Methods of converting a behind-the-ear speech processor unit into a body worn speech processor unit
View Patent ↗Apparatus and methods for converting one type of speech processor unit into another type of speech processor unit. A behind the ear (BTE) speech processor is converted to a body-worn device by means of a container that encloses the BTE and allows for device operations and charging. The body-worn device is worn in one embodiment on a belt of a patient.
1. A method of converting a behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including a BTE external housing and a speech processor within the BTE external housing, into a body worn speech processor unit, comprising the steps of:
docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a speech processor case defining an interior;
entirely enclosing the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within the interior of the speech processor case; and
operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case includes making power and signal connections between the behind-the-ear speech processor unit and the speech processor case.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case includes connecting a headpiece to a headpiece connector on the speech processor case.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
connecting an auxiliary device to an auxiliary device connector on the speech processor case.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit includes connecting a microphone/auxiliary device connector within the speech processor case to an ear hook microphone/auxiliary device connector on the behind-the-ear speech processor unit.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit includes operably connecting a headpiece port within the speech processor case to a headpiece port on the behind-the-ear speech processor unit.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case such that a control panel on the behind-the-ear speech processor unit is aligned with the closed position of a cover on the speech processor case.
8. A method of converting a behind-the-ear speech processor unit including a power supply into a body worn speech processor unit, the method comprising the steps of:
docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case defining an interior without the power supply;
enclosing the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within the interior of the speech processor case; and
operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit includes sliding the behind-the-ear speech processor unit onto a guide rail within the speech processor case.
10. A method as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit includes making power and signal connections between the behind-the-ear speech processor unit and the speech processor case while sliding the behind-the-ear speech processor unit onto a guide rail within the speech processor case.
11. A method of converting a behind-the-ear speech processor unit into a body worn speech processor unit, comprising the steps of:
docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case such that a control panel on the behind-the-ear speech processor unit will face upwardly when the speech processor case is worn on a belt; and
operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case includes making power and signal connections between the behind-the-ear speech processor unit and the speech processor case.
13. A method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the step of operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case includes connecting a headpiece to a headpiece connector on the speech processor case.
14. A method as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising the step of:
connecting an auxiliary device to an auxiliary device connector on the speech processor case.
15. A method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein
the behind-the-ear speech processor unit includes a power supply; and
the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case without the power supply.
16. A method of converting a behind-the-ear speech processor unit into a body worn speech processor unit, comprising the steps of:
docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case;
operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case; and
covering the behind-the-ear speech processor unit with a transparent cover on a speech processor case after the behind-the-ear speech processor unit has been docked within the speech processor case.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case includes making power and signal connections between the behind-the-ear speech processor unit and the speech processor case.
18. A method as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the step of operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case includes connecting a headpiece to a headpiece connector on the speech processor case.
19. A method as claimed in claim 16 , further comprising the step of:
connecting an auxiliary device to an auxiliary device connector on the speech processor case.
20. A method as claimed in claim 16 , wherein
the behind-the-ear speech processor unit includes a power supply; and
the step of docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises docking the behind-the-ear speech processor unit within a speech processor case without the power supply.