Glossary

The ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) is a diagnostic tool for measuring hearing when more conventional hearing tests cannot be used. The ABR uses brain wave activity in the auditory centers of the brain recorded in response to a series of clicks presented to each ear. It indirectly estimates the level of hearing in the peripheral auditory system and is often used in Newborn Hearing Screening and as a Diagnostic tool to identify infants and small children with hearing loss. Data from an ABR can be used as part of the DSL m i/o fitting formula.

The system for managing noise and preserving speech intelligibility uses a complex classification and decision-making process. Sound is simultaneously classified across up to 16 channels, providing high-resolution noise processing. Incoming signals are analyzed, identified and classified every six milliseconds to adapt the hearing aid for the highest level of comfort and clarity in noise.

AFI is a self learning, adaptive, feedback canceller system.

Adaptive Mode: Adaptive Mode refers to an Active Feedback Intercept (AFI) setting in which the system updates the leakage estimate every 0.5 ms and cancels the updated leakage estimate from the input signal.

Static Mode: Static Mode refers to an Active Feedback Intercept (AFI) setting in which the known leakage is subtracted from the input signal without taking into consideration a changing feedback path.

The percentage of the air-bone gap by which targets will be increased relative to targets where there is no air-bone gap. The correction will only be applied if the air-bone gap is 15 dB or greater. For example: user selects an air-bone gap correction of 50% (default is 25%) and the air-bone gap at 1k Hz is 20 dB. Therefore, 10 dB (50% of the 20 dB gap) would be added to the original target. The choices are 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The air-bone gap will not apply to the NAL-NL1 and NAL-NL1* prescription formulas.

The real-time environment detection and classification, adapts to any listening environment by seamlessly adjusting to the patient's preferred settings. This includes a channel-specific signal-to-noise ratio calculation to ensure that speech is always given priority. Comfort Control allows you to work with your patients to set the system based on their specific needs - resulting in a more comfortable, personalized listening experience.

A feature which automatically runs a series of functions typically performed during a first fitting. These include: Integrated Real Ear or Live Real Ear Measurement, AFI or PureWave Feedback Eliminator, Best Fit, Reset Data Log, Self Check and the Clinical Customization.

A feature that automatically activates the induction coil when used with a telephone or other device that emits a magnetic field.

A feature that automatically activates the acoustic telephone response when used with a telephone or other device that emits a magnetic field.

The division of the frequencies into intervals in order to fine tune the gain at a particular frequency from 200 to 6k Hz.

Best Fit is a fitting option located in the center panel between the right and left ear displays. It matches the hearing aid response to the targets generated by the fitting formula. Other parameters also set by Best Fit include the following: environmental adaptation algorithms, directional parameters, all compression parameters, Maximum Output, Indicator levels and functionality, and Volume, if applicable.

Best Fit selected memory - performs a Best Fit only for that memory.  

Best Fit all memories - performs a Best Fit for all memories.

This is a button on the ’Audiometer’ screen. When this button is selected, Inspire will perform a Best Fit for all memories using the In-situ thresholds.

The dB amount by which targets are reduced in a binaural fitting. For example: a binaural correction of 5 dB is selected. Targets for each ear will be 5 dB lower when fit binaurally than they would be when fit monaurally. The binaural correction options are 0, 3 (default) and 5dB.

The division of the input into frequency ranges to allow for fine tuning the gain for soft sound or loud sounds and by relation, the compression ratio.

Located within the AutoPath sequence for select products, the hearing professional can customize the fitting by setting the Experience Level and Follow Up Reminder in this last step of AutoPath.

A decrease of gain as the input sound gets louder.

The degree to which loud sounds are reduced. It is a ratio relationship, A:B, where A is the amount of original gain into the hearing instrument and B is the amount of gain applied after compression. For example: 3:1 means for every 3 dB change in input there is a 1 dB change in output.

The Compression Shape control allows modification to the compression threshold (TK) in all channels based on the Long Term Average Speech Spectrum (LTASS). The choices are Soft, Average (Soft +15), Loud (Soft +30) and Custom. The Custom option allows the compression thresholds for low and high frequencies to be modified separately in 4 dB steps.

The input level where compression begins to reduce the gain.

One of four display options (lines, bars, cylinders and 3D) in the speech mapping window. Cylinders produce a three-dimensional effect.

The collection of objective, patient data while he/she is wearing the hearing device in their everyday listening situations. The Data Log collects the following information: 1) Average daily use; 2) Average Input level; 3) Average battery life; 4) Average battery life of the last 4 batteries; 5) Average volume control use; 6) Percent time spent in each memory; 7) Summary of data per each memory; 8) Information regarding the use and setting of features; 9) Self Check status and summaries of environmental adaptation. In addition, the Data Log will recommend suggestions based on the data collection and collect ”what if” information; i.e., information for those features turned off or not available in the current model.

The two-mic system, featuring one omni-directional microphone and a two-port directional microphone, to achieve greater speech intelligibility, listening comfort and perceptual stability. The options are dynamic (default), which adaptively switches between omni and directional, fixed directional, and fixed omni.

