Wireless sound transmitting and receiving bone device using bone conduction

Abstract

To provide a bone conduction device which is easily attachable and detachable and is inconspicuous in appearance.SOLUTION: A bone conduction hearing device for aiding hearing is comprised of a transparent dental alignment device 60 configured to engage one or more teeth and a housing 62. The housing 62 contains a transducer 120, signal processor, power source, transmitter and / or receiver, and antenna positioned in vibratory contact with one or more teeth. At least a portion of the dental alignment device 60 is removed and the housing 62 is inserted into the space left by the removal of said at least a portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 956,914, filed January 3, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to methods for transmitting vibrations through a tooth, teeth, jaw, and / or other bones of a user or wearer via an electronic circuit and / or transducer assembly. The present disclosure is further directed to systems for transmitting vibrations through a tooth, teeth, jaw, and / or other bones of a user or wearer via an electronic circuit and / or transducer assembly. The present disclosure is further directed to oral appliances for implementing the methods and systems described herein. [Background technology]

[0003] There is a continuing need to develop means to assist or otherwise assist individuals who suffer from partial or complete hearing loss in one or both ears.

[0004] The eardrum is very sensitive, and listening to loud sounds (especially for a long period of time) can damage a person's eardrum. This type of damage to the eardrum is a major cause of hearing loss. Damage to the eardrum is cumulative and more likely to occur as people get older.

[0005] When sound waves reach the eardrum, the eardrum vibrates and decodes the sound waves into another type of vibration that is received by the cochlea, also known as the inner ear. The cochlea is connected to the auditory nerve, which transmits sound to the brain.

[0006] Bone conduction of sound bypasses the eardrum: in bone conduction, vibrations can be received directly by the cochlea, thus removing the eardrum from the entire sound reception process.

[0007] Some hearing aids employ bone conduction technology to achieve an effect equivalent or comparable to hearing directly with the ear, i.e., without the aid of a device.

[0008] For example, a headset may be ergonomically positioned on a person's temples and cheeks, with electromechanical transducers converting electrical signals into mechanical vibrations that result in sound waves being sent through the user's skull to the inner ear.

[0009] One long-term solution that relies on bone conduction is the bone-anchored hearing aid.

[0010] Malformations of the ear canal or middle ear, such as narrowing of the ear canal or malformed or absent pinna (i.e., outer ear), can cause conductive hearing loss. These malformations are often congenital. Bone-anchored hearing methods transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear by direct contact with the skull.

[0011] Bone-anchored hearing aids use surgically implanted abutments to transmit sound waves via direct conduction through a patient's skull to the patient's inner ear, thereby bypassing the ear canal and middle ear.

[0012] When the implant vibrates the surrounding bone, it transmits sound waves in the inner ear, stimulating hair cells and firing the auditory nerve.

[0013] Typically, a titanium implant prosthesis is surgically placed into the patient's skull, leaving a small abutment exposed outside the patient's skin, onto which a sound processor rests or is otherwise secured.

[0014] The sound processor sends sound waves to the titanium implant, which then vibrates the patient's skull and inner ear, stimulating nerve fibers to the patient's inner ear and thus providing hearing.

[0015] Bone-anchored hearing aid implant surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure.

[0016] By bypassing the outer or middle ear, bone-anchored hearing aids can improve hearing in noisy situations and aid in sound localization.

[0017] In addition to improved speech understanding, bone-anchored hearing aids generally provide more natural sound with less distortion and feedback compared to conventional hearing aids.

[0018] Single-ear hearing loss is a condition in which a person loses all hearing in one ear and has anything from normal hearing to severe hearing loss in the other ear. Single-ear hearing loss makes it difficult to determine which direction a sound is coming from (localization) and reduces the ability to understand speech in noisy environments.

[0019] Common causes of unilateral hearing loss include acoustic neuroma (i.e., a tumor in the acoustic nerve), Meniere's disease, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Individuals with unilateral hearing loss can wear special hearing aids (called CROS devices) that route sound from the worse-hearing side to the better-hearing side, but bone-anchored hearing devices are often preferred because they require the use of only one device.

[0020] In patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, bone-anchored hearing aids transmit sound from the deaf side to the hearing inner ear through the skull.

[0021] Over time, the titanium implant integrates with the bone. A removable microphone and sound processor may then be attached via an internal magnet or by clipping onto the abutment. The goal of bone-anchored hearing aids is to achieve a snug fit to transfer vibrations to the bone more effectively.

[0022] Bone-anchored hearing aids require invasive surgical procedures and the introduction of a foreign body into the body in order to integrate with the patient's bones.

[0023] Furthermore, bone-anchored hearing aids have the disadvantage that sound waves must arrive on the side of the user's or wearer's head where the hearing aid is implanted, and therefore it is common for interference or noise to make it difficult for an individual to concentrate on what they are trying to hear.

[0024] Individuals with bilateral conductive hearing loss who use bone-anchored hearing aids often need to turn their head so that the side with the implant is closer to the source of the sound they are trying to hear.

[0025] Therefore, there is a need for bone conduction hearing aid devices and methods that overcome the drawbacks of bone-anchored hearing aids, and in particular for bone conduction hearing aid devices and methods that do not require invasive medical procedures and that are capable of transmitting received or otherwise detected sound from a 360-degree radius around the listener.

[0026] Additionally, there is a continuing need for a means of transmitting and receiving sound unobtrusively, whether or not a person has any degree of hearing impairment.

[0027] Furthermore, whether or not a person has any degree of hearing impairment, there is a continuing need for a means of transmitting and / or receiving sound in noisy environments.

[0028] Additionally, there is an unmet need for wearable wireless communication technology that does not require anything to be worn externally to the body. Summary of the Invention

[0029] The inventors have surprisingly found that the methods, systems, and devices described herein enable 360-degree hearing for individuals with single-sided hearing loss and other hearing impairments, as well as individuals without any hearing impairments. That is, if a person is speaking into their mobile device and this audio is transmitted to another mobile device, this audio can be transmitted to a wearable device, thus creating a way to capture audio in a 360-degree range. Using both Bluetooth® and cellular technology, the distance of the person speaking is unlimited.

[0030] The inventors have further surprisingly found that the methods, systems and devices described herein enable individuals to communicate clearly and intelligibly, even in noisy environments, without the need for medical procedures or anything to be worn externally on the individual's body.

