Abstract: A system for electrical stimulation of nerves of a living being, including a pulse generator configured to provide a sequence of electrical pulses to at least one electrode that are maintained in close proximity to the nerve of interest with the use of a feature to secure the electrode to the skin or tissue of the living being.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached within a portion of an ear of a subject includes an elastomeric arm having opposite first and second end portions. A sensing element is located at the elastomeric arm second end portion and includes at least one energy emitter configured to direct energy at a target region of the ear and at least one detector configured to detect an energy response signal from the target region or a region adjacent the target region. The monitoring device is configured such that the elastomeric arm first end portion engages the ear at a first location within the ear and such that the elastomeric arm resiliently bends such that a surface of the sensing element is urged into contact with the ear at a second location within the ear.

Abstract: A method, including energizing one or more electrodes of a cochlear electrode array to induce a current flow in the cochlea at a plurality of temporal locations, measuring one or more electrical properties at one or more locations in the cochlea resulting from the induced current flow at the plurality of different temporal locations and determining whether or not trauma has occurred based on a change between the measured electrical properties from the first temporal location to the second temporal location.

Abstract: An earpiece includes an earbud that supports at least one electrode, and an ear tip that includes a hydrogel. The ear tip is configured to be coupled to the earbud such that the hydrogel overlies the at least one electrode and such that the hydrogel is disposed between the at least one electrode and the user's skin when the earpiece is worn.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation system including a first device configured to be worn at least partially in a first ear canal of a subject and a second device configured to be worn at least partially in a second ear canal of the subject. Each of the first device and the second device includes: at least one in-ear active electrode configured to receive a bio-signal and at least one in-ear reference electrode configured to receive a bio-signal; at least one stimulation device configured for emitting at least one electrical or sensory stimulus; and an electronic system configured to detect at least one bio-signal pattern from the bio-signals measured from the electrodes.

Abstract: An ear plug (200), and a method of producing an ear plug, which includes a shell (206) with at least one electrode (201-205) adapted for measuring brain wave signals, the electrode (201-205) being connected to a processor for processing the measured signals, wherein the contours of the outer surface of the ear plug (200) and the electrode (201-205) are individually matched to at least part of the ear canal and the concha of the user.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array includes the steps of positioning a workpiece on a mold part, compressing the workpiece into the mold part to form a contact, and introducing resilient material into the mold part to form a flexible body.

Abstract: A system and method of fitting an Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) system of a patient that has binaural hearing is provided. The patient has an ipsilateral ear and a contralateral ear opposite the ipsilateral ear, with the EAS system associated with the ipsilateral ear of the patient. Stimulation parameters of the EAS system are developed unilaterally while taking into account hearing abilities of the contralateral ear. The EAS system is configured based on the developed stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the insertion of an intra-cochlear stimulating assembly for the occurrence of one or more insertion stop conditions. The insertion stop conditions are detectable events indicating that movement of the stimulating assembly into a recipient's cochlea should be at least temporarily stopped. The insertion monitoring is based on objectively measured inner ear potentials, such as acoustically-evoked potentials.

Abstract: A method, including obtaining data relating to electric hearing, obtaining data relating to acoustic hearing and preparing a prescription for a multimodal hearing prosthesis for an individual based on the obtained data relating to the electric hearing and the acoustic hearing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method entails comparing the data relating to electric hearing to the data relating to acoustic hearing and preparing the prescription based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A bionic cochlea includes a fluid filled vessel having a flexible window disposed in one or its walls. The flexible window flexes when exposed to an acoustic pulse to produce an acoustic pressure pulse in the fluid inside the vessel. A plurality of piezoelectric nanowires is disposed on a flexible membrane disposed within the fluid filled vessel. The nanowires vibrate in response to at least one predetermined wavelength in the acoustic pressure pulse and produce electrical signals. Electrical wires in communication with the nanowires receive the electrical signals and pass these signals through the walls of the vessel to the mammalian auditory nerve.

Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a thermoformed circuit with a substrate with electrodes formed on the substrate and shaped to curve around a longitudinal axis of the cochlear lead. Traces are also formed on the substrate and connected to the electrodes. Intermediate sections between the electrodes may be curved about an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The sealing member includes microholes which vent fluid above a certain pressure threshold. A headset may connect the earplug to a second earplug. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A connector-based link is suited to various signals and media for connecting a tube with a hearing instrument, which ensures a reliable mechanical hold, good connection and high tightness and in the process is easy to handle. This is achieved by a connector for a hearing instrument system including a housing which contains a number of connections, and a tube which contains a number of lines, which is embodied to detachably connect a number of lines of the tube to a number of connections of the housing, wherein the connections of the connector contain different spatial orientations. The fact that the connections each have a different spatial orientation brings about a mutual decoupling. As a result, the demands on dimensional stability of the various connections are advantageously reduced since the different connections are not closed in a shared, identical end position.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a sound processor that 1) determines a relative importance of performance versus power conservation for an auditory prosthesis, 2) determines, in accordance with the determined relative importance of performance versus power conservation, a current steering range for a stimulation channel defined by first and second physical electrodes communicatively coupled to the auditory prosthesis, the current steering range centered about a midpoint of the stimulation channel; and 3) directs the auditory prosthesis to apply electrical stimulation representative of audio content having a frequency included in a frequency band associated with the stimulation channel in accordance with the determined current steering range.

Abstract: An ear plug (200) comprises a shell (206) with at least two electrodes (201-205) adapted for measuring brain wave signals, said electrodes (201-205) being connected with means for processing the measured signals, wherein the contours of the outer surface of the ear plug (200) and the electrodes (201-205) are individually matched to at least part of the ear canal and the concha of the user. The invention further provides a method for producing an ear plug.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a band to be worn on a head of a person and a first strip adjustably coupled to the band. The example apparatus also includes a first set of electrodes coupled to the first strip to gather a first set of signals from the head and a magnetic fastener to couple the first strip to the band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermometer for determining the temperature of an animal's ear drum. The thermometer includes a probe, an infrared-radiation detector adapted to receive infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum, and devices that help determine the probe's position in the ear canal so as to optimize the infrared radiation received from the ear drum, and to minimize the infrared radiation received from other ear parts. A method of using the thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker having a radial fixation mechanism is provided. The cardiac pacemaker can include fixation mechanism separate from a pacing electrode and having a diameter equal to or less than the outer diameter of the pacemaker. The fixation mechanism can allow the pacemaker to be inserted into tissue with less than 2 rotations of the pacemaker to place the pacing electrode in contact with the tissue. In some embodiments, the fixation mechanism can comprise a plurality of hooks or protrusions positioned near a distal portion of the pacemaker. The fixation mechanism(s) can be configured to penetrate the endocardium of the patient and reside mostly within the myocardium. Methods of delivering the leadless cardiac pacemaker into the heart are also provided.

Abstract: A hearing device has a housing and a first electrode arranged to abut the skin of the individual. The hearing device further comprises at least two different elements selected from the group comprising: a brain-wave measurement circuit receiving measurement signals from the first electrode and from a second electrode arranged to abut the skin of the individual; a communication circuit receiving communication signals from and/or transmitting communication signals to the first electrode; a touch-sensing circuit transmitting sensing signals to the first electrode; a thermoelectric generator thermally connected to the outer surface of the housing mainly through the first electrode; and a charge control circuit sinking a charging current in dependence on a voltage across the first electrode and a third electrode.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus and methods are provided for assessing a physiological condition of a subject. At least two types of physiological information are detected from a subject via a portable monitoring device associated with the subject, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject is made using the at least two types of physiological information, wherein each type of physiological information is individually insufficient to make the physiological condition assessment. Environmental information from a vicinity of a subject also may be detected, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject may be made using the environmental information in combination with the physiological information. Exemplary physiological information may include subject heart rate, subject activity level, subject tympanic membrane temperature, and subject breathing rate. Exemplary environmental information may include humidity level information in the vicinity of the subject.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes a linear regulator and a sound processing integrated circuit (“IC”). The linear regulator 1) receives a source voltage signal having a source voltage level and provided by an external power source, 2) drops the source voltage level to an intermediate voltage level, and 3) outputs an intermediate voltage signal having the intermediate voltage level. The sound processing IC 1) performs one or more sound processing operations with respect to an audio signal presented to a patient associated with the auditory prosthesis system, 2) receives the intermediate voltage signal having the intermediate voltage level, 3) converts the intermediate voltage level into one or more supply voltage levels, and 4) outputs one or more supply voltage signals having the one or more supply voltage levels.

Abstract: A method of alerting a person using an EEG assembly (201) comprises the steps of automatically alerting said person of an incidence, manipulating an external device for establishing a wireless connection between the EEG assembly (201) and the external device (202), wirelessly transmitting from the EEG assembly (201) and to the external device (202) a data message holding information identifying the incidence that triggered the alert of the person carrying the EEG assembly, and providing information related to the incidence that triggered the alert of said person using presentation means in the external device (202). The invention also relates to an apparatus operating according to the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for triggering nerve-action potentials (NAPs) in each of a plurality of cochlear neurons in a cochlea of a person and in each one of a plurality of vestibular neurons in a vestibular organ of the person in order to provide auditory and balance sensations for the person, the method including generating a first plurality of light signals that stimulate a NAP in the selected cochlear neuron; delivering the first plurality of light signals to the selected cochlear neuron from within the cochlea; generating a second plurality of light signals that stimulate a NAP in the selected vestibular neuron; delivering the second plurality of light signals to the selected vestibular neuron from within the vestibular organ; and selectively controlling the first and second plurality of light signals to optically stimulate the selected cochlear and vestibular neuron in order to trigger NAPs of the selected cochlear and vestibular neuron.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible elongate carrier member configured to introduce a therapeutic element into the recipient and a stiffening member, permanently embedded in and longitudinally extending through at least a first region of said carrier member, configured to decrease said flexibility of said carrier member region so as to prevent deformation of said first region during implantation into the recipient.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for sensing electrical activity in target tissue is described. A support electrode has an elongate electrode body with a base end and a penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. A fixation electrode has an elongate electrode body with a base end and a penetrating end at an angle to the electrode body. The electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating end of the fixation electrode penetrates a fixed distance into the target tissue so that at least one of the electrodes senses electrical activity in the target tissue.

