Wireless communication system using custom earmold
An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
1. An apparatus for ear of a user, the apparatus comprising:
an in-the-ear earmold, wherein the earmold is custom fitted for the ear of the user;
a receiver detachably connected to the earmold and adapted to operate with said earmold;
a wireless electronics adapter detachably and electrically connected to directly drive the receiver, wherein the wireless electronics adapter is adapted to communicate audio information and the apparatus does not include a microphone; and
a coupler to mechanically connect the receiver to the earmold.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless electronics adapter supports wireless 802.11 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.11 compatible communications.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless electronics adapter supports wireless 802.15 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.15 compatible communications.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless electronics adapter supports wireless 802.16 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.16 compatible communications.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless electronics adapter supports wireless 802.20 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.20 compatible communications.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless electronics adapter supports approximately 2.4 GHz wireless communications between the user and a device conducting approximately 2.4 GHz wireless communications.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the wireless electronics adapter supports wireless Bluetooth communications between the user and a device conducting Bluetooth compatible communications.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an indicator disposed at least partially in the wireless electronics adapter.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising at least one control button.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a housing adapted to enclose the wireless electronics adapter.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a connector between the receiver and the wireless audio adapter that is direct audio input compatible.
12. An apparatus for an ear of a user, the apparatus comprising:
an in-the-ear earmold, wherein the earmold is custom fitted for the ear of the user,
a coupler detachably coupled to the earmold;
a receiver module detachably coupled to the coupler; and
a wireless electronics module detachably and electrically connected to directly drive the receiver, wherein the apparatus does not include a microphone.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a housing, wherein the housing is adapted to enclose the receiver and amplifier electronics.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the wireless electronics module supports wireless 802.11 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.11 compatible communications.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the wireless electronics module supports wireless 802.15 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.15 compatible communications.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the wireless electronics module supports wireless 802.16 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.16 compatible communications.
17. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the wireless electronics module supports wireless 802.20 communications between the user and a device conducting 802.20 compatible communications.
18. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the wireless electronics module supports approximately 2.4 GHz wireless communications between the user and a device conducting approximately 2.4 GHz wireless communications.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the wireless electronics module supports wireless Bluetooth communications between the user and a device conducting Bluetooth compatible communications.