Apparatus for transmitting vibrations

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to an apparatus for transmitting vibrations through teeth in a mouth. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for sound conduction through teeth in the mouth by transmitting vibrations correlating to auditory signals received by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Hearing loss affects over 31 million people in the United States (about 13% of the population). As a chronic condition, the incidence of hearing impairment rivals that of heart disease and, like heart disease, the incidence of hearing impairment increases sharply with age.

0003While the vast majority of those with hearing loss can be helped by a well-fitted, high quality hearing device, only 22% of the total hearing impaired population own hearing devices. Current products and distribution methods are not able to satisfy or reach over 20 million persons with hearing impairment in the U.S. alone.

0004Hearing loss adversely affects a person's quality of life and psychological well-being. Individuals with hearing impairment often withdraw from social interactions to avoid frustrations resulting from inability to understand conversations. Recent studies have shown that hearing impairment causes increased stress levels, reduced self-confidence, reduced sociability and reduced effectiveness in the workplace.

0005The human ear generally comprises three regions: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear generally comprises the external auricle and the ear canal, which is a tubular pathway through which sound reaches the middle ear. The outer ear is separated from the middle ear by the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The middle ear generally comprises three small bones, known as the ossicles, which form a mechanical conductor from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. Finally, the inner ear includes the cochlea, which is a fluid-filled structure that contains a large number of delicate sensory hair cells that are connected to the auditory nerve.

0006Hearing loss can also be classified in terms of being conductive, sensorineural, or a combination of both. Conductive hearing impairment typically results from diseases or disorders that limit the transmission of sound through the middle ear. Most conductive impairments can be treated medically or surgically. Purely conductive hearing loss represents a relatively small portion of the total hearing impaired population (estimated at less than 5% of the total hearing impaired population).

0007Sensorineural hearing losses occur mostly in the inner ear and account for the vast majority of hearing impairment (estimated at 90-95% of the total hearing impaired population). Sensorineural hearing impairment (sometimes called "nerve loss") is largely caused by damage to the sensory hair cells inside the cochlea. Sensorineural hearing impairment occurs naturally as a result of aging or prolonged exposure to loud music and noise. This type of hearing loss cannot be reversed nor can it be medically or surgically treated; however, the use of properly fitted hearing devices can improve the individual's quality of life.

0008Conventional hearing devices are the most common devices used to treat mild to severe sensorineural hearing impairment. These are acoustic devices that amplify sound to the tympanic membrane. These devices are individually customizable to the patient's physical and acoustical characteristics over four to six separate visits to an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. Such devices generally comprise a microphone, amplifier, battery, and speaker. Recently, hearing device manufacturers have increased the sophistication of sound processing, often using digital technology, to provide features such as programmability and multi-band compression. Although these devices have been miniaturized and are less obtrusive, they are still visible and have major acoustic limitation.

0009Industry research has shown that the primary obstacles for not purchasing a hearing device generally include: a) the stigma associated with wearing a hearing device; b) dissenting attitudes on the part of the medical profession, particularly ENT physicians; c) product value issues related to perceived performance problems; d) general lack of information and education at the consumer and physician level; and e) negative word-of-mouth from dissatisfied users.

0010Other devices such as cochlear implants have been developed for people who have severe to profound hearing loss and are essentially deaf (approximately 2% of the total hearing impaired population). The electrode of a cochlear implant is inserted into the inner ear in an invasive and non-reversible surgery. The electrode electrically stimulates the auditory nerve through an electrode array that provides audible cues to the user, which are not usually interpreted by the brain as normal sound. Users generally require intensive and extended counseling and training following surgery to achieve the expected benefit.

0011Other devices such as electronic middle ear implants generally are surgically placed within the middle ear of the hearing impaired. They are surgically implanted devices with an externally worn component.

0012The manufacture, fitting and dispensing of hearing devices remain an arcane and inefficient process. Most hearing devices are custom manufactured, fabricated by the manufacturer to fit the ear of each prospective purchaser. An impression of the ear canal is taken by the dispenser (either an audiologist or licensed hearing instrument specialist) and mailed to the manufacturer for interpretation and fabrication of the custom molded rigid plastic casing. Hand-wired electronics and transducers (microphone and speaker) are then placed inside the casing, and the final product is shipped back to the dispensing professional after some period of time, typically one to two weeks.

0013The time cycle for dispensing a hearing device, from the first diagnostic session to the final fine-tuning session, typically spans a period over several weeks, such as six to eight weeks, and involves multiple with the dispenser.

0014Accordingly, there exists a need for methods and devices which are efficacious and safe in facilitating the treatment of hearing loss in patients as well as for providing efficient methods for attaching such devices as well as for removing them from the user's mouth without compromising performance. <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US5460593A"><text>US 5,460,593</text></patcit> discloses an audiodontic vibrator for the hearing impaired, in which a magnetostrictive rod is disposed in the hollow core of an electromagnetic coil through which current flows in response to acoustic signals. The resulting electromagnetic field in the core passes through the magnetostrictive rod, causing small dimensional variations in the rod corresponding to amplitude variations in the field. An actuator in contact with the rod extends from the housing and transmits the dimensional changes as low amplitude vibrations to the hard tissue via a bracket mounted on a tooth by an adhesive resin-based cement. The bracket has a receiving channel contoured to slidably and removably receive the distal end of the actuator in close fitting frictional relation. <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US5447489A"><text>US 5,447,489</text></patcit> discloses a hearing aid of the kind which has a transmitter element and a receiver-transducer element having a vibrating element. The receiver element is suitable for being placed, preferably movably, in the mouth of the user. The receiver element includes a device for supporting and holding the vibrating element is formed so that when the vibrating element is in place it is in permanent contact either with at least one tooth or with the palate bone, thereby providing sound transmission to the inner ear by bone conduction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0015An electronic and transducer device may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such a removable oral appliance may be a custom-made device fabricated from a thermal forming process utilizing a replicate model of a dental structure obtained by conventional dental impression methods. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth.

0016According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus according to claim 1 appended hereto.

