Hearing aid implant recharging system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to charging and recharging systems for compact hearing aids, components thereof, and support devices therefor. The charging and recharging systems generally include a light emitting device, such as an aural insert having a light emitting diode, and a photovoltaic cell disposed on an implanted hearing aid. In operation, the light emitting device is positioned in or near the entrance of the ear canal and transmits light energy across the ear canal towards the implanted hearing aid. The photovoltaic cell receives the light energy and converts the light energy into stored electricity to power the hearing aid.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A hearing aid system, comprising:
 a hearing aid configured to be disposed through a tympanic membrane of an ear, the hearing aid comprising:
 a first end comprising an energy-receiving surface, the energy-receiving surface configured to convert received energy into stored electricity for powering the hearing aid; and 
 a rechargeable energy source. 
   
     
     
         22 . The hearing aid system of  claim 21 , wherein the received energy comprises light energy. 
     
     
         23 . The hearing aid system of  claim 22 , wherein the light energy comprises light having a wavelength between about 400 nm and about 1100 nm. 
     
     
         24 . The hearing aid system of  claim 23 , wherein the light energy comprises light having a wavelength between about 400 nm and about 870 nm. 
     
     
         25 . The hearing aid system of  claim 22 , wherein the energy-receiving surface comprises a photovoltaic (PV) cell. 
     
     
         26 . The hearing aid system of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a charging device configured to be inserted near an entrance of an ear canal of the ear, the charging device comprising an energy source configured to emit energy receivable by the energy-receiving surface to recharge the rechargeable energy source.   
     
     
         27 . The hearing aid system of  claim 26 , wherein the charging device is further configured to transmit command signals for controlling one or more aspects of the hearing aid. 
     
     
         28 . The hearing aid system of  claim 26 , wherein the energy comprises light energy, and wherein the charging device comprise a light source. 
     
     
         29 . The hearing aid system of  claim 28 , wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED). 
     
     
         30 . The hearing aid system of  claim 28 , wherein the light source comprises a coherent light source. 
     
     
         31 . The hearing aid system of  claim 30 , wherein the light source comprises a laser light source. 
     
     
         32 . The hearing aid system of  claim 21 , wherein the first end further comprises a microphone configured to receive and convert sound energy into electrical signals for stimulating the tympanic membrane of the ear. 
     
     
         33 . The hearing aid system of  claim 21 , wherein the rechargeable energy source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         34 . A hearing aid system, comprising:
 a hearing aid configured to be disposed through a tympanic membrane of an ear, the hearing aid comprising:
 a first end comprising a light-receiving surface, the light-receiving surface configured to convert received light energy into stored electricity for powering the hearing aid; and 
 a rechargeable battery. 
   
     
     
         35 . The hearing aid system of  claim 34 , wherein the light-receiving surface comprises a photovoltaic (PV) cell. 
     
     
         36 . The hearing aid system of  claim 34 , further comprising:
 a charging device configured to be inserted near an entrance of an ear canal of the ear, the charging device comprising a light source configured to emit light energy receivable by the light-receiving surface to recharge the rechargeable battery.   
     
     
         37 . The hearing aid system of  claim 36 , wherein the charging device is further configured to transmit command signals for controlling one or more aspects of the hearing aid. 
     
     
         38 . The hearing aid system of  claim 36 , wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED) or laser light source. 
     
     
         39 . The hearing aid system of  claim 34 , wherein the first end further comprises a microphone configured to receive and convert sound energy into electrical signals for stimulating the tympanic membrane of the ear. 
     
     
         40 . A hearing aid system, comprising:
 a hearing aid configured to be disposed through a tympanic membrane of an ear, the hearing aid comprising:
 a first end comprising a light-receiving cell and a microphone, the light-receiving cell configured to convert received light energy into stored electricity for powering the hearing aid, the microphone configured to receive and convert sound energy into electrical signals for stimulating the tympanic membrane of the ear; and 
 a rechargeable battery; and 
   a charging device configured to be inserted near an entrance of an ear canal of the ear, the charging device comprising a light source configured to emit light energy receivable by the light-receiving cell to recharge the rechargeable battery.