Hearing Assistance System

摘要

The present universal wearable computing device relates to a hearing assistance system, device, method, and apparatus that provide a discreet approach to user hearing assistance, without relying on a conventional hearing aid. The hearing assistance system and the requisite electronics may be incorporated into frames that also function as eyeglasses with earphone(s) that may be connected to the frame to assist user hearing. An earphone may be configured with minimal electronics, such that a power source enable sound transmissions to the ear, is provided by a connection to the frame of the eyeglasses. In another example, the earphone is configured without any electronics and sound is transmitted to the user/listener's ear(s) via a psychoacoustic system. The sound quality of the transmissions to the earphones may be optimized using a tuning/equalizer application operating from a computing device, such as an app on a mobile device. The tuning/equalizer application can be used by the user/listener to optimize volume input levels to the earphone(s). The hearing assistance system may also include lighting emitting technology and/or a text display to enhance the wearer's ability to communicate with other individuals.

主权项

1. A hearing system that enhances a user's ability to communicate, the hearing system comprising:
a frame configured to be worn on a head of the user; a transducer coupled to the frame, the transducer including at least one microphone configured to receive an audio signal of speech of the user as an audio signal; a converter coupled to the transducer, the converter configured to transform the audio signal to a text representation of the audio signal; and a text display positioned across a top of the frame and coupled to the converter, the text display configured to present the text representation to individuals in proximity of the user.