WO2013112139A1

WO2013112139A1 - Hearing assistance devices including structures that change color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state

Info

Publication number: WO2013112139A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/022436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manish Vaishya; Aniket Saoji
Original assignee: Advanced Bionics Ag
Priority date: 2012-01-24
Filing date: 2012-01-24
Publication date: 2013-08-01

Abstract

Hearing assistances devices, such as implantable cochlear stimulation ("ICS") systems and hearing aids, having a housing, at least a portion of which is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state, thus providing an indication that the hearing assistance device has been exposed to moisture and needs to be dried.

Description

HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES INCLUDING STRUCTURES THAT CHANGE COLOR IN RESPONSE TO A TRANSITION FROM A DRY STATE TO A WET STATE

BACKGROUND

1 . Field

The present disclosure relates generally to hearing assistance devices such as, for example, implantable cochlear stimulation ("ICS") systems and hearing aids.

2. Description of the Related Art

A wide variety of hearing assistance devices are available. Such devices include, but are not limited to, ICS systems and hearing aids.

ICS systems are used to help the profoundly deaf perceive a sensation of sound by directly exciting the intact auditory nerve with controlled impulses of electrical current. Ambient sound pressure waves are picked up by an externally worn microphone and converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals, in turn, are processed by sound processor circuitry, converted to a pulse sequence having varying pulse widths and/or amplitudes, and transmitted to an implanted receiver circuit of the ICS system. The implanted receiver circuit is connected to an implantable electrode array that has been inserted into the cochlea of the inner ear, and electrical stimulation current is applied to varying electrode combinations to create a perception of sound. A representative ICS system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,824,022, which is entitled "Cochlear Stimulation System Employing Behind-The-Ear Sound processor With Remote Control" and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As alluded to above, some ICS systems include an implantable device, a sound processor, with the sound processor circuitry, and a microphone that is in communication with the sound processor circuitry. The implantable device communicates with the sound processor and, to that end, some ICS systems include a headpiece that is in communication with both the sound processor and the implantable device. The microphone may be part of the sound processor or the headpiece. In one type of ICS system, the sound processor is worn behind the ear (a "BTE sound processor"), while other types of ICS systems have a body worn sound processor unit (or "body worn sound processor"). The body worn sound processor, which is larger and heavier than a BTE sound processor, is typically worn on the user's belt or carried in the user's pocket. Examples of commercially available body worn sound processors include, but are not limited to, the Advanced Bionics Platinum Series™ body worn sound processor and the Advanced Bionics Neptune™ body worn sound processor.

Hearing aids include a microphone, sound processor circuitry, and a speaker (sometimes referred to as a "receiver"). Here too, ambient sound pressure waves are picked up by the microphone and converted into electrical signals. The electrical signals, in turn, are processed by sound processor circuitry. The processed signals drive the speaker, which delivers amplified (or otherwise processed) sound pressure waves to the ear canal. Exemplary types of hearing aids include, but are not limited to, BTE hearing aids, receiver-in the-canal ("RIC") hearing aids, and in-the-canal ("ITC") hearing aids. Examples of commercially available hearing aids include, but are not limited to, Phonak Ambra™ hearing aid and the Phonak Naida™ hearing aid.

One issue associated with hearing assistance devices, including those which are water resistant and capable of being worn during swimming and bathing, is prolonged exposure to moisture. The present inventors have determined that hearing assistance devices should be at least periodically dried to insure high quality sound and long life and, accordingly, that it would be useful to know when a hearing assistance device (or at least a portion thereof) is wet. For example, although some headpieces with microphones are operable when wet, superior microphone performance can be achieved when the microphone is dry. Similarly, the sound processors of some ICS systems are operable when wet, but longer life may be achieved if the sound processor is dried after usage in wet environments, at least periodically.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for use with a cochlear implant in accordance with at least one of the present inventions includes a microphone, sound processor circuitry, a transmitter configured to transmit signals to the cochlear implant, and a housing in which the sound processor circuitry and/or the transmitter is located. At least a portion of the housing is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state. The present inventions also include cochlear stimulation systems with a cochlear implant and such an apparatus.

A hearing aid in accordance with at least one of the present inventions includes a microphone, sound processor circuitry, a speaker and a housing in which the sound processor circuitry is located. At least a portion of the housing being configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state.

There are a number of advantages associated with such hearing assistance devices. For example, the presence of the second color will indicate to the user (or caregiver) that superior microphone performance may be achieved by drying all or part of the hearing assistance device. The presence of the second color remind the user (or caregiver) to periodically dry the hearing assistance device, thereby prolonging the life of the device.

The above described and many other features of the present inventions will become apparent as the inventions become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed descriptions of the exemplary embodiments will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an ICS system in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sound processor in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the sound processor illustrated in

FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply receptacle cover in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention in a first color state. FIG. 4A is a section view of a portion of a wall of the power supply receptacle cover illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a power supply receptacle cover in a second color state.

FIG. 5A is a section view of a portion of a wall of the power supply receptacle cover illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a section view of a portion of a wall of a power supply receptacle cover in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a headpiece in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the headpiece illustrated in FIG.

7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the headpiece illustrated in

FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a section view of a portion of the headpiece illustrated in

FIG. 7 in a first color state.

FIG. 1 1 is a section view of a portion of the headpiece illustrated in FIG. 7 in a second color state.

FIG. 12 is a section view of a portion of a headpiece in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a BTE sound processor and headpiece in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a BTE sound processor with a removable housing shell portion in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 15 shows an integrated headpiece in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention being worn.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the integrated headpiece illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of hearing aid in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a hearing aid in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following is a detailed description of the best presently known modes of carrying out the inventions. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the inventions.

The present inventions have application in a wide variety of hearing assistance devices that provide sound (i.e., either sound or a perception of sound) to the hearing impaired as well as others who require such hearing devices on a situational basis. Examples of such hearing assistance devices include ICS systems, where an external sound processor communicates with a cochlear implant, and hearing aids. The present inventions are not, however, limited to ICS systems and hearing aides, and may be employed in combination with other hearing assistance devices that currently exist, or are yet to be developed.

One example of a hearing assistance device is the ICS system generally represented by reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1 . The system 10 includes a sound processor 100, a headpiece 200, and a cochlear implant 300. As discussed in greater detail below, a portion (or portions) of the sound processor 100 and/or headpiece 200 may be configured to be a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. The portion (or portions) of the sound processor 100 and/or headpiece 200 will change, from the first color to the second color, in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state. As used herein, an object is in a "wet state" when the object is in contact with liquid water and/or is in contact with air that has a relative humidity level of at least 98%. As used herein, an object is considered to be in a "dry state" when it is not in a wet state. The change in color will be reversible in most implementations (including each of the implementations described below), i.e., the portion(s) of the sound processor 100 and/or headpiece 200 will change, from the second color to the first color, in response to a transition from the wet state to the dry state, although there may be some implementations where a permanent color change is preferable. The first and second colors may be readily distinguishable colors, such as gray (first) and orange (second) or white (first) and purple (second), in order to insure that the color change is visible and noticeable.

There are a variety of advantages associated with color change in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state. For example, the change in color reminds the user to, when possible, place the sound processor 100 and/or headpiece 200 into a drying kit. This is especially useful in humid climates where the user may not appreciate that the sound processor 100 and/or headpiece 200 is in a wet state. The color change also alerts persons other than the user, e.g., a parent when the user is a child, to the fact that the hearing assistance device may be operating less than optimally because it is in a wet state. The color change can also be entertaining, especially in the context of young users.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , the exemplary sound processor 100 includes a housing 102 in which and/or on which various components are supported. Such components may include, but are not limited to, sound processor circuitry 104, a headpiece port 106, an auxiliary device port 108 for an auxiliary device such as a mobile phone or a music player, a control panel 1 10 (including, e.g., a volume knob and program switch), a Euro Plug receptacle 1 12 (for a Euro Plug such as that associated with the Phonak MLxi FM receiver), and a power supply receptacle 1 14 with electrical contacts 1 16 and 1 18 for a removable battery or other removable power supply 120 (e.g., rechargeable and disposable batteries or other electrochemical cells). Additional details concerning the exemplary sound processor 100 are presented below in the context of FIGS. 2-6.

