On design of a low power wireless hearing aid communication system

Abstract

Specific aspects of designing a revolutionary low power wireless hearing aid communication system are discussed. A particular set of system requirements is presented first. Next, steps for the design are outlined. These steps involve modeling of the human head and designing packaged antennas for maximum power transfer around and/or through the head. The interface between the antennas and miniaturized ultra low power transceiver is then discussed. Steps to achieve direct matching are explained. Impedance/Efficiency maps are introduced and utilized in system characterization. These maps coupled with the studied electromagnetic behavior serve in defining the operational limits of the system, as well as aiding in assessment of different sensitivities associated with the communication link. Simulated and measured results associated with each design stage are given. Successful operation of this new generation of hearing aid systems is then verified by presenting its measured BER performance.