The ratio of sensitivity for frontal sounds relative to sensitivity averaged across all other directions.

Drive Architecture utilizes independent and fully programmable open architecture processors that efficiently carry out tasks in parallel by utilizing simultaneous multi-threading technology (SMT). Drive Architecture triples the processing power of previous platforms, allowing for super efficient, high-speed multi-tasking of signal processing algorithms for better performance. All this, while significantly improving battery life over our previous technology platform.

A data-based tool that addresses client complaints with recommendations to resolve the complaints. Expert Assistant offers two options: Standard and Advanced. Both options will apply the recommendations directly to the hearing instruments.

A Fast OCL checkbox is located in the Maximum Output screen. When the box is checked (default for most products), both the fast and slow release time constants will decrease from 200 and 750 ms, to 10 ms respectively.

Located on the Features screen. It allows control of the compression and Acoustic Signature time constants as well as Directional Speech Detector (DSD) sensitivity. The DSD switching controls the dynamic switching threshold for the directional microphone. The user can control if the device will be in directional mode more often or in omni mode more often. All sensitivity changes affect all memories uniformly, where applicable.

Feature Validation provides real time visualization of the performance of the adaptive features available on the hearing instrument. Click on specific feature icons to watch gain adaptation relative to the input to the hearing instrument.

This feature (which is available in select products only) allows the hearing professional to program a follow-up indicator (either a tone or voice) in the hearing instrument which reminds the patient to schedule an appointment.

Within this screen the user will be allowed to perform a hearing loss simulation using the patient’s actual audiogram data (which is retrieved automatically from NOAH or other office management system), or by selecting from a number of pre-defined audiogram options representing different hearing losses.

Detects magnetic signals and sends these signals to the hearing instrument for amplification.

A process for customizing the feedback cancellation measurements to the patient’s ear. The process requires the device to be in the patient’s ear, the ambient room noise as low as possible, and that the patient is still and silent through the process. After clicking the initialization icon, the hearing instrument will emit a signal and the screen will show a status message.

A tool that updates the Inspire software on the computer via an Internet connection. Updates could be as small as new sound files or as extensive as a new version of Inspire. The update does not have to happen in one session. The updater remembers where it left off and will continue updating when it's convenient.

Integrated Real Ear is a feature (available on select products only) that allows the clinician to take a real ear measurement using Inspire software. This real ear measurement is used to determine the real ear to coupler difference (RECD) for the patient, to better match the response to the fitting formula targets.

The directional system is designed to perform best in highly complex backgrounds of noise.

Hearing instruments with Iris Technology feature wireless communication between instruments including binaural synchronization of volume and memory changes as well as coordination of automatic features like directionality and noise reduction. Iris Technology also supports wireless programming of instruments and wireless accessories providing remote control and audio streaming.

ISMADHA project (International Standards for Measuring Advanced Digital Hearing Aids). See ISTS.

International Speech Test Signal is a collection of short segments of six languages, designed to have the characteristics of speech without comprehension. EHIMA (the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association), as part of the ISMADHA project (International Standards for Measuring Advanced Digital Hearing Aids), have proposed this signal for testing speech gain.

Music Processing offers multiple music genre settings designed to maximize sound quality and listening enjoyment. Television Processing is designed for optimal performance while watching television.

A tool to help you interact with patients to understand the acoustic environments they are in regularly, allowing you to recommend the ideal technology level for their unique lifestyles.

This feature is located on the Advanced Memories screen. A control to link or unlink all memories is also available above the memory buttons on any screen. The feature provides the ability to link any memories allowing changes to one memory to be applied to all linked memories.

This verifies the hearing aid's processing of speech, or any live acoustic input, in real time. The 3D display engages patients and their families in the fitting process.

This feature allows the professional to watch the hearing aid output in a patient's ear, live in real-ear SPL, while the system evaluates the hearing aid response and matches to the selected target.

Reflects the nature of speech plotted by frequency. The default Compression thresholds for soft speech in Inspire are based on the LTASS and therefore have higher thresholds in the low frequencies sloping to lower thresholds in the high frequencies.

The reduction of low frequencies when the device is in directional mode. The setting is determined by the audiometric threshold at 500 Hz. The amount of reduction is 12 dB/octave at 500 Hz for ’Full’ or 6 dB/octave at 500 Hz for ’Partial’. Audiometric thresholds greater than 70 dB at 500 Hz will set the low frequency roll-off to ‘off’ and apply no gain reduction.

The maximum amount of gain a hearing instrument can provide without any feedback.

A combined adjustment for the 200 and 500 Hz bands located on the QuickFit screen. This control is used to address patient voice complaints.

A tool to allow firmware updates for hearing instruments in the field. Inspire will read firmware (computer code) within the hearing aid and if an update is available, will notify the hearing professional with a blue flag appearance during a read of the product. The advantage of the online performance update is that some hearing aid features need new firmware to take advantage of software enhancements.

The period of time between closing the battery door and the device powering on. The options are 1 second (default), 7 seconds and 15 seconds.

With broad bandwidth, faster processing and intelligent artifact elimination, this next generation in feedback cancellation is setting standards that have never existed before. Through the use of intelligent artifact elimination, even the most complex signals won't cause distortion in this class-leading feedback canceller.

