Abstract:
A communications interface provides for communications between a wireless communication device and a hearing assistive device. The communications interface converts a signal, including an audio signal, received from the wireless communication device into a format recognizable by a hearing assistive device. The communications interface generates a communication signal including the audio signal based on the converted signal and transmits the communication signal to the hearing assistive device using a low power radio frequency transmission protocol. The hearing assistive device converts the communication signal received from the communications interface into a usable format, extracts an audible signal from the communication signal, and manipulates the extracted audible signal according to a criterion associated with a user of the hearing assistive device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/579,883, filed Oct. 14, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/247,746, filed Oct. 7, 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,620,429), the entireties of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to a wireless interface for managing communications between a wireless communications device and a hearing assistive device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A Hearing Assistive Device (HAD), such as a hearing aid, is typically worn at the ear of a user and includes a microphone and a telecoil for receiving audio input. In microphone mode, sound waves are received by the microphone and converted into electrical energy, and the resultant electrical signal is then amplified, processed, and output to the user. In telecoil mode, a telecoil is coupled to an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device, such as a telephone, to receive audio signals and the signals are amplified, processed, and output to the user. 
         [0004]    When using a Wireless Communications Device (WCD), such as a cellular telephone, a HAD user typically places the WCD proximate the HAD in order for the HAD microphone to receive sound emitted from the WCD&#39;s speaker. However, the close proximity of the WCD to the HAD may result in unwanted interference as varying RF and magnetic fields associated with the WCD are detected and processed as electrical signals by the HAD. For example, RF interference may result when radio waves emitted by a cellular telephone are detected and demodulated by the HAD circuitry. Wireless devices that employ time division multiplexed modulation schemes may generate interference due to the on/off keying of their modulation envelopes. The pulsing transmissions of such devices may produce interference at the fundamental frequencies associated with the pulse rates, as well as at the associated harmonic frequencies across the audible spectrum. 
         [0005]    In addition to RE interference, wireless devices may also generate magnetic interference when placed proximate a HAD. Cellular telephone electronics, such as backlighting, displays, keypads, battery leads and circuit boards may generate pulsed magnetic fields. The resultant magnetic field energy may be coupled with the HAD&#39;s wiring and interconnections and result in interference. 
         [0006]    Thus, when a WCD is placed proximate a HAD, such as the standard usage position when the WCD&#39;s speaker is placed proximate the HAD, unwanted electronic interference often results. Such interference can be diminished by moving the interfering device a distance away from the HAD. Generally speaking, the interference ratio experienced by a hearing aid user as a wireless device is pulled away from the hearing aid is generally represented by a squared relationship. For example, if a wireless device is moved from a first distance x from a hearing aid to a second distance 2x, then the interference generated at the distance 2x is one-quarter that of the interference generated at the distance x. Thus, the interference generated by a WCD may be greatly reduced by moving the WCD a distance from the HAD. Of course, a significant obstacle to moving such devices away from the HAD is the decreased ability of the HAD user to communicate with the WCD, such as the ability to receive audio output from the WCD speaker or to provide speech to the WCD microphone. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods that enable communications between a Hearing Assistive Device (HAD), such as a hearing aid, and a Wireless Communications Device (WCD), such as a cellular telephone, while mitigating unwanted interference. Here a WCD includes any audio device equipped to receive and transmit, via a short range communication protocol, any distinguishable sound wave including cell phones, audio file decoders such as but not limited to MP3 players, radios, televisions, computers, devices enabled with short range transmitters, and the like or parts thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is provided in which signals received at a WCD are provided to a HAD via a Low Power RF Interface. In another embodiment, the Interface may also receive input from a HAD user, such as the user&#39;s speech, and provide associated voice signals to the WCD. 
         [0008]    The system can include a Bluetooth-enabled Wireless Communications Device (BWCD), an RF-enabled Hearing Assistive Device (RHAD), and an Interface for providing communication between the BWCD and the RHAD. The Interface can receive voice signals from the BWCD via a Bluetooth signal and provide the voice signals to the RHAD via a low power RF signal. This arrangement enables the BWCD to be moved a distance away from the RHAD to decrease potential interference at the RHAD, while still allowing the RHAD user to communicate using the BWCD. For example, the RHAD user can use the BWCD to communicate with the user of another communications device over a telecommunications network. 