0017In other variations utilizing multiple components, generally a first component may be attached to the tooth or teeth using permanent or semi-permanent adhesives while a second removable component may be attached, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the first component. Examples of adhesives for attaching the first component to the tooth or teeth may include cements and epoxies intended to be applied and/or removed by a healthcare provider. Examples of typical dental cements include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide eugenol, zinc phosphate, zinc silico-phosphate, zinc-polyacrylate, zinc-polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, resin-based, silicate-based cements, etc.

0018The first component can contain any, all, or none of the mechanisms and/or electronics (e.g., actuators, processors, receivers, etc.) while the second component, which can be attached to the first component, can also contain any combination of the mechanisms and/or electronics, such as the battery. These two components may be temporarily coupled utilizing a variety of mechanisms, e.g., electromagnetic, mechanical attachment, chemical attachment, or a combination of any or all of these coupling mechanisms.

0019In one example, an electronics and/or transducer assembly may define a channel or groove along a surface for engaging a corresponding dental anchor or bracket which may comprise a light-curable acrylate-based composite material adhered directly to the tooth surface or a metallic bracket (e.g., stainless steel, Nickel-Titanium, Nickel, ceramics, composites, etc.) attached either directly to the tooth or integrated as part of an oral appliance. The dental anchor may be configured in a shape which corresponds to a shape of channel or groove such that the two may be interfitted in a mating engagement. In this manner, the transducer may vibrate directly against the dental anchor which may then transmit these signals directly into the tooth. Sealing the electronics and/or transducer assembly may facilitate the manufacturing of such devices by utilizing a single size for the electronics encasement which may mount onto a custom-fit retainer or bracket.

0020In yet another variation, a bracket may be ferromagnetic or electromagnetic and removably coupled via magnetic attraction to the housing which may also contain a complementary magnetic component for coupling to the magnetic component. The magnetic portion of the bracket may be confined or the entire bracket may be magnetic. One or more alignment members or arms defined along the bracket may facilitate the alignment of the bracket with the housing by aligning with an alignment step.

0021Alternative brackets may be configured into a cylindrical configuration sufficiently sized to fit comfortably within the user's mouth. For instance, suitable dimensions for such a bracket may range from 5 to 10 mm in diameter and 10 to 15 mm in length. Alternatively, the bracket may be variously shaped, e.g., ovoid, cubicle, etc. An electronics and/or transducer assembly having an outer surface configured with screw threading may be screwed into the bracket by rotating the assembly into the bracket to achieve a secure attachment for vibrational coupling.

0022Other variations utilizing a bracket may define a receiving channel into which the electronics and/or transducer assembly may be positioned and secured via a retaining tab. Yet other variations may utilize a protruding stop member for securing the two components to one another or other mechanical mechanisms for coupling.

0023Aside from mechanical coupling mechanisms, chemical attachment may also be utilized. The electronics and/or transducer assembly may be adhered to the bracket via a non-permanent adhesive, e.g., eugenol and non-eugenol cements. Examples of eugenol temporary cements include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide eugenol commercially available from Temrex (Freeport, NY) or TempoCem® available from Zenith Dental (Englewood, NJ). Other examples of non-eugenol temporary cements include, but are not limited to, cements which are commercially available such as PROVISCELL™ (Septodont, Inc., Ontario, Canada) as well as NOMIX™ (Centrix, Inc., Shelton, CT).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0024<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> illustrates the dentition of a patient's teeth and one variation of a hearing aid device which is removably placed upon or against the patient's tooth or teeth as a removable oral appliance.

0025<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the lower teeth showing one exemplary location for placement of the removable oral appliance hearing aid device.

0026<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the hearing aid where the electronics and/or transducer assembly may be embedded into the removable custom-made oral appliance.

0027<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref> illustrates a schematic representation of one variation of the hearing aid assembly utilizing a receiving transducer which may generally comprise at least one microphone for receiving sounds and which is electrically connected to a processor for processing the auditory signals.

0028<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 5</figref> illustrates an extra-buccal transmitter assembly located outside the patient's mouth to receive auditory signals for processing and transmitting via a wireless signal to the electronics and/or transducer assembly positioned within the patient's mouth.

0029<figref idref="f0005">Fig. 6</figref> illustrates a schematic representation of the processor receiving signals via the antenna from external sound-generating devices and controls for modifying various parameters.

0030<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 7</figref> shows a hearing aid assembly embedded into or configured as a custom made dental implant, e.g., a permanent crown, that may be secured onto an implant post previously implanted into the bone.

0031<figref idref="f0007">Fig. 8</figref> shows the electronics and transducer assembly bonded or otherwise adhered directly to the surface of one or more teeth rather than being embedded or attached to a separate housing.

0032<figref idref="f0008">Figs. 9A and 9B</figref> illustrate perspective and side views, respectively, of an oral appliance which may be coupled to a screw or post implanted directly into the underlying bone, such as the maxillary or mandibular bone.

0033<figref idref="f0008">Fig. 10</figref> illustrates another variation in which the oral appliance may be coupled to a screw or post implanted directly into the palate of a patient.

0034<figref idref="f0008">Fig.11</figref> illustrates several screws drilled into several locations within the user's mouth.

0035<figref idref="f0009">Fig. 12</figref> shows two components of a partially-removable assembly which are configured to securely mate with one another.

0036<figref idref="f0010">Fig.13A</figref> shows an oral appliance according to the invention having a composite dental anchor for coupling the transducer to the tooth.

0037<figref idref="f0010">Fig.13B</figref> illustrates a variation in which the oral appliance may be omitted and the electronics and/or transducer assembly may be attached to a composite dental anchor attached directly to the tooth surface.

0038<figref idref="f0011">Fig. 14A</figref> shows partial cross-sectional end view where a metallic bracket may be integrated directly with or attached directly to an oral appliance according to the invention such that the metallic bracket directly contacts the tooth.

0039<figref idref="f0011">Fig. 14B</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the encasement slidingly removed from the metallic bracket.

0040<figref idref="f0012">Fig. 15</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of another variation of a system utilizing a bracket mounted to the underlying tooth or teeth.

0041<figref idref="f0013">Fig. 16A</figref> shows an end view of a bracket containing a magnetic component for removably coupling via magnetic attraction to a housing also containing a complementary magnetic component.

