Wireless interface for programming hearing assistance devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device, comprising:
- a first interface for communicating with a programmer, the programmer adapted to wirelessly communicate with a computer for programming a hearing assistance device;
a second interface for wirelessly communicating with the hearing assistance device, the second interface including a connector having multiple slots adapted to receive a plurality of hardware communication modules including a first hardware communication module adapted to support a first wireless communication protocol for communication with a first hearing assistance device and a second hardware communication module adapted to support a second wireless communication protocol for communication with a second hearing assistance device, wherein the second protocol is different from the first protocol; and
a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces, the housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device.
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Abstract
Provided herein is a device for wirelessly communicating with hearing assistance devices. According to various embodiments, the device includes a first interface for communicating with a programmer and a second interface for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. The second interface is adapted to receive a plurality of communication modules. Each of the modules is adapted for communication with at least one specific type of hearing assistance device. The device includes a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces. The housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device.
419 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A device, comprising:
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a first interface for communicating with a programmer, the programmer adapted to wirelessly communicate with a computer for programming a hearing assistance device; a second interface for wirelessly communicating with the hearing assistance device, the second interface including a connector having multiple slots adapted to receive a plurality of hardware communication modules including a first hardware communication module adapted to support a first wireless communication protocol for communication with a first hearing assistance device and a second hardware communication module adapted to support a second wireless communication protocol for communication with a second hearing assistance device, wherein the second protocol is different from the first protocol; and a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces, the housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system, comprising:
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a programmer adapted to communicate with an external source for programming a hearing assistance device, and a device for wireless communication with the hearing assistance device, including; an upper unit including a connector having multiple slots adapted to receive a plurality of hardware communication modules including a first hardware communication module supporting a first wireless communication protocol for communicating with a first hearing assistance device and a second hardware communication module supporting a second wireless communication protocol for communicating with a second hearing assistance device, wherein the second protocol is different from the first protocol; a lower unit having an interface for communicating with the programmer to assist in communications between the source and the hearing assistance device; an electrical connection between the upper unit and the lower unit; and a housing adapted to be worn by a person wearing the hearing assistance device, the housing enclosing the upper unit, lower unit and connection. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method, comprising:
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providing a device including an upper unit having a connector with multiple slots adapted to receive a plurality of removably attachable hardware communication modules, the plurality of modules including a first hardware communication module supporting a first wireless communication protocol for communications with a first hearing assistance device and a second hardware communication module supporting a second wireless communication protocol for communications with a second hearing assistance device, wherein the second protocol is different from the first protocol; communicating with a programmer using a lower unit of the device; and wirelessly communicating with the first hearing assisting device using the first hardware communication module in the upper unit of the device using the first communication protocol to assist in programming the first hearing assistance device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification