IL142593A - Apparatus and method for imparting hearing ability using bone conduction - Google Patents

Description

Application no. 142593/ version 2 DSD ΓΌΤΐΠΙΙ [DITTID -1T1 "7U ΠΙΓΠϋ] lOTD rr^piT? TQD13 APPARATUS FOR IMPARTING HEARING ABILITY USING BONE CONDUCTION Application no.142593 /version 2 PATENT APPARATUS AND FOR IMPARTING HEARING ABILITY USING BONE CONDUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

Field of the invention : This invention relates to the field of hearing aids. More specifically it . relates to the field of hearing aids by way of vibration bone conduction using the teeth of the hearing impaired person : Description of the Prior Art : As is generally known , the normal perception of sounds in humans are resulted when the outer ear picks up acoustic signals or sound waves, transmits them to the middle ear through the tympanic membrane which stimulates the cochlea in the inner ear resulting in the generation of an impulse which is transmitted by the auditory nerves to the brain and there perceived as intelligible sound.

The conventional air conducted hearing aid devices are simply sound amplifiers which pick up sound signals with a microphone , convert them into electrical signals which are amplified and delivered to a loudspeaker placed in the outer ear canal to enhance hearing. As the human hearing system encompasses a complicated mix of acoustic , mechanical and neurological systems, there is ample opportunity for something to go wrong. Therefore not all the hearing impaired persons can benefit from this type of hearing aid .

However the said disappointed persons may benefit from the bone conducted hearing aid methods based on the characteristic mode of sound vibration travel through solids which in essence picks up sound wave signals and converts them to mechanical vibratory stimulus applied to the bone structure of the skull which stimulates the cochlea in the inner ear and the saccule in the vestibulary system resulting in me transmission of impulses to the auditory centers of the brain which perceives it as intelligible sound.

The vestibulary saccule in humans is generally considered as an organ responsible for balance and the determination of movement and acceleration but is also mentioned as an organ of hearing and the only means of hearing during the evolutionary period . As mammals evolved from reptiles so did the mammalian and avian cochlea evolve , taking over the role of the saccule as a primary hearing organ . The saccule is still the sole effective hearing organ of the fish, amphibia and reptiles, notably the crocodile, which rely on mechanical vibration of sound to it for hearing .

Mention of this is made in U.S. Patents No.4,982,434 and No.5,047,994.(Lenhardt, et al.) describing the saccula response to audio stimulus which is transmitted to the brain via the vestibular nerve which can substitute or augment communication in a damaged acoustic nerve situation in the inner ear.

However , available bone conduction devices and methods are not very popular due to its many limitations. The devices are bulky and must be worn tightly pressed or anchored firmly against the skull bone or subcutaneously implanted by surgery against or inside a Bone within the ear or in the area of the mastoid . There is a likelihood of infection, pain , discomfort, unaesthetic appearance , danger on impact , psychological uneasiness , apart from problems related to maintenance , adjustment , repair , and replacement .

Examples of such bone conduction devices are described in U.S.Patent No.4,612,915 (Hough; et al); U.S.Patent no. 5,673 ,328 .(Wandl ; et al ) and U.S. Patent no. 5,735,790 ( H.ang .kansson , et al ) being representative in this field .

Some other bone conduction devices use the teeth as an intermediary for the conduction of mechanical sound vibrations to the skull by the attachment of transducers in permanent contact with one or more teeth by means of adhesion or screws , and relying on the sometimes undependable and complex miniature radio receiver for receiving and processing of the sound signals to be delivered to the transducer, which is the means of converting the electrical signals into mechanical vibrations. Apart from the foregoing limitations already described, there is an added discomfort of having foreign bodies present in the mouth permanently, difficulty in eating, contamination, etc.

