices communicatively associated with thewireless hearing device 1 on aclient side 3, such as the personal computing device 10 (e.g., a smartphone 13). Theremote server 70 may receive requests for validation of a service subscription from thepersonal computing device 10. Theremote server 70 may accesssubscription data 69 from asubscription database 84. Theremote server 70 may deliversubscription data 69 orvalidation data 74 to thepersonal computing device 10 that requested validation of a subscription of a user 100 or potential subscriber of thehearing device 1.Subscription data 69 may include a subscription validity determination and/or may be used to validate the subscription. - In some examples, the
remote server 70 on theserver side 4 may execute a remotesubscription validation application 71. The remotesubscription validation application 71 may determine subscription validity using information stored in asubscription database 84. In some examples, a clientsubscription validation application 33 may be executed by thecomputing device 10 for determining subscription validity. For example, thesubscription validation application 33 may initiate the subscription validity determination upon detection of thehearing device 1. Thesubscription validation application 33 may request the subscription validity determination. The request may include submittingidentification data 80 associated with thehearing device 1. Thepersonal computing device 10 may be in communication with the remotesubscription validation application 71 for determining subscription validity. In some examples, the remotesubscription validation application 71 may receive identification data 82 and determine service subscription validity using thesubscription database 84. The subscription validity determination may be transmitted to the clientsubscription validation application 33. The clientsubscription validation application 33 may receive thesubscription data 69 and make a subscription validity determination. Wireless services associated with thehearing device 1 may be enabled or disabled according to the service subscription validity condition, for example a valid subscription condition or an invalid subscription condition. - The wireless hearing device system may include a
wireless gateway device 72, which may be used for connecting to a network and communicating with one or more components of the wireless hearing device system. For example, the wireless gateway device may be used for accessing aremote subscription database 84. In some examples, thegateway device 72 may transmit and/or receive data from theremote subscription database 84, anappliance 73, and/or apersonal computing device 10. For example, thegateway device 72 may transmit a query to theremote subscription database 84, anappliance 73, and/or apersonal computing device 10. Thegateway device 72 may receive a result responsive to the query and deliver the result to thehearing device 1. In some examples, thegateway device 72 may include any of a router, an access point, a wireless bridge, and a node of a mesh network. As described herein, in some examples, the validation process may be performed by a computing device on the client side 3 (e.g., personal computing device 10). In some examples, the validation process may be performed by a computing device on the remote side 4 (e.g., remote server 70). In some examples, thehearing device 1 receivesvalidation data 74. Communication may be established between thehearing device 1 and a remote server through thegateway device 72. The gateway device may transmit to the remote server a request for validation of a subscription of the hearing device. The remote server may perform a validation process and transmit, through thegateway device 72,validation data 74 to thehearing device 1. Thevalidation data 74 may be indicative of a valid subscription of thehearing device 1. Thewireless hearing device 1 may be configured to enable a given wireless service upon receipt of validation data indicative of a valid subscription of thewireless hearing device 1 for the given wireless service. Thewireless hearing device 1 may be configured such that the wireless service is not enabled or to disable a given wireless service upon receipt of validation data which is not indicative of a valid subscription of thewireless hearing device 1 for the given wireless service. - In some examples, the
network 65 may be a mesh network. Thegateway device 72 may be a node connected to the mesh network. In some examples, the mesh network may be accessible by thehearing device 1 using any wireless protocol including Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, or Wi-Fi. Thewireless hearing device 1 may deliver or receive a signal from thegateway device 72 to facilitate communication between thehearing device 1 and another device on the mesh network, such as anappliance 73. In some examples, thegateway device 72 may utilize any number of intermediate devices on the mesh network to relay a signal to a target device. It may be advantageous to utilize a mesh network to allow thewireless hearing device 1 to communicate over a greater range than typically possible over a low energy wireless system such as Bluetooth Low Energy. In addition, utilizing a mesh network may allow thewireless hearing device 1 to communicate with aremote server 70 using a device on the mesh network with Internet access. - In some examples, a software application may include functionality to automatically detect when a wireless service is available to use. Upon detection of the availability to use, the software application may initiate a subscription validation request, or proceed with enabling or disabling the wireless service associated with the
wireless hearing device 1 in accordance with the service subscription. The software application may initiate a subscription validation request in response to detecting a hearing device in proximity, such as when the hearing device is worn in an ear (in-situ) of a subscriber and the device executing the software application is proximate thereto. The subscription validation request may also be initiated in response to a user activating a switch 78 a-c of the canal hearing device assembly for a user attempting to use a wireless service of thewireless hearing device 1. In some examples, the subscription validation request may be automatically performed periodically. - In some examples, a software application may determine a subscription status by obtaining an
identification data 80 from thewireless hearing device 1.Identification data 80 may include a serial number, a user name or an identification number, or any other kind of identification data stored in thewireless hearing device 1. In some examples, theidentification data 80 may be provided by a user. When the software application is executed by the computing device, thecomputing device 10 may deliver theidentification data 80 to theremote server 70 using a network, for example the Internet. In some examples, the software application may transmit theidentification data 80 to theremote server 70 to receive or determine a subscription status to control a wireless service and/or program thehearing device 1, for example enabling or disabling the wireless service. - In some examples, the subscription status may be based on a usage of the wireless service. In some examples, the
hearing device 1 may comprise circuitry or software configured to measure or count usage of the wireless service. In some examples, thehearing device 1 may comprise a clock or timer configured to record a duration of use of the wireless service. In some examples, thehearing device 1, thepersonal computing device 10 or theremote server 70 may store a subscription credit count, for example a number of uses or use duration. The subscription credit count may be decremented based on usage by the user 100. Thepersonal computing device 10 may periodically communicate with theremote server 70 to synchronize the subscription credit count based on usage, renewals, cancellations, etc. Thepersonal computing device 10 may enable or disable the wireless service of thewireless hearing device 1 according to the credit and authorization for the wireless service following synchronization with theremote server 70. - The
remote server 70 may receive theidentification data 80 and query adatabase 84 forservice subscription data 69 associated with thewireless hearing device 1, as shown inFIGS. 3-7 . In some examples, theremote server 70 may deliver thesubscription data 69 obtained from thedatabase 84 to the device that requested it, for example thepersonal computing device 10. In some examples, theremote server 70 may perform a validation of a subscription and deliver a determination of whether the service subscription is valid or not. Theremote server 70 may perform the validation of the subscription fromservice subscription data 69. Theremote server 70 may host a website and/or an application, for examplesubscription validation app 33, as shown inFIG. 3 . - In some examples, a service subscription may be determined to be invalid, for example due to a non-payment or service subscription expiration. When the service subscription is determined to be invalid, the wireless service associated with the wireless hearing device may be disabled. An indicator may alert the user of the invalid subscription. The indicator may be an audible alert delivered to the user's ear. In some examples, the
hearing device 1 may allow a limited use of the wireless service upon determining an expired service subscription to allow a subscriber a reasonable time period (grace period) to remedy the cause of the invalid subscription. The limited use may include reduced functionality of the wireless service. In some examples, thewireless hearing device 1 and or theappliance 73 may be reprogrammed to disable the wireless service upon a determination of an invalid or an expired service subscription. Thewireless hearing device 1 may be programmed to deliver a warning message to alert a subscriber about the need to renew the service subscription, for example to request making a payment. - In some examples, the wireless service may include providing a medical service, activity tracking or health monitor. Physiologic sensors may be incorporated within the
wireless hearing device 1 in conjunction with providing the medical service and/or activity tracking The physiologic sensors may include, but are not limited to, electrodes, a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor, oxygen level sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and a glucose level sensor. It will be understood that a variety of physiological and motion sensors may be included in thewireless hearing device 1. Incorporating the physiological sensors within thehearing device 1 may be advantageous because theear canal 14 is tethered to the human body during activity, for example during walking or exercise, and the physiology of theear canal 14 includes capillaries suited to measure certain physiological parameters such as heart rate. Additionally, blood to theear canal 14 is usually supplied by the branches of the common carotid artery, which contributes directly to the perfusion of the brain. Thus, placing the physiological sensors in thehearing device 1 may allow for more reliable physiological measurements because theear canal 14 may be less affected by movement, temperature changes, and other sources of variability that are experienced by the periphery of the body. Further, a processor within thewireless hearing device 1 may execute software to mitigate noise due to motion artifacts (e.g., walking or chewing). - The medical service may include medical condition reporting or an emergency alert, such as a fall or a heart attack. In some examples, a fall may be detected using an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope within the
wireless hearing device 1. In some examples, a heart attack may be detected using a heart rate sensor within thewireless hearing device 1. Thewireless hearing device 1 may determine that the medical emergency has occurred when the sensor readings match one or more of the patterns. Thehearing device 1 may communicate with a remote medical alert service based on the determination that the medical emergency has occurred. In some examples, the remote medical alert service may be alerted when the user 100 presses a switch 78 a-c on thehearing device 1. In some examples, the switch 78 a-c may be pressed for a prolonged period, such as 2 or more seconds, indicating a medical emergency. A prolonged press may be advantageous to ensure that the switch 78 a-c is not being accidently pressed, or to differentiate from other remote control functions not associated with a medical emergency. The medical service, for example integrations with a professional provider, may be defined in thesubscription data 69. - The activity tracking or health monitoring service may include automatic tracking of health parameters, such as heart rate, steps, or calories burned. Since the
wireless hearing device 1 can be worn in the ear for prolonged periods of time and may be inconspicuously worn, it may be desirable for the hearing device user 100 to track activity. Further, thewireless hearing device 1 may be better suited to provide activity tracking due to its position in theear canal 14, as discussed above. The analytics of tracked activity to monitor and store, may be defined in theservice subscription data 69. In some examples, the activity tracking or health monitoring data, or analytics calculated therefrom, may be sent to a provider or compared to levels received from a provider in accordance with theservice subscription data 69. The hearing device 100 may be audibly alerted if not in compliance with levels defined by the provider. - Examples disclosed herein offer a subscription-based wireless service for a wireless hearing device with minimal upfront payment, while ensuring adequate revenue stream for a manufacturer or a service provider. The enabling or disabling of the wireless service may be performed by the
wireless hearing device 1, or a computing device providing a wireless service, for example audio streaming to the wireless hearing device, or a medical alert system, on a subscription basis. Subscription-based wireless services can be advantageous to defray the cost of use, or ownership of a hearing device. Furthermore, a subscription based model may allow a consumer to subscribe to certain selected features and services, thereby eliminating costs associated with unwanted features. - Although examples of the invention have been described herein, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a consideration of the foregoing description of presently preferred and alternate embodiments and methods of fabrication and use thereof, and that variations and modifications of this exemplary embodiment and method may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the above-described embodiments of the invention should not be viewed as exhaustive or as limiting the invention to the precise configurations or techniques disclosed. Rather, it is intended that the invention shall be limited only by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.
