Abstract: A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. The invention utilizes an externally positioned measurement device to obtain a test measure of the electrical signal passing through an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. In one embodiment, the measurement device may comprise a pair of coils for measuring the magnetic field generated by an implanted actuator utilized to simulate the middle ear of a patient. The magnetic field strength is directly related to the amount of current passing through the actuator. In turn, such current is inversely related to the electrical impedance present at the implanted actuator. Such electrical impedance is directly related to the mechanical impedance present at the interface between the implanted actuator and middle ear of a patient.

Abstract: A system and method to compensate for changes in the frequency response of a microphone caused by factors interfering with the receipt of acoustic sound in the microphone. The system includes at least a microphone and a signal processor. The signal processor is operational to process at least one feedback frequency response from the microphone to generate at least one test parameter. The signal processor uses the at least one test parameter to determine at least one operational characteristic of the microphone. The feedback frequency response is generated by the microphone in response to acoustic feedback. The acoustic feedback is generated by actuation of a transducer in response to at least one test signal that is provided to the transducer. The signal processor uses the at least one test parameter to process acoustic frequency responses from the microphone to compensate for changes in the acoustic frequency responses of the microphone.

Abstract: A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. The invention utilizes an externally positioned test measurement device to obtain measurements of the electrical impedance of an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. In one embodiment, the test measurement device may comprise a signal generator for generating the test signal for the actuator, a signal processing unit to compute the electrical impedance from voltage and current measurements, and a user interface to provide an output that is usable to asses the performance of the actuator. The electrical impedance is computable from the voltage and current of the signal passing through the actuator. The electrical impedance is directly related to the mechanical impedance present at the interface between the actuator and middle ear of a patient.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and system are provided for positioning an implantable actuator of a semi or fully-implantable hearing aid relative to a component of the auditory system of a patient. The system includes a fixed member, a telescoping member, and a driver. The fixed member is connected to a mounting device for mounting the positioning system to a patient's skull. The telescoping member is connected to the fixed member and the implantable actuator and is movable relative to the fixed member to interface the implantable actuator with the component of the auditory system. The driver controls the movement of the telescoping member relative to the fixed member in response to electrical inputs. In one embodiment of the invention, a user device externally located relative to the patient provides the electrical inputs to the driver. The electrical inputs may be provided to the driver by the user device using either a wireless signal or via inductively coupling the inputs to the driver.

Abstract: An improved implantable hearing aid microphone comprises a housing having an internal chamber with an aperture thereto and a first diaphragm sealably positioned across the aperture. A microphone having a second diaphragm is positioned within the chamber to define an enclosed volume between the first and second diaphragms for mechanically amplifying acoustic signals received by the first diaphragm. A peripheral rim may define the aperture of the housing, wherein the first diaphragm may be recessed between about 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm relative to the peripheral rim across the lateral extent of the first diaphragm. The internal chamber may be defined to include a first portion having a first cross-sectional area adjacent to the first diaphragm, and a second portion having a second cross-sectional area adjacent to the second diaphragm that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The second portion may be disposed to extend away from the first portion about an axis that is transverse to the first diaphragm.

Abstract: An interface system for semi-implantable and fully implantable hearing aid devices that provides direct delivery of audio input from external wireline and wireless sources to the speech processor of the hearing aid. The speech processor of the hearing aid processes the audio inputs to produce a processed signal for a transducer portion of the hearing aid that is implanted in a hearing impaired individual. In a semi-implantable hearing aid, the interface system could be included in the external portion of the hearing aid or be included in an audio input device that replaces the external portion of the hearing aid when sound from a wireless or wireline source is desired. In a fully implantable hearing aid, an audio input device including the interface system is provided for use when sound from a wireless or wireline source is desired.

Abstract: A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. The invention utilizes an externally positioned measurement device to obtain a test measure of the electrical signal passing through an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. In one embodiment, the measurement device may comprise a pair of coils for measuring the magnetic field generated by an implanted actuator utilized to simulate the middle ear of a patient. The magnetic field strength is directly related to the amount of current passing through the actuator. In turn, such current is inversely related to the electrical impedance present at the implanted actuator. Such electrical impedance is directly related to the mechanical impedance present at the interface between the implanted actuator and middle ear of a patient.