Examples of such bone conduction hearing aid devices using the teeth or palate bone for the conduction of mechanical sound vibrations to the skull are described in U.S.Patent. No.5,447,489 (Issalene , et al.) U.S.Patent No.5,460,593 ( Mersky , et al) U.S.Patent No.5,913,815 ( Ball , et al) U.S.Patent No.2,161,169 (JefferisJr .) and U.S.Patent No. 5,033,999 (Mersky , et al) The last patent uses an implanted transducer in a dental post hole drilled into a root canal of a tooth of the user .

Other bone conducted hearing aids using the transducer vibrations applied to the teeth using a biteplate are described in U.S.Patent No.5,706,251 (May) and U.S.Patent No. 5,455,842 (Mersky , et al) referring to scuba divers underwater communication incorporating both receiving and transmitting of water conducted audio signals by the diver through a biteplate.

The water conducted sound conveyance being different to its air conducted sound wave counterpart, in being louder in intensity and having a greater effective range . Furthermore when they envelope the body of the skin diver and maintain close water contact with the skull and bones of the said diver they induce the audio vibrational signals that stimulate the cochlea and the vestibular saccule to send appropriate signals to the brain to be perceived as sound .

However this phenomena is generally characteristic to underwater audio communication .

Yet another interesting bone conduction device using the teeth is described in U.S.Patent No.5,902,167 (Filo , et al ) wherein prerecorded sounds are conveyed through edible substances , eating utensils and writing implements through the mouth to the users ears and provides for the construction of novel amusement devices.

What is needed in the art is a portable device which ensures an effective hearing aid by vibration bone conduction using the teeth of the handicapped , without the limitations drawbacks and dangers cited hitherto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a bone conducted hearing aid device which converts air conducted audio signals picked up by microphone , into electrical signals which after amplification are converted into low amplitude Application no.l42593/version 2 vibrations and delivered to the teeth of persons with mild, moderate ,or profound hearing loss to obtain an ability to perceive sound reception of a quality comparable to or better than that of the best known devices.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a mobile and comfortable apparatus which does not have any of the limitations drawbacks and dangers cited in the foregoing description of the prior art .

Another object of the invention is to embody a relatively simple inconspicuous and cheap yet effective configuration , preferably using components that are readily available in the market to cut costs.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a hook-up input jack socket in the device to facilitate the hook-up of other outside electric receivers like the radio, T.V. etc. which are already provided with external audio output jack sockets .

It is generally known that the hearing impaired who use the conventional hearing aids and methods are unable to make use of the conventional cellular phones because the R.F. signals emitted by them interfere with the operation of the hearing aids, therefore , it is another object of the present invention is to facilitate the use of modified cellular phones and conventional telephones by the hearing impaired , by modifications in the said phones , as another embodied aspect of the present Invention.

The solution configured in the present invention is a bone conduction hearing aid device which includes a tobacco smokers pipe , or flute or similar object , having a usable central cavity for embodying the components within it and a stem as an integral part thereof , to be held between the users teeth , the components generally being : a) one or more microphones which are attached to the outer surface of the pipe or flute to pick up air conducted sound waves and convert them into electrical signals to be delivered to the amplifier ; b) an amplifier , which increases the strength of the signals intended to be delivered to the receivers ; c) one or more lithium ion rechargeable batteries to provide operational energy ; d ) a control unit including an on/off and volume control swivel switch and an indicator lamp ; e) a vibration generator unit including one or more receivers in the form of speakers or transducers firmly bonded to the inside casing of the pipe or flute converting the said electrical signals into low amplitude sound vibrations which travel onwards to the stem and to the teeth when the stem is held between the teeth of the impaired person ,the said sound vibrations being further conducted to the skull from the teeth thereby stimulating the cochlea in the inner ear or the saccule in the vestibule or both to send impulses to the brain to be perceived by it as loud and clear intelligible sound ; f) a hook- up audio input jack socket for the electrical wire connection of an outside audio source ; The advantages of the present invention being , The imparting of the perception of sound of a reception of a quality comparable to or better than that of the best known devices, to persons with mild, moderate, or profound hearing loss; and mobile , comfortable , aesthetic in appearance , simple , easy to maintain , easy to repair and change batteries, battery rechargeable , low cost , dependable , Application no. 142593/version 2 does not make use of complex radio components ,does not need surgery, implantation or permanent adhesion or screwing of the transducer or receiver to bone or teeth , there is no involvement of pain , infection , danger on impact , psychological uneasiness , or presence of foreign bodies permanently in the mouth , and has the ability to hook-up to other outside receivers like the radio , T.V. sets and the hook-up to the regular telephone and cellular phone according to another embodied aspect of the present invention which also includes the modification of the said phones to enable their use by the hearing impaired person .