         [0009]    While embodiments of the disclosure are described with regard to specific communication protocols and standards, such as Bluetooth, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the disclosure that are short range communication enabled may include a broad range of protocols or standards. Means for short range communication include IEEE 802.11, 802.15.1 (Bluetooth and Bluetooth lite), 802.15.4a (Zigbee), 802.15.3 (Ultra Wideband), IrDa, near-field communications (NFC), active radio-frequency identification (active RFID), low power FM, propriety standards, and other low power wireless transceivers. Accordingly, although the illustrated embodiments teach the present disclosure by way of a Bluetooth protocol, this is for purposes of illustration only and not limitation as all means for short range communication are contemplated and many are shown immediately above. 
         [0010]    In an exemplary embodiment, the Interface can be provided with a Bluetooth module to establish a communications link with the BWCD and receive a Bluetooth signal in accordance with Bluetooth protocol. The Interface also can be provided with a Low Power RF module to establish a communications link with a RHAD and transmit low power RF signals to the RHAD. The Interface may also include control logic to execute control instructions, a user interface, a CODEC Processor for processing signals, and a power source. 
         [0011]    In another exemplary embodiment, the Interface includes a microphone for receiving speech from an RHAD user and transmitting associated voice signals to the BWCD. The Interface can be provided with a housing that is adapted for placing the Interface a distance from the RHAD, such as means for attaching the Interface to the clothing of a user. 
         [0012]    The RHAD can include RF Communications Logic for receiving low power RF signals from the Interface. The RHAD RF Communications Logic is adapted for communications with the Interface&#39;s Low Power RF Communications Logic. The RHAD also can include a Hearing Assistive Module for receiving and processing signals in accordance with the hearing deficiencies of the RHAD user. 
         [0013]    The present disclosure also includes a method for communicating with a HAD. In an exemplary embodiment the method includes receiving a short range communication signal from a wireless communications device at an Interface, extracting an audible signal from the short range signal, and transmitting the audible signal to the RHAD via a low power RF signal. 
         [0014]    An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a communications interface including a first communications module adapted to receive a communication signal, which itself includes an audible signal, from a wireless communications device, and a second communications module adapted to receive and provide that audible signal to a hearing assistive device. Here the interface receives the audible signal via a first communication protocol and sends the audible signal via a second communication protocol. Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a hearing assistive device including communications logic configured to receive a communication signal via a short range communication protocol and hearing assistive circuitry in communication with the logic, wherein the circuitry is configured to manipulate the signal in accordance with the user&#39;s hearing criteria. Still another exemplary embodiment includes radio frequency (RF) communications logic adapted to receive a low power RF signal from an interface, and housing adapted to communicatively couple the logic to a hearing assistive device. 
         [0015]    An exemplary system of the present disclosure includes an interface and an RF enabled hearing assistive device. Here, the interface includes a first module adapted to receive an audible signal from a wireless device and a second module adapted to provide the audible signal to the hearing assistive device via a low power RF signal. Exemplary methods of the present disclosure include receiving at an interface a communication from a wireless device, extracting a desired signal from the communication at a first module of the interface, and providing the desired signal to a second module in communication with a hearing assistive device. Here, the communication is received by a first short range protocol and the signal is sent by a second short range protocol. Additional exemplary methods include receiving a low power RF signal from an interface at a hearing assistive device, extracting an audible signal from the RF signal, and providing the audible signal to a speaker of a hearing assistive device. 
         [0016]    The devices, systems and methods of the disclosure enable a HAD user to communicate using a WCD without undue interference. Interference is reduced by allowing a WCD to be positioned at a distance from a user&#39;s HAD. The magnitude of the low power RF signal used by the Interface to transmit a voice signal to the RHAD is such that it does not produce interference at the RHAD. Because the Interface also can be provided at a distance from the RHAD, the electromagnetic fields generated by the Interface&#39;s power source do not interfere with the RHAD. Furthermore, because the Bluetooth signals between the Interface and the BWCD are frequency hopped, the interference with the RHAD due to the Bluetooth signal is negligible. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a Hearing Assistive System with Low Power Interface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates a Hearing Assistive System with Low Power Interface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a Low Power Interface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a housing of a Low Power Interface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates a block diagram of an RF-enabled Hearing Assistive Device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and that concepts of the present disclosure may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. 