[0031] In one aspect, the intra-oral hearing appliance of the present disclosure includes a dental alignment device, an actuator that provides bone conduction sound transmission, a transceiver coupled to the actuator to generate sound in the actuator, and a first chamber containing the actuator and the transceiver, the first chamber adapted to be coupled to one or more teeth.

[0032] Implementations of the above aspects may include one or more of the following.

[0033] An actuator driver or amplifier may be connected to the actuator. The second chamber may be used to house a power source to drive the actuator and the transceiver. A bridge may connect the first and second chambers. The bridge may have electrical wiring or an antenna embedded therein. The bridge may be a wired frame, a polymeric material, or a combination of a polymeric material and a wired frame. A mass may be connected to the actuator. The mass may be a weight such as tungsten, or a suitable module having mass, such as a battery or electronic module. The actuator may be a piezoelectric transducer. The actuator may be configured as a bending rectangular or cantilever beam. One or more ceramic or alumina stands may connect the actuator to other components. A compressible material may surround the actuator. An incompressible material may cover the actuator and the compressible material. A rechargeable power source may power the transceiver and actuator. An inductive charger may recharge the battery. The chamber may be a custom dental alignment device. A pre-constructed housing may be provided for the mass. The pre-constructed housing may have an arm and one or more bottom contacts, the arm and contacts adapted to bias the mass against the teeth. A microphone may be connected to the transceiver, and the microphone may be placed intra- or extra-orally. A data storage device may be embedded in the appliance. A first microphone may pick up body-conducted sound, a second microphone may pick up ambient sound, and a noise canceller may be used to subtract the ambient sound from the body-conducted sound. The actuator transmits sound through the teeth, maxilla, mandible, or palate. A link unit may supply sound to the transceiver, and the link unit is adapted to communicate with an external sound source. The transceiver may be a wired transceiver or a wireless transceiver.

[0034] Advantages of preferred embodiments may include one or more of the following: The dental alignment device using bone conduction is easy to put on and take off during use, and is unobtrusive while worn by the user of the device. The device can be operated without nearby people noticing that the user is wearing the device. The system is a rugged, wireless, secure, and versatile communication platform. The device can be used in extreme environments, such as very dusty, dirty, or wet environments. The system provides the user with high-quality, hands-free, and even discreet communication capabilities. The system overcomes hearing loss, which can negatively impact a person's quality of life and psychological well-being. Resolving such hearing impairments leads to reduced stress levels, increased self-confidence, increased sociability, and increased efficiency in the workplace.

[0035] The present invention relates to a bone conduction device, for example, i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transmitter and / or receiver; iv) a microphone; v) a processor, and vi) Providing a bone conduction device that includes a combination of vibration transducers.

[0036] In another aspect, the invention described herein includes each of (i)-(vi).

[0037] The present invention provides a) a bone conduction device, i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transmitter and / or receiver; iv) a microphone; v) a processor, and vi) a bone conduction device including a vibration transducer; b) at least one remote communication device.

[0038] The present disclosure further provides a method of communication comprising wearing a bone conduction device, the bone conduction device comprising: i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transceiver and / or receiver; iv) a microphone; v) a processor, and vi) Vibration transducer wherein the bone conduction device is in wireless communication with a remote communication device.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a method of assisting hearing, comprising wearing a bone conduction device, the bone conduction device comprising: i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transmitter and / or receiver; iv) a microphone; v) a processor, and vi) Vibration transducer wherein the bone conduction device is in wireless communication with a remote communication device.

[0040] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a perspective side view of an exemplary configuration of a bone conduction hearing device showing an exemplary cutout where the electronic portion of the device is coupled. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a top view of an exemplary configuration of a bone conduction hearing device with the electronic portion of the device attached. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C shows a perspective side view of an exemplary configuration of a bone conduction hearing device with the electronic portion of the device attached. [Figure 2] 1 shows a top view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a bone conduction hearing device. [Figure 3] 10A-10C show diagrams illustrating the coupling of an actuator to one or more teeth. [Figure 4] 1 shows an equivalent model of the coupling of the actuator to the tooth. [Figure 5] 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a bone conduction hearing device. [Figure 6] 10 shows an example of how bone conduction devices can be placed in multiple locations on a dental alignment device. [Figure 7] 1 shows a partial perspective side view of an exemplary configuration of a bone conduction hearing device. [Figure 8] 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a bone conduction hearing device. [Figure 9] An exemplary configuration of the present invention is shown in which a power source provides power to a receiver and a transducer, the receiver receives input (e.g., audio) from a second device such as a smartphone or tablet, and the receiver then provides an output to the transducer, which vibrates against a tooth, multiple teeth, bone, or multiple bones of a user or wearer. [Figure 10] An exemplary configuration of the present invention is shown in which a power source provides power to a receiver, a processor and a transducer, the receiver receives input (e.g., audio) from a second device such as a smartphone or tablet, the receiver in turn provides output to the processor, the processor then provides the processed output to the transducer, which vibrates against a tooth, multiple teeth, bone or multiple bones of a user or wearer. [Figure 11] 11 shows an exemplary configuration of the present invention, in which a power source provides power to a microphone, a processor, and a transmitter, the microphone receives input (e.g., speech) from a user or wearer, the microphone subsequently provides output to a processor, the processor then provides the processed output to a transmitter, and the transmitter transmits the processed output to a second device, such as a smartphone or tablet. In one embodiment, the configuration shown in FIG. 11 can be combined with the configurations of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10. That is, separate power sources can be used in the configuration of FIG. 11 and in the configurations of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10. [Figure 12]An exemplary configuration of the present invention is shown in which a single power source provides power to each of a microphone, a processor, a transmitter, a receiver and a transducer, the receiver receives input from a second device (such as a smartphone or tablet) and then provides the input to a transducer, which vibrates against a tooth, teeth, bone or bones of a user or wearer, the configuration further providing a microphone that receives input (e.g., speech) from the user or wearer and then provides the input to a processor, the processor then provides the processed input to a transmitter, which then provides a processed output to the second device (such as a smartphone or tablet). [Figure 13] An exemplary configuration of the invention is shown in which a single power source provides power to each of a microphone, a first processor, a transmitter, a receiver, a processor and a transducer, the receiver receives input from a second device (such as a smartphone or tablet) and then provides the input to the processor, the processor then provides processed input to the transducer, the transducer vibrates against a tooth, teeth, bone or bones of a user or wearer, the configuration further providing a microphone that receives input (e.g., speech) from the user or wearer and then provides the input to the first processor, the first processor provides processed output to the transmitter, and the transmitter provides processed output to the second device (such as a smartphone or tablet). [Figure 14]An exemplary configuration of the present invention is shown in which a single power source provides power to each of a microphone, a processor, a transmitter, a receiver and a transducer, the receiver receives input from a second device (such as a smartphone or tablet) and then provides the input to a processor, the processor then provides processed input to a transducer, the transducer vibrates against a tooth, teeth, bone or bones of a user or wearer, the configuration further providing a microphone that receives input (e.g., speech) from the user or wearer and then provides the input to the same processor, the processor provides processed output to a transmitter, and the transmitter provides processed output to the second device (such as a smartphone or tablet). [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an embodiment of the method of the present invention in which a user communicates with another person using a telecommunications device without a bone conduction device of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method of the present invention in which a user communicates with another person using a telecommunications device in conjunction with a bone conduction device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The inventors have now discovered that the methods, systems, and apparatus and devices of the present invention provide a means for simultaneous transmission of audio to and from a remote communication device.