The above features , advantages , and other uses of the present invention will become more apparent by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings configured solely by way of non restrictive examples , wherein like parts of each of the several figures are identified by the same reference numerical .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS .

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective illustration of an embodiment of the present invention ; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the present invention ; Figure 3 is a simplified diagrammatic representation of an arrangement of the various components of the present invention ; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional telephone cradle unit , modified with an added hook-up audio output jack socket , and an incoming call indicator flashing lamp , according to another aspect of the present invention ; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a modified conventional telephone handset with a bite-stem cast integrally with the body of the handset as an integral part thereof , according to the said other aspect of the present invention ; Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional cellular phone modified with a bite- stem cast integrally with the body of the phone , according to the said other aspect of the present invention .

Because of the generally similar outward appearance and dimensions of the conventional cellular phone and the conventional domestic wireless phone , and an exactly similar embodiment to both ; figure 6 also represents a schematic perspective view of a conventional domestic wireless phone modified with a bite-stem cast integrally with the body of the phone , according to the said other aspect of the present invention .

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional cellular phone with a conventional audio output/ input port and a modified " personal hands free " hook-up plug , connecting cable and audio output jack according to the said other aspect of the present invention .

Application no. 142593 /version 2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS .

Referring now to the accompanying drawings , and in particular figure 1 , 2 , and 3 , a mobile bone conducted hearing aid device using the teeth of a an hearing impaired person for the conduction of audio vibrations to the skull are illustrated .

Figure 1 also depicts the use of a conventional tobacco pipe as a preferred embodiment of the present invention , and having dual functional roles wherein the first preferred role is to embody within its hollow bowl 18 , all the necessary components comprised in the present invention to process sound wave signals and convert the said signals into preferred sound vibrations ,and wherein the second preferred functional role is to convey the said vibrations from the bowl 18 to the stem of the pipe 19 which is to be held preferably between the teeth of the impaired user .

Alternate embodiments of other similar instruments other than the tobacco pipe are possible and may resemble a flute , whistle , etc. adaptable for the use of the female or young hearing impaired user .

The question of size and dimensions are dependant on the possibilities of modern microelectronics to make available advanced forms of miniaturization which enable complete integration of all the necessary components and a minimized consumption of electric power .

Figure 2 illustrates all the various components comprising the preferred embodiment of the present invention , being preferably ; a ) Two Microphones 4 The preferred embodiment of the said microphones 4 being two or more in number and preferably attached to the forward outer surface of the pipe bowl 18 and preferably apart from each other and facing outwards being for the purpose a directional absorption of air borne sound wave signals and its preferred conversion to analog electromagnetic signals .The said attachment of the microphones 4 are preferably by adhesion to the bowl of the pipe 18 with a soft insulating buffer 4a preferably made of foam rubber or like substance between the said microphones 4 and the body of the pipe bowl 18 , the said microphones 4 being of a conventional cardioid , kynar or other suitably functional sensitive type of microphone to be configured in a preferred miniaturized sound processing unit ;. b ) An Audio Power Amplifier 5 .