Abstract: A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. A noninvasive method and system for adjusting an interface between implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems is also provided. The invention utilizes an externally positioned measurement device to obtain a test measure of the electrical signal passing through an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. The at least one test measure is used to determine among other things a status of the interface between the actuator and the component of the auditory system. Responsive to determining that the interface requires adjustment, an electrical signal is externally provided to a positioning system on the actuator to reposition the actuator relative to the component of the auditory system and correct the interface.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and system are provided for positioning an implantable actuator of a semi or fully-implantable hearing aid relative to a component of the auditory system of a patient. The system includes a fixed member, a telescoping member, and a driver. The fixed member is connected to a mounting device for mounting the positioning system to a patient's skull. The telescoping member is connected to the fixed member and the implantable actuator and is movable relative to the fixed member to interface the implantable actuator with the component of the auditory system. The driver controls the movement of the telescoping member relative to the fixed member in response to electrical inputs. In one embodiment of the invention, a user device externally located relative to the patient provides the electrical inputs to the driver. The electrical inputs may be provided to the driver by the user device using either a wireless signal or via inductively coupling the inputs to the driver.

Abstract: A system and method to compensate for changes in the frequency response of a microphone caused by factors interfering with the receipt of acoustic sound in the microphone. The system includes at least a microphone and a signal processor. The signal processor is operational to process at least one feedback frequency response from the microphone to generate at least one test parameter. The signal processor uses the at least one test parameter to determine at least one operational characteristic of the microphone. The feedback frequency response is generated by the microphone in response to acoustic feedback. The acoustic feedback is generated by actuation of a transducer in response to at least one test signal that is provided to the transducer. The signal processor uses the at least one test parameter to process acoustic frequency responses from the microphone to compensate for changes in the acoustic frequency responses of the microphone.

Abstract: A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. The invention utilizes an externally positioned test measurement device to obtain measurements of the electrical impedance of an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. In one embodiment, the test measurement device may comprise a signal generator for generating the test signal for the actuator, a signal processing unit to compute the electrical impedance from voltage and current measurements, and a user interface to provide an output that is usable to asses the performance of the actuator. The electrical impedance is computable from the voltage and current of the signal passing through the actuator. The electrical impedance is directly related to the mechanical impedance present at the interface between the actuator and middle ear of a patient.

Abstract: An interface system for semi-implantable and fully implantable hearing aid devices that provides direct delivery of audio input from external wireline and wireless sources to the speech processor of the hearing aid. The speech processor of the hearing aid processes the audio inputs to produce a processed signal for a transducer portion of the hearing aid that is implanted in a hearing impaired individual. In a semi-implantable hearing aid, the interface system could be included in the external portion of the hearing aid or be included in an audio input device that replaces the external portion of the hearing aid when sound from a wireless or wireline source is desired. In a fully implantable hearing aid, an audio input device including the interface system is provided for use when sound from a wireless or wireline source is desired.

Abstract: An improved implantable hearing aid apparatus and related method of manufacture are disclosed. The inventive apparatus and method utilize electrodeposition techniques to yield enhanced sealing of implanted componentry. In one embodiment an inventive apparatus comprises at least first and second implantable hearing aid component housing members having at least one electrodeposited layer overlapping adjacent portions of the housing members to provide a hermetic seal therebetween. In another embodiment an inventive apparatus comprises an implantable hearing aid component housing member formed via electrodeposition having a plurality of electrodeposited layers, wherein at least two adjacent ones of the layers comprise differing materials (e.g. to yield enhanced functional characteristics). By way of primary example, a hollow bellows of any implantable middle ear actuator may be formed via the sequential electrodeposition of multiple layers on a shaped mandrel which is then selectively removed (e.g.

