Transformable speech processor module for a hearing prosthesis

Abstract

A method for operating an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and a protective case. The method includes operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode, determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case, and operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode in response to determining that the speech processor module is mounted in the case.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for implementing an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system, the external component comprising a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and configured to be worn on the ear of a recipient, and operable in a body-worn mode of operation, the method comprising:
 operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode;   determining that the speech processor module is mounted in a body-worn protective case; and   operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode in response to the determination that the speech processor module is mounted in the case.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining when the speech processor module is not mounted in the case; and   operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode in response to the determination that the speech processor module is not mounted in the case.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , when the speech processor module is mounted in the case, the method further comprises:
 providing power from an on-board power supply to the speech processor module.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case comprises:
 determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case based on identification information of the on-board power supply.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the identification information of the on-board power supply is a value of a resistor in the on-board power supply. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external component further comprises an externally-accessible switch, and wherein the method further comprises:
 utilizing the configuration of the switch to determine when the speech processor module is mounted in the case.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the case comprises a base member and a cover member matable with the base member, the method further comprising:
 removably mounting the speech processor module in the base member; and   mating the cover member with the base member.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external component further comprises an external microphone positioned external to the protective case, and wherein operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode comprises:
 receiving sounds signals from the external microphone.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the speech processor module further comprises an internal microphone, and wherein operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode comprises:
 receiving sounds signals from the internal microphone.   
     
     
         10 . A method for implementing an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system comprising:
 operating a speech processor module configured to be worn on the ear of a recipient in a stand-alone mode of operation;   determining when the speech processor module is mounted in a body-worn protective case; and   operating the speech processor module in a body-worn mode of operation in response to determining that the speech processor module is mounted in the case.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 determining when the speech processor module is not mounted in the case; and   operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode in response to the determination that the speech processor module is not mounted in the case.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the speech processor module is mounted in the case, the method further comprises:
 providing power from an on-board power supply to the speech processor module.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case comprises:
 determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case based on identification information of the on-board power supply.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the identification information of the on-board power supply is a value of a resistor in the on-board power supply. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the external component further comprises an externally-accessible switch, and wherein the method further comprises:
 utilizing the configuration of the switch to determine when the speech processor module is mounted in the case.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the case comprises a base member and a cover member matable with the base member, the method further comprising:
 removably mounting the speech processor module in the base member; and   mating the cover member with the base member.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the external component further comprises an external microphone positioned external to the protective case, and wherein operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode comprises:
 receiving sounds signals from the external microphone.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the speech processor module further comprises an internal microphone, and wherein operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode comprises:
 receiving sounds signals from the internal microphone.   
     
     
         19 . A method for implementing an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system, the external component comprising a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation;
 a protective case configured to have said speech processor module removably mounted therein; and   an operational mode controller configured to determine when said speech processor module is mounted in said case and to place said speech processor module in said body-worn mode of operation when said module is mounted in said case.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the external speech processor module further comprises:
 an external speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation;   a protective case configured to have said speech processor module removably mounted therein; and   an operational mode controller configured to determine when said speech processor module is mounted in said case and to place said speech processor module in said body-worn mode of operation when said module is mounted in said case.