The preferred embodiment of the audio power amplifier 5 being the suitable amplification and enhancement of the said analog electromagnetic signals emitted by the said microphones 4 and wired and fed to the audio power amplifier unit to be suitably amplified . The preferred embodiment of the suitable amplifier unit being a miniaturized unit which has been dimensionally adapted to the cavity in the pipe bowl 18 or another instrument of an alternative embodiment and fitted snugly into it and preferably .attached by adhesion to the inside of the said cavit .

In known devices the amplifier components are situated on two mounting plates which are rigidly connected to each other . The said amplifier 5 is preferably self contained using few components to adjust the f equency response and stability of the circuit under a wide range of operating conditions ; c) A power source 1 .

For the power source the preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates one or more conventional lithium ion rechargeable batteries 1 adapted inside a casing la which is preferably equipped with a means of closure resembling a spring loaded flap for the easy insertion and removal of the said batteries and which casing is preferably attached to the inner and upper cavity of the pipe bowl by adhesion ; d) A control unit 2 and indicator lamp 3 .

The preferred embodiment of the control unit consists of a conventional on/off and volume control swivel switch 2 and an indicator lamp 3 in a series circuit . The preferred embodiment of these two components enable the impaired user to turn the power on or off, to adjust the sound volume as desired , and to be visually informed as to the flow of electric current and the condition of the battery .

The said components 2 and 3 are wired in a series circuit with the power source 1 and the amplifier 5 thereby providing power and control for the preferred system .

The said on/off and volume control switch 2 is preferably attached to the rear of the pipe bowl cavity 18 through a suitably drilled hole , with the switch body situated inside the bowl and the volume control knob protruding on the outside for easy manipulation of the same .

The preferred attachment of the indicator lamp 3 is similarly through a suitably drilled hole below the said control switch 2 with lamp lens protruding outside the rear surface of the pipe bowl and facing the user , and the preferred candle power of the lamp being minimal to lower power consumption ; e ) A vibration generator unit 6 .

The preferred embodiment of a vibration generator unit for the conversion of the said amplified electromagnetic signals into preferred mechanical sound vibrations being the feeding by suitable wiring of the said signals to a vibration generating unit 6 , the said unit composing preferably one or more conventional speaker , earphone , or sound transducer , the preferred component having an increased vibrational capacity , small in dimension and having a low power consumption .

The preferred attachment of the said vibration generator component is by adhesive bonding to the base of the pipe bowl in close proximity of the pipe stem in a manner expedient to the conduction of mechanical sound vibrations generated in the said component through the pipe body and to the pipe stem .

These elements being conventional are well known by themselves and are amply capable of generating mechanical vibrations relative and in direct response to an externally generated electrical signal .

The transducer may employ the interaction of two magnetically opposed electromagnetic fields to produce the said mechanical sound vibrations or may use other operative methods involving the use of the piezoelectric ceramic etc .

The said speakers and earphones unlike the sound transducers are designed primarily to produce audible sounds relative and in direct response to an externally generated electrical signal by the generation of relative mechanical vibrations of an incorporated diaphragm by electromagnetic means .

The said sound vibrations originated by the diaphragm are generally propagated by air conduction as sound waves , but the said sound vibrations are also conducted to the body and casing of the components and may pass on to other solids by close contact with them .

This typical characteristic of sound energy conduction is in the underlying embodiment of the apparatus and of the present invention and other aspects thereof , for the benefit of the hearing impaired ;. f) An audio input jack socket 7 The preferred embodiment of the hooking up of external electronic receivers like the radio , T.V. etc . , equipped with external audio output jack sockets , being the provision of an audio input jack socket 7 , preferably connected electrically directly to the amplifier unit 5 and bypassing the microphones 4 . Furthermore the said input socket 7 can accommodate the use of modified cellular and conventional telephones , as will be detailed forthwith as another aspect of the present invention .

The preferred attachment of the said socket 7 being at the base of the pipe bowl through a suitably drilled hole and held in place by a conventional hexagonal nut screwed on to the threaded body of the socket 7 , or by other means .

