Integrated Inductive Sensors for ITE/ITC Hearing Aids

Presently, only 20-30% of hearing aid users are able to utilize telephone pickup coils, devices whisignificantly enhance the quality of life of the hearing-impaired in various social settings. The retake advantage of this technology primarily due to size and sensitivity limitations of currently avaobjective of Tibbetts' research is to provide this remaining majority with access to telecoil technounavailable to them and which will greatly improve their ability to hear via the telephone and in putheaters, etc.) equipped with audio frequency induction loop systems. This development is especiallythe recent passage of The American Disabilities Act of 1990, which mandates communication access foimpaired in the workplace, in government buildings and public accommodations, etc. Also compelling ihearing aid users continue to demand smaller yet more fully-featured aids. Consequently, we will stuintegrated inductive pickup device (preamplified telecoil) featuring appropriate sensitivity, low nofield immunity, and remote microphone/telecoil switching, yet which is small enough for use in ITE (the canal) hearing aids.