Multifunction system and method for integrated hearing and communication with noise cancellation and feedback management

An audio listening system for use with an ear of a user, the system comprising:

• an external microphone configured for placement external to the ear canal to measure external sound pressure;
• a transducer configured for placement inside the ear canal on an eardrum of the user to vibrate the eardrum and transmit sound to the user in response to the external microphone, wherein the transducer comprises an output transducer, the output transducer comprising a photodetector connected to a coil, the output transducer being configured to vibrate the eardrum;
• a sound processor configured with active noise cancellation to cause the transducer to adjust vibration of the eardrum to minimize or cancel an external sound perceived by the user based on the external sound pressure measured by the external microphone;
• and
• a light source coupled to an output of the sound processor and configured to emit a light signal to the transducer to vibrate the transducer when the transducer is positioned on the eardrum of the user, wherein the light signal comprises a combination of the external sound perceived by the user based on the external sound pressure measured by the external microphone and a direct audio signal.