Claims (32)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/937,712 US20160134742A1 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2015-11-10 | Subscription-based wireless service for a canal hearing device |
US16/808,071 US11115519B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2020-03-03 | Subscription-based wireless service for a hearing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201462078361P | 2014-11-11 | 2014-11-11 | |
US14/937,712 US20160134742A1 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2015-11-10 | Subscription-based wireless service for a canal hearing device |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/808,071 Continuation US11115519B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2020-03-03 | Subscription-based wireless service for a hearing device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160134742A1 true US20160134742A1 (en) | 2016-05-12 |
Family
ID=55913208
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/937,712 Abandoned US20160134742A1 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2015-11-10 | Subscription-based wireless service for a canal hearing device |
US16/808,071 Active US11115519B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2020-03-03 | Subscription-based wireless service for a hearing device |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/808,071 Active US11115519B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2020-03-03 | Subscription-based wireless service for a hearing device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20160134742A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170013370A1 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2017-01-12 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | Method for operating a hearing device system, hearing device system, hearing device and database system |
US9769577B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2017-09-19 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device and methods for wireless remote control of an appliance |
US9805590B2 (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2017-10-31 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device and methods for wireless remote control of an appliance |
US20180191641A1 (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2018-07-05 | Oticon A/S | Wireless communication device for communicating with multiple external devices via a wireless communication unit |
US20180249259A1 (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2018-08-30 | Widex A/S | System and method for managing a customizable configuration in a hearing aid |
WO2021108645A1 (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2021-06-03 | Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc. | Controller with network mode and direct mode |
US11115519B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2021-09-07 | K/S Himpp | Subscription-based wireless service for a hearing device |
US11310609B2 (en) * | 2014-11-20 | 2022-04-19 | Widex A/S | Hearing aid user account management |
EP4084499A1 (en) * | 2021-04-27 | 2022-11-02 | GN Hearing A/S | Hearing device for subscription service |
JP2023023451A (en) * | 2021-08-05 | 2023-02-16 | シャープ株式会社 | Hearing aid fitting system, communication terminal, and computer program |
EP4465659A1 (en) * | 2023-05-15 | 2024-11-20 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | Method for operating a hearing system |
US12217233B2 (en) | 2021-04-27 | 2025-02-04 | Gn Hearing A/S | Hearing device for subscription service |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5003608A (en) * | 1989-09-22 | 1991-03-26 | Resound Corporation | Apparatus and method for manipulating devices in orifices |
US5721783A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-02-24 | Anderson; James C. | Hearing aid with wireless remote processor |
US5768397A (en) * | 1996-08-22 | 1998-06-16 | Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. | Hearing aid and system for use with cellular telephones |
US6021207A (en) * | 1997-04-03 | 2000-02-01 | Resound Corporation | Wireless open ear canal earpiece |
US20100027824A1 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2010-02-04 | Sound Id | Ear module for a personal sound system |
US7751578B2 (en) * | 2005-05-02 | 2010-07-06 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Hearing device remote control unit as a network component and corresponding use thereof |
US20110040829A1 (en) * | 2009-08-17 | 2011-02-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for remote management of device |
US20110293123A1 (en) * | 2010-05-25 | 2011-12-01 | Audiotoniq, Inc. | Data Storage System, Hearing Aid, and Method of Selectively Applying Sound Filters |
US8503703B2 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2013-08-06 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Hearing aid systems |
US8767986B1 (en) * | 2010-04-12 | 2014-07-01 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for hearing aid subscription support |
US20140247109A1 (en) * | 2013-03-04 | 2014-09-04 | Pjc Investments, Llc | Condition status-based device system and operation |
US20150382198A1 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2015-12-31 | Libre Wireless Technologies, Inc. | Systems and techniques for wireless device configuration |
Family Cites Families (152)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3659056A (en) | 1969-11-13 | 1972-04-25 | William B Morrison | Hearing aid systems |
US4628907A (en) | 1984-03-22 | 1986-12-16 | Epley John M | Direct contact hearing aid apparatus |
US4817607A (en) | 1986-03-07 | 1989-04-04 | Richards Medical Company | Magnetic ossicular replacement prosthesis |
US4759070A (en) | 1986-05-27 | 1988-07-19 | Voroba Technologies Associates | Patient controlled master hearing aid |
US5603726A (en) | 1989-09-22 | 1997-02-18 | Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research | Multichannel cochlear implant system including wearable speech processor |