0042<figref idref="f0013">Fig. 16B</figref> shows an end view of another variation where the entire bracket is magnetic for magnetically coupling to the housing.

0043<figref idref="f0013">Fig. 16C</figref> shows a top view of yet another variation where a magnetic component may be disposed at a first end of the housing and a complementary magnetic component may be disposed at a first end of the bracket.

0044<figref idref="f0014">Figs. 17A and 17B</figref> show end and side views, respectively, of a bracket having a cylindrical configuration.

0045<figref idref="f0014">Figs. 17C and 17D</figref> show assembly side and end views, respectively, of an electronics and/or transducer assembly having a threaded outer surface configured to be screwed into a threaded housing opening of the bracket.

0046<figref idref="f0015">Fig. 18A</figref> shows an end view of another variation of a bracket which defines a receiving channel into which the electronics and/or transducer assembly may be positioned and secured via retaining tab.

0047<figref idref="f0015">Fig. 18B</figref> shows a perspective view of the electronics and/or transducer assembly removed from the bracket.

0048<figref idref="f0016">Fig. 19A</figref> shows a removal tool prior positioned to remove the electronics and/or transducer assembly from the bracket.

0049<figref idref="f0016">Figs. 19B and 19C</figref> show partial side and top views, respectively, of an engaging step of the removal tool advanced to release the retaining tab from the electronics and/or transducer assembly.

0050<figref idref="f0017">Fig. 20A</figref> shows an end view of another variation where of a bracket likewise attached to a tooth or teeth.

0051<figref idref="f0017">Fig. 20B</figref> shows a perspective view of the assembly removed from receiving channel of the bracket.

0052<figref idref="f0018">Figs. 21A to 21D</figref> illustrate partial cross-sectional side views of one example for the detachment and removal of the electronics and/or transducer assembly from the bracket utilizing a removal tool.

0053<figref idref="f0019">Fig. 22A</figref> shows an end view of another variation utilizing a bracket and a removable electronics and/or transducer assembly which may be coupled via a sliding mechanism and alignment members protruding from assembly.

0054<figref idref="f0019">Figs. 22B and 22C</figref> show partial cross-sectional side and end views, respectively, of an assembly positioned partially along the bracket prior to its secure engagement.

0055<figref idref="f0020">Figs. 23A to 23D</figref> illustrate partial cross-sectional side views of an example for engaging and disengaging a removable electronics and/or transducer assembly from its bracket.

0056<figref idref="f0021">Figs. 24A and 24B</figref> illustrate side views of the electronics and/or transducer assembly prior to engagement with a retaining step with the other features removed for clarity to further illustrate the securement mechanism.

0057<figref idref="f0022">Figs. 25A and 25B</figref> show perspective and detail perspective views, respectively, of the electronics and/or transducer assembly retained by an applicator tool for securement into the bracket.

0058<figref idref="f0022">Figs. 25C and 25D</figref> show top and end views, respectively, of the assembly and applicator tool illustrating the alignment channels defined along the lengths of the alignment members.

0059<figref idref="f0023">Figs. 26A and 26B</figref> show end views of another coupling mechanism utilizing a chemical attachment.

0060<figref idref="f0024">Fig. 27A</figref> illustrates an example where multiple transducer assemblies may be placed on multiple teeth.

0061<figref idref="f0024">Fig. 27B</figref> illustrates another variation where at least one microphone (or optionally any number of additional microphones) may be positioned within the mouth of the user while physically separated from the electronics and/or transducer assembly.

0062The specific configurations shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007">Figs. 1-8</figref>, <figref idref="f0008">9A</figref>, <figref idref="f0008">9B</figref>, <figref idref="f0008 f0009">10-12</figref>, <figref idref="f0010">13B</figref>, <figref idref="f0011">14B</figref>, <figref idref="f0012">15</figref>, <figref idref="f0013">16A-C</figref>, <figref idref="f0014">17A-D</figref>, <figref idref="f0015">18A</figref>, <figref idref="f0015">18B</figref>, <figref idref="f0016">19A-C</figref>, <figref idref="f0017">20A, 20B</figref>, <figref idref="f0018">21A-D</figref>, <figref idref="f0019">22A-C</figref>, <figref idref="f0020">23A-D</figref>, <figref idref="f0021">24A, 24B</figref>, <figref idref="f0022">25A-D</figref>, <figref idref="f0023">26A, 26B</figref>, <figref idref="f0024">27A and 27B</figref> are illustrative background examples useful for understanding the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0063An electronic and transducer device may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance or other oral device to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device fabricated from a thermal forming process utilizing a replicate model of a dental structure obtained by conventional dental impression methods. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

0064As shown in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, a patient's mouth and dentition <b>10</b> is illustrated showing one possible location for removably attaching hearing aid assembly <b>14</b> upon or against at least one tooth, such as a molar <b>12</b>. The patient's tongue <b>TG</b> and palate <b>PL</b> are also illustrated for reference. An electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b> may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the assembly <b>14</b>, as described below in further detail.

0065<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> shows a perspective view of the patient's lower dentition illustrating the hearing aid assembly <b>14</b> comprising a removable oral appliance <b>18</b> and the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b> positioned along a side surface of the assembly <b>14</b>. In this variation, oral appliance <b>18</b> may be fitted upon two molars <b>12</b> within tooth engaging channel <b>20</b> defined by oral appliance <b>18</b> for stability upon the patient's teeth, although in other variations, a single molar or tooth may be utilized. Alternatively, more than two molars may be utilized for the oral appliance <b>18</b> to be attached upon or over. Moreover, electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b> is shown positioned upon a side surface of oral appliance <b>18</b> such that the assembly <b>16</b> is aligned along a buccal surface of the tooth <b>12</b>; however, other surfaces such as the lingual surface of the tooth <b>12</b> and other positions may also be utilized. The figures are illustrative of variations and are not intended to be limiting; accordingly, other configurations and shapes for oral appliance <b>18</b> are intended to be included herein. In one variation, a partial cross-sectional view of the hearing aid assembly <b>14</b> is shown in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 3</figref> where the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b> may be embedded into the removable custom-made oral appliance <b>18</b>.