The exemplary headpiece 200 includes a housing 202 and a removable cap 204, as well as various components, e.g., a RF connector 206, a microphone 208, an antenna (or other transmitter) 210 and a positioning magnet 212, that are carried by the housing. Additional details concerning the headpiece 200 are described below with reference to FIGS. 7-12. The headpiece 200 in the exemplary ICS system 10 may be connected to the sound processor headpiece port 106 by a cable 214. In at least some implementations, the cable 214 will be configured for forward telemetry and power signals at 49 MHz and back telemetry signals at 10.7 MHz. It should be noted that, in other implementations, communication between a sound processor and a headpiece and/or auxiliary device may be accomplished through wireless communication techniques.

The exemplary cochlear implant 300 includes a housing 302, an antenna 304, an internal processor 306, a cochlear lead 308 with an electrode array, and a positioning magnet (or magnetic material) 310. The transmitter 210 and receiver 304 communicate by way of electromagnetic induction, radio frequencies, or any other wireless communication technology. The positioning magnet 212 and positioning magnet (or magnetic material) 310 maintain the position of the headpiece antenna 210 over the cochlear implant antenna 304.

During use, the microphone 108 picks up sound from the environment and converts it into electrical impulses, and the sound processor 300 filters and manipulates the electrical impulses and sends the processed electrical signals through the cable 214 to the antenna 210. Electrical impulses received from an auxiliary device are processed in essentially the same way. The receiver 304 receives signals from the antenna 210 and sends the signals to the cochlear implant internal processor 306, which modifies the signals and passes them through the cochlear lead 308 to the electrode array. The electrode array may be wound through the cochlea and provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditory nerves inside the cochlea. This provides the user with sensory input that is a representation of external sound waves which were sensed by the microphone 208.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the exemplary sound processor housing 106 includes a main portion 122, a control portion 124, and a power supply receptacle cover ("PSR cover") 126 that may be latched or otherwise detachably connected to the housing main portion 122. The housing main portion 122 supports and/or houses the sound processor circuitry 104, headpiece port 106 and a power button 127, and includes the power supply receptacle 1 14 (FIG. 1 ). The control portion 124 supports and/or houses the auxiliary device port 108, the control panel 1 10 (which, in the illustrated embodiment includes a volume knob 128 and a program switch 130), the Euro Plug receptacle 1 12 and a bayonet release button 132. In other words, in the exemplary implementation, the main portion 122 supports and/or houses those elements of the sound processor 100 that are required for the ICS system 10 to function, while the control portion 124 includes various elements that are only required from time to time (e.g., the volume knob 128) or are merely useful options (e.g., the auxiliary device port 108). The PSR cover 126 covers the power supply receptacle 1 14 and may be detached during removal and replacement the power supply 120.

The sound processor 100 is configured such that the housing control portion 124 (and the functional elements associated therewith) may be mechanically and electrically separated from the housing main portion 122 (and the functional elements associated therewith) in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3. The housing main portion 122 includes one or more mechanical connectors 134 that are configured to mate with corresponding connectors (not shown) on the housing control portion 124. The bayonet release button 132 actuates a bayonet mechanism to release the housing control portion 124 from the housing main portion 122. The housing main portion 122 also includes an electrical connectors 136 with a plurality of contacts, as does the control portion (not shown). The sound processor 100 may also be provided with a cover that can be secured to the housing main portion 122 in place of the control portion 124 to protect the electrical connector 136 when the control portion is not in use.

It should also be noted here that, in other implementations, the sound processor may be configured such that the housing main portion and housing control portion define a single, integral unit that may not be separated in the manner described above. In either case, the exemplary sound processor 100 may be carried by the user in a variety of ways. By way of example, but not limitation, the sound processor 100 may be carried in the user's pocket, secured to a belt with a belt clip that is either part of housing 106 or a separate carrier, or placed in a harness that is configured to be worn by a small child.

The main portion 122 and/or control portion 124 and/or PSR cover 126 of the housing 102 may be configured to assume a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. The main portion 122 and/or control portion 124 and/or PSR cover 126 will change, from the first color to the second color, in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state. To that end, the PSR cover 126 is shown in dry state (and first color) in FIG. 4 and a wet state (and second color) in FIG. 5. The housing main portion 122 and control portion 124 will also change from the first color to the second color, in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state, in the illustrated implementation.