EP0578752B1 (en) | 1991-04-01 | 1997-09-03 | Resound Corporation | Inconspicuous communication method utilizing remote electromagnetic drive |
US5197332A (en) | 1992-02-19 | 1993-03-30 | Calmed Technology, Inc. | Headset hearing tester and hearing aid programmer |
US5327500A (en) | 1992-12-21 | 1994-07-05 | Campbell Donald E K | Cerumen barrier for custom in the ear type hearing intruments |
US5615229A (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1997-03-25 | Phonic Ear, Incorporated | Short range inductively coupled communication system employing time variant modulation |
JPH0779499A (en) | 1993-09-08 | 1995-03-20 | Sony Corp | Hearing aid |
US5645074A (en) | 1994-08-17 | 1997-07-08 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Intracanal prosthesis for hearing evaluation |
US5785661A (en) | 1994-08-17 | 1998-07-28 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Highly configurable hearing aid |
US5659621A (en) | 1994-08-31 | 1997-08-19 | Argosy Electronics, Inc. | Magnetically controllable hearing aid |
US5553152A (en) | 1994-08-31 | 1996-09-03 | Argosy Electronics, Inc. | Apparatus and method for magnetically controlling a hearing aid |
US5701348A (en) | 1994-12-29 | 1997-12-23 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Articulated hearing device |
US7010137B1 (en) | 1997-03-12 | 2006-03-07 | Sarnoff Corporation | Hearing aid |
DK42197A (en) | 1997-04-15 | 1998-10-16 | Toepholm & Westermann | Compact modulated in-ear hearing aid |
AR012683A1 (en) | 1997-07-29 | 2000-11-08 | Decibel Instr Inc | AN INTRACANAL ACOUSTIC COUPLER, THE INTRACANAL ACOUSTIC ADAPTER THAT CONTAINS IT AND A CONTAINER DISTRIBUTION DEVICE THAT CONTAINS IT |
US6212283B1 (en) | 1997-09-03 | 2001-04-03 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Articulation assembly for intracanal hearing devices |
US6137889A (en) | 1998-05-27 | 2000-10-24 | Insonus Medical, Inc. | Direct tympanic membrane excitation via vibrationally conductive assembly |
WO2000018187A1 (en) | 1998-09-24 | 2000-03-30 | Microtronic A/S | A hearing aid adapted for discrete operation |
US6393130B1 (en) | 1998-10-26 | 2002-05-21 | Beltone Electronics Corporation | Deformable, multi-material hearing aid housing |
US20060210104A1 (en) | 1998-10-28 | 2006-09-21 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Remote magnetic activation of hearing devices |
US7016511B1 (en) | 1998-10-28 | 2006-03-21 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Remote magnetic activation of hearing devices |
US6473513B1 (en) | 1999-06-08 | 2002-10-29 | Insonus Medical, Inc. | Extended wear canal hearing device |
US6940988B1 (en) | 1998-11-25 | 2005-09-06 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Semi-permanent canal hearing device |
US7664282B2 (en) | 1998-11-25 | 2010-02-16 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices |
US7580537B2 (en) | 1998-11-25 | 2009-08-25 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices |
US20060291683A1 (en) | 1998-11-25 | 2006-12-28 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices |
US6359993B2 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 2002-03-19 | Sonic Innovations | Conformal tip for a hearing aid with integrated vent and retrieval cord |
US6724902B1 (en) | 1999-04-29 | 2004-04-20 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Canal hearing device with tubular insert |
US7113611B2 (en) | 1999-05-05 | 2006-09-26 | Sarnoff Corporation | Disposable modular hearing aid |
US7403629B1 (en) | 1999-05-05 | 2008-07-22 | Sarnoff Corporation | Disposable modular hearing aid |
US7379555B2 (en) | 1999-06-08 | 2008-05-27 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Precision micro-hole for extended life batteries |
KR100345371B1 (en) | 1999-07-02 | 2002-07-26 | 심계원 | Hearing Test Method Utilizing Internet And It's Program Recorded Media |
US6546108B1 (en) | 1999-08-31 | 2003-04-08 | Ihear Systems | Hearing device with protruding battery assembly |
US6179085B1 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2001-01-30 | Sonic Innovations | Retention and extraction device for a hearing aid |
US6447461B1 (en) | 1999-11-15 | 2002-09-10 | Sound Id | Method and system for conducting a hearing test using a computer and headphones |
US6674862B1 (en) | 1999-12-03 | 2004-01-06 | Gilbert Magilen | Method and apparatus for testing hearing and fitting hearing aids |
US6940989B1 (en) | 1999-12-30 | 2005-09-06 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Direct tympanic drive via a floating filament assembly |
US6694034B2 (en) | 2000-01-07 | 2004-02-17 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | Transmission detection and switch system for hearing improvement applications |
US6522988B1 (en) | 2000-01-24 | 2003-02-18 | Audia Technology, Inc. | Method and system for on-line hearing examination using calibrated local machine |
US6850775B1 (en) | 2000-02-18 | 2005-02-01 | Phonak Ag | Fitting-anlage |
CN1321478C (en) | 2000-03-01 | 2007-06-13 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Battery and maintenance service system for power supply device |
US6319207B1 (en) | 2000-03-13 | 2001-11-20 | Sharmala Naidoo | Internet platform with screening test for hearing loss and for providing related health services |
US6379314B1 (en) | 2000-06-19 | 2002-04-30 | Health Performance, Inc. | Internet system for testing hearing |
US6367578B1 (en) | 2000-08-11 | 2002-04-09 | Howard E. Shoemaker | Hearing aid sound seal device |
WO2002035884A2 (en) | 2000-10-23 | 2002-05-02 | Audia Technology, Inc. | Method and system for remotely upgrading a hearing aid device |
WO2002062221A1 (en) | 2001-02-07 | 2002-08-15 | East Carolina University | Hearing assessment via computer network |
US7181032B2 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2007-02-20 | Phonak Ag | Method for establishing a detachable mechanical and/or electrical connection |