0066Generally, the volume of electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b> may be minimized so as to be unobtrusive and as comfortable to the user when placed in the mouth. Although the size may be varied, a volume of assembly <b>16</b> may be less than 800 cubic millimeters. This volume is, of course, illustrative and not limiting as size and volume of assembly <b>16</b> and may be varied accordingly between different users.

0067Moreover, removable oral appliance <b>18</b> may be fabricated from various polymeric or a combination of polymeric and metallic materials using any number of methods, such as computer-aided machining processes using computer numerical control (CNC) systems or three-dimensional printing processes, e.g., stereolithography apparatus (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and/or other similar processes utilizing three-dimensional geometry of the patient's dentition, which may be obtained via any number of techniques. Such techniques may include use of scanned dentition using intra-oral scanners such as laser, white light, ultrasound, mechanical three-dimensional touch scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), other optical methods, etc.

0068In forming the removable oral appliance <b>18</b>, the appliance <b>18</b> may be optionally formed such that it is molded to fit over the dentition and at least a portion of the adjacent gingival tissue to inhibit the entry of food, fluids, and other debris into the oral appliance <b>18</b> and between the transducer assembly and tooth surface. Moreover, the greater surface area of the oral appliance <b>18</b> may facilitate the placement and configuration of the assembly <b>16</b> onto the appliance <b>18</b>.

0069Additionally, the removable oral appliance <b>18</b> may be optionally fabricated to have a shrinkage factor such that when placed onto the dentition, oral appliance <b>18</b> may be configured to securely grab onto the tooth or teeth as the appliance <b>18</b> may have a resulting size slightly smaller than the scanned tooth or teeth upon which the appliance <b>18</b> was formed. The fitting may result in a secure interference fit between the appliance <b>18</b> and underlying dentition.

0070<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref> illustrates a schematic representation of one variation of hearing aid assembly <b>14</b> utilizing receiving transducer <b>30</b>, which may generally comprise microphone for receiving sounds and which is electrically connected to processor <b>32</b> for processing the auditory signals. Processor <b>32</b> may be electrically connected to antenna <b>34</b> for receiving wireless communication signals, e.g., input control signals from an external remote control <b>36</b> and/or other external sound generating devices, e.g., cell phones, telephones, stereos, MP3 players, and other media players. The microphone <b>30</b> and processor <b>32</b> may be configured to detect and process auditory signals in any practicable range, but may be configured in one variation to detect auditory signals ranging from, e.g., 250 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. The detected and processed signals may be amplified via amplifier <b>44</b>, which increases the output levels for vibrational transmission by transducer <b>40</b> into the adjacent, or otherwise coupled, bone structure such as a patient's tooth or teeth <b>12</b>.

0071With respect to microphone <b>30</b>, a variety of various microphone systems may be utilized. For instance, microphone <b>30</b> may be a digital, analog, piezo, and/or directional type microphone. Such various types of microphones may be interchangeably configured to be utilized with the assembly, if so desired.

0072Power supply <b>42</b> may be connected to each of the components such as processor <b>32</b> and transducer <b>40</b> to provide power thereto. The control or other sound generated signals received by antenna <b>34</b> may be in any wireless form utilizing, e.g., radio frequency, ultrasound, microwave, Blue Tooth® (BLUETOOTH SIG, INC., Bellevue, WA), etc. for transmission to assembly <b>16</b>. The external remote control <b>36</b> may be utilized such that a user may manipulate to adjust various acoustic parameters of the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b>, such as acoustic focusing, volume control, filtration, muting, frequency optimization, sound adjustments, and tone adjustments, etc.

0073The signals transmitted may be received by electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b> via a receiver, which may be connected to an internal processor for additional processing of the received signals. The received signals may be communicated to transducer <b>40,</b> which may vibrate correspondingly against a surface of the tooth to conduct the vibratory signals through the tooth and bone and subsequently to the middle ear to facilitate hearing of the user. Transducer <b>40</b> may be configured as any number of different vibratory mechanisms. For instance, in one variation, transducer <b>40</b> may be an electromagnetically actuated transducer. In other variations, transducer <b>40</b> may be in the form of a piezoelectric crystal having a range of vibratory frequencies, e.g., between 250 to 20,000 Hz.

0074Although power supply <b>42</b> may be a simple battery, replaceable or permanent, other variations may include a power supply <b>42</b> which is charged by inductance via an external charger. Additionally, power supply <b>42</b> may alternatively be charged via direct coupling <b>48</b> to an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) source. Other variations may include a power supply <b>42</b> which is charged via a mechanical mechanism <b>46</b>, such as an internal pendulum or slidable electrical inductance charger as known in the art, which is actuated via, e.g., motions of the jaw and/or movement for translating the mechanical motion into stored electrical energy for charging power supply <b>42</b>.

0075In one variation, with assembly <b>14</b> positioned upon the teeth, as shown in <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 5</figref>, an extra-buccal transmitter assembly <b>22</b> located outside the patient's mouth may be utilized to receive auditory signals for processing and transmission via a wireless signal <b>24</b> to the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>16</b> positioned within the patient's mouth, which may then process and transmit the processed auditory signals via vibratory conductance to the underlying tooth and consequently to the patent inner ear.

0076The transmitter assembly <b>22</b>, as described in further detail below, may contain a microphone assembly as well as a transmitter assembly and may be configured in any number of shapes and forms worn by the user, such as a watch, necklace, lapel, phone, belt-mounted device, etc.

0077In such a variation, as illustrated schematically in <figref idref="f0005">Fig. 6</figref>, the processor <b>32</b> may receive the signals through antenna <b>34</b> from external sound-generating devices <b>38</b> (as described above, e.g., cell phones, telephones, stereos, MP3 players, and other media players) as well as from other incoming sounds received from receiving transducer <b>30</b> for processing and transmission to the hearing aid assembly <b>14</b>. Control <b>36</b> may be used to modify various parameters of the received sound while powered by battery <b>42</b>, as above.