         [0023]    Embodiments of the present disclosure described herein provide a Hearing Assistive Device (HAD) and an Interface that provides a communications link between the HAD and a Wireless Communications Device (WCD), thereby allowing communication between a HAD and a WCD without undue interference. While embodiments of the disclosure are described with regard to specific communication protocols and standards, such as Bluetooth, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the disclosure that are short range communication enabled may include a broad range of protocols or standards, such as means for short range communication presented above. In the illustrated embodiments the HAD is RF enabled and the WCD is Bluetooth enabled. Similarly, embodiments include a HAD including any suitable low power wireless system configured to receive a signal from the Interface. In some embodiments the HAD includes the same short range communication enablement as the WCD. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout,  FIG. 1  illustrates a Hearing Assistive System (HAS)  100 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated HAS  100  includes a Bluetooth-enabled Wireless Communications Device (BWCD)  102 , an Interface  104 , and a RF-enabled Hearing Assistive Device (RHAD)  106 . 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the BWCD  102 , which for purposes of teaching and not limitation is illustrated in the form of a cellular telephone, can communicate over a telecommunications network. In this example, the BWCD  102  is shown communicating with another communications device  118  over a cellular telecommunications network  116 . The cellular telecommunications network  116  may be connected with other networks such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the Internet, and other private or public networks. The BWCD  102  is Bluetooth-enabled so that it may establish communication with other Bluetooth-enabled devices in accordance with that communication protocol. 
         [0026]    The Interface  104  is adapted for establishing a communications link with the BWCD  102 . Here the Interface is Bluetooth-enabled so that it may establish a Bluetooth communications link with the BWCD  102  to form a piconet. In the illustrated embodiment the BWCD  102  serves as a master and the Interface  104  as a slave under the Bluetooth protocol. 
         [0027]    The BWCD  102  receives a communication signal  110  from another communications device  118 , such as a cellular telecommunications signal received during a communication session between the BWCD  102  and the communications device  118 . Typically the BWCD  102  extracts desired audible signals from the cellular communications signal and those desired audible signals are output at the speaker of the BWCD. Here, desired or audible signals include all signals intended to be heard by the user  108 , including voice and music. In this case, the voice signals may be converted to Bluetooth format and transmitted to the Interface  104  via a Bluetooth signal  112 . The Interface  104  receives the Bluetooth Signal  112  from the BWCD  102  and processes the Bluetooth signal  112  to extract the audible signals. 
         [0028]    The Interface  104  then transmits the audible signals to the RHAD  106  via a low power RF signal  114 . A low power RF device operates at a power level much lower than a typical communication device, such as a cellular telephone, and low power RF signals do not generate interference at the RHAD  106  because of significantly reduced transmit power and/or because of the use of spread spectrum modulation (CMDA). The low power RF signal  114  is received by the RHAD  106  and the audible signals are extracted. The audible signals can be further processed by the RHAD  106  in accordance with the needs of the RHAD user  108 , and then output to the RHAD user  108  at a RHAD speaker. In this way, signals received at the BWCD  102  over the cellular telecommunications network  116  can be provided to the RHAD  106  by the Interface  104 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the Interface  104  can be provided at a distance from the RHAD  106 , such as at the user&#39;s waist, to decrease electromagnetic interference at the RHAD  106  that may result from operation of the Interface  104 . That is, by providing the Interface  104  at a distance from the RHAD  106 , the energy from the Interface&#39;s power source does not interfere with the RHAD  106 . In addition, the low power RF signal  114  is of a sufficiently small magnitude so as to not interfere with the RHAD  106 . 
         [0030]    The provision of the audible signals to the RHAD  106  by the low power RF signal  114  from the Interface  104  eliminates the need of the user  108  to hold the BWCD  102  proximate the RHAD  106 . Under this arrangement it is not necessary that an RF microphone receive output from the BWCD speaker; rather an RF receiver may receive signals via a low power RF signal  114 . No longer needing to have the BWCD  102  speaker proximate the RHAD  106 , the user  108  may move the BWCD  102  a distance away from the RHAD  106 , thereby reducing interference. In the case where a user  108  desires to provide speech directly to the BWCD  102  using the BWCD&#39;s microphone, the user  108  holds the BWCD  102  at a position away from the RHAD  106  but near the user&#39;s mouth. This position would decrease the interference generated by the BWCD  102  at the RHAD  106  while still allowing the BWCD  102  microphone to receive speech of the user  108 . 