US6937735B2 (en) | 2001-04-18 | 2005-08-30 | SonionMicrotronic Néderland B.V. | Microphone for a listening device having a reduced humidity coefficient |
EP1407328A4 (en) | 2001-06-22 | 2008-11-05 | Ronald D Sekura | Prescription compliance device and method of using device |
US7227968B2 (en) | 2001-06-25 | 2007-06-05 | Sonion Roskilde A/S | Expandsible Receiver Module |
US6879692B2 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2005-04-12 | Widex A/S | Hearing aid with a self-test capability |
US7139404B2 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2006-11-21 | Hear-Wear Technologies, Llc | BTE/CIC auditory device and modular connector system therefor |
US6840908B2 (en) | 2001-10-12 | 2005-01-11 | Sound Id | System and method for remotely administered, interactive hearing tests |
US6816601B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2004-11-09 | Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. | Microphone and battery configuration for hearing instruments |
US7037274B2 (en) | 2002-05-23 | 2006-05-02 | Tympany, Inc. | System and methods for conducting multiple diagnostic hearing tests with ambient noise measurement |
FR2841429B1 (en) | 2002-06-21 | 2005-11-11 | Mxm | HEARING AID DEVICE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH PARTIAL NEUROSENSORY DEATHS |
JP3548805B2 (en) | 2002-07-24 | 2004-07-28 | 東北大学長 | Hearing aid system and hearing aid method |
DE10236469B3 (en) | 2002-08-08 | 2004-02-12 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Wirelessly programmable hearing aid |
US7512448B2 (en) | 2003-01-10 | 2009-03-31 | Phonak Ag | Electrode placement for wireless intrabody communication between components of a hearing system |
CN1771760A (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2006-05-10 | 唯听助听器公司 | Hearing aid system, a hearing aid and a method for processing audio signals |
US7512383B2 (en) | 2003-11-26 | 2009-03-31 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Transmit-receive switching in wireless hearing aids |
US7164775B2 (en) | 2003-12-01 | 2007-01-16 | Meyer John A | In the ear hearing aid utilizing annular ring acoustic seals |
US7388961B2 (en) | 2004-02-05 | 2008-06-17 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Removal tool and method for extended wear canal devices |
WO2005076991A2 (en) | 2004-02-05 | 2005-08-25 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Extended wear canal device with common microphone-battery air cavity |
EP1736031B1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2008-07-09 | Widex A/S | Component for a hearing aid and a hearing aid |
US7561920B2 (en) | 2004-04-02 | 2009-07-14 | Advanced Bionics, Llc | Electric and acoustic stimulation fitting systems and methods |
US7945065B2 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2011-05-17 | Phonak Ag | Method for deploying hearing instrument fitting software, and hearing instrument adapted therefor |
WO2005122730A2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2005-12-29 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. | At-home hearing aid tester and method of operating same |
US7421087B2 (en) | 2004-07-28 | 2008-09-02 | Earlens Corporation | Transducer for electromagnetic hearing devices |
US7844065B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2010-11-30 | Phonak Ag | Hearing instrument |
WO2006101935A2 (en) | 2005-03-16 | 2006-09-28 | Sonicom, Inc. | Test battery system and method for assessment of auditory function |
EP2030420A4 (en) | 2005-03-28 | 2009-06-03 | Sound Id | Personal sound system |
JP4912295B2 (en) | 2005-04-12 | 2012-04-11 | パナソニック株式会社 | Hearing aid adjustment device |
DK1720375T3 (en) | 2005-05-03 | 2010-10-25 | Oticon As | System and method for sharing network resources between hearing devices |
US20070127757A2 (en) | 2005-07-18 | 2007-06-07 | Soundquest, Inc. | Behind-The-Ear-Auditory Device |
US7720242B2 (en) | 2005-08-12 | 2010-05-18 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Flexible joint for extended wear hearing device |
US7933419B2 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2011-04-26 | Phonak Ag | In-situ-fitted hearing device |
US7756284B2 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2010-07-13 | Songbird Hearing, Inc. | Hearing aid circuit with integrated switch and battery |
US7974427B2 (en) | 2006-02-17 | 2011-07-05 | Zounds Hearing, Inc. | Method for identifying a hearing aid |
DE102006024411B4 (en) | 2006-05-24 | 2010-03-25 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Method for generating a sound signal or for transmitting energy in an ear canal and corresponding hearing device |
KR100844905B1 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2008-07-10 | 한국과학기술원 | Digital hearing aid considering the structure of the human ear |
US8077890B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2011-12-13 | Schumaier Daniel R | Preprogrammed hearing assistance device with program selection using a multipurpose control device |
US8284968B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2012-10-09 | Schumaier Daniel R | Preprogrammed hearing assistance device with user selection of program |
US8396237B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2013-03-12 | Daniel R. Schumaier | Preprogrammed hearing assistance device with program selection using a multipurpose control device |
US8175306B2 (en) | 2007-07-06 | 2012-05-08 | Cochlear Limited | Wireless communication between devices of a hearing prosthesis |
DE102007039452B3 (en) | 2007-08-21 | 2009-06-04 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Automatic handset type detection on hearing aids |
EP2227914A1 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2010-09-15 | 3Win N.V. | Body-worn wireless transducer module |
DK2076064T3 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2017-07-17 | Oticon As | Hearing device comprising a mold and an output module |
