Method and apparatus for using text messages to distribute ring tones to adjust hearing aids
View Patent ↗The present subject matter relates generally to methods and apparatus for using text messages to distribute ring tones to adjust and fit hearing assistance devices. In an embodiment, a text message is programmed including information regarding a hearing assistance device adjustment for a wearer. The text message identifies a ring tone playback sequence associated with the adjustment, and is sent to a cellular telephone via a text messaging network. When the ring tone playback sequence is played on the cellular telephone, the hearing assistance device senses the sequence and makes the programmed adjustment.
1. A method for adjusting a parameter setting of a hearing assistance device worn by a wearer using a cellular telephone, comprising:
detecting a ring tone played by the cellular telephone using the hearing assistance device, the ring tone associated with a hearing assistance device adjustment; and
performing the hearing assistance device adjustment.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
generating information identifying the ring tone associated with the hearing assistance device adjustment for use in a text message.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the text message includes a short message service (SMS) text message.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the generating information includes receiving information from a computer executing hearing aid fitting system software.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprises interfacing the computer with an SMS text messaging network.
6. The method of claim 2 , further comprising placing the information identifying the ring tone on an SMS text messaging server.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the information identifying the ring tone includes a ring tone text transfer format (RTTTF) sequence.
8. The method of claim 2 , wherein the information identifying the ring tone includes a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) sequence.
9. The method of claim 2 , wherein the information identifying ring tone includes a MPEG1 audio layer 3 (MP3) sequence.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving a request from the wearer for the hearing assistance device adjustment.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein receiving a request from the wearer includes receiving a text message from the wearer.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hearing assistance device is a hearing aid.
13. A system for adjusting a hearing aid worn by a wearer using a cellular telephone, comprising:
an interface to enter one or more settings of the hearing aid;
memory to store the one or more settings; and
a processor adapted to associate a text message with a ring tone sequence for each of the one or more settings to distinctly identify each setting.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the text message includes a short message service (SMS) text message.
15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the interface is adapted to provide a list of hearing aid adjustments for wearer selection.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the list of hearing aid adjustments includes an adjustment to decrease echo.
17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the list of hearing aid adjustments includes an adjustment to decrease loudness.
18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the list of hearing aid adjustments includes an adjustment to increase loudness.
19. The system of claim 13 , wherein the ring tone sequence is programmable with multiple setting adjustments.
20. The system of claim 13 , wherein the ring tone sequence includes a ring tone text transfer format (RTTTF) sequence.