Abstract: A wearable EEG monitor for continuously monitoring the EEG of a user through capacitive coupling to an ear canal of a user comprises an ear insert (1) for positioning within the human ear canal, comprising at least two capacitive electrodes (16) for recording a signal. The electrodes are coated with a dielectricum for electrical insulation. The electrodes are connected to an amplifier (17). The amplifier has an input impedance matched to the impedance of the electrodes. The invention further provides a method of monitoring brain waves.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arrangement and a measuring device for measuring the action flow and/or the action potential of an electrically active tissue. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and economically producible electrode for measuring action flows and/or action potentials in electrically active tissues (preferably the stapedius muscle tissue), ensuring that the electrode is fixed securely, but reversibly, in the muscle tissue and that the muscle tissue is disturbed as little as possible. The electrode arrangement according to the invention comprises a first electrode (2) and a fixing element (3), the first electrode (2) being connected to a first, long electrical line (4) and consisting of a long base body (6) comprising a first end (7) and a second end (8). The first electrical line (4) is connected to the base body (6) in the region of the second end (8) thereof, and means are provided for reversibly fixing the fixing element (3) to the first electrode (2).

Abstract: An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue.

Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a plurality electrodes forming an electrode array configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea; a lead body connected to the electrode array; a plurality of wires passing through the lead body and connecting to the plurality of electrodes; an integrated wire carrier extending between an exit of the wires from the lead body and a first electrode in the electrode array, the integrated wire carrier comprising a cavity along its longitudinal axis configured to contain the plurality of wires and shape the plurality of wires into a wire bundle in which the plurality of wires passing through the integrated wire carrier are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the integrated wire carrier; and a flexible body encapsulating the integrated wire carrier and the wires.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining one or more physiological measurements associated with a user using ear-located sensors is disclosed herein. One or more of different types of sensors are configured to engage a user's ear. In some cases, the sensors will be included in one or both of a pair of earphones to capture physiological parameters. A portable device is configured to be in communication with the earphones to receive physiological parameters from the sensor(s) therein, and to potentially provide control signals to the sensors or other components in the earphones. The portable device determines physiological measurements corresponding to the received physiological parameters. The portable device is also configured to provide a user interface to interact with the user regarding the physiological measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining one or more physiological measurements associated with a user using ear-located sensors is disclosed herein. One or more of different types of sensors are configured to engage a user's ear. In some cases, the sensors will be included in one or both of a pair of earphones to capture physiological parameters. A portable device is configured to be in communication with the earphones to receive physiological parameters from the sensor(s) therein, and potentially to provide control signals to the sensors or other components in the earphones. The portable device determines physiological measurements corresponding to the received physiological parameters. The portable device is also configured to provide a user interface to interact with the user regarding the physiological measurements.

Abstract: An electrode array which is able to be inserted to a desired depth within the cochlea to provide useful percepts for the recipient which will also preferably not cause damage to the sensitive structures of the cochlea. The electrode array is insertable through an opening in the cochlea and into at least the basal region of the cochlea and comprises an elongate carrier having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of electrodes supported by the carrier at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end and the distal end. A stabilising collar extends outwardly from the elongate carrier at or adjacent a proximal end thereof and has an abutment surface adapted to abut a portion of the cochlea surface around the cochleostomy and at least substantially prevent movement of the carrier following completion of insertion of the array into the cochlea.

Abstract: Nanoscale photovoltaic devices fabricated from nanoscale waveguides that receive, propagate, and convert incident light into electrical neural signals, and methods of using these photovoltaic devices for visual perception are disclosed herein. A visual neuroprosthetic device includes an array of nanoscale waveguides each nanoscale waveguide in the array having a photovoltaic material located between an internal conductor and an external conductor, wherein each nanoscale waveguide receives, propagates, and converts incident light into electrical neural signals.

Abstract: A system and method for activating stimulation electrodes in cochlear implant electrode is described. A preprocessor filter bank processes an input acoustic audio signal