DE102008004659A1 (en) | 2008-01-16 | 2009-07-30 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Method and device for configuring setting options on a hearing aid |
US8867765B2 (en) | 2008-02-06 | 2014-10-21 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Antenna used in conjunction with the conductors for an audio transducer |
US8363868B2 (en) | 2008-04-09 | 2013-01-29 | Panasonic Corporation | Hearing aid, hearing-aid apparatus, hearing-aid method and integrated circuit thereof |
DE102008038213B8 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2010-02-11 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing aid with a transformer protection device |
KR101000168B1 (en) | 2008-10-16 | 2010-12-10 | 인하대학교 산학협력단 | Digital hearing aid fitting system with variable frequency bands and channels |
EP2353303B1 (en) | 2008-12-02 | 2020-11-04 | Sonova AG | Modular hearing device |
US8155361B2 (en) | 2008-12-04 | 2012-04-10 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Insertion device for deep-in-the-canal hearing devices |
WO2010077621A1 (en) | 2008-12-08 | 2010-07-08 | Med-El Elektromedizinische Geraete Gmbh | Method for fitting a cochlear implant with patient feedback |
US8706202B2 (en) | 2009-01-15 | 2014-04-22 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical device with adaptive signal processing and artifact cancellation |
US8427330B2 (en) | 2009-02-06 | 2013-04-23 | Broadcom Corporation | Efficiency indicator for increasing efficiency of wireless power transfer |
KR100955033B1 (en) | 2009-02-10 | 2010-04-26 | 지디텍 주식회사 | Earcap type wireless speaker device |
DK2396975T3 (en) | 2009-02-16 | 2018-01-15 | Blamey & Saunders Hearing Pty Ltd | AUTOMATIC FITTING OF HEARING DEVICES |
US9451367B2 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2016-09-20 | Conversion Sound Inc. | On-site, custom fitted hearing equalizer |
US8184842B2 (en) | 2009-03-20 | 2012-05-22 | Insound Medical, Inc. | Tool for insertion and removal of in-canal hearing devices |
DE102009016661B4 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2015-05-07 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing aid arrangement with a carrying collar with integrated antenna and associated method for the wireless transmission of data |
TWI484833B (en) | 2009-05-11 | 2015-05-11 | Alpha Networks Inc | Hearing aid system |
EP2293600B1 (en) | 2009-07-27 | 2017-04-26 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | A processing unit and a receiving unit for a hearing aid device and a hearing aid device |
US8340335B1 (en) | 2009-08-18 | 2012-12-25 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device with semipermanent canal receiver module |
WO2011031881A2 (en) | 2009-09-10 | 2011-03-17 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Canal hearing device with disposable battery module |
US8526651B2 (en) | 2010-01-25 | 2013-09-03 | Sonion Nederland Bv | Receiver module for inflating a membrane in an ear device |
DK2355552T3 (en) | 2010-01-29 | 2013-02-18 | Oticon As | Hearing aid and handling tools |
DE102010006469A1 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2011-08-04 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Guide device for a listening device |
DE102010007610B4 (en) | 2010-02-11 | 2012-11-29 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing device with releasably coupled earpiece |
US8447042B2 (en) | 2010-02-16 | 2013-05-21 | Nicholas Hall Gurin | System and method for audiometric assessment and user-specific audio enhancement |
KR20110103295A (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2011-09-20 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Wireless charging method using communication network |
US8379871B2 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2013-02-19 | Sound Id | Personalized hearing profile generation with real-time feedback |
DE102010021173A1 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2011-11-24 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing device with passive, deeply seated in the auditory canal unit |
WO2011159349A1 (en) | 2010-06-14 | 2011-12-22 | Audiotoniq, Inc. | Hearing aid system |
US20120130271A1 (en) | 2010-11-23 | 2012-05-24 | Margolis Robert H | Self-Administered Hearing Test Kits, Systems and Methods |
US20120183164A1 (en) | 2011-01-19 | 2012-07-19 | Apple Inc. | Social network for sharing a hearing aid setting |
US9613028B2 (en) | 2011-01-19 | 2017-04-04 | Apple Inc. | Remotely updating a hearing and profile |
US20120189140A1 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2012-07-26 | Apple Inc. | Audio-sharing network |
FR2970831B1 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2013-08-23 | St Microelectronics Rousset | NON-CONTACT CHARGING OF THE BATTERY OF A PORTABLE OBJECT BY A TELEPHONE |
US8526649B2 (en) | 2011-02-17 | 2013-09-03 | Apple Inc. | Providing notification sounds in a customizable manner |
US8781836B2 (en) | 2011-02-22 | 2014-07-15 | Apple Inc. | Hearing assistance system for providing consistent human speech |
US9323893B2 (en) | 2011-06-23 | 2016-04-26 | Orca Health, Inc. | Using mobile consumer devices to communicate with consumer medical devices |
US8885355B2 (en) | 2011-07-06 | 2014-11-11 | Apple Inc. | Device having snaps with soldered snap members |
WO2011128462A2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2011-10-20 | Phonak Ag | Method for providing distant support to a plurality of personal hearing system users and system for implementing such a method |
US8571247B1 (en) | 2011-08-18 | 2013-10-29 | John J. Oezer | Hearing aid insertion tool |
EP2640095B2 (en) | 2012-03-15 | 2020-11-18 | Sonova AG | Method for fitting a hearing aid device with active occlusion control to a user |
US8855345B2 (en) | 2012-03-19 | 2014-10-07 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Battery module for perpendicular docking into a canal hearing device |
