Patent Document ID: 8696541
Application ID: 12959934
Patent Flag: 1

Claim One:
1. A method for delivering sound to a human subject, said method comprising: positioning a light-responsive output transducer assembly on a tympanic membrane of the user, the light-responsive output transducer assembly comprising a light sensitive area, wherein a support component of the output transducer assembly contacts an outer surface of the tympanic membrane such that the support component is releasable from the tympanic membrane; providing an electrical signal in response to a sound signal; generating modulated light energy in response to the electrical signal, the modulated light energy comprising optical power and an optical signal, the optical signal capable of transmitting the sound, the optical power capable of driving the output transducer assembly; and delivering the modulated light energy to the light sensitive area of the output transducer assembly, wherein the modulated light energy extends across a gap to the light sensitive area and drives the transducer assembly with the optical power and the optical signal and wherein the modulated light energy induces the output transducer assembly to vibrate in accordance with the sound signal.