Abstract: A system and method upper auditory frequency range hearing. A speech signal is filtered, and then modulated to an upper auditory frequency range. The modulated signal is then provided to a transducer, which causes a vibration in the ear canal, the head or the neck of a user, which is received in an inner ear of the user. That vibration is translated as a signal to the brain, which interprets that signal as intelligible speech.
Abstract: A system and method for tinnitus masking. Ultrasound noise is provided to a head of a patient as a vibration by way of a transducer, to thereby stimulate the auditory cortex. Once stimulated, the auditory cortex will suppress tinnitus. The ultrasound noise may be provided as an ultrasound frequency tone or as a range of frequencies that have been multiplied with an audio frequency. Pulsed ultrasound is utilized for ultrasound noise in the MHz range.
Abstract: A system and method for tinnitus masking. Ultrasound noise is provided to a head of a patient as a vibration by way of a transducer, to thereby stimulate the auditory cortex. Once stimulated, the auditory cortex will suppress tinnitus. The ultrasound noise may be provided as an ultrasound frequency tone or as a range of frequencies that have been multiplied with an audio frequency. Pulsed ultrasound is utilized for ultrasound noise in the MHz range.
Abstract: A turtle alerting system and method utilizes an acoustic signal that may be provided in a first, low frequency range, a second, mid-frequency range, or a third, high frequency range. One or more of those acoustic signals may be accompanied and/or modulated by either an ultrasonic signal or a MHz signal, so as to provide a carrier for the acoustic signal. Further, a beam of light may be used as another type of alerting sensor. Lastly, a sonar may be used to steer the system in a direction in which turtles may be located.
Abstract: A system and method for an auditory inner ear prosthesis. A strut connects the medial surface of the stape footplate with the wall of the saccule. The strut spans the 1.5 mm vestibule between the saccule and the stapes. The strut is a synthetic elastic connector constructed of biocompatible material such as sylastic. The strut converts eardrum or ossicle vibration into saccular stimulation. The saccule is a large otic receptor organ capable of coding sound, and plays a role in reptilian hearing. For human ears, the saccule is so isolated from the eardrum and related elements that sound stimulation is ineffective. The strut allows for better stimulation by direct coupling. In cases of deafness, the saccule can serve as an alternative ear.