0078In another variation, a hearing aid assembly may be embedded into or configured as a custom made dental implant <b>54</b> (e.g., a permanent crown) that may be secured onto an implant post <b>50</b> previously implanted into the bone <b>52</b>, e.g., jaw bone, of a patient, as shown in <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 7</figref>. Dental implant <b>54</b> may be secured or coupled to post <b>50</b> via receiving channel <b>56</b> defined within implant <b>54</b>. The transducer assembly as well as the associated electronics and power supply may be contained within implant <b>54</b> such that when implant <b>54</b> received a signal for conductance to the user, the transducer may vibrate within implant <b>54</b> to conduct the vibrations through post <b>50</b> and into the user.

0079In yet another variation, the electronics and transducer assembly <b>16</b> may be bonded or otherwise adhered directly to the surface of one or more teeth <b>12</b> rather than embedded or attached to a separate housing, as shown in <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 8</figref>.

0080In yet other variations, vibrations may be transmitted directly into the underlying bone or tissue structures rather than transmitting directly through the tooth or teeth of the user. As shown in <figref idref="f0008">Fig. 9A</figref>, an oral appliance <b>70</b> is illustrated positioned upon the user's tooth, in this example upon a molar located along the upper row of teeth. The electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>72</b> is shown as being located along the buccal surface of the tooth. Rather than utilizing a transducer in contact with the tooth surface, a conduction transmission member <b>74</b>, such as a rigid or solid metallic member, may be coupled to the transducer in assembly <b>72</b> and extend from oral appliance <b>70</b> to a post or screw <b>76</b> which is implanted directly into the underlying bone <b>78</b>, such as the maxillary bone, as shown in the partial cross-sectional view of <figref idref="f0008">Fig. 9B</figref>. As the distal end of transmission member <b>74</b> is coupled directly to post or screw <b>76</b>, the vibrations generated by the transducer may be transmitted through transmission member <b>74</b> and directly into post or screw <b>76</b>, which in turn transmits the vibrations directly into and through the bone <b>78</b> for transmission to the user's inner ear.

0081<figref idref="f0008">Fig. 10</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an oral appliance <b>80</b> placed upon the user's tooth TH with the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>82</b> located along the lingual surface of the tooth. Similarly, the vibrations may be transmitted through the conduction transmission member <b>74</b> and directly into post or screw <b>76</b>, which in this example is implanted into the palatine bone <b>PL</b>. Other variations may utilize this arrangement located along the lower row of teeth for transmission to a post or screw <b>76</b> drilled into the mandibular bone. In yet other variations, one or more screws may be drilled into several locations within the user's mouth. For instance, two screws <b>60, 62</b> may be drilled along the maxillary and palatine bone, as shown in <figref idref="f0008">Fig. 11</figref>.

0082Additional examples of various transducer configurations and elements which may be utilized with any of the configurations described herein, as practicable, are shown and described in further detail in <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US74164807A" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Pat. App. Serial No. 11/741,648 filed April 27, 2007</text></patcit>.

0083In other variations utilizing multiple components, generally a first component may be attached to the tooth or teeth using permanent or semi-permanent adhesives while a second removable component may be attached, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the first component. Examples of adhesives for attaching the first component to the tooth or teeth may include cements and epoxies intended to be applied and/or removed by a healthcare provider. Examples of typical dental cements include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide eugenol, zinc phosphate, zinc silico-phosphate, zinc-polyacrylate, zinc-polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, resin-based, silicate-based cements, etc.

0084The first component can contain any, all, or none of the mechanisms and/or electronics (e.g., actuators, processors, receivers, etc.) while the second component, which can be attached to the first component, can also contain any combination of the mechanisms and/or electronics, such as the battery. These two components may be temporarily coupled utilizing a variety of mechanisms, e.g., electromagnetic, mechanical attachment, chemical attachment, or a combination of any or all of these coupling mechanisms.

0085An illustrative example is shown in <figref idref="f0009">Fig. 12</figref>, which shows two components of assembly <b>84</b> which are configured to securely mate with one another. A first component <b>86</b> may be permanently or non-removably attached onto the underlying tooth or teeth <b>TH</b> and a second component <b>88</b> may be removably coupled to the first component <b>86</b> by the user. First component <b>86</b> may be bonded, adhered, or otherwise affixed via an attachment mechanism <b>89</b> such as a cement, epoxy, glue, etc., as mentioned above.

0086In one variation, the first component <b>86</b> may contain a signal processor, transducer, receiver, and any combinations of these components or including additional components. In another variation, the first component may omit each of these elements and function simply as an attachment base for holding and securing the components relative to the tooth. In either case, the second component <b>88</b> may comprise a power supply alone, such as a battery, if the remaining components are contained within first component <b>86</b> or it may optionally comprise a power supply in combination with a processor, transducer, receiver, etc. Moreover, first and second components <b>86, 88</b> may be coupled to one another via any number of magnetic, mechanical, or chemical attachment mechanisms, which are described below in further detail.

0087An electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>90</b> according to the invention may define a channel or groove <b>92</b> along a surface for engaging a corresponding dental anchor or bracket <b>96</b>, as shown in <figref idref="f0010">Fig. 13A</figref>. Dental anchor <b>96</b> may comprise a light-curable acrylate-based composite material adhered directly to the tooth surface. Moreover dental anchor <b>96</b> may be configured in a shape which corresponds to a shape of channel or groove <b>92</b> such that the two may be interfitted in a mating engagement. In this manner, the transducer in assembly <b>90</b> may vibrate directly against dental anchor <b>96</b> which may then transmit these signals directly into the tooth <b>TH</b>. Sealing the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>90</b> may facilitate the manufacturing of such devices by utilizing a single size for the electronics encasement which may mount onto a custom-fit retainer or bracket.

