Patent ID: 8077890
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: H04R,H04S

Abstract:
1. A programmable apparatus for improving perception of sound by a person, the apparatus comprising: one or more housings configured to be worn in, on or behind an ear of the person; a battery compartment door attached to at least one of the one or more housings; at least one contact switch which changes state based on opening or closing the battery compartment door; memory disposed within at least one of the housings, the memory for storing a plurality of available audio processing programs that may be used in processing digital audio signals; a processor disposed within at least one of the housings and connected to the memory, the processor operable to execute one or more of the available audio processing programs to process the digital audio signals; a multipurpose control device disposed on one of the housings and connected to the processor, the multipurpose control device for operating in a program switching mode in which the multipurpose control device is operable by the person to switch from one of the available audio processing programs to another of the available audio processing programs, the multipurpose control device further for operating in a volume control mode in which the multipurpose control device is operable by the person to adjust the volume of audible sound generated by an audio output section, the multipurpose control device further operable by the person to change configuration settings of the programmable apparatus when the processor is in a configuration mode; the processor further operable in the configuration mode for changing configuration settings of the programmable apparatus, wherein the processor is operable to enter the configuration mode when the at least one contact switch of the battery compartment door indicates the battery compartment door is moved from an open position to a closed position while the multipurpose control device is continuously operated by the person for a predetermined time; a digital-to-analog converter disposed within at least one of the housings, the digital-to-analog converter for generating output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals; and the audio output section disposed within at least one of the housings, the audio output section for receiving and amplifying the output analog audio signals, generating audible sound based thereon and providing the audible sound to the person.