Acoustic output device with antenna

#Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates generally to hearing prostheses and, more particularly, to a behind-the-ear (BTE) prosthetic device with an antenna.

#Related Art

#Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a behind-the-ear (BTE) prosthetic device having an integrated antenna and connector in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

#FIG. 2A illustrates a BTE prosthetic device having an ear hook and auxiliary device with extension antenna in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

#Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to a connector for a prosthesis configured to be worn behind the ear of an individual or recipient, commonly referred to as behind-the-ear (BTE) devices. BTE devices may be a component of a conventional hearing aid and/or cochlear implant, or a component of any other medical systems or prosthesis. BTE devices, whether implemented as a component of a hearing aid, cochlear implant, middle ear implant or other medical systems/prosthesis, are collectively and generally referred to herein as a BTE prosthetic devices.

#In certain aspects of the present invention, a BTE prosthetic device for use in a medical system or prosthesis, (collectively and generally referred to as medical systems herein) comprises a connector configured to mechanically attach an auxiliary device of the system to the BTE prosthetic device. The connector is electrically connected to a transceiver of the BTE prosthetic device. The transceiver may comprise any combination of a transmitter and/or an receiver. Furthermore, the transceiver may comprise only a transmitter or a receiver. The connector is configured to operate as an electromagnetic antenna for transmitting and/or receiving signals between the BTE prosthetic and other components of the medical system. The electromagnetic antenna may be, for example, operable in the far-field.

#As noted, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with a number of BTE prosthetic devices in a variety of medical systems. Embodiments of the present invention will be described herein with reference to one specific type of BTE prosthetic device and medical system, namely a BTE prosthetic device which is a component of a partially implantable hearing aid system. FIG. 1 illustrates such a partially implantable hearing aid system, comprising BTE prosthetic device 100 in communication with one or more cochlear stimulating implants, shown generally as implants 600 and one or more remote units 700. Implants 600 may each comprise a variety of implantable cochlear stimulating devices, such as an implantable electrode arrays, middle ear implants, or the like. As described in more detail below, BTE prosthetic device 100 may communicate with other components of the partially implantable hearing aid system via one or more wireless communication links, shown as communication links 610, 620, 710, 720, 810 and 820.