0088<figref idref="f0010">Fig. 13B</figref> shows yet another variation in which the oral appliance is omitted entirely. Here, a composite dental anchor or bracket <b>96</b> may be adhered directly onto the tooth surface, as above. Alternatively, bracket <b>96</b> may be comprised of a biocompatible material, e.g., stainless steel, Nickel-Titanium, ceramics, composites, etc., formed into a bracket and anchored onto the tooth surface. The bracket <b>96</b> may be configured to have a shape <b>98</b> over which an electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>90</b> may be slid over or upon via a channel <b>92</b> having a corresponding receiving configuration <b>94</b> for engagement with bracket <b>96</b>. In this manner, assembly <b>90</b> may be directly engaged against bracket <b>96</b>, through which a transducer may directly vibrate into the underlying tooth <b>TH</b>. Additionally, in the event that assembly <b>90</b> is removed from the tooth <b>TH</b>, assembly <b>90</b> may be simply slid or rotated offbracket <b>96</b> and a replacement assembly may be put in its place upon bracket <b>96</b>.

0089<figref idref="f0011">Fig. 14A</figref> shows another variation according to the invention where a metallic bracket <b>100</b>, fabricated from any of the metals or composites mentioned above, may be attached directly to oral appliance <b>18</b> such that metallic bracket <b>100</b> directly contacts tooth <b>TH</b> via an inner contact surface <b>102</b> to facilitate coupling and transmission of the vibrations. As also described above, the removable encasement <b>106</b> may contain the transducer and many of the electronics, e.g., power supply, receiver, processor, etc., in an enclosure which is hermetically sealed. As above, metallic bracket <b>100</b> may have one or more retaining or alignment members <b>104</b> which are configured to slidingly or rotatingly mate with a complementary retaining channel <b>114</b> defined within encasement <b>106</b>. Also illustrated is an example of positioning of transducer assembly <b>108</b>, which may contact against metallic bracket <b>100</b> when mated, as well as receiver/processor <b>110</b> and power supply or battery <b>112</b>. To remove encasement <b>106</b> and transducer assembly <b>108</b> from metallic bracket <b>100</b>, encasement <b>106</b> may be slid off bracket <b>100</b> or oral appliance <b>18</b> may be removed entirely from user's tooth or teeth <b>TH</b>. <figref idref="f0011">Fig. 14B</figref> illustrates a perspective view of encasement <b>106</b> slidingly removed from metallic bracket 100.

0090<figref idref="f0012">Fig. 15</figref> illustrates a partial cross-sectional end view of another variation of a system utilizing a bracket <b>120</b> fabricated from any of the materials described above and mounted to the underlying tooth or teeth <b>TH</b>. This variation may utilize bracket <b>120</b> attached or otherwise affixed against mounting surface <b>122</b>. Bracket <b>120</b> may define one or more mounting members or surfaces <b>124</b> upon which housing <b>126</b> may be secured via one or more securement members <b>128</b> extending from housing <b>126</b> to grasp or mechanically lock onto mounting members or surfaces <b>124</b>. The one or more securement members <b>128</b> may be fabricated from a metallic or plastic member such as a clip or soft rubber boot.

0091Housing <b>126</b> not only provides mass for enhancing the vibrational transmission, but it also encapsulates the removable electronics and actuators, etc. An alignment member or feature <b>130</b> (e.g., a rod, dowel, or cylindrical projection which aligns the coil <b>132</b> with magnet <b>138</b>) may be configured as a weak magnet poled in such a direction that its field interacts with the permanent magnet <b>138</b> to guide the motion of the transducer against bracket <b>120</b>. In this variation, coil <b>132</b> may be wound about bobbin <b>134</b>, which may be mounted against mounting substrate or surface <b>136</b> contained within housing <b>126</b>. Coil <b>132</b> may interact with an adjacent permanent magnet <b>138</b> which vibrates against bracket <b>120</b>. Moreover, coil <b>132</b> may be connected via electrical connector <b>142</b> leading to electronics <b>140</b>. Power supply <b>144</b> may also be in electrical communication with the various elements contained within housing <b>126</b>.

0092In yet another variation, <figref idref="f0013">Fig. 16A</figref> shows an end view of bracket <b>160</b> which may contain magnetic component <b>166</b>, which may be ferromagnetic or electromagnetic, for removably coupling via magnetic attraction to housing <b>162</b> which may also contain a complementary magnetic component <b>168</b> for coupling to magnetic component <b>166</b>. One or more alignment members or arms <b>164</b> defined along bracket <b>160</b> may facilitate the alignment of bracket <b>160</b> with housing <b>162</b> by aligning with alignment step <b>170</b>. <figref idref="f0013">Fig. 16B</figref> shows another variation where bracket <b>160</b> may be configured such that the entire bracket is magnetic <b>172</b> for magnetically coupling to housing <b>162</b>.

0093<figref idref="f0013">Fig. 16C</figref> shows yet another variation where a magnetic component <b>174</b> may be disposed at a first end of housing <b>162</b> and a complementary magnetic component <b>176</b> may be disposed at a first end of bracket <b>160</b>. Having the magnetic components disposed along a single portion of bracket <b>160</b> and housing <b>162</b> may help to align housing <b>168</b> in a desired orientation when sliding housing <b>168</b> upon bracket <b>160</b>.

0094Another variation is illustrated in the end and side views of <figref idref="f0014">Figs. 17A and 17B</figref>, which show bracket <b>180</b> configured into a cylindrical configuration. Cylindrical bracket <b>180</b> may be adhered to attached to tooth <b>TH</b> via attachment <b>184</b> and is sufficiently sized to fit comfortably within the user's mouth. For instance, suitable dimensions for bracket <b>180</b> may range from 5 to 10 mm in diameter and 10 to 15 mm in length. Although illustrated in a cylindrical configuration, bracket <b>180</b> may be variously shaped, e.g., ovoid, cubicle, etc.

0095An electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>182</b> having an outer surface configured with screw threading <b>190</b> may be screwed into threaded housing opening <b>188</b> of bracket <b>180</b>, as shown in the assembly side view of <figref idref="f0014">Fig. 17C</figref>. By rotating assembly <b>182</b> into bracket <b>180</b>, e.g., by utilizing screw guide <b>186</b> as shown in <figref idref="f0014">Fig. 17D</figref>, a secure attachment and vibrational coupling may be achieved. Housing <b>180</b> may be removed from bracket <b>180</b> by reversing the direction of rotation of housing <b>180</b>.