[0043] Bone conduction technology has been used in hearing aids and to provide hearing assistance in other ways, however, most of these devices are designed for use with individuals who have only hearing loss.

[0044] Intra-oral bone conduction hearing aids and remote communication options have significant drawbacks that the methods, systems and devices of the present invention overcome.

[0045] For example, the Molar Mic is a non-surgical bone conduction prosthetic device designed to transmit sound through the teeth as an alternative to surgical bone conduction prosthetic devices that require surgical implants in the skull to conduct sound. The Molar Mic system is configured to receive sound from a radio via a first wearable device around the wearer's neck and transmit the sound to a second vibrating wearable device located in the user's mouth. Similarly, a user's speech in the Molar Mic is transmitted by an intraoral component to a wearable component around the user's neck, which transmits the user's speech to a communication device such as a radio.

[0046] However, the present inventors have discovered that the intraoral bone conduction method, system, and device of the present invention can both receive and transmit audio from a second device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, thereby eliminating the need for an additional device. That is, the present invention does not require an intermediate device. A previously known device called the Molar Mic is a device designed for military use for operational team communication. In contrast, the present invention involves a wearable technology for the general public that receives sound waves from a smart device and distributes them through a device located in the user's mouth, transmitting audio to the eighth cranial nerve of hearing. This eliminates the need for the currently common standard "Bluetooth" ear-clip device, which can be intrusive. This device can be used to communicate by making phone calls and jotting down text messages. Furthermore, it can also listen to any music and audio from, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. The only commonality between these two devices is the use of both Bluetooth and bone conduction technology. The application and implementation details are completely different. Using this method and device, musicians, lecture attendees, or public speaking politicians no longer need to wear monitoring earpieces during concerts or other speaking events. This device could change the way the world transmits and receives spoken and digital audio. Another differentiating feature of this method and device compared to the Molar Mic is that the Molar Mic is attached to the teeth by wires, similar to the braces used in orthodontics. In contrast, in connection with the present invention, the device can advantageously be attached by transparent aligner technology, which is a much safer attachment mechanism.

[0047] Receiving and transmitting audio In one aspect, the device of the present invention is capable of wirelessly transmitting audio to a remote communication device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0048] In one aspect, the device of the present invention is capable of receiving audio wirelessly.

[0049] In one aspect, the device of the present invention is capable of both wirelessly transmitting audio and wirelessly receiving audio.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the bone conduction device of the present invention is configured to transmit sound via any form of wireless transmission.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the form of wireless transmission is radio frequency.

[0052] In a particular embodiment, the form of wireless transmission is Bluetooth®.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the form of wireless transmission is Wi-Fi.

[0054] Dental Aligner As used herein, "dental tray" or "dental aligner" or "retainer" refers to a lightweight plastic alternative to metal dental appliances.

[0055] As used herein, the term "dental aligner" refers interchangeably to a dental tray, a dental aligner or fixture intended to correct or align a user's or wearer's teeth, a dental aligner or fixture not intended to correct or align a user's or wearer's teeth, a fixture, a mouth guard, or any other wearable device or apparatus that molds to the user's or wearer's teeth.

[0056] Generally, dental aligners are clear plastic forms of orthodontic appliances used to adjust the teeth and can be worn snugly over a person's (e.g., an orthodontic or dental patient's) teeth.

[0057] Dental aligners generally come in pairs, with one aligner worn on the top row of teeth and the other aligner worn on the bottom row of teeth.

[0058] Generally, a person will wear a first set of dental aligners for a prescribed or otherwise specified period of time and allow their teeth to gradually shift until a second set of dental aligners is worn for a second predetermined prescribed or otherwise specified period of time.

[0059] Depending on the severity of the correction or alignment desired or required, a person may wear 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more different sets of dental aligners.

[0060] Each subsequent set of dental aligners gradually shifts the person's teeth, ultimately approaching the desired degree of alignment.

[0061] In one aspect, the present invention comprises a lightweight dental tray, aligner or retainer.

[0062] In one aspect, the present invention includes a dental aligner for use on a user's lower row of teeth.

[0063] In one aspect, the present invention includes a dental aligner for use on a user's upper row of teeth.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a dental aligner intended to align a user's teeth.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the present invention includes dental aligners that are not intended to align a user's teeth, i.e., a user may bond the dental aligner to their teeth so that the aligner fits snugly against their teeth without shifting the teeth.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the vibratory bone conduction device of the present invention is implemented in association with a segment of a dental aligner, i.e., the dental aligner may, in some embodiments, cover only a segment of the user's lower row of teeth or a segment of the user's upper row of teeth.

[0067] As used herein, "bone conduction device of the present invention" means a device described herein that is incorporated into or removably or non-removably associated with a dental alignment appliance described herein.

[0068] The present disclosure provides methods of communication and hearing assistance that involve wearing the bone conduction devices described herein.

[0069] Vibration transmission and conduction In certain embodiments, a system of the invention or a bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the invention is worn such that the transducer is placed over or biased against at least one maxillary tooth.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the present invention is worn such that the transducer is positioned over or biased against at least two maxillary teeth.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the present invention is worn so that the transducers are positioned over or biased against at least three maxillary teeth.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the present invention is worn such that the transducer is placed over or biased against at least one mandibular tooth.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the present invention is worn so that the transducers are placed over or biased against at least two mandibular teeth.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the present invention is worn so that the transducers are positioned over or biased against at least three mandibular teeth.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the present invention is worn so that the transducer is positioned on, biased against, or otherwise in contact with one or more mandibular bones.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment appliance of the present invention is worn so that the transducer is positioned on, biased against, or otherwise in contact with one or more maxillary bones.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the system of the present invention or the bone conduction device or dental alignment instrument of the present invention is worn so that the transducer is positioned on, biased against, or otherwise in contact with one or both palatal bones.