Although the present inventions are not limited to any particular method of facilitating the color change, the portions exemplary housing 102 that change color are formed from a moisture indicating material, such as a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin. One example of such a resin is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,609. Other examples of moisture indicating materials that change color in the presence of moisture are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,228,804 and 6,416,853. Suitable moisture indicating materials may also be found in humidity indicator cards and cobalt chloride indicators (both reversible and irreversible). The PSR cover 126 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 is defined by a wall 138 that extends around the perimeter of and under (in the illustrated orientation) the power supply receptacle 1 14. Latches 140 secure the PSR cover 126 to the housing main portion 122. The wall 138 may be formed from a moisture indicating materials, such, for example, the moisture indicating materials described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing main portion 122 and control portion 124 (or at least the exposed portions thereof) are also defined by walls that are formed from a moisture indicating thermoplastic material.

In other implementations, the portions exemplary housing 102 that change color may include a moisture indicating coating that is applied to an underlying structure (e.g., a housing main portion) that does not change color. For example, the PSR cover 126' illustrated in FIG. 6 is defined by a wall 138' that is configured to extend around the perimeter of and under (in the illustrated orientation) the power supply receptacle 1 14. The wall 138' does not change color. The exterior surfaces of the wall 138' are covered by a moisture indicating coating 142 that assumes a first color when in a wet state and a second color when in a dry state. The moisture indicating coating 142 will change, from the first color to the second color, in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state. One example of such a moisture indicating coating is described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0124497. Suitable moisture indicating coatings may also be found in humidity indicator cards and cobalt chloride indicators (both reversible and irreversible).The walls of the housing main portion and control portion may also be formed from a material that does not change color and coated with moisture indicating coating 142.

Turning to FIGS. 7-9, and as noted above, the exemplary headpiece 200 includes a housing 202 and a removable cap 204 that may be secured to the housing. The housing 202 has a main portion 216 and a cover 218. The exemplary housing main portion 216 includes a cup 220 for the magnet 212 (FIG. 1 ) and one or more spacers 222 that hold the magnet 212 in place, a housing microphone aperture 224, a plurality of latch indentations 226, and a connector tube 230 for the connector 206. A hydrophobic membrane 231 , which protects against water ingress but permit acoustic transmission, may be positioned over the microphone aperture 224 on the inner surface of the main portion 216. The bottom of the exemplary cover 218 has a plurality of friction pads 232, each with a plurality of spaced bumps, that facilitate retention of the headpiece in the desired location over hair and sweat. The exemplary housing 202 has an internal volume in which the microphone 208 (FIG. 1 ) and a printed circuit board (not shown) are positioned. In the illustrated implementation, all of electronic components (with the exception of the microphone 208 and connector 206) are carried on the printed circuit board. The cap 204 in the illustrated embodiment may be connected to and then removed from the housing 202, i.e., the cap may be removably connected to the housing, and includes a main portion 234 with a plurality of main latches 236, a connector hood 238 with a pair of hood latches 240, and a sound port 242 that is aligned with the microphone aperture 224 when the cap is secured to the housing 202. The main latches 236 engage the latch indentations 226. One example of a headpiece that does not include such a cap is described below with reference to FIG. 13.

The headpiece housing 202 and/or removable cap 204 may be configured to assume a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. The housing 202 and/or removable cap 204 will change, from the first color to the second color, in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state. The housing 202 and/or removable cap 204 may be formed from a moisture indicating material, such as a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin. To that end, the removable cap 204 is shown in dry state (and first color) in FIG. 10 and a wet state (and second color) in FIG. 1 1 . Alternatively, the housing 202 and/or removable cap 204 may be formed from a material that does not change color and the exterior surfaces thereof may be covered by the moisture indicating coating 142 that assumes a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. Exemplary moisture indicating materials and coatings are described above.