0096<figref idref="f0015">Fig. 18A</figref> shows an end view of another variation utilizing bracket <b>200</b> attached to tooth <b>TH</b> via attachment <b>204</b> and which defines a receiving channel <b>208</b> into which electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>202</b> may be positioned and secured via retaining tab <b>206</b>. As shown in <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 18B</figref>, a perspective view of the assembly with assembly <b>202</b> removed from bracket <b>200</b> illustrates the housing of assembly <b>202</b> defining one or more tool alignment grooves <b>210</b> along one or both sides of the housing. A tool opening <b>216</b> is defined along a proximal end of the housing and opens into a removal tool channel <b>214</b> defined through the length of assembly <b>202</b>. Moreover, retaining tab receiving opening <b>212</b> is also defined near or at a distal end of the housing for receiving the retaining tab <b>206</b> when assembly <b>202</b> is inserted within bracket <b>200</b>.

0097As shown in <figref idref="f0016">Fig. 19A</figref>, assembly <b>202</b> has been slid within bracket <b>200</b> and retaining tab <b>206</b> has been engaged within tab receiving opening <b>212</b>. To remove assembly <b>202</b> from bracket <b>200</b>, removal tool <b>220</b> may be used to release and remove assembly <b>202</b>. Removal tool <b>220</b> may comprise central member <b>222</b> extending from elongate member <b>228</b>. An engaging step <b>224</b> may be defined near or at a distal end of central member <b>222</b> for releasing tab <b>206</b> and two tool alignment members or prongs <b>226</b> may also extend from elongate member <b>228</b> in parallel on either side of central member <b>222</b>.

0098During removal, engaging step <b>224</b> and central member <b>222</b> may be inserted into opening <b>216</b>. With alignment members <b>226</b> slid into their respective alignment grooves defined along either side of assembly <b>202</b>, engaging step <b>224</b> may be advanced until a distal portion of central member <b>222</b> releases tab <b>206</b> from tab receiving opening <b>212</b>, as shown in the partial cross-sectional side view of <figref idref="f0016">Fig. 19B</figref>. With tab <b>206</b> disengaged, engaging step <b>224</b> may catch upon the edge of opening <b>212</b>, as shown in <figref idref="f0016">Fig. 19B</figref> and the top view of <figref idref="f0016">Fig. 19C</figref>, allowing central member <b>222</b> and step <b>224</b> to pull assembly <b>202</b> from bracket <b>200</b> for removal.

0099<figref idref="f0017">Fig. 20A</figref> shows an end view of another variation where bracket <b>230</b> may likewise be attached to tooth or teeth <b>TH</b> via attachment <b>234</b> and contain electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>232</b> within. Although illustrated as having an oval shape, any number of configurations may be utilized. <figref idref="f0017">Fig. 20B</figref> shows a perspective view of assembly <b>232</b> removed from receiving channel <b>238</b> of bracket <b>230</b>. Assembly <b>232</b> may define a removal tool opening <b>242</b> at a proximal end and a protruding stop <b>240</b>, e.g., ball, spring, etc., which may project at least partially from a surface of assembly <b>232</b>. Bracket <b>230</b> may define a stop engagement opening <b>236</b> near or at a distal end of the bracket <b>230</b> such that when assembly <b>232</b> is initially inserted within bracket <b>230</b>, stop <b>240</b> may be depressed into assembly <b>232</b> until released into stop engagement opening <b>236</b>, thus functioning as a locking mechanism for retaining assembly <b>232</b> within bracket <b>230</b>.

0100To remove assembly <b>232</b> from bracket <b>230</b>, an elongate removal tool <b>256</b> having a step <b>258</b> defined near or at a distal end of tool <b>256</b> may be inserted into removal tool receiving channel <b>252</b> defined within assembly <b>242</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="f0018">Fig. 21A</figref>. Tool <b>256</b> may be advanced through channel <b>252</b> until it contacts stop <b>240</b>, illustrated here as a spherical ball protruding through engagement opening <b>236</b> of bracket <b>230</b>, as shown in <figref idref="f0018">Fig. 21B</figref>. Step <b>258</b> may be urged distally to push stop <b>240</b> out of engagement with opening <b>236</b> until tool <b>256</b> has been pushed over stop <b>240</b> to release assembly <b>232</b> from bracket <b>230</b>. With stop <b>240</b> compressed against biasing element <b>250</b>, e.g., a spring, tool <b>256</b> may be further advanced until step <b>258</b> engages engagement step <b>254</b>, which is defined at the end of tool receiving channel <b>252</b>, as shown in <figref idref="f0018">Fig. 21C</figref>. With tool <b>256</b> engaged via step <b>258</b> to engagement step <b>254</b>, assembly <b>232</b> may then be slid proximally out from bracket <b>230</b> for removal, as shown in <figref idref="f0018">Fig. 21D</figref>.

0101<figref idref="f0019">Fig. 22A</figref> shows an end view of another variation utilizing bracket <b>260</b> and removable electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>262</b> which may be coupled via a sliding mechanism and alignment members <b>264</b> protruding from assembly <b>262</b>. <figref idref="f0019">Figs. 22B and 22C</figref> show partial cross-sectional side and end views, respectively, of assembly <b>262</b> positioned partially along bracket <b>260</b> prior to secure engagement. Assembly <b>262</b> may define alignment members <b>264</b> protruding from either side of the housing and tool applicator rails <b>268</b>, as described in further detail below, also protruding from either side of the housing along the length of assembly <b>262</b>. A distal end of assembly <b>262</b> also defines a stop member <b>270</b> protruding from the housing for engagement with bracket <b>260</b>. Bracket <b>260</b> defines one or more sliding tracks <b>266</b> along a length of bracket <b>260</b> through which the alignment members <b>264</b> may be inserted and guided through. Tracks <b>266</b> may further define a curved portion <b>278</b> along a distal end of sliding track <b>266</b>, as described further below. A distal end of bracket <b>260</b> also defines a retaining step <b>272</b> for engagement with stop member <b>270</b> of assembly <b>262</b>. A biasing element <b>276</b>, e.g., a spring, may also be positioned within a cavity <b>274</b> defined near or at a distal portion of bracket <b>260</b>.