[0078] As used herein, "dental alignment device of the present invention" means a dental aligner or fixture intended to correct or align a user's or wearer's teeth, a dental aligner or fixture not intended to correct or align a user's or wearer's teeth, a fixture, a mouth guard, or any other wearable equipment or device that is molded to the user's or wearer's teeth and is removably or non-removably connected to, housed in, or otherwise coupled to a bone conduction device of the present invention.

[0079] The dental alignment devices of the present invention, in certain embodiments, are custom-made devices manufactured via thermoforming or other conventional manufacturing processes, using physical or digital molds or other replicas of the future user's or wearer's teeth, first obtained by conventional dental impression and / or digital imaging methods. In other embodiments, the device may comprise a kit, and the patient may follow instructions to make a mold and send the completed kit to a fabricator so that the aligner can be manufactured.

[0080] The present disclosure provides a dental alignment appliance that fits snugly over the teeth of a user or wearer.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the dental alignment appliance of the present invention comprises a dental aligner that fits snugly over the entire lower row of teeth of a user or wearer.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the dental alignment appliance of the present invention comprises a dental aligner that fits snugly over a portion of a user's or wearer's lower row of teeth.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the file dental alignment appliance of the present invention comprises a dental aligner that fits snugly across one, two, three, four, five, six or more segments of a user's or wearer's lower row of teeth.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the dental alignment appliance of the present invention comprises a dental aligner that fits snugly over the entire row of a user's or wearer's upper teeth.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the dental alignment appliance of the present invention comprises a dental aligner that fits snugly over a portion of a user's or wearer's upper row of teeth.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the file dental alignment appliance of the present invention includes a dental alignment appliance that fits snugly over one, two, three, four, five, six, or more segments of a user's or wearer's upper row of teeth. In another aspect, the dental appliance is clipped, worn, or otherwise fitted to one or more of the upper right, upper left, lower right, or lower left quadrants of the mouth. In another aspect, the dental appliance is clipped, worn, or otherwise fitted to a single tooth or a combination of one or more teeth numbered 1-16 or 17-32, corresponding to the American Dental Association (ADA) Universal Numbering Scheme. See, for example, https: / / radiopaedia.org / articles / american-dental-association-universal-numbering-system?lang=us, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In another aspect, the appliance is clipped, attached, or otherwise fitted to a single tooth or combination of teeth in a dental area, for example, in the right maxillary, left maxillary, left mandibular, right mandibular region, or a combination thereof.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the dental alignment appliance of the present invention includes a dental aligner that fits snugly over the user's or wearer's entire lower row of teeth and a dental aligner that fits snugly over the user's or wearer's entire upper row of teeth.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the dental alignment appliance of the present invention includes a dental aligner that fits snugly over the entire lower row of teeth of the user or wearer, and a dental aligner that fits snugly over a portion of the upper row of teeth of the user or wearer.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the dental alignment appliance of the present invention includes a dental aligner that fits snugly over a portion of the user's or wearer's lower row of teeth and a dental aligner that fits snugly over the user's or wearer's entire upper row of teeth.

[0090] In certain embodiments, dental alignment appliances are used to align or otherwise correct a user's or wearer's teeth.

[0091] In other embodiments, the dental alignment appliance is not used to align or otherwise correct the user's or wearer's teeth.

[0092] In certain embodiments, a dental alignment appliance has a bone conduction device of the present invention embedded therein.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the bone conduction device of the present invention is removable from the dental alignment instrument.

[0094] The present disclosure provides a bone conduction device, comprising: i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transmitter; iv) an audio receiver; v) a microphone; vi) at least one processor; and vii) Providing a bone conduction device including a vibration transducer.

[0095] In one aspect, at least one power source, audio transmitter, audio receiver, microphone, at least one processor, and vibration transducer are contained within a single housing that is incorporated into or on the dental alignment device.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the microphone is configured to receive audio and provide an output directly to the transmitter.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the microphone is configured to receive audio and provide an output to a processor, and the processor is configured to provide a processed output to a transmitter.

[0098] In one aspect, the transmitter is configured to provide an output to a remote communication device.

[0099] In one aspect, the receiver is configured to receive input from a remote communication device.

[0100] In one aspect, the receiver, transmitter and processor are configured such that the receiver can receive input and the transmitter can transmit output simultaneously.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the bone conduction device of the present invention includes a single processor that processes the output from the receiver and the output from the microphone.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the bone conduction device of the present invention includes a single processor that processes only the output from the microphone.

[0103] In certain embodiments, a bone conduction device of the present invention includes a first processor that processes the output from the receiver and a second processor that processes the output from the microphone.

[0104] In certain embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive the input and provide an output to the processor, and the processor is configured to provide the processed output to the transducer.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive an input and provide an output directly to the transducer.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the bone conduction device of the present invention includes both a transmitter and a receiver.

[0107] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a) a bone conduction device, i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transmitter and / or receiver; iv) a microphone; v) a processor, and vi) a bone conduction device including a vibration transducer; b) at least one remote communication device.

[0108] The present disclosure further provides a method of communication comprising wearing a bone conduction device, the bone conduction device comprising: i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transmitter; iv) an audio receiver; v) a microphone; vi) a processor, and vii) Vibration transducer wherein the bone conduction device is in wireless communication with a remote communication device.

[0109] In one embodiment, the remote communication device receives audio via a microphone built into the remote communication device and transmits the audio to a receiver of the bone conduction device of the present invention.

[0110] In one aspect, the remote communication device receives audio from a transmitter of the bone conduction device of the present invention via a wireless connection.

[0111] In one aspect, the remote communication device can relay any audio to the bone conduction device of the present invention.

[0112] In one embodiment, the telecommunications device may communicate with another telecommunications device. For example, a telephone call may be conducted by the user or wearer to another individual who may or may not be using a bone conduction device of the present invention. See Figures 15 and 16.

