Patent ID: 8396239

Claim:
A method of transmitting an audio signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising an eardrum and an ear canal, the method comprising: emitting at least one wavelength of light from at least one light source, wherein the at least one wavelength is pulse width modulated to provide a pulse width modulated light output signal, wherein the pulse width modulated light output signal corresponds to a positive component or an opposing negative component of a dual component signal; detecting the at least one wavelength of light with at least one detector, wherein the at least one detector receives the light output signal and converts the light output signal comprising the positive component or the opposing negative component into electrical energy; vibrating the eardrum of the user with at least one transducer electrically coupled to the at least one detector in response to the at least one wavelength, wherein the at least one transducer is coupled to the eardrum from the ear canal and driven with the electrical energy from the light output signal such that the at least one detector is capable of driving the at least one transducer in response to the at least one wavelength without active circuitry.