Methods of converting a behind-the-ear speech processor unit into a body worn speech processor unit

1. A method of converting a behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including an external housing and a speech processor located within the external housing, into a body worn speech processor unit, comprising the steps of:

positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, in a speech processor case including a headpiece connector and/or a power connector; and

connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to the headpiece connector and/or to the power connector.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, in a speech processor case including a headpiece connector and a power connector; and

the step of connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to the headpiece connector and to the power connector.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, in a speech processor case including a headpiece connector, a microphone/auxiliary device connector and a power connector; and

the step of connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to the headpiece connector, to the power connector and to the microphone/auxiliary device connector.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, in a speech processor case including a headpiece connector and the step of connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to the headpiece connector, the method further comprising the step of:

operably connecting a headpiece to the headpiece connector.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises:

opening a cover of a speech processor case including a headpiece connector and/or a power connector;

positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, in the speech processor case; and

closing the cover.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the cover comprises a transparent cover.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the step of:

mounting the speech processor case on one of a user's body and a user's clothing.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises enclosing the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, within a speech processor case including a headpiece connector and/or a power connector.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, in a speech processor case including a headpiece connector; and

the step of connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to the headpiece connector.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, in a speech processor case including a power connector; and

the step of connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to the power connector.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10 , further comprising the step of:

connecting a headpiece cable directly to the behind-the-ear speech processor unit.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10 , further comprising the step of:

connecting a headpiece cable directly to the behind-the-ear speech processor unit.

13. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the behind-the-ear speech processor unit includes a detachable power supply;

the step of positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises detaching the power supply and positioning the behind-the-ear speech processor unit, including the external housing and the speech processor located within the external housing, without the power supply in a speech processor case including a power connector; and

the step of connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit comprises connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to the power connector.

14. A method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the step of:

operably connecting the behind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of the speech processor case.