The objective of this project is to develop a hearing aid and wireless companion microphone system based on new, highly-innovative, very low-power ultra-wideband impulse radio technology. The phase I program successfully established the feasibility of fully integrating an ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse radio transceiver and antenna system inside a behind-the-ear hearing aid and companion microphone. Companion microphones represent an established methodology for providing a signal-to-noise ratio improvement for hearing aid users in noisy environments. However, to date they have met with limited commercial success for a variety of reasons including the requirement of additional hardware to be worn by the hearing impaired person and the relatively large, power hungry, and sometimes data insecure companion microphones. The proposed technology addresses these issues by miniaturizing the microphone and integrating a novel ultra-low-power UWB radio directly into the hearing aid with a minimal effect on battery life.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase II (R42)
Project #
5R42NR010323-04
Application #
7877893
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-G (10))
Program Officer
Cotton, Paul
Project Start
2006-09-20
Project End
2013-04-30
Budget Start
2010-05-01
Budget End
2013-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$292,708
Indirect Cost
Name
Advanced Medical Electronics Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
927303412
City
Maple Grove
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55369