Wireless interface for programming hearing assistance devices

A system, comprising:

• a programmer adapted to communicate with an external source for programming a hearing assistance device, and
• a device for wireless communication with the hearing assistance device, including:
• an upper unit including a connector having multiple slots adapted to receive a plurality of hardware communication modules including a first hardware communication module supporting a first wireless communication protocol for communicating with a first hearing assistance device and a second hardware communication module supporting a second wireless communication protocol for communicating with a second hearing assistance device, wherein the second protocol is different from the first protocol;
• a lower unit having an interface for communicating with the programmer to assist in communications between the source and the hearing assistance device;
• an electrical connection between the upper unit and the lower unit;
• and
• a housing adapted to be worn by a person wearing the hearing assistance device, the housing enclosing the upper unit, lower unit and connection.

A method, comprising:

• providing a device including an upper unit having a connector with multiple slots adapted to receive a plurality of removably attachable hardware communication modules, the plurality of modules including a first hardware communication module supporting a first wireless communication protocol for communications with a first hearing assistance device and a second hardware communication module supporting a second wireless communication protocol for communications with a second hearing assistance device, wherein the second protocol is different from the first protocol;
• communicating with a programmer using a lower unit of the device;
• and
• wirelessly communicating with the first hearing assisting device using the first hardware communication module in the upper unit of the device using the first communication protocol to assist in programming the first hearing assistance device.