The functionality on a 4 memory hearing instrument to depress and hold the push button on the faceplate for a designated amount of time to cause the hearing instrument to either go into a Standby mode or to leap to memory 4.

Quick Connect is a selection available from the Get Started screen or by double clicking on a connection icon. It can be used to start a session using the settings from the hearing aid.

The RECD is the difference between the hearing instrument output when measured in the ear (Real Ear Aided Response) and the hearing instrument output when measured in a 2cc coupler.

Self Check is the ability of the hearing instrument to check its own functionality. The diagnostic process determines a pass/fail status for the microphone (omni and directional), receiver and circuit. A baseline must be obtained via Inspire before the diagnostic process can be completed. The Self Check status is viewed in the Data Log.

Session Connect is a selection available from the Get Started screen or by double clicking on a connection icon. It can be used to retrieve a previous session. When you use session connect, all compatible sessions are displayed. Compatible sessions are sessions with data that can be loaded to the connected hearing aid. Selecting a session loads those settings into the hearing aid.

A real-time display of the hearing instrument input, input + gain, or output. The real-time display is integrated with the adjustment tools such as QuickFit, Band, Channel, Compression, and Max Output.

The ability to mute the hearing instrument. Standby utilizes the Push and Hold functionality on a 4 memory device by depressing and holding the push-button for greater than three seconds. This functionality must be enabled from the Indicators screen and includes a unique indicator tone.

A series of simulated scenes that feature common sounds. The current scenes are Restaurant, Outdoors, Home, Automobile and Theater. Each scene provides the ability to demonstrate advanced features as well as the ability to adjust the response of the hearing instrument as desired.

The new breakthrough technology allows patients to control their hearing aid using any cell or touch-tone phone, avoiding the need to carry additional hardware. T² discreetly and instantly classifies the touch-tone signal and automatically adjusts. Patients can use any touch-tone phone to select a memory or adjust volume.

Target match is a fitting option located in the center panel between the right and left ear displays. It is used to match the fitting formula target without changing any other fitting parameters (e.g. environmental adaptation parameters, compression, indicators).  

Target match selected memory - matches the target only for that memory.  

Target match all memories - matches the targets for all memories.

Target Match is also located in the Integrated Real Ear window. It allows the chosen fitting target data (either average RECD or measured RECD) to be used to match the fitting formula target.

The amount of time it takes for the hearing instrument to return to the previous memory after engaging the Automatic Telephone or Autocoil memory. The options are 2, 3 or 5 seconds (default).

A pop-up menu or dialog box. Toasts notify users of various kinds of events, such as reception of new e-mail, a change in a peer's availability, or a change in network connectivity. In Inspire, a toast is used to display information about and connect to detected devices.

Update Targets In-situ is a button on the ’Audiometer’ screen. When this button is selected, Inspire will use the In-situ thresholds to create new fitting formula targets. No other parameters are changed. Thus, the hearing instrument response curves are not adjusted to match the new targets. See Best Fit and Target Match for more options.

Vents affect the low-frequency gain and OSPL 90 of hearing instruments by allowing the low-frequency sounds out of the ear canal and by allowing low-frequency sounds to reach the residual ear canal volume without passing through the hearing instrument amplifier.

Select-A-Vent (VV): ~ 4 mm diameter vent supplied with variable sized vent plugs.

Mini Vent (MV): ~ 2 mm diameter vent supplied with variable sized vent plugs.

1 vent/Pressure Vent (1V): A 1 vent has a 1.6 mm diameter. This vent is often used in CICs with losses that are severe to profound.

IROS vent: IROS is an abbreviation which stands for Ipsilateral Routing of Signal. The diameter of an IROS vent is larger than a numbered vent. A general guideline is, if the hearing threshold at 1K is less than 20dB HL, then an IROS vent is recommended. The type of IROS available is style dependent: ITE=IROS B; ITC=IROS C; CIC=IROS T.

CIC IROS: Open CIC venting. Called the BAV (Bill Austin Vent). The vent is the default for all open CIC fittings.

CIC I/O: Open CIC venting. Called IROS open, Super BAV or VAT (Vent At Tragus). This specialty vent is available only by request.

Mini vent: A mini vent has a 2.18 mm diameter vent. This vent is often used as a pressure vent for profound losses.

Variable vent: A 2 mm diameter vent which can be altered with the plastic inserts which come standard with the hearing instrument when this vent is ordered. This style of venting is typical on an ITE or ITC.

VSN (I2- vent so nice we did it twice): Unique style of double venting provides the largest dual IROS vent available.

Verify Comfort is a feature included in Inspire to verify that the current frequency response of the hearing instrument for loud and soft inputs is satisfactory for the wearer.

Voice iQ improves comfort in noise and reduces listening effort by reducing noise between the syllables of speech. InVision Directionality and Voice iQ work together to improve speech intelligibility in noise. Voice iQ also remains active and dynamic even in quiet environments. Voice iQ defaults are selected based on clinical trials. A lower setting such as a 1 provides less reduction than a higher setting.