[0113] The present disclosure provides a method of assisting hearing, comprising wearing a bone conduction device, the bone conduction device comprising: i) dental alignment equipment; ii) at least one power source; iii) an audio transmitter and / or receiver; iv) a microphone; v) a processor, and vi) Vibration transducer wherein the bone conduction device is in wireless communication with a remote communication device.

[0114] The signal transmitted by the transmitter may be received by a remote communication device and / or transducer assembly from a receiver, which may be connected to an internal processor for further processing of the received signal.

[0115] The received signal may be communicated to a transducer, which may correspondingly vibrate against the tooth surface and conduct the vibration signal through the tooth and bone and then to the middle ear to facilitate the user's hearing. The transducer may be configured in or as any vibrating mechanism.

[0116] In one aspect, any vibration transducer may be used.

[0117] In one embodiment, the transducer may be an electromagnetically actuated transducer.

[0118] In certain embodiments, the transducer is a piezoelectric crystal that has a range of vibration frequencies.

[0119] In certain embodiments, the transducer vibrates in the range of 100 to 5,500 hertz, 150 to 5,000 hertz, or 200 to 4,500 hertz.

[0120] In one aspect, any power source may be used. In certain embodiments, the power source is a rechargeable battery. In certain embodiments, the power source is a rechargeable lithium-based battery.

[0121] In certain embodiments, a single power source or battery is used to power all components of the bone conduction device.

[0122] In certain embodiments, two or more power sources or batteries are used to power the components of the bone conduction device.

[0123] In certain embodiments, one power supply or battery powers the microphone, transmitter, and first processor, and a second power supply or battery powers the receiver, transducer, and second processor.

[0124] In certain embodiments, one power source or battery powers the microphone, transmitter, and first processor, and a second power source or battery powers the receiver and transducer.

[0125] In certain embodiments, each component of the bone conduction device receives power from a different power source or battery.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the power source may be charged via wireless charging using a separate charging device or apparatus, hi certain embodiments, the separate charging device is a wireless charging device such as a Qi protocol charger.

[0127] In certain embodiments, the methods and systems of the present invention include a remote communication device, hi certain embodiments, the remote communication device included is a smartphone or tablet or a computer.

[0128] In one embodiment, the smartphone or tablet application may be used to adjust settings of the bone conduction device of the present invention.

[0129] In one embodiment, the smartphone or tablet application allows adjustment of all settings of the bone conduction device.

[0130] In one aspect, the smartphone or tablet application allows adjustment of the sensitivity of the bone conduction device's microphone.

[0131] In one aspect, the smartphone or tablet application allows adjustment of the vibration intensity of the bone conduction device's transducer or speaker.

[0132] Figure 1A shows one embodiment of a bone conduction device in which a transparent dental alignment device is placed on a tooth and a portion of the alignment device is removed so that the electronic portion of the bone conduction device can be attached in place of the removed portion. Figures 1B and 1C show top and side views, respectively, of the bone conduction device with the electronic portion of the bone conduction device attached to the alignment device.

[0133] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary bone conduction device. This dental alignment device appliance is worn by the user in their oral cavity. The alignment device includes a power supply chamber 401 that provides energy to power the appliance. The power supply chamber 401 contains an energy storage unit 402, such as a battery. The battery is charged by charger electronics 403, which can receive external energy through inductive coupling or can be charged directly through two terminals. If charging is to be performed inductively, a recharging coil 404 is also enclosed in the power supply chamber 401. The power supply chamber 401 provides an energy actuation chamber 407. Mechanically, chambers 401 and 407 may be connected by a bridge 405. Inside bridge 405 is a cable that supplies power to actuation chamber 407. Other devices, such as an antenna wire, may be embedded in bridge 405. Chambers 401, 407, and bridge 405 are made of a biocompatible elastomeric material, particularly commonly used in dental fixtures.

[0134] Figure 3 shows an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the coupling of a voice transducer to one or more teeth 450. In Figure 3, a mounting unit 452, such as a dental alignment device, is disposed on one or more teeth 450. The actuator 454 is mounted on support arms or links 452A and 452B that are mechanically connected to the tooth 450.

[0135] In one embodiment, the actuator 454 is a piezoelectric transducer made of PZT. PZT-based compounds (Pb[Zr x Ti 1-x ]O 3, 0 < x < 1, also called lead zirconate titanate) are ceramic perovskite materials that generate a voltage difference between two of their surfaces when highly compressed. Because they are piezoelectric, they generate a voltage difference between two of their surfaces when compressed (useful for sensor applications), or physically change shape when an external electric field is applied (useful for actuators, etc.). This material is also a ferroelectric, i.e., it has a spontaneous electric polarization (electric dipole) that can be reversed in the presence of an electric field. This material is characterized by an extremely large dielectric constant at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) near x = 0.52. These properties make PZT-based compounds one of the most well-known and useful electronic ceramics.

[0136] The actuator 454 is also connected to a mass 458 through a mass arm 456. In one embodiment, the actuator 454 uses PZT configured to bend a rectangular beam. The mass 458 can be a tungsten material or, among others, any suitable weight such as a battery or a control electronic circuit. The support arms or links 452A - 452B and the mass arm 456 are preferably made of ceramic or alumina that allows acoustic or voice energy to be efficiently transmitted by the mounting unit 454.

[0137] As shown in the two insets, the actuator 454 may be commanded to contract or expand, resulting in movement having an upward or downward arching shape. The actuator 454 and its associated components are encapsulated in a compressible material 460, such as silicone, to allow movement of the actuator. In one embodiment, the top of the electronics assembly includes an encapsulated protective layer 462 of acrylic that provides a fixed platform to direct energy generated by the actuator 454 to the teeth, while the compressible material 460 provides room for movement by the actuator 454.

[0138] Figure 4 shows a schematic equivalent of the system of Figure 3. In the model of Figure 4, tooth 450 is fixed between a bone structure 451 and a mounting unit 455, such as a dental alignment device, both of which are spatially fixed in the model. Actuator 453 provides resistance to drive energy to tooth 450. While Figure 4 shows two fixed point connections, it is contemplated that actuator 452 may have a single fixed point connection. This resistance between the tooth and the dental alignment device provides the necessary coupling force to keep the actuator in contact with the tooth at high frequencies.

