Patent ID: 7551894
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. An assistive listening device, comprising: a wireless microphone adapted to be carried by an individual, comprising a rechargeable battery for powering the wireless microphone, a microphone element for receiving audio signals from sound sources, a radio transmitter for transmitting radio signals carrying audio signals to a hearing aid carried by another individual who is located remote from the wireless microphone, and an antenna operatively connected to the radio transmitter, wherein the wireless microphone comprises at least one coupling element for detachably fixing one of various interchangeable functional modules to the wireless microphone, said coupling element comprising electrical contacts for electrically connecting the interchangeable functional module to the wireless microphone when the interchangeable functional module is fixed to the wireless microphone by means of said coupling element, and wherein the interchangeable functional modules include a charging module for recharging the rechargeable battery and communication modules for providing the assistive listening device with wireless communications over a plurality of networks, each communication module including a module antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless communications over a network, and wherein each communication module is adapted to communicate over a different network, and further wherein the charging module and the communication modules can be interchangeably operatively connected to the wireless microphone through said coupling element.