0102In use, when assembly <b>262</b> is to be coupled to bracket <b>260</b>, alignment members <b>264</b> may be inserted into a proximal end of sliding track <b>266</b> and advanced therealong, as shown in <figref idref="f0020">Figs. 23A and 23B</figref>. Assembly <b>262</b> may be urged distally until it contacts biasing element <b>276</b> contained within the distal portion of bracket <b>260</b> whereupon assembly <b>262</b> may be further urged distally while compressing biasing element <b>276</b>. Sliding track <b>266</b> may be curved in such a manner where further advancement of assembly <b>262</b> forces stop member <b>270</b> to become engaged against retaining step <b>272</b>. With the compressed biasing element <b>276</b> pushing against assembly <b>262</b>, stop member <b>270</b> may be secured against retaining step <b>272</b> to inhibit or prevent the release of assembly <b>262</b>, as shown in <figref idref="f0020">Fig. 23C</figref>. To release assembly <b>262</b> from bracket <b>260</b>, assembly <b>262</b> may be pushed further distally relative to bracket <b>260</b> to further compress biasing element <b>276</b>. With the distal portion <b>278</b> of sliding track <b>266</b> curved transversely relative to the proximal portion of track <b>266</b>, alignment members <b>264</b> may be slid through the distal portion <b>278</b> and released from bracket <b>260</b> for removal, as shown in <figref idref="f0020">Fig. 23D</figref>.

0103<figref idref="f0021">Figs. 24A and 24B</figref> show side views of the assembly <b>262</b> prior to engagement with retaining step <b>272</b> with the other features removed for clarity to further illustrate the securement mechanism. As shown, as assembly <b>262</b> contacts and compresses biasing element <b>276</b>, stop member <b>270</b> is eventually brought into engagement with retaining step <b>272</b> for securing assembly <b>262</b> to bracket <b>260</b>.

0104In order to facilitate the handling and introduction of assembly <b>262</b> into engagement with bracket <b>260</b>, applicator tool <b>280</b> may be used, as shown in the perspective assembly view of <figref idref="f0022">Fig. 25A</figref>, to insert and secure assembly <b>262</b> relative to bracket <b>260</b>. Tool <b>280</b> may define two alignment members <b>282, 284</b> which extend distally for releasably holding assembly <b>262</b> on either side. As seen in the detail perspective view of <figref idref="f0022">Fig. 25B</figref>, applicator rails <b>268</b> protruding from either or both sides of assembly <b>262</b> along the length of the housing may be slid into corresponding alignment channels <b>286</b> which are defined along the length of alignment members <b>282, 284</b> such that the applicator rails <b>268</b> are secured and transverse movement of assembly <b>262</b> relative to alignment members <b>282, 284</b> is inhibited or prevented, as shown in the top and end views of <figref idref="f0022">Figs. 25C and 25D</figref>, respectively.

0105Aside from mechanical coupling mechanisms, chemical attachment may also be utilized. As shown in the end views of <figref idref="f0023">Figs. 26A and 26B</figref>, electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>292</b> may be adhered to bracket <b>290</b> via a non-permanent adhesive <b>294</b>. Examples of such temporary adhesive <b>294</b> may include, e.g., eugenol and non-eugenol cements. Examples of eugenol temporary cements include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide eugenol commercially available from Temrex (Freeport, NY) or TempoCem® available from Zenith Dental (Englewood, NJ). Other examples of non-eugenol temporary cements include, but are not limited to, cements which are commercially available such as PROVISCELL™ (Septodont, Inc., Ontario, Canada) as well as NOMIX™ (Centrix, Inc., Shelton, CT).

0106For any of the variations described above, they may be utilized as a single device or in combination with any other variation herein, as practicable, to achieve the desired hearing level in the user. Moreover, more than one oral appliance device and electronics and/or transducer assemblies may be utilized at any one time. For example, <figref idref="f0024">Fig. 27A</figref> illustrates one example where multiple transducer assemblies <b>300, 302, 304, 306</b> may be placed on multiple teeth. Although shown on the lower row of teeth, multiple assemblies may alternatively be positioned and located along the upper row of teeth or both rows as well. Moreover, each of the assemblies may be configured to transmit vibrations within a uniform frequency range. Alternatively in other variations, different assemblies may be configured to vibrate within non-overlapping frequency ranges between each assembly. As mentioned above, each transducer <b>300, 302, 304, 306</b> can be programmed or preset for a different frequency response such that each transducer may be optimized for a different frequency response and/or transmission to deliver a relatively high-fidelity sound to the user.

0107Moreover, each of the different transducers <b>300, 302, 304, 306</b> can also be programmed to vibrate in a manner which indicates the directionality of sound received by the microphone worn by the user. For example, different transducers positioned at different locations within the user's mouth can vibrate in a specified manner by providing sound or vibrational queues to inform the user which direction a sound was detected relative to an orientation of the user. For instance, a first transducer located, e.g., on a user's left tooth, can be programmed to vibrate for sound detected originating from the user's left side. Similarly, a second transducer located, e.g., on a user's right tooth, can be programmed to vibrate for sound detected originating from the user's right side. Other variations and queues may be utilized as these examples are intended to be illustrative of potential variations.

0108In yet another variation for separating the microphone from the transducer assembly, <figref idref="f0024">Fig. 27B</figref> illustrates another variation where at least one microphone <b>312</b> (or optionally any number of additional microphones <b>314, 316</b>) may be positioned within the mouth of the user while physically separated from the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>310</b>. In this manner, the one or optionally more microphones <b>312,314,316</b> may be wirelessly coupled to the electronics and/or transducer assembly <b>310</b> in a manner which attenuates or eliminates feedback from the transducer.

0109Further examples of these algorithms are shown and described in detail in <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US672239A" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Pat. App. Serial Nos. 11/672,239</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US11672250A" dnum-type="L"><text>11/672,250</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US11672264A" dnum-type="L"><text>11/672,264</text></patcit>; and <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US11672271A" dnum-type="L"><text>11/672,271 all filed February 7,2007</text></patcit>.

0110The applications of the devices and methods discussed above are not limited to the treatment of hearing loss but may include any number of further treatment applications.