         [0031]    In alternative embodiments the Interface  104  is provided with a microphone (not shown) so that the Interface  104  may also receive the user&#39;s speech and transmit voice signals to the BWCD  102  via the Bluetooth communications link established between the Interface  104  and the BWCD  102 . In that case, the Interface  104  engages in bidirectional transmission of audible signals. In embodiments where the Interface  104  includes a microphone for receiving the user&#39;s speech, the BWCD  102  can be moved an even greater distance from the user  108 , as permitted by the applicable short range communication protocol so that the user  108  no longer needs to be proximate the BWCD speaker or BWCD microphone. In some embodiments the microphone is located separate from, or integral to, the HAD  106 . 
         [0032]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a HAS  100  that includes a BWCD  102 . The BWCD  102  receives signals  110  from a cellular telecommunications network  116 . In this example, the BWCD  102  is in the form of a Bluetooth-enabled cellular telephone. The BWCD  102  may have an integrated Bluetooth capability added during manufacture or may be upgraded to contain the Bluetooth capability after manufacture. The illustrated BWCD  102  has a Bluetooth Communications Module  202  that includes circuitry for wirelessly exchanging digitized audible signals with an external Bluetooth-enabled device, such as described immediately below. 
         [0033]    The HAS  100  also includes an Interface  104  for communicating with the BWCD  102 . The Interface  104  includes an Interface Bluetooth Communications Module (IBCM)  204  that includes Bluetooth Circuitry for wirelessly exchanging signals with another Bluetooth-enabled device, such as the BWCD  102  substantially in accordance with the Bluetooth specification. Thus, the IBCM  204  allows the Interface  104  to establish a communications link with the BWCD  102  and receive signals transmitted from the BWCD  102  via a Bluetooth signal  112 . 
         [0034]    The illustrated Interface  104  also includes means for short range communication, such as a Low Power RF Module  206 . The Low Power RF Module  206  includes transceiver circuitry for establishing a communications link with the RHAD  106 , and wirelessly exchanging analog or digitized audible signals with the RHAD  106  via a low power RF signal  114 . The Interface  104  can further include a controller  208  having control logic for managing and controlling the IBCM  204  and the Low Power RF Module  206 . 
         [0035]    The HAS  100  may also include a RHAD  106 . The illustrated RHAD  106  includes means for short range communication, such as a Low Power RF Module  210  having circuitry for establishing a Low Power RF communications link with the Interface  104 , receiving Low Power RF signals  114  from the Interface  104 , and processing the Low Power RF signals  114  to extract audible signals. The RHAD  106  may also include hearing assistive circuitry commonly found in hearing assistive devices for processing the audible signals in accordance with the hearing impairments of the user  108 . In alternative embodiments, the RHAD  106  is a headset that the user wears on an ear. The RHAD  106  includes a hearing assistive device, means for short range communication, and a microphone for communicating to the Interface  104  or directly to the wireless communication device  102 . 
         [0036]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a detailed block diagram of an Interface  104  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the Interface  104  includes Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 , Low Power RF Communications Logic  304 , CODEC/Processor Logic  306 , a user control interface  308 , control logic  310 , and a power source  312 . 
         [0037]    The Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  contains circuitry for wirelessly exchanging digitized audible signals with the BWCD  102 . The Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  can perform encryption and decryption of audible signals under the Bluetooth specification for wireless communications. The Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  can include a Bluetooth chip or chipset, such as a plurality of integrated circuits that may be integrated into one or more modules and may include a variety of components for effectuating Bluetooth capability, such as a processor, a clock, a transmitter, a receiver, an antenna, and a controller. 
         [0038]    The CODEC/Processor Logic  306  can include circuitry for performing processing functions on incoming transmissions, such as decoding, decryption, error detection, payload extraction and audio decompression functions, and circuitry for performing processing functions on outgoing transmissions, such as encoding, encryption and audio compression functions. For example, the CODEC/Processor Logic  306  can receive a digitized audible signal from the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 , decode the signal and extract desired voice or music signals. The CODEC/Processor Logic  306  can then perform processing functions, such as audio compression, encoding and other functions, on the resultant audible signal prior to delivery to the Low Power RF Communications Logic  304 , and transmission to the RHAD  106 . 
         [0039]    Although the CODEC/Processor Logic  306 , the Low Power RF Communications Logic  304 , the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 , and the Control Logic  310  are shown as separate components, it is contemplated that the functions of these devices may be performed by a combination of the devices into a single unit and that functions discussed as being performed by one structure may alternatively be performed by other structures. For example, some of the functions discussed as being performed by the CODEC/Processor Logic  306  may be performed at the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 , the Low Power RF Communications Logic  304 , or the Control Logic  310 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment wherein the Interface  104  is provided with an integral or remote microphone  314 , the microphone  314  can receive speech from the user  108  and provide associated voice signals to the CODEC/Processor Logic  306 . The CODEC/Processor Logic  306  can then convert the user&#39;s voice signals into an encoded speech format for exchange with the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 . The voice signals can then be transmitted by the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  to the BWCD  102  via a Bluetooth signal. If required, the CODEC/Processor Logic  306  may convert analog signals into digital form before converting them into an encoded speech format. The CODEC/Processor Logic  306  can then exchange the voice signals with the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 , such as by exchanging a bit stream of digitized voice signals with the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 . If data signals are provided, such as in the form of music, the CODEC/Processor Logic  306  can perform data compression and decompression as required. 
         [0041]    The Interface  104  also includes Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  that contains circuitry for exchanging digitized or analog voice signals via a Low Power RF signal  114 . The Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  can be adapted for communication with a particular type of RHAD  106  and can be adapted for communication with multiple RHADs  106 , such as the case where a user  108  has a different calibrated RHAD  106  in each ear. In addition to transmitting voice signals to the RHAD  106 , the Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  also can transmit and receive other data, such as control data with the RHAD  106 . 
         [0042]    The Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  includes circuitry, such as an antenna, an amplifier, a transmitter, and a processor, for performing other functions not performed by the CODEC/Processor Logic  306  to ready the signal for transmission to the RHAD  106 . The Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  modulates the signal to an RF carrier, amplifies the signal as required, and transmits the signal by an antenna to the RHAD  106 . The Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  can include a Low Power RF transmitter and receiver circuitry for bi-directional communication with the RHAD  106 , to receive, for example, control signals from the RHAD  106  or voice signals from a microphone. For example, the Interface  104  may receive control data from the user control interface  308  to configure parameters, such as frequency channel and operational modes for transmitting audible signals to the RHAD  106 . 
         [0043]    The Bluetooth Communications Logic  302 , CODEC/Processor Logic  306 , Low Power RF Communications Logic  304 , microphone  314 , and the user control interface  308  are connected to and controlled by control logic  310 . The control logic  310  can include a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, such as flash memory. The user control interface  308  can include buttons, visual indicators such as light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s) and lights, and associated drivers and logic to receive input from the user  108  and display status conditions back to the user  108 , and generally provide an interface between the user  108  and the Interface  104 . For example, the user control interface  308  may indicate power on-off, and establishment of communication between the Interface  104  and the BWCD  102  or the RHAD  106 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the Interface  104  may include a housing  410  with means for attaching the Interface  104  to the user&#39;s body or clothing such as a clip  412 , arm band  414 , neck loop  416  or cradle (not shown), or the like. In addition, housing  410  may be provided with means for conveniently placing the Interface  104  on a surface near a user  108 , such as on the surface of a desk or table. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an RHAD  106 . The RHAD  106  can include a Hearing Assistive Module (HAM)  502  and RHAD RF Communications Logic (RRCL)  504 . The HAM  502  can include components for receiving and processing signals in accordance with the hearing deficiencies of the RHAD user  108  and can include components commonly found in hearing aids such as a microphone  506 , a telecoil  508 , an amplifier  510 , and a speaker  512  as well as a signal processing circuit  514 . The RHAD  106  also can include other structures known in the art, such as a power source, power switch, volume control, mode select buttons, etc., which are not shown so as not to obscure the disclosure. 
         [0046]    In communication with the RRCL  504  at a direct audio input port  505  is a Low Power RF Module  210 , an associated antenna (not shown), and an associated processor (not shown). The RRCL  504  and RF Module  210  include circuitry for establishing a communications link with the Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  of the Interface  104  and receiving and processing a Low Power RF signal from the Interface  104 , as described previously. Where the RRCL  504  or RF Module  210  provides control information to the Interface  104 , the RF Module  210  may also include a transmitter. These structures may be arranged on a printed circuit board or some other type of circuit that is sized to fit within a hearing aid housing. Alternatively, the RRCL  504  and RF Module  210  may be incorporated into a separate module or boot that can be attached to a hearing aid housing, such as a behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid. 
