Methods for Improving the Ease of Use of Hearing Aids

This thesis explores two main avenues for improving the user experience of hearing aids. To address user concerns regarding ease of use and manipulability, a modular interface was designed and prototyped to facilitate a modular hearing aid. The design, development, and testing of an acoustic wireless communication system between a smartphone and a hearing aid is also presented. By leveraging the existing hardware and firmware on the hearing aid an always-on low power wireless receiver can be implemented to address user concerns regarding both battery life and ease of use.