US8798301B2 (en) | 2012-05-01 | 2014-08-05 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Tool for removal of canal hearing device from ear canal |
US9185501B2 (en) | 2012-06-20 | 2015-11-10 | Broadcom Corporation | Container-located information transfer module |
US9002046B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2015-04-07 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Method and system for transcutaneous proximity wireless control of a canal hearing device |
KR101236443B1 (en) | 2012-07-27 | 2013-02-25 | (주)알고코리아 | Wireless in-ear hearing aid system having a remote control function and controlling method therefore |
US9185504B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2015-11-10 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Dynamic pressure vent for canal hearing devices |
US8867768B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2014-10-21 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Earpiece assembly with foil clip |
US9078075B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2015-07-07 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Tool for insertion of canal hearing device into the ear canal |
US9060233B2 (en) | 2013-03-06 | 2015-06-16 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Rechargeable canal hearing device and systems |
US9088852B2 (en) | 2013-03-06 | 2015-07-21 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Disengagement tool for a modular canal hearing device and systems including same |
US9559544B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-01-31 | Jay Marketing Associates, Inc. | Wireless interrogation and wireless charging of electronic devices |
KR102192361B1 (en) | 2013-07-01 | 2020-12-17 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method and apparatus for user interface by sensing head movement |
US9439008B2 (en) | 2013-07-16 | 2016-09-06 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Online hearing aid fitting system and methods for non-expert user |
US9107016B2 (en) | 2013-07-16 | 2015-08-11 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Interactive hearing aid fitting system and methods |
US9479859B2 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2016-10-25 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Concha-fit electronic hearing protection device |
CN106797522B (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2020-08-07 | 智听医疗公司 | In-ear hearing aid and wireless remote control using method |
US9769577B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2017-09-19 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device and methods for wireless remote control of an appliance |
US10097933B2 (en) | 2014-10-06 | 2018-10-09 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Subscription-controlled charging of a hearing device |
US20160134742A1 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2016-05-12 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Subscription-based wireless service for a canal hearing device |
US9755704B2 (en) | 2015-08-29 | 2017-09-05 | Bragi GmbH | Multimodal communication system induction and radio and method |
US10937407B2 (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2021-03-02 | Staton Techiya, Llc | Biometric, physiological or environmental monitoring using a closed chamber |
-
2015
- 2015-11-10 US US14/937,712 patent/US20160134742A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-03-03 US US16/808,071 patent/US11115519B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5003608A (en) * | 1989-09-22 | 1991-03-26 | Resound Corporation | Apparatus and method for manipulating devices in orifices |
US5721783A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-02-24 | Anderson; James C. | Hearing aid with wireless remote processor |
US5768397A (en) * | 1996-08-22 | 1998-06-16 | Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. | Hearing aid and system for use with cellular telephones |
US6021207A (en) * | 1997-04-03 | 2000-02-01 | Resound Corporation | Wireless open ear canal earpiece |
US8503703B2 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2013-08-06 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Hearing aid systems |
US7751578B2 (en) * | 2005-05-02 | 2010-07-06 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Hearing device remote control unit as a network component and corresponding use thereof |
US20100027824A1 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2010-02-04 | Sound Id | Ear module for a personal sound system |
US20110040829A1 (en) * | 2009-08-17 | 2011-02-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for remote management of device |
US8767986B1 (en) * | 2010-04-12 | 2014-07-01 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for hearing aid subscription support |
US20110293123A1 (en) * | 2010-05-25 | 2011-12-01 | Audiotoniq, Inc. | Data Storage System, Hearing Aid, and Method of Selectively Applying Sound Filters |
US20140247109A1 (en) * | 2013-03-04 | 2014-09-04 | Pjc Investments, Llc | Condition status-based device system and operation |
US20150382198A1 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2015-12-31 | Libre Wireless Technologies, Inc. | Systems and techniques for wireless device configuration |
Cited By (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9805590B2 (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2017-10-31 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device and methods for wireless remote control of an appliance |
US10242565B2 (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2019-03-26 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device and methods for interactive wireless control of an external appliance |
US11265664B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2022-03-01 | K/S Himpp | Wireless hearing device for tracking activity and emergency events |
US9769577B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2017-09-19 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Hearing device and methods for wireless remote control of an appliance |
