Hearing aid and hearing aid dual use dongle

Abstract

A power dongle for a hearing aid includes conductive wires, each wire having a computing device end and a hearing aid end. A first connector is connected to the computing device end of each of the plurality of conductive wires to releasbly couple to an input/output port of the computing device and a second connector is connected to the hearing aid end of each of the plurality of conductive wires to releasably couple to an interface of the hearing aid, the second connector configured to deliver at least one of a first power supply and an audio signal from the computing device to the interface of the hearing aid.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device for coupling to an audio device and for providing a recharge function, the device comprising:
 a first connector to releasably couple to an input/output port that receives a first power supply signal;   a second connector to releasably couple to an interface of the audio device;   an internal battery that generates a second power signal, wherein the internal battery is charged via the first power supply signal received via the first connector; and   a power regulator that generates a regulated power signal from the second power signal, wherein the regulated power signal recharges a battery of the audio device via the second connector.   
     
     
         22 . The device according to  claim 21 , further comprising a casing and a power source disposed therein, the power source coupled with the power regulator. 
     
     
         23 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the second connector is configured to be coupled to the device via a connector selected from a group comprising a snap, a lock, a magnet, a hook, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The device according to  claim 23 , wherein the second connector magnetically couples the device and the interface of the audio device. 
     
     
         25 . The device according to  claim 24 , wherein the regulated power signal is provided to the audio device when the audio device is detected to be magnetically coupled. 
     
     
         26 . The device according to  claim 24 , wherein the regulated power signal is provided to the audio device through the magnetic coupling. 
     
     
         27 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the device is operable to change between a plurality of modes including a power assist mode, a recharge mode, a remote supply power mode, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         28 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the regulated power signal is suitable to perform one or more battery management operations. 
     
     
         29 . The device according to  claim 21 , further comprising a securing mechanism selected from a group comprising a clasp, a clip, a hook, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         30 . The device according to  claim 21 , further comprising a circuitry, wherein the first power signal is operable to provide power directly to the circuitry.