An inconspicuous hearing system is described that uses a coil (20) to electromagnetically couple with, and therefore drive, a permanent magnet (10) attached to the tympanic membrane (12) or ossicular chain. This hearing system enables hearing impaired individuals, as well as persons with normal hearing, to selectively receive sound signals in a wide variety of hearing environments while avoiding socially or aesthetically unacceptable stigmas associated with visible wires, headphones, earpieces, etc.