Abstract:
A sound transmitting device configured to fit within an ear canal, such as a hearing aid or a monitor, for example, having first and second portions which are relatively movable with respect to each other. As a result of these relatively moving portions, the device can better accommodate changes in the shape and/or orientation of the ear canal. More particularly, after the device has been fitted into the ear canal, the first and second portions can move relative to each other and comply with a new shape and/or orientation of the ear canal. As a result, it is less likely that the device will impede the change in the ear canal thereby reducing potential discomfort to the user. To facilitate this relative movement, the first and second portions can include at least partially spherical surfaces which are configured to permit relative movement therebetween.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to hearing aids, monitors, and other sound transmitting devices, and, more particularly, to improvements thereof which facilitate their fit within and removal from an ear canal. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    As known in the art, hearing aids, monitors, and other sound transmitting devices, can be used to improve, and protect, a person&#39;s hearing. More particularly, these devices can be used to amplify, or otherwise control, the presentation of sound waves into a person&#39;s ear, for example. Previous devices have included housings, and transducers positioned therein, which are configured to be positioned within the ear, to receive electrical signals, or impulses, and convert these electrical impulses into to sound waves. In the past, these devices have included either custom housings, i.e., housings which are intended to fit within a particular person&#39;s ear, or universal housings, i.e., housings which are intended to fit within the ear of more than one person. 
         [0005]    The custom housings of previous sound transmitting devices have been produced through various manufacturing techniques. For example, in one technique, an impression of a person&#39;s ear, including their ear canal, is created and the impression is then used to create a mold. As known in the art, the mold is used to create a housing which is customized to fit snugly within the person&#39;s ear, and/or ear canal. As a result of this snug fit, the likelihood of the housing becoming dislodged from the ear canal can be reduced. However, owing to such a snug fit, it is often difficult to remove the housing from the ear canal. As a result, wires extending from the housing are often pulled and/or twisted in order to remove the housing from the ear canal. In some circumstances, this may damage the wires and/or the connection between the wires and the housing. 
         [0006]    The universal housings of previous sound transmitting devices have included portions which are relatively immovable with respect to each other. As a result, these housings, while comfortable to the user in some circumstances, can be uncomfortable to the user in other circumstances. More particularly, although the housings may fit comfortably when initially fitted within a person&#39;s ear canal, the shape, and/or orientation, of their ear canal can change causing discomfort to the user when the housing obstructs such a change. As known in the art, an ear canal can change shape, and/or orientation, when a person sings, eats, or even talks. As a result, in the past, portions of the universal housing have been at least partially covered in foam, for example, to provide a housing that fits snugly within a person&#39;s ear canal yet accommodates some change in the shape of the ear canal. However, such materials can quickly lose their elasticity or can become soiled. Accordingly, these previous devices are often a nuisance. What is needed is an improvement over the foregoing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In various embodiments, the present invention includes a sound transmitting device configured to fit within an ear canal, such as a hearing aid or a monitor, for example, having first and second portions which are relatively movable with respect to each other. As a result of these relatively moving portions, the device can better accommodate changes in the shape and/or orientation of the ear canal. More particularly, after the device has been fitted into the ear canal, the first and second portions can move relative to each other and comply with a new shape and/or orientation of the ear canal. As a result, it is less likely that the device will impede the change in the ear canal thereby reducing potential discomfort to the user. To facilitate this relative movement, in various embodiments, the first portion can include a first partially spherical surface and the second portion can include a second partially spherical surface, wherein the first and second surfaces are configured to permit relative movement therebetween. In at least one embodiment, such relative movement includes relative rotational movement between the first and second portions about more than one axis. 
         [0008]    In various embodiments, the present invention includes a sound transmitting device configured to fit in an ear canal, the device including a housing and a removable plate attached thereto. In at least one embodiment, the removable plate includes a notch therein that is configured to receive a fingernail, for example, and facilitate the removal of the housing from the ear canal. In various embodiments, the housing includes a cavity which is configured to receive a transducer and the removable plate is configured to substantially close the cavity and retain the transducer therein. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a connector extending from the plate which is configured to receive a mating connector and place the mating connector and the transducer in electrical communication. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sound transmitting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a second cross-sectional view of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the retaining cap of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the nozzle of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the locator of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the transducer of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the housing of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the housing of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the connector of the sound transmitting device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a sound transmitting device having a custom housing and a removable plate attached to the housing; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a removable plate of a sound transmitting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the removable plate of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the removable plate of  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the removable plate of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Sound transmitting devices, including hearing aids and monitors, for example, can be used to amplify, or otherwise control, the presentation of sound waves into a person&#39;s ear. For example, hearing aids can be used to receive sound waves, amplify the sound waves, and transmit the amplified sound waves into the ear of a person who may be hearing impaired, for example. In at least one embodiment, the hearing aid can be configured to only amplify sound waves having particular frequencies. For example, in various embodiments, the hearing aid can include an aperture extending therethrough which is tuned to amplify a specific range of frequencies. In at least one embodiment, the aperture can be tuned via the selection of the length and diameter of the aperture. 
         [0029]    In various embodiments, the hearing aid can include a transducer for receiving electrical signals, or impulses, transmitted thereto and for generating sound waves which correspond to the electrical impulses in a predetermined manner. Similar to the above, monitors can be used to control the intensity of sound waves presented into the ear. In many circumstances, monitors can be used to block high-intensity sound waves from directly entering into the ear and reduce the intensity of the sound waves via a transducer, for example, before the sound waves are transmitted into the ear. In these embodiments, the user can be protected from high-intensity sound waves yet still be able to hear their surrounding environment. 
         [0030]    Sound transmitting devices can include a first portion which is configured to fit within the pinna of an ear, for example, and a second portion which is configured to fit within the ear canal extending between the outer and middle portions of the ear. The first portion can be configured to engage the pinna of the ear such that it fits snugly therein. In various embodiments, the first portion can be held in place by a mount which extends behind or attaches to the helix and/or anti-helix of the ear, for example. The second portion can be configured to engage the walls of the ear canal such that it snugly fits therein and/or it can be held in place by the first portion and mount described above. In other various embodiments, the sound transmitting device can be completely positioned within the ear canal, pinna, or another portion of the outer ear. 
         [0031]    In previous devices, however, the first and second portions of the sound transmitting device are fixed, or immovable, with respect to each other. As a result, as described above, these previous devices are unable to accommodate changes in the shape, or orientation, of the ear canal and can cause discomfort to the user, for example. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , sound transmitting device  30  can include first portion  32  and second portion  34  which are relatively movable with respect to each other. In use, as a result, device  30  can accommodate changes in the shape, or orientation, of an ear canal. For example, in embodiments in which second portion  34  is positioned within an ear canal, first portion  32  and second portion  34 , as discussed in detail further below, can move relative to each other when changes in the ear canal causes second portion  34  to translate and/ or rotate with respect to first portion  32 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , first portion  32  of sound transmitting device  30  can include housing  36  and retaining cap  38  which can define cavity  40 . Cavity  40  can be configured to receive transducer  42  and locator  44  where, in various embodiments, locator  44  can hold transducer  42  in position and reduce relative movement between transducer  42  and housing  36 . More particularly, locator  44  can include legs  46  extending therefrom which can be positioned on opposite sides of transducer  42  and engage sides  43  of transducer  42  such that transducer  42  is held therebetween. In at least one embodiment, at least one of legs  46  can flex outwardly when transducer  42  is positioned therebetween such that legs  46  grip transducer  42 . As a result, the likelihood of transducer  42  moving within cavity  40  can be reduced and thus the likelihood of such movement creating rattling sounds can also be reduced. 
         [0033]    In various embodiments, housing  36  and locator  44  can include features which limit, or even prevent, relative movement between housing  36  and locator  44 . In at least one embodiment, for example, housing  36  and locator  44  can include co-operating geometries which prevent relative rotational movement. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  10  and  11 , the perimeter of cavity  40  within housing  36  can be defined by arcuate portions  48  and flat portions  50 . Similarly, referring to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , legs  46  of locator  44  can define a perimeter which includes arcuate portions  52  and flat portions  54 . During the assembly of locator  44  to housing  36 , flat portions  54  of locator  44  can be aligned with flat portions  50  of housing  36  before locator  44  is inserted into cavity  40 . Thereafter, as a result of these flat portions, the relative rotational movement of locator  44  within cavity  40  can be limited and, furthermore, when locator  44  is closely received within cavity  40 , relative rotational movement therebetween can be prevented. 
         [0034]    In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIG. 8 , legs  46  of locator  44  can define a substantially symmetrical profile, i.e., legs  46  can include substantially similar, or even identical, arcuate portions  52  and flat portions  54 , for example. Furthermore, referring to FIGS.  10  and  11 , arcuate portions  48  and flat portions  50  of housing  36  can also define a substantially symmetrical profile which is configured to receive the substantially symmetrical profile of locator  44 . As a result, flat portions  54  of locator  44  can be aligned with flat portions  50  of housing  36  in one of two orientations. More particularly, locator  44  can be aligned with housing  36  in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 2 , or, alternatively, in an orientation in which locator  44  is rotated  180  degrees from its orientation illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As a result, for example, locator  44  can be oriented in one direction for devices which are intended to fit in a left ear and oriented in the other direction for devices which are intended to fit in a right ear. In other various embodiments, legs  46  can define a profile which is not symmetrical such that locator  44  can be positioned within housing  36  in only one orientation 
         [0035]    In various embodiments, locator  44  can further include features which facilitate relative movement between first portion  32  and second portion  34 , as described above. More particularly, referring to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , locator  44  can include at least partially spherical surface  56  which is configured to co-operate with at least partially spherical surface  58  ( FIGS. 3 and 7 ) of nozzle  60  to facilitate relative movement between locator  44  and nozzle  60 . In various embodiments, surface  56  of locator  44  can be defined by a radius of curvature which is substantially equal to, or parallel to, a radius of curvature which defines surface  58  of nozzle  60 . In other embodiments, surfaces  56  and  58  can be defined by several radiuses of curvature, or other profiles, which facilitate relative movement therebetween. In at least one embodiment, surface  56  of nozzle  44  can support nozzle  60  thereon such that surface  58  of nozzle  60  can slide across surface  56  when nozzle  60  is moved relative to locator  44 . In various embodiments, at least one of surfaces  56  and  58  can be coated with a lubricant, or other material, which facilitates relative movement therebetween. In at least one embodiment, a rubber sheet, for example, can be inserted between surfaces  56  and  58  to facilitate such relative movement. In various embodiments, surface  56  of locator  44  can define a convex surface which is configured to nest within a concave surface defined by surface  58  of nozzle  60 . 
         [0036]    In various embodiments, device  30  can further include retaining cap  38  which can be configured to capture a portion of nozzle  60  between retaining cap  38  and locator  44 . More particularly, referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , retaining cap  38  can include arcuate portion  39  which is configured to extend over arcuate portion  62  of nozzle  60  and retain nozzle portion  62  between arcuate portion  39  and locator  44 . In various embodiments, arcuate portion  39  of retaining cap  38  and locator  44  can define a gap therebetween which permits the free movement of surface  58  of nozzle  60  with respect to surface  56  of locator  44 . In other embodiments, retaining cap  38  can bias nozzle portion  62  against surface  56  of locator  44  such that the movement of surface  58  relative to surface  56  is at least partially inhibited by friction between nozzle  60 , retaining cap  38  and locator  44 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , this biasing force can be generated by a threaded connection between retaining cap  38  and housing  36 . More particularly, housing  36  can include threads  35  and retaining cap  38  can include threads  37  wherein the threaded engagement of threads  35  and  37  can cause arcuate portion  39  of retaining cap  38  to contact nozzle portion  62  and hold it against surface  56  of locator  44 . 
         [0037]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 1 , nozzle  60  can be rotated entirely about axis  64 , i.e., nozzle  60  can be rotated  360  degrees about axis  64 . In these embodiments, the relative position of nozzle  60  with respect to housing  36 , for example, can be adjusted by grasping nozzle shaft  66  and moving nozzle  60  relative to housing  36 . Alternatively, nozzle shaft  66  can be positioned within an ear canal, for example, and first portion  32  can then be rotated with respect to shaft  66  in order to position first portion  32  within the outer ear, for example. In various embodiments, especially in embodiments where surfaces  56  and  58  are defined by at least partially arcuate surfaces, nozzle  60  can be rotated such that nozzle shaft  66  can be moved closer to and/or further away from axis  64 . More particularly, referring to  FIG. 1 , the angle between axis  64  and axis  68 , wherein axis  68  is defined by nozzle shaft  66 , can be increased or decreased in order to position nozzle shaft  66  relative to first portion  32 . In effect, nozzle  60  can be rotated about an axis which is transverse or skew with respect to axis  64 . In various embodiments, as a result, nozzle  60  can be rotated about at least two axes, i.e., axis  64 , as described above, and an axis that is transverse or skew with respect to axis  64 . 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, nozzle  60  can include features which limit the relative movement between nozzle  60  and first portion  32 . More particularly, referring to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , nozzle  60  can include projection  70  extending from arcuate portion  62  which is sized and configured to fit within recess  72  in locator  44 . Recess  72 , in at least one embodiment, is larger than projection  70  such that projection  70  can move within recess  72 . As a result, the range of motion of nozzle  60  with respect to locator  44  can be defined by the geometries of projection  70  and recess  72 . Stated another way, the walls of recess  72  can confine projection  70  such that the relative movement of nozzle  60  with respect to locator  44  is limited. In these embodiments, it may be preferable to limit the relative movement between nozzle  60  and first portion  32  to prevent a gross misalignment between nozzle shaft  66  and the ear canal. In the present embodiment, projection  70  and recess  72  are substantially rectangular, however, other configurations are possible. For example, in various embodiments, at least one of projection  70  and recess  72  can be circular, or arcuate. In at least one embodiment, recess  72  can define a circumferential or curvilinear groove at least partially extending around axis  64  which can limit the relative movement between nozzle  60  and locator  44  along a fixed path. 