Abstract: An improved implantable hearing aid apparatus and related method of manufacture are disclosed. The inventive apparatus and method utilize electrodeposition techniques to yield enhanced sealing of implanted componentry. In one embodiment an inventive apparatus comprises at least first and second implantable hearing aid component housing members having at least one electrodeposited layer overlapping adjacent portions of the housing members to provide a hermetic seal therebetween. In another embodiment an inventive apparatus comprises an implantable hearing aid component housing member formed via electrodeposition having a plurality of electrodeposited layers, wherein at least two adjacent ones of the layers comprise differing materials (e.g. to yield enhanced functional characteristics). By way of primary example, a hollow bellows of any implantable middle ear actuator may be formed via the sequential electrodeposition of multiple layers on a shaped mandrel which is then selectively removed (e.g.

Abstract: An improved implantable hearing aid apparatus and related method of manufacture are disclosed. The inventive apparatus and method utilize electrodeposition techniques to yield enhanced sealing of implanted componentry. In one embodiment an inventive apparatus comprises at least first and second implantable hearing aid component housing members having at least one electrodeposited layer overlapping adjacent portions of the housing members to provide a hermetic seal therebetween. In another embodiment an inventive apparatus comprises an implantable hearing aid component housing member formed via electrodeposition having a plurality of electrodeposited layers, wherein at least two adjacent ones of the layers comprise differing materials (e.g. to yield enhanced functional characteristics). By way of primary example, a hollow bellows of any implantable middle ear actuator may be formed via the sequential electrodeposition of multiple layers on a shaped mandrel which is then selectively removed (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for supportably positioning an implantable hearing aid actuator within a patient's skull. The improved apparatus includes a carry device for carrying an implantable hearing aid actuator at a first end, a swivel device for pivotably supporting the carrier device, and a mounting device for mounting the apparatus to a patient's skull. To facilitate installation, a swivel device may be provided in a unitary manner so as to provide for selective placement and securement as a single unit to the mounting device. To yield enhanced depth positioning, the carrier device may be selectively advancable relative to the swivel device, and the carrier device may comprise two or more members interconnected for selective advancement of one relative to other. In the later regard, the carrier device may include at least a first member which telescopes coaxially relative to a second member.

Abstract: An improved implantable hearing aid microphone comprises a housing having an internal chamber with an aperture thereto and a first diaphragm sealably positioned across the aperture. A microphone having a second diaphragm is positioned within the chamber to define an enclosed volume between the first and second diaphragms for mechanically amplifying acoustic signals received by the first diaphragm. A peripheral rim may define the aperture of the housing, wherein the first diaphragm may be recessed between about 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm relative to the peripheral rim across the lateral extent of the first diaphragm. The internal chamber may be defined to include a first portion having a first cross-sectional area adjacent to the first diaphragm, and a second portion having a second cross-sectional area adjacent to the second diaphragm that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The second portion may be disposed to extend away from the first portion about an axis that is transverse to the first diaphragm.

Abstract: A reference transmitter (602) and reference receiver (604) are provided for testing the performance of a semi-implantable hearing aid. In a calibration configuration, an audiometer (606) is used to provide a reference signal via a headphone jack output (608) to the reference transmitter (602). The reference transmitter (602) provides an RF transmit coil output via lead (610) and coil (612) to the reference receiver (604). The reference receiver (604) provides an output signal that is correlated to a microphone signal to a hearing aid analyzer (616). The transmitter (602) and receiver (604) can be separately used to analyze the internal and external portions of a semi-implantable hearing aid using conventional audiometers and hearing aid analyzers.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is provided for supportably mounting an implantable hearing aid device to a patient's skull. The apparatus includes a support member adapted for supporting a hearing aid device and a plurality of mounting legs extending laterally from the support member in differing directions. A plurality of apertures are defined through each of the plurality of mounting legs, wherein an attachment device may be selectively inserted through each of one or more of the apertures for attachment of the apparatus to a patients skull. At least two of the apertures provided in each of the mounting legs may be disposed in a radially offset fashion relative to the support member and/or at different lateral distances relative to the support member. The provision of multiple mounting legs and apertures for interconnection provide enhanced mounting position flexibility, stability and overall ease of installation advantages.