[0139] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the electronic circuitry and / or transducer assembly 120 may be disposed within a housing 62 and attached to the dental alignment device 60. The electronic circuitry and / or transducer assembly 120 is optionally attached to an optional interface layer 122 disposed between the assembly 120 and the tooth surface. The interface layer 122 may be configured to conform to the tooth surface and to the assembly 120 so that vibrations are transmitted through the layer 122 to the tooth in a uniform manner. Thus, the interface layer 122 may be made from a material that minimizes vibration damping. The interface layer 122 may be made in various forms, such as a simple insert, an O-ring configuration, or the like, or in the form of a gel or paste, such as a denture or oral paste. Furthermore, the interface layer 122 may be made from various materials, such as a hard plastic or polymeric material, a metal, etc.

[0140] Any of the variations described herein may be utilized as a single device or in combination with any other variations described herein where feasible to achieve a desired hearing level in the user. Furthermore, more than one dental alignment device and electronic circuit and / or transducer assembly may optionally be utilized at one time. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which multiple transducer assemblies 270, 272, 274, 276 may be positioned on a dental alignment device (not shown) at multiple tooth locations. While multiple assemblies are shown on the lower row of teeth, they may alternatively be positioned on the upper row of teeth or along both rows. Furthermore, each of the assemblies may be configured to transmit vibrations within a uniform frequency range. Alternatively, in other variations, different assemblies may be configured to vibrate within non-overlapping frequency ranges. As mentioned above, each transducer 270, 272, 274, 276 may be programmed or pre-configured for a different frequency response such that each transducer is optimized for a different frequency response and / or transmission to provide relatively high fidelity audio to the user.

[0141] In variations where one or more microphones are present, the microphones may be integrated directly into the electronic circuitry and / or transducer assembly. However, in additional variations, the microphone units may be positioned at a distance from the transducer assembly to minimize feedback. In one example, microphone unit 282 may be spaced apart from electronic circuitry and / or transducer assembly 280, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In such variations, microphone unit 282 positioned on or adjacent to gingival surface 268 may be electrically connected via wire 264.

[0142] In one embodiment where the unit is used as a hearing aid, a microphone may provide audio input that is amplified by an amplifier or driver. In another embodiment, the system may receive signals from a link unit, such as a Bluetooth transceiver, that allows the device to play audio generated by a portable appliance or audio source, such as a music player, hands-free communication device, or mobile phone. Alternatively, the audio source may be a computer, a one-way communication device, a two-way communication device, or a wireless hands-free communication device.

[0143] The appliance is a custom dental alignment device. The audio source unit may include a short-range or long-range transceiver that is protocol-compatible with the link unit. The transceiver link unit may communicate with the audio source through various protocols, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth and WiFi transmission, a combination of the two, or other similar protocols. For example, the audio source may have a Bluetooth transceiver that communicates with a Bluetooth transceiver link unit within the appliance. The appliance may then receive data transmitted via the Bluetooth protocol and drive a bone conduction transducer to render or transmit sound to the user. Similarly, the audio source may have a WiFi transceiver that communicates with a WiFi transceiver link unit within the appliance. The appliance may then receive data transmitted via the WiFi protocol and drive a bone conduction transducer to render or transmit sound to the user.

[0144] The device may have a microphone embedded therein. This microphone may be an intraoral microphone or an extraoral microphone. For mobile phones and other telephones, a second microphone may be used to cancel environmental noise and transmit the user's voice to the phone. A noise canceller receives the signal from the microphone and cancels the ambient noise to provide clean voice capture.

[0145] The device can have a separate microphone to pick up ambient sounds. This microphone can be an intraoral or extraoral microphone. In one embodiment, this microphone cancels ambient noise and transmits the user's voice to a remote station. This embodiment provides the ability to transmit the subject's own voice to the actuator while canceling ambient noise. Because the microphone is in a fixed location (compared to typical wireless communication devices) and very close to the user's own voice, the system can address ambient noise reduction, which is important when working in high-noise areas.

[0146] The system couples microphones and voice activity sensors to a signal processor. The processor runs a detection algorithm and noise cancellation code that minimizes background acoustic noise. Two microphones may be used, one a bone conduction microphone and the other what is considered a "signal" microphone. The second microphone captures air or ambient noise, and its signal is filtered and subtracted from the signal of the first microphone. In one embodiment, the system runs an array algorithm for speech detection that uses the difference in frequency content between the two microphones to calculate the relationship between their signals. As known in the art and discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,058, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, this embodiment can cancel noise without requiring a specific orientation of the array relative to the signal.

[0147] The device may include a data storage device, such as a solid state memory or flash storage device. The contents of the data storage device may be encrypted for security purposes. The link unit may transmit encrypted data for secure transmission, if desired.

[0148] In one aspect, the dental alignment device is transparent and may be fabricated using any number of methods, such as computer-aided machining processes using a computer numerically controlled (CNC) system or three-dimensional printing processes, such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and / or other similar processes, utilizing the three-dimensional shape of the patient's dentition, which may be obtained through any number of techniques, from various polymeric materials or combinations of polymeric and metallic materials. Such techniques may include the use of dentition scanned using an intraoral scanner, such as a laser, white light, ultrasound, mechanical three-dimensional contact scanner, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), other optical methods, etc. Examples of dental alignment devices are described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,975,893, 6,299,440, 6,524,101, 6,790,035, 6,830,450, 6,976,627, 7,140,877, 7,201,576, 7,255,561, 7,306,152, 7,545,372, 7,553,157, and 7,611. ,058, No. 7,711,447, No. 7,854,609, No. 7,878,801, No. 7,878,805, No. 7,901,207, No. 7,904,307, No. 7,905 ,724, No. 7,916,911, No. 8,038,444, No. 8,155,780, No. 8,235,713, No. 8,641,414, No. 8,899,976, No. 8,899 ,977, No.8,995,732, No.9,004,915, No.9,107,722, No.9,301,814, No.9,326,830, No.9,403,238, No.9,408 ,675, No. 9,433,477, No. 9,566,132, No. 9,655,691, No. 9,655,693, No. 9,839,494, No. 9,844,421, No. 9,939 ,999, No. 9,943,386, No. 9,943,991, No. 10,004,578, No. 10,052,176, No. 10,085,823, No. 10,123,853, No. 1 No. 0,136,964, No. 10,143,537, No. 10,154,889, No. 10,271,923, No. 10,299,894, No. 10,332,164, No. 10,335,No. 252, No. 10,405,947, No. 10,413,385, No. 10,420,631, No. 10,421,152, No. 10,456,217, No. 10,501,214 , No. 10,512,524, No. 10,537,405, No. 10,537,406, No. 10,524,879, No. 10,531,934, No. 10,553,309, No. 10, Nos. 595,965, 10,595,966, 10,610,332, 10,613,515, 10,646,307, 10,650,517, 10,653,502, 10,695,956, and 10,702,357, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0149] In one variation, an extrabuccal transmitter assembly located outside the patient's mouth may be utilized to receive, process, and transmit via wireless signals to an electronic circuit and / or transducer assembly located within the user's mouth, which may then process and transmit the processed auditory signals via vibration conduction to the underlying teeth and subsequently to the user's inner ear. The transmitter assembly may include a microphone assembly in addition to the transmitter assembly, as described in further detail below, and may be configured in any number of shapes and forms worn by the user, such as a watch or phone.