         [0047]    The processor of the RRCL  502  may perform processing functions on signals received from Interface  104  such as signal detection, setup/control functions, frequency band, channel selection, power control, modulation, selection, interference and received signal strength monitoring. If a digital signal is being sent by the Interface  104 , the processor can decode the signal. If an analog signal is being sent, the signal may be sent to an analog-to-digital converter either within the RRCL  504  or at a converter  516  in the signal processing circuit  514  of the RHAD  106 , The processor may perform processing functions on the Low Power RF signal  114  received from the Interface  104 , such as decompression, decoding, error detection, synchronization, and/or other functions as required. 
         [0048]    The HAM  502  includes signal processing logic  514  for receiving and processing signals in accordance with the needs of the RHAD user  108 , The signal processing circuit may include an analog-to-digital converter  516 , a processor  518 , and a digital-to-analog converter  520 . The processor  518  processes signals received from the RRCL  504 , or the RHAD&#39;s microphone  506  or telecoil  508 , in accordance with the hearing deficiencies of the RHAD user  108 . The processed signals are then provided to the user  108  through an RHAD speaker  512 . The RHAD  106  can be adapted to operate in different modes such as a microphone, telecoil, and RF modes. For example, the RHAD  106  may be adapted to switch to an RE mode to receive the low power RF signals  114  from the Interface  104  upon a polling signal from the Interface  104 . In operation, a low power RF signal  114  is received by an antenna of the RF Module  210  and processed to extract the voice signals. The voice signals are then provided to the HAM  502  for further processing and the resultant voice signals output to the RHAD user  108  at the speaker  512 . 
         [0049]    An example of a method of operation in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described. The user  108  makes or receives a phone call with a friend using the user&#39;s BWCD  102  to establish a communication link over a cellular telecommunications network  116 . The friend speaks into his communications device  118  so that the friend&#39;s voice is transmitted over the cellular telecommunications network  116  to the user&#39;s BWCD  102 . The BWCD  102  then passes the friend&#39;s digitized voice signals to the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  of the Interface  104  via a Bluetooth signal  112 , which is just one example of means for short range communication. The Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  passes the digitized voice signals to the CODEC/Processor Logic  306  in a bit stream format. The CODEC/Processor Logic  306  transforms the voice signal bit stream into an encoded voice signal format, decodes the voice signal, and passes it to the Low Power RF Communications logic  304 . The Low Power RF Communications Logic  304  then converts the voice signal to a format expected by the RHAD  106  and transmits the voice signal to the RHAD  106  via a Low Power RE carrier signal  114 . The RF Module  210  receives the Low Power RF communications signal  114  and the RRCL  504  processes the signal to extract the voice signal. The voice signal is then sent to the HAM  502  to be processed by the signal processing circuit  514  and output to the RHAD user  108  at the speaker  512 . The user  108  may then respond by speaking into a microphone of the BWCD  102  so that the user&#39;s voice signal is received at the BWCD  102  and transmitted over the cellular telecommunications network  116  to the friend&#39;s communications device  118 . 
         [0050]    In an embodiment in which the Interface  104  includes an integral or remote microphone  314 , the user  108  may respond by speaking into the microphone  314  so that the user&#39;s voice is received by the microphone  314  and sent to the CODEC/Processor Logic  306 . The CODEC/Processor Logic  306  processes the voice signal for delivery to the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  for transmission to the BWCD  102  via a Bluetooth signal. The CODEC/Processor Logic  306  may digitize the voice signals, create encoded speech, translate the encoded voice signals into a bit stream representation and send the voice signal to the Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  under the control of the Control Logic  310 . The Bluetooth Communications Logic  302  takes the digital voice signals and passes them wirelessly to the BWCD  102 , which transmits the voice signal to the friend&#39;s communications device  118  via the cellular telecommunications network  116 . Because many telephones are now manufactured with Bluetooth capability many users would not need to purchase a new telephone to experience the advantages of the present disclosure, but could use their current Bluetooth-enabled phone in conjunction with the Interface  104  and RHAD  106 . 
         [0051]    It must be emphasized that the law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clean understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.