Patent ID: 8705782
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: storing a plurality of acoustic environment codes in a portable beacon device, each of the plurality of acoustic environment codes associated with an acoustic environment; sensing acoustic signals about the beacon device using a microphone in the beacon device; storing the plurality of acoustic environment codes and acoustic environments in a hearing assistance device, wherein the hearing assistance device is configured to learn to associate acoustic environment codes with acoustic environments; and transmitting an acoustic environment code of the plurality of acoustic environment codes from the portable beacon device to the hearing assistance device adapted to be placed in or about an ear canal of a hearing impaired wearer, wherein the acoustic environment code is associated with an acoustic environment and sensed acoustic signals about the portable beacon device and is adapted for use in the hearing assistance device to adjust an operational mode of the hearing assistance device to provide improved hearing of the wearer in the acoustic environment.