[0150] With respect to the microphone, a variety of different microphone systems may be utilized. For example, the microphone may be a digital, analog, and / or directional type microphone. Such various types of microphones may be configured to be interchangeable for use with the assembly, if desired.

[0151] A power source may be connected to and provide power to each of the components within the transmitter assembly. The transmitter signal may be in any wireless form, such as using radio frequency, ultrasound, microwave, Bluetooth® (BLUETOOTH SIG, INC., Bellevue, Wash.), etc., for transmission to the assembly. The assembly may also optionally include one or more input controls that a user may manipulate to adjust various acoustic parameters of the electronic circuitry and / or transducer assembly, such as acoustic focusing, volume control, filtering, muffling, frequency optimization, voice adjustment, and tone adjustment.

[0152] The signal transmitted by the transmitter may be received by an electronic circuit and / or transducer assembly via a receiver, which may be connected to an internal processor for further processing of the received signal. The received signal may be communicated to a transducer, which may correspondingly vibrate against the tooth surface, conducting the vibration signal through the tooth and bone and then to the middle ear to facilitate the user's hearing. The transducer may be configured as any number of different vibration mechanisms. For example, in one variation, the transducer may be an electromagnetically actuated transducer. In another variation, the transducer may take the form of a piezoelectric crystal having a vibration frequency range, for example, between 250 and 4000 Hz.

[0153] A power supply may be included in the assembly to power the receiver, transducer, and / or processor (if included). The power supply may be a simple battery, replaceable or permanent, although other variations may include a power supply that is charged by inductance via an external charger. Additionally, the power supply may alternatively be charged via direct coupling to an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power source. Other variations may include a power supply that is charged via a mechanical mechanism, such as an internal pendulum or sliding electrical inductance charger known in the art, that is actuated via movement to convert jaw movement and / or mechanical motion into stored electrical energy for charging the power supply.

[0154] To ensure efficient vibrational communication, in order to efficiently and with minimal loss transfer vibrations corresponding to a received auditory signal to one or more teeth, reliable mechanical contact between the transducer and the teeth is ideally maintained. Accordingly, any number of mechanisms may be utilized to maintain this vibrational communication.

[0155] In any of the embodiments described herein, the dental alignment device is modified to accommodate the actuator, transceiver, and first chamber. Exemplary modifications include, but are not limited to, removing at least one portion of the dental alignment device so that the actuator, transceiver, and first chamber can be inserted into the space left after the removal of the portion. In one embodiment, the at least one portion removed is on the buccal surface of the dental alignment device. In another embodiment, the at least one portion removed is on the lingual surface of the dental alignment device. In yet another aspect, at least one portion is removed from the lingual surface of the dental alignment device and at least one portion is removed from the buccal surface of the dental alignment device.

[0156] In one embodiment, the dental alignment appliance is formed from a thin sheet of a suitable elastomeric polymer, such as Tru-Tain 0.03 in. thermoformable dental material (Tru-Tain Plastics, Rochester, Minnesota, 55902).

[0157] When at least a portion of the dental alignment device is removed to accommodate insertion of the actuator, transceiver, and first chamber, this removal may occur at a location corresponding to one or more teeth. In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's upper right first molar (tooth number 3 using the universal numbering system). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's upper right second molar (tooth number 2). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's upper right third molar (“wisdom tooth”) (tooth number 1). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's upper left first molar (tooth number 14). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's left and right second molars (tooth number 15). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's upper left third molar ("wisdom tooth") (tooth number 16). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's lower right first molar (tooth number 30). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's lower right second molar (tooth number 31). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's lower right third molar ("wisdom tooth") (tooth number 32). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's lower left first molar (tooth number 19). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's lower left second molar (tooth number 18). In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to the buccal and / or lingual surface of the user's lower left third molar ("wisdom tooth") (tooth number 17).In one embodiment, the at least one portion to be removed corresponds to one or more teeth selected from the group consisting of tooth numbers 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 31, and 32. Additional embodiments include any of the above embodiments, except that no additional portions beyond those specified are removed. Further embodiments include instances where the portion removed corresponds to a buccal surface and not a lingual surface, instances where the portion removed corresponds to a lingual surface and not a buccal surface, instances where a portion is removed only from alignment devices fitted to the patient's upper teeth and not from alignment devices fitted to the lower teeth, and instances where a portion is removed only from alignment devices fitted to the patient's lower teeth and not from alignment devices fitted to the upper teeth.

[0158] In any of the embodiments described herein, it is further contemplated that the intraoral hearing appliance system of the present disclosure does not include an intermediate device (e.g., a neck loop, earphones, or the like). In other words, it is contemplated that transmission and reception of Bluetooth and / or WiFi signals may occur directly between the intraoral hearing appliance device and the audio source (e.g., a computer, a cell phone, a tablet, etc.).

[0159] The uses of the devices and methods discussed above are not limited to the treatment of hearing loss, but may include any number of additional treatment applications. Furthermore, such devices and methods may be applied to other treatment sites within the body. Variations of the above-described assemblies and methods for carrying out the invention, combinations between different variations possible, and modifications of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 120: Assembly 120: Electronic circuit and / or transducer assembly 122: Interface layer 264: Wire 268: Gingival surface 270, 272, 274, 276: Transducer Assembly 280: Electronic circuit and / or transducer assembly 282: Microphone unit 401: Power supply chamber 402: Energy storage unit 403: Charger electronic circuit 404: Recharging coil 405: Bridge 407: Energy actuation chamber 450: Teeth 451: Bone structure 452: Actuator 452: Mounting unit 452A and 452B: Support arms or links 453: Actuator 454: Actuator 455: Mounting unit 456: Mass Arm 458: Trout 460: Compressible materials 462: Protective layer 60: Dental alignment device 62: Cabinet

Claims

1. A bone conduction device for assisting hearing, comprising: a) a first housing configured to engage one or more teeth, said first housing being a transparent dental alignment device; b) a second housing coupled to the first housing, the second housing comprising: b1) at least one transducer positioned in vibratory contact with said one or more teeth; b2) a second housing including circuitry coupled to the at least one transducer, the circuitry including a signal processor, a power source, a transmitter and / or receiver, and an antenna; the transparent dental alignment device comprises an elastomeric polymer; At least a portion of the first housing is removed, and the second housing is inserted into a space left by the removal of the at least a portion of the first housing; The device, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from the group consisting of tooth numbers 17, 18, 19, 30, 31, and 32.

2. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one microphone, the at least one transducer in communication with the at least one microphone, the at least one transducer vibrating in accordance with a signal from the at least one microphone to conduct an audio signal through the one or more teeth.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the at least one microphone is housed in a microphone housing coupled to the at least one transducer.

4. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from the group consisting of tooth numbers 18, 19, 30, and 31.

5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from the group consisting of tooth numbers 30 and 31.

6. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from the group consisting of tooth numbers 18 and 19.

7. 10. A system comprising: (i) a hearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and (ii) an audio source, wherein the hearing device and the audio source are in direct wireless communication with each other, the audio source comprises a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet device or a television; the wireless communication is Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; The system does not include any intermediate device between the wireless communication between the hearing device and the sound source.

8. 1. A hearing device comprising: a) a first housing configured to engage one or more teeth; b) a second housing coupled to the first housing, the second housing comprising: b1) at least one transducer positioned in vibratory contact with said one or more teeth; b2) a second housing including circuitry coupled to the at least one transducer, the circuitry including a signal processor, a power source, a transmitter and / or receiver, and an antenna; wherein at least a portion of the first housing is removed and the second housing is inserted into a space left by the removal of the at least a portion.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the first housing is a transparent dental alignment device.

10. The device of claim 9 , wherein the transparent dental alignment device comprises an elastomeric polymer.

11. 11. The device of claim 8, further comprising at least one microphone, the at least one transducer in communication with the at least one microphone, the at least one transducer vibrating in accordance with a signal from the at least one microphone and conducting an audio signal through the one or more teeth.

12. 12. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal or lingual surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 31, and 32.

13. 13. The device of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 31 and 32.

14. 14. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 2, 3, 14, 15, 18, 19, 30, and 31.

15. 15. The device of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 18, 19, 30, and 31.

16. 16. The device of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 18 and 19.

17. The device of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a buccal surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 30 and 31.

18. 13. The device of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a lingual surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 1, 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 31 and 32.

19. 19. The device of any one of claims 8 to 12 and 18, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a lingual surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 2, 3, 14, 15, 18, 19, 30 and 31.

20. 20. The device of any one of claims 8 to 12, 18 and 19, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a lingual surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 18, 19, 30 and 31.

21. 21. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a lingual surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 18 and 19.

22. 21. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion of the first housing that is removed corresponds to a lingual surface of the first housing that corresponds to one or more teeth selected from tooth numbers 30 and 31.

23. A system comprising: (a) a hearing device according to any one of claims 8 to 22; and (b) an audio source, wherein the hearing device and the audio source are in direct wireless communication with each other.

24. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the audio source comprises a mobile phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet device, or a television.

25. 25. The system of claim 23 or 24, wherein the wireless communication is Bluetooth, WiFi or both Bluetooth and WiFi.

26. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the system does not include an intermediate device.

27. A method of assisting hearing in an individual wearing a bone conduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 8 to 22, comprising: receiving a first input from a remote communication device at a receiver; generating a first output via the receiver; receiving the first output at the transducer; vibrating via the transducer against at least one of at least one tooth or at least one bone of the individual; receiving a second input at a microphone; generating a second output via the microphone; receiving the second output at a processor; generating a third output via said processor; receiving the third output at a transmitter; transmitting the third output to the remote communication device; wherein the bone conduction device is in wireless communication with the remote communication device.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the individual has unilateral hearing loss, optionally due to severe unilateral hearing loss due to sensorineural dysfunction or conductive hearing loss.

29. 29. The method of claim 27 or 28, wherein the individual has bilateral conductive hearing loss.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the remote communication device is a smartphone, a tablet or a computer.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the bone conduction device communicates wirelessly with the remote communication device via at least radio frequency, Bluetooth or WiFi.

32. The method of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the bone conduction device communicates wirelessly with the remote communication device via Bluetooth.

33. The method of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the individual wears the bone conduction device on the upper row of their teeth.

34. The method of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the individual wears the bone conduction device on the lower row of their teeth.

35. The method of any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the bone conduction device covers an entire row of teeth.

36. The method of any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the bone conduction device covers a portion of a row of teeth.

37. 37. The method of any one of claims 27 to 36, wherein the transducer is positioned on, biased against, or otherwise in contact with at least one of one or more of the maxilla, mandible, and palate bones.

38. 1. A bone conduction device, comprising: Dental alignment equipment; at least one power source; A transmitter; A receiver; a transducer.

39. 39. The bone conduction device of claim 38, further comprising a microphone.

40. 40. The bone conduction device of claim 38 or 39, further comprising at least one processor.

41. The bone conduction device according to any one of claims 38 to 40, further comprising at least two processors.

42. The bone conduction device according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the transducer is a piezoelectric crystal.

43. 43. The bone conduction device of any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the transducer vibrates in the range of 100 to 5,500 hertz.

44. A bone conduction device according to any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the dental alignment appliance is fitted over an individual's entire row of teeth.

45. 44. The bone conduction device of any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the dental alignment appliance covers a portion of a row of teeth.

46. 1. A system comprising: A bone conduction device according to any one of claims 38 to 45, at least one remote communication device.

47. 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the at least one remote communication device is a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

48. 48. The system of claim 46 or 47, wherein the bone conduction device communicates wirelessly with the at least one remote communication device via at least radio frequency, Bluetooth or WiFi.

49. The system of any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the bone conduction device communicates wirelessly with the at least one remote communication device via Bluetooth.

50. 50. The system of any one of claims 46 to 49, further comprising a smartphone or tablet or computer configured to adjust or modify at least the bone conduction device.

51. A system according to any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein the system does not include any intermediate device in the wireless communication between the hearing device and the at least one remote communication device.

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