Another example of a hearing assistance device is the BTE ICS system generally represented by reference numeral 10a in FIG. 13. The system 10a includes a BTE sound processor 100a, a headpiece 200a, and a cochlear implant (e.g., cochlear implant 300 in FIG. 1 ). As discussed in greater detail below, various portions of the sound processor 100a and/or headpiece 200a may be configured to be a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. The portion (or portions) of the sound processor 100a and/or headpiece 200a will change, from the first color to the second color, in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state.

The exemplary BTE unit sound processor 100a includes a housing

102a with a main portion 122a in which sound processor circuitry (not shown) is housed. The housing 102a also includes a control portion 124a, on which a control panel 1 10a with a volume switch 128a and a program selection switch 130a is supported, and a power supply portion 126a in which the power supply (not shown) is housed. Here, the housing control portion 124a is permanently attached to the main portion 122a, and the power supply portion 126a is removable so that the power supply may be recharged and/or replaced. An ear hook 144 may be secured to the housing 102a, and a microphone 208a is carried by the ear hook. The headpiece 200a is similar to headpiece 200 in that it includes a housing 202a, an antenna (or other transmitter), and a positioning magnet within the housing. Here, however, there is no cap or microphone on the headpiece.

The housing main portion 122a and/or control portion 124a and/or power supply portion 126a and/or ear hook 144 may be configured to assume a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state, and to change from the first color to the second color in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state, as is discussed in greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 4-6. For example, the portions exemplary housing 102a and/or ear hook 144 and/or headpiece housing 202a that change color may be formed from a moisture indicating material such as a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin. Alternatively, the portions exemplary housing 102 and/or ear hook 144 and/or headpiece housing 202a that change color may be formed from a material that does not change color and the exterior surfaces thereof may be covered by a moisture indicating coating that assumes a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. Exemplary moisture indicating materials and coatings are described above.

Turning to FIG. 14, the housing of some BTE sound processors may include a removable protective shell that is used to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the BTE sound processor and to also protect various aspects thereof. The exemplary protective shell 500 illustrated in FIG. 14 includes a cover portion 502 that is configured to snap fit onto the remainder of the BTE sound processor housing. In the exemplary context of a BTE sound processor that has the overall configuration of BTE sound processor 100a, the cover portion 502 would protect the housing 102a and prevent contact with the volume switch 128a and program selection switch 130a on the control panel 1 10a. The exemplary protective shell 500 also includes a decorative portion 504, here a frog mounted on the cover portion 502, that may be particularly pleasing to children.

The cover portion 502 and/or decorative portion 504 may be configured to assume a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state, and to change from the first color to the second color in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state, as is discussed in greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 4-6. For example, the cover portion 502 and/or decorative portion 504 may be formed from a moisture indicating material such as a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin. Alternatively, the cover portion 502 and/or decorative portion 504 may be formed from a material that does not change color and the exterior surfaces thereof may be covered by a moisture indicating coating that assumes a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. Exemplary moisture indicating materials and coatings are described above. Additional examples of BTE shells, albeit shells that are not formed from moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin or coated with a moisture indicating coating, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,729,774.

Another example of a hearing assistance device that is configured to change color when wet is the ICS integrated headpiece generally represented by reference numeral 100b in FIGS. 15 and 16. The integrated headpiece 100b combines the ICS functionality of a sound processor and a headpiece, e.g., the BTE sound processor 100a and headpiece 200a, and may be used in an ICS system that also includes a cochlear implant (e.g., cochlear implant 300). For example, the integrated headpiece 100b has a housing 102b in which components such as sound processor circuitry, a battery or other power supply, a microphone, an antenna with an exposed portion 210b, and a positioning magnet are located. A switch 130b allows the user to adjust the amplification level or to switch between programs. Additional details concerning integrated headpieces such a that illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be found in PCT Pub. No. WO 2010/025770.

The housing 102b may be configured to assume a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state, and to change from the first color to the second color in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state, as is discussed in greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 4-6. For example, the housing 102b may be formed from a moisture indicating material such as a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin. Alternatively, the housing 102b may be formed from a material that does not change color and the exterior surfaces thereof may be covered by a moisture indicating coating that assumes a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. Exemplary moisture indicating materials and moisture indicating coatings are described above.

