Actuator systems for oral-based appliances

Abstract

Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element. The transducer element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.

1 . An apparatus for conducting vibrations via at least one tooth, comprising:
 a housing having a shape which is conformable to at least a portion of the at least one tooth;   a transducer disposed within or upon the housing and in vibratory communication with a surface of the at least one tooth; and   a mass element coupled to the transducer and movable relative to the housing whereby movement of the mass element generates a force transmittable through the surface of the at least one tooth.