         [0039]    In addition to or in lieu of the above, retaining cap  38  can include features for limiting the relative movement between nozzle  60  and first portion  32 . More particularly, referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , retaining cap  38  can include aperture  74  which is configured to permit nozzle shaft  66  to extend therethrough. In these embodiments, nozzle  60  can be moved with respect to locator  44 , as described above, through a range of motion defined by the perimeter of aperture  74 . More particularly, nozzle shaft  66  can be moved within aperture  74  until a portion of nozzle shaft  66  abuts the perimeter of aperture  74 . In addition, aperture  74  can also be configured to prevent nozzle  60  from being dislodged from device  30 . More particularly, in various embodiments, the perimeter of arcuate portion  62  can be larger than the perimeter of aperture  74  such that arcuate portion  62  cannot pass through aperture  74 . 
         [0040]    In various embodiments, as described above, transducer  42  can be used to generate sound waves which correspond to electrical signals transmitted thereto. For example, transducer  42  can include a wireless receiver which is configured to receive transmissions from a remote source. In addition to or in lieu of the above, device  30  can include connector  76  which is configured to receive signals from a wiring harness connected thereto. More particularly, referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , connector  76  can be positioned and secured within cavity  31  of housing  36  and can include three terminals, or pins, which are in electrical communication with transducer  42  either directly or through wires (not illustrated). In at least one embodiment, these three terminals can provide both power and a signal transmission to transducer  42 . In various embodiments, connector  76  can be configured to receive a mating connector which operably connects thereto and places transducer  42  in electrical communication with a signal transmitter positioned outside of device  30  via a wiring harness, for example. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , transducer  42  can be positioned within cavity  40  such that sound waves generated by transducer  42  are conducted therefrom into nozzle shaft  66 . More particularly, locator  44  and nozzle  62  can define a path therethrough which places transducer  42  and nozzle shaft  66  in acoustic communication. Referring to  FIGS. 2-4  and  8 , locator  44  can include aperture  45  which is aligned with end  41  of transducer  42  wherein aperture  45  can be configured to conduct sound waves from transducer  42  into aperture  61  ( FIG. 7 ) in nozzle shaft  66 . In various embodiments, the cross-sectional profile and length of aperture  61  can be configured to conduct sound waves therethrough and, in some embodiments, amplify sound waves having certain frequencies, or ranges of frequencies. In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 2 , aperture  61  can be configured to receive filter  80  which can attenuate, or otherwise alter, the sound waves passing therethrough. 
         [0042]    In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , nozzle  60  can further include ridges  63  protruding from nozzle shaft  66 . In various embodiments, ridges  63  can be configured to receive and retain a tip (not illustrated) on nozzle shaft  66 . In at least one embodiment, the tip can be comprised of foam, rubber, or any other suitable material, for engaging the walls of the ear canal. In at least one embodiment, the tip can create a substantially sound-tight seal between nozzle shaft  66  and the walls of the ear canal. As a result of this sound-tight seal, the sound waves introduced into the ear canal can be controlled and substantially limited to the sound waves produced by device  30 . In various embodiments, the tip can be removable and can be replaced when it becomes spoiled or loses its elasticity, for example. In at least one embodiment, referring primarily to  FIG. 7 , ridges  63  can include ramps  65  which facilitate the insertion of the tip onto nozzle shaft  66  and walls  67  which can be configured to co-operate with features on the tip to retain the tip thereon. 
         [0043]    In addition to the above, in various embodiments, device  30  can further include seals which can create a water-tight and/or sound-tight seal between two adjacent components of device  30 . More particularly, referring to  FIG. 1 , device  30  can include an O-ring seal, i.e., seal  82 , which is configured to seal the connection between retaining cap  38  and housing  36 . In use, as retaining cap  38  is threaded onto housing  36 , as described above, retaining cap  38  can compress seal  82  between portions of retaining cap  38  and housing  36 . In at least one embodiment, seal  82  can be comprised of rubber or any other suitable material. In embodiments in which seal  82  creates a sound-tight seal between retaining cap  38  and housing  36 , seal  82  can substantially prevent sound waves from escaping from cavity  40  and, in addition, it can prevent ambient sound waves from entering into cavity  40 . Such sound waves, if they were to enter into cavity  40 , for example, could interfere with the presentation of sound waves into the ear canal by device  30 . 