Another example of a hearing assistance device that is configured to change color when wet is the BTE hearing aid generally represented by reference numeral 600 in FIGS. 17 and 18. The exemplary hearing aid 600 includes a housing 601 with a main portion 602, and a microphone 604, sound processor circuitry 606, a speaker 608 and a power supply 610 within the housing main portion. The external portion of the housing 601 associated with the power supply 610 may be a removable cover that provides access to the power supply. Alternatively, the power supply 610 may be a permanent part of a removable portion of the housing. The exterior of the housing main portion 602 has a control panel 612 with components such as an ON/OFF switch and a volume control. The housing 601 may also include a horn 614 with a microphone aperture (not shown), a microphone aperture cover 616 that permits acoustic transmission, and an acoustic output aperture 618 is also provided. Ambient sound pressure waves are picked up by the microphone 604 and converted into electrical signals. The electrical signals, in turn, are processed by the sound processor circuitry 606. The processed signals drive the speaker 608, which delivers amplified (or otherwise processed) sound pressure waves to the ear canal by way of an acoustic duct within the horn 614 and the acoustic output aperture 618.

The housing main portion 602 and/or horn 614 may be configured to assume a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state, and to change from the first color to the second color in response to the transition from a dry state to a wet state, as is discussed in greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 4-6. For example, the housing main portion 602 and/or horn 614 may be formed from a moisture indicating material such as a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin. Alternatively, the housing main portion 602 and/or horn 614 may be formed from a material that does not change color and the exterior surfaces thereof may be covered by a moisture indicating coating that assumes a first color when in a dry state and a second color when in a wet state. Exemplary moisture indicating materials and coatings are described above.

Although the inventions disclosed herein have been described in terms of the preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications and/or additions to the above-described preferred embodiments would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. By way of example, but not limitation, the inventions include any combination of the elements from the various species and embodiments disclosed in the specification that are not already described. It is intended that the scope of the present inventions extend to all such modifications and/or additions and that the scope of the present inventions is limited solely by the claims set forth below.

Claims

I claim: 1 . An apparatus for use with a cochlear implant, the apparatus comprising:

a microphone;

sound processor circuitry operably connected to the microphone;

a transmitter, operably connected to the sound processor circuitry, that transmits signals to the cochlear implant; and

a housing in which the sound processor circuitry and/or the transmitter is located, at least a portion of the housing being configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the housing comprises a headpiece housing in which the transmitter is located.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein

the headpiece housing includes a main portion and a cover, and at least the cover is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the housing comprises a sound processor housing in which the sound processor circuitry is located.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein

the sound processor housing includes a main portion and a battery compartment cover, and at least the battery compartment cover is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sound processor housing includes a main portion and an attachable/detachable shell, and at least the attachable/detachable shell is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the sound processor circuitry and the transmitter are both located within the housing.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the housing is formed moisture indicating material.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein

the housing is formed from a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the housing includes an exterior surface; and

the exterior surface of the housing is coated with a moisture indicating coating.

1 1 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the portion of the housing is configured to change from the second color to the first color in response to a transition from the wet state to the dry state.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

the wet state comprises contact with liquid water and/or contact with air that has a relative humidity level of at least 98%.

13. A hearing aid, comprising:

a microphone; sound processor circuitry operably connected to the microphone;

a speaker, operably connected to the sound processor circuitry, that transmits acoustic signal; and

a housing in which the sound processor circuitry is located, at least a portion of the housing being configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state.

14. A hearing aid as claimed in claim 13, wherein

the microphone and speaker are located within the housing.

15. A hearing aid as claimed in claim 13, wherein

the housing includes a main portion and a horn; and at least a portion of the housing main portion and/or the horn is configured to change from a first color to a second color in response to a transition from a dry state to a wet state.

16. A hearing aid as claimed in claim 13, wherein

the housing is formed moisture indicating material.

17. A hearing aid as claimed in claim 16, wherein

the housing is formed from a moldable moisture indicating thermoplastic resin.

18. A hearing aid as claimed in claim 13, wherein

the housing includes an exterior surface; and

19. A hearing aid as claimed in claim 13, wherein

20. A hearing aid as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wet state comprises contact with liquid water and/or contact with air that has a relative humidity level of at least 98%.