US11265663B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2022-03-01 | K/S Himpp | Wireless hearing device with physiologic sensors for health monitoring |
US11265665B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2022-03-01 | K/S Himpp | Wireless hearing device interactive with medical devices |
US10587964B2 (en) | 2014-08-22 | 2020-03-10 | iHear Medical, Inc. | Interactive wireless control of appliances by a hearing device |
US11115519B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2021-09-07 | K/S Himpp | Subscription-based wireless service for a hearing device |
US11310609B2 (en) * | 2014-11-20 | 2022-04-19 | Widex A/S | Hearing aid user account management |
US9866974B2 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2018-01-09 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | Method for operating a hearing device system, hearing device system, hearing device and database system |
US20170013370A1 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2017-01-12 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | Method for operating a hearing device system, hearing device system, hearing device and database system |
US10904677B2 (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2021-01-26 | Widex A/S | System and method for managing a customizable configuration in a hearing aid |
US20180249259A1 (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2018-08-30 | Widex A/S | System and method for managing a customizable configuration in a hearing aid |
US10554587B2 (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2020-02-04 | Oticon A/S | Wireless communication device for communicating with multiple external devices via a wireless communication unit |
US11310171B2 (en) | 2016-12-29 | 2022-04-19 | Oticon A/S | Wireless communication device for communicating with multiple external devices via a wireless communication unit |
US20180191641A1 (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2018-07-05 | Oticon A/S | Wireless communication device for communicating with multiple external devices via a wireless communication unit |
US11729117B2 (en) | 2016-12-29 | 2023-08-15 | Oticon A/S | Wireless communication device for communicating with multiple external devices via a wireless communication unit |
US12177136B2 (en) | 2016-12-29 | 2024-12-24 | Oticon A/S | Wireless communication device for communicating with multiple external devices via a wireless communication unit |
GB2603733A (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2022-08-10 | Shure Acquisition Holdings Inc | Controller with network mode and direct mode |
US11564024B2 (en) | 2019-11-27 | 2023-01-24 | Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc. | Controller with network mode and direct mode |
WO2021108645A1 (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2021-06-03 | Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc. | Controller with network mode and direct mode |
GB2603733B (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2024-10-02 | Shure Acquisition Holdings Inc | Controller with network mode and direct mode |
US12244985B2 (en) | 2019-11-27 | 2025-03-04 | Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc. | Controller with network mode and direct mode |
US12217233B2 (en) | 2021-04-27 | 2025-02-04 | Gn Hearing A/S | Hearing device for subscription service |
EP4084499A1 (en) * | 2021-04-27 | 2022-11-02 | GN Hearing A/S | Hearing device for subscription service |
JP2023023451A (en) * | 2021-08-05 | 2023-02-16 | シャープ株式会社 | Hearing aid fitting system, communication terminal, and computer program |
JP7623910B2 (en) | 2021-08-05 | 2025-01-29 | シャープ株式会社 | Hearing aid adjustment system, communication terminal, and computer program |
EP4465659A1 (en) * | 2023-05-15 | 2024-11-20 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | Method for operating a hearing system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11115519B2 (en) | 2021-09-07 |
US20200304624A1 (en) | 2020-09-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11115519B2 (en) | Subscription-based wireless service for a hearing device | |
US11265664B2 (en) | Wireless hearing device for tracking activity and emergency events | |
US12149893B2 (en) | Hearing assistance system with enhanced fall detection features | |
CN107004045B (en) | Method and system for establishing a network connection to a wearable EEG monitoring module | |
US10097933B2 (en) | Subscription-controlled charging of a hearing device | |
KR101533874B1 (en) | Portable eeg monitor system with wireless communication | |
CN108781320B (en) | Wireless body-worn personal device with loss detection | |
US12108213B2 (en) | Self-check protocol for use by ear-wearable electronic devices | |
US11812213B2 (en) | Ear-wearable devices for control of other devices and related methods | |
US12095940B2 (en) | Hearing devices using proxy devices for emergency communication | |
US20220148597A1 (en) | Local artificial intelligence assistant system with ear-wearable device | |
CN108781338A (en) | Hearing aids and methods with automatic safety controls | |
WO2020084342A1 (en) | Systems and methods for customizing auditory devices | |
US20240389003A1 (en) | Method for operating a hearing system, hearing system, and software product |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SCHEETZ, NED, CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:IHEAR MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:043943/0681 Effective date: 20170920 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: IHEAR MEDICAL, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHENNIB, ADNAN;REEL/FRAME:045950/0914 Effective date: 20180516 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: IHEAR MEDICAL, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:POTTER, MICHAEL;REEL/FRAME:055542/0079 Effective date: 20210305 |