Re:I'm no expert. (Score 1)

But couldn't we make these more like cell phones? I see a lot of people walking around with bluetooth headsets. Rather than making the hearing aide fit in the ear, make it something I can wear on my belt, or on a lanyard. The problems of size, power and heat all become easier to solve.

There you have it: Write the code to turn an Android phone into a super hearing aid, by simply mounting an external microphone(s)/earphone(s). Earlier comments indicate that the filtering code is in the public domain. Now you just need to find out what it is written in and program a user-interface for self programming. When I think about it, this might actually end up being better than any hearing-aid on the market, because the filters can be programmed on the fly. It seems this would work better if hard-wired to the Android, but bluetooth on the mic and earpiece(s) may work if frequencies are not lost. Sell the microphone(s) and earpiece(s) in a package that includes the software along with a means to create your own custom mold if desired: I'm thinking the same type of material that is used for disposable ear-plugs, that would expand in the ear canal and as cheap to replace as a set of disposable contact lenses. If you'd like to include me on this project I can be reached at 1-702-751-1010. My mother has worn a hearing aid since she was a young child. Another thing that has caught my eye are "Bone" phones and the potential to convert that technology to devices for the hearing impaired. -Jim Anderson