Abstract text

A hearing aid device is configured to operate as an ear bud device for a wireless phone. The hearing aid device functions in a manner similar to a conventional hearing aid device in a first operational state. The operational state of the hearing aid device is changed to a second operational state, in some embodiments, by a verified input from a wireless phone. Upon the change in operational state, the microphone input from the aided ear bud is output to the wireless phone while the incoming transmission from the wireless phone is combined with the microphone input and output to the user. The hearing aid device can be modified to receive analog or digital inputs from other outside sources. Exemplary methods for operating a hearing aid device is disclosed. An exemplary mobile communications device for interfacing with the hearing aid device also is disclosed.