Figure 3 illustrates a simplified diagrammatic representation of the preferred coupling of the various components represented in figure 2 in order to clarify the said presentation wherein the electric wiring is not shown .

As can be noted , the microphones 4 converting the sound waves received by it into relative sound electrical signals are connected' to the amplifier 5 which is powered by the battery 1 being electrically connected to it through an on/off volume control switch 2 and indicator lamp 3 in a series connection . The amplifier 5 is connected to the receiver unit 6 which converts the said sound electrical impulses back to relative vibrations which are then conveyed by a solid contact to the stem 19 of the apparatus and thereon to the teeth and skull of the impaired person . the hook-up input jack socket 7 in a direct connection to the amplifier is shown bypassing the microphones .

Referring now to another aspect of the present invention whereby the hearing impaired may utilize the conventional telephone , cellular phone ,and domestic wireless phone , and particularly to figures 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 in the accompanying drawings , while bearing in mind that other hearing aids that are compatible to the conventional telephones are not suitable for use with the cellular phones because of the emission of R.F. impulses that disrupt the workings of the hearing aids which are in close proximity to the cellular phones .

Accordingly , preferred embodiments configured for the utilization of the conventional telephones , cellular and domestic wireless phones by the hearing impaired persons , includes ; 1) a bite stem 43 similar to a pipe stem 19 in figure 2 to be cast integrally with the body of the said phones and to be held between the teeth of the hearing impaired person to convey the sound vibrations which are generated by the earphones of the said phones , and are conveyed through their frames , to the teeth , the skull and the auditory centers of the brain of the said impaired person to be perceived by it as relative intelligible sound , as aforementioned ; and 2 ) the conveyance of the sound electrical signals that are normally going to the earphones of said phones onto the hearing aid of the present invention in a parallel configuration , to be amplified , converted to sound vibrations and fed to the teeth , skull and auditory centers of the brain of the impaired person to be perceived by it as relative intelligible sounds , as aforementioned .

Accordingly figures 4 ,5 , 6 , and 7 in the accompanying drawings illustrate the preferred modifications in the apparatus of the conventional telephone cradle unit , the telephone handset, the conventional cellular phone , the domestic wireless phone , and the " personal hands free " adapter plug to the cellular phone output port and the connecting cable , embodying modifications and methods whereby they may be utilized by the hearing impaired person .

Figure 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of an application of the said other aspect of the present invention to enable the use of the conventional telephone by the hearing impaired persons wherein a cradle unit 40 of a conventional telephone being modified with an external audio output jack socket 41 , and an incoming call indicator lamp 39 . The said output socket 41 being for the purpose of an electrical hook-up of the said telephone , particularly the hook-up of its earphone , to a hearing aid of the present invention by a suitable jumper cable (not shown ), whereas the said indicator lamp 39 being for the purpose of a visual indication of an incoming call to the telephone , generally denoted by ringing tones , preferably by a red flashing light The preferred attachment of the said socked 41 being through a suitably drilled hole in any convenient part of the telephone cradle 40 and electrically connected in a parallel connection to the wires leading to the earphone 44 enabling , both the said hook-up to the earphone or the normal functioning of the telephone , whereas the preferred attachment of the said lamp 39 being through a suitably drilled hole in the front panel of the cradle in an outstanding manner and electrically coupled to the telephone ringer in a parallel connection. .

Figure 5 illustrates the preferred embodiment of an application according to the said other aspect of the present invention to enable the use of the conventional telephone by the hearing impaired persons wherein the handset 42 of the said telephone is configured with an addition of a bite stem 43 cast integrally with the body of the handset 42 or alternately attached to it by suitable adhesion or screws or other means .

The preferred location of the said bite stem 43 being at the lower left base of the handset 42 or other suitable part thereof , the preferred profile of the bite stem being round , ellipse , or any other shape or size conducive to being held between or in contact with the teeth of the hearing impaired user for the conduction of the sound vibrations originating in the earphone 44 of the handset 42 and conducted through the frame thereof to the bite stem 43 and directly to the teeth of the user and onwards as aforementioned to the skull by bone conduction to stimulate the cochlea or the saccule or both to transmit signals to the audio centers of the brain to be perceived by it as intelligible sound .

This embodiment is advantageous wherein the sound vibrations emitted by the earphone 44 of the particular telephone are suitably strong .

Figure 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment of an application according to the said other aspect of the present invention enabling the use of the conventional cellular phone and domestic wireless phone by the hearing impaired persons wherein the said phones 60 are configured with an addition of a bite stem 43 cast integrally with the body of the said phones 60 or alternately , attached to it by suitable adhesion , screws or other means .

Figure 6 represents and illustrates as aforementioned , both the conventional cellular phone and the wireless phone in an exactly similar configuration and embodiment , due to their generally similar outward appearance and dimensions .

The preferred location of the said bite stem 43 being at the lower left base of the said phones 60 or other suitable part thereof, and the preferred profile of the bite stem being round , ellipse , or any other shape or size conducive to being held between or in contact with the teeth of the impaired user for the conduction of the sound vibrations originating in the earphones 44 of the said phones 60 and conducted through their frames to the bite stem 43 , directly to the teeth of the user and onwards to the skull by bone conduction to stimulate as aforementioned , the cochlea or the saccule or both to transmit signals to the audio centers of the brain to be perceived by it as relative intelligible sound .

This embodiment is advantageous wherein the sound vibrations emitted by the earphone of the particular device are suitably strong .

Figure 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment of an application according to the said other aspect of the present invention enabling the use of the conventional cellular phone 60 by the hearing impaired person wherein a " personal hands free " attachment to the cellular phone 60 is modified by a configuration wherein the adapter plug 71 connects to the output port 72 of the cellular phone 60 and thereby to the electric leads of the earphone 44 . The connecting cable 73 is coupled to a conventional jack 74 which is intended to be connected to the audio input jack socket 7 in figure 2 of the hearing aid device of the present invention thereby conducting duplicate and parallel electrical sound impulses that are being conveyed to the said earphone 44 , also to the said socket 7 to be amplified , converted to sound vibrations and fed to the teeth and the skull by bone conduction to stimulate as aforementioned , the cochlea or the saccule or both to transmit signals to the audio centers of the brain to be perceived by it as relative intelligible sound .

Having described the preferred embodiments of a new and improved apparatus and method for imparting a hearing ability to the hearing impaired by the use of bone conduction by way of the teeth of the said user . It is believed that other modifications variations and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art , accordingly it is to be understood that all such variations modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined .

Having , thus , described the present invention , what is claimed

Claims (19)

1. A direct bone conduction hearing aid device , using the teeth of the hearing impaired person to conduct mechanical sound vibrations to the skull resulting in the stimulation of the cochlea , the saccule or both to send relative signals to the audio centers of the brain to be perceived as intelligible sound and characterized by being mobile , unfettered or bonded to bone or teeth , not implanted in bone or tissue , comfortable , aesthetic in appearance ,easy to maintain , safe from infection and pain , and comprising : a ) an instrument body having a suitable cavity for embodying the various components and with an integral stem ; and b ) a built in power source ; and c ) a control and indicator means for on /off volume control and visual indication of current flow ; and d ) a sound processing means for converting air borne sounds into relative analog electromagnetic signals ; and e ) an amplifying means for augmenting the said signals ; and f ) a vibration generating means for converting the said amplified signals into relative low amplitude mechanical sound vibrations ; and g ) a vibration conveyance means for conveying the said generated sound vibrations to the teeth of the impaired person in a non permanent contact ; and h ) an audio hook-up means to accommodate external sound related electrical signals ; and i ) the means to enable the utilization of the conventional telephones , cellular phones , and domestic wireless phones by the hearing impaired person.

2. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the instrument body and vibration conveyance means includes a tobacco pipe configured with a stem .

3. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the instrument body and vibration conveyance means includes a flute of small dimensions .

4. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the instrument body and vibration conveyance means includes a suitable whistle .

5. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the power source includes one or more dry battery .

6. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the power source includes one or more lithium ion rechargeable battery.

7. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the power source includes housing the battery in a casing.

8. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the control means includes a volume control and on/off swivel switch.

9. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the visual indication of current flow includes a lamp of minimal candle power .

10. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the sound processing means includes one more sensitive microphone .

11. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the sound processing means includes an array of sensitive microphones .

12. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the amplifying means includes a miniaturized audio power amplifier unit .

13. The hearing aid of claim 12 wherein the amplifier unit is self contained using few components to adjust the frequency response and stability of the circuit under a wide range of operating conditions .

14. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the vibration generating means includes one or more conventional speaker of suitable dimensions .

15. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the vibration generating means includes one or more sound transducer of suitable dimensions .

16. The hearing aid of claim 15 wherein the sound transducer includes an electromagnetic device generating sound related vibrations .

17. The hearing aid of claim 15 wherein the sound transducer includes a piezo electric ceramic device .

18. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the vibration generating means includes one or more earphone of suitable dimensions .

19. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the vibration conveyance means includes ; a ) the body of the instrument in a configuration of close intimate contact with the vibration generating means ; and b ) a configuration of the said body with a bite-stem as an integral part thereof . 20 The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the audio hook-up means include an audio input jack socket electrically coupled directly to the amplifier unit . 21. The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the means enabling the utilization of the conventional telephone includes : a ) a configuration of the cradle unit of the said telephone with the provision of an external audio output jack socket coupled in a parallel electric connection to the earphones of the said telephone to enable the hook-up of the said earphone to the hearing aid of the present invention by a suitable jumper cable ; and b ) a configuration of the said cradle unit with the provision of an incoming call indicator lamp for a visual indication of an incoming call by a red flashing light coupled electrically in a parallel connection to the telephone ringer ; and c ) a configuration of the handset of the said telephone with the provision of a bite stem cast integrally with the body of the said handset as a means of conveying the mechanical sound vibrations generated in the earphone of the said handset directly to the teeth of the impaired person when the said stem is held between his teeth . The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the means enabling the utilization of the conventional cellular phone includes : a ) a configuration of the said cellular phone with the provision of a bite stem cast integrally with the body of the said phone as a means of conveying the mechanical sound vibrations generated in the earphone of the said phone directly to the teeth of the hearing impaired person when the stem is held between his teeth ; and b ) a configuration of the said cellular phone with the provision of a modified " personal hands free " hook-up adapter plug , cable and audio output jack , which said plug being connected to the audio output port of the said cellular phone , and thereby electrically coupled to the earphone of the said cellular phone , in a parallel connection capable of conveying sound signals from the said earphone onto the said output jack ,and to the hearing aid of the present invention ; and c ) a configuration of the cellular phone with the provision of an incoming call indicator lamp for the visual indication of an incoming call by a red flashing light coupled electrically in a parallel connection to the ringer of the said cellular phone . The hearing aid of claim 1 wherein the means enabling the utilization of the domestic wireless telephone includes; a) a configuration of the handset of the said phone with the provision of a bite-stem cast integrally with the body of the said phone as a means of conveying the mechanical sound vibrations generated in the earphone of the said phone directly to the teeth of the of the hearing impaired person , when the stem is held between his teeth ; and b) a configuration of the said wireless phone with the provision of an incoming call indicator lamp for the visual indication of an incoming call by a red flashing light coupled electrically in a parallel connection to the ringer of the said wireless phone . The hearing aid of claim 19, 21, 22, and 23, wherein the bite-stem is attached to the body of the instrument by adhesive bonding, screwing or other means. The hearing aid of claim 21, 22, and 23, wherein the incoming call indicator lamp is configured differently and in another location. The applicant