Wireless communications adapter for a hearing assistance device

• US 20060068842A1
• Filed: 08/18/2005
• Published: 03/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Starkey Laboratories Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Micro Ear Technology Incorporated (Starkey Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Sanguino, Jorge, Roberts, Randall W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,813,762 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/556.200
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6066 including a wireless connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/107 Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/021 Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/55 Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2499/11 Transducers incorporated or for use in hand-held devices, e.g. mobile phones, PDA's, camera's
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/554 using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/556 External connectors, e.g. plugs or modules H04R25/607 takes precedence

Abstract

A wireless communications adapter adapted for connection to a direct audio input of a hearing assistance device, the wireless communications adapter adapted for radio frequency communications with a remote device. Varying embodiments enable communication using a protocol compatible with a BLUETOOTH standard to reach a hearing assistance device through a direct audio input. Some examples of the wireless communication adaptor offer microphone options to receive audio information and transmit it with far field communications.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a connector adapted to electrically connect to the direct audio input connector of a hearing assistance device;

a controller adapted to communicate with the direct audio input connector;

wireless communication electronics adapted for radio frequency communications and for communication with the controller;

a power source providing power to the apparatus, and

a housing for the controller, the wireless communication electronics, and the power source, the housing adapted to accommodate the connector,

wherein the apparatus is adapted to be compact and portable.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a microphone connected to controller.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, including a boom connected to the housing and extending from the housing to a distal end, the microphone located about the distal end.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication electronics are adapted for communications compatible with a BLUETOOTH standard.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, including one or more indicators which indicate an operative mode and a non-operative mode.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising one of the one or more indicators adapted to indicate establishment of radio frequency communication.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising one of the one or more indicators adapted to represent a powered mode.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication electronics operate at approximately 2.4 GHz.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for operation compatible with class 2 BLUETOOTH headset operation.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, including a switch adapted for switching the wireless communication electronics between a power-off mode and a power-on mode.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, including a switch adapted for answering a telephone call.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, including a switch adapted for terminating a wireless connection to a remote device.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, including a switch adapted for pairing the wireless communication electronics with a remote device.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, including a switch adapted for pairing the wireless communication electronics with a plurality of remote devices.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication electronics are programmed for unidirectional radio frequency communications.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication electronics are programmed for bidirectional radio frequency communications.

17. An apparatus, comprising:

a connector electrically connected to the direct audio input connector of a behind-the-ear hearing assistance device;

a controller adapted to communicate with the direct audio input connector;

wireless communication electronics adapted for bidirectional radio frequency communications according to a BLUETOOTH wireless protocol and for communication with the controller;

a power source providing power to the apparatus, and

a housing for the controller, the wireless communication electronics, and the power source, the housing adapted to accommodate the connector and to accommodate a button for controlling the apparatus,

wherein the apparatus is adapted to be compact and portable and is adapted to be worn by a user of the behind-the-ear hearing assistance device.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a button adapted to manage cellular telephone connections between the apparatus and a cellular telephone using the BLUETOOTH wireless protocol.

19. A method, comprising:

connecting a wireless communication adapter to a hearing assistance device having a direct audio input connector; and

conducting communications involving a remote wireless device using the wireless communication adapter connected to the hearing assistance device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the communications comprise telephone communications.