         [0044]    In various embodiments of the present invention, the sound transmitting device can fit snugly within a person&#39;s ear canal. In some circumstances, however, the device can be somewhat difficult to grasp and manipulate, especially when the device is contoured such that it closely fits to the anatomical structures of the ear surrounding the device. As a result, the user may often remove the device from their ear by pulling on the wires extending from the device. Accordingly, in some circumstances, the wires, and/or their connection to the device, may become damaged. Referring to  FIG. 13  which illustrates a previous sound transmitting device, the device does not include convenient features which facilitate the removal of the device from an ear. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , sound transmitting device  30  of the present invention can include connector mount  77  extending from housing  36  wherein connector mount  77  can be sized and configured for the user to grasp device  30  via connector mount  77 . More particularly, in use, the user can place a finger on a wire extending from device  30 , follow the wire with their finger until it reaches the connector mated to connector  76 , and then grasp connector mount  77  which is located proximally to connector  76 . In this way, the user is provided with a method of locating a convenient feature on device  30  for removing device  30  from their ear. 
         [0046]    In various embodiments, the orientation of connector mount  77  with respect to housing  36  can facilitate the removal of device  30  from the user&#39;s ear. Referring primarily to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  11 , connector mount  77  can define an axis, i.e., axis  92 , which is transverse to the surface of housing  36  and/or axis  64 . In at least one embodiment, axis  92  is not perpendicular to axis  64 . In various embodiments, axis  92  and axis  64  can define angle  94  ( FIGS. 3 and 11 ) therebetween which is less than 90 degrees and, in other embodiments, greater than 90 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, angle  94  is approximately 65 degrees. Angle  94  can be configured such that connector mount  77  is oriented in a direction which can be easily grasped by the user and, in some embodiments, does not abut the outer ear of the user. However, in some circumstances, connector mount  77  can be readily visible to other people when positioned in a user&#39;s ear which can subvert the user&#39;s desire to reduce the visibility of such a sound transmitting device within their ear. 
         [0047]    Alternative connector mount  177  is illustrated in  FIGS. 14-17 . Similar to the above, connector mount  177  can include cavity  131  which is configured to receive and retain connector  76  therein. Connector mount  177  can further include dome  185  protruding from surface  186  of the connector device. In use, similar to the above, a user may follow the wires and mating connector operably connected to the device in order to locate dome  185 . Alternatively, owing to the raised profile of dome  185 , the user may locate the edges and or the center of dome  185  by placing their finger directly on the device. Thereafter, referring to  FIGS. 14 and 16 , the user can position their fingernail, for example, within notch  186  in dome  185 . Notch  186  can be configured to receive a user&#39;s fingernail and permit the user to pry, or otherwise remove, the device from their ear. In various embodiments, notch  186  can be substantially hidden from plain view. For example, in at least one embodiment, notch  186  can be defined between surface  186  and overhang  187  extending from dome  185 . In this embodiment, the user can place their fingernail underneath overhang  187  and apply force to the device. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIG. 14 , overhang  187  can be defined by arcuate edge  188  which can provide a point  189  at which the removal force can be applied. 
         [0048]    In various embodiments, connector mount  177  can extend from a sound transmitting device having a custom housing or a universal housing. A custom housing can be produced by creating an impression of a person&#39;s ear, including their ear canal, and using the impression to create a mold. The mold can then be used to create a housing which is customized to fit snugly within the person&#39;s ear, and/or ear canal. More particularly, a soft compound, such as a silicone-based impression material, for example, can be inserted into the person&#39;s ear and can be compressed, and otherwise shaped, to conform to the anatomy of their ear. The impression can then be removed from the ear, encased in a plastic material, for example, and then permitted to cure and harden. Thereafter, the encasement can be cut and the impression removed therefrom leaving behind a cavity which can receive material to form the housing. Once cured, the housing can be removed from the encasement and can be assembled with the other components of the sound transmitting device. Referring to  FIG. 13 , a sound transmitting device  230  can include a custom housing  236  having a cavity located therein. In at least one embodiment, the cavity can be configured to receive electronics, such as a transducer, for example. To at least substantially close the cavity, the device can further include removable plate  290  connected to housing  236 . Referring to  FIGS. 14-17 , which illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, connector mount  177  of the present invention can extend from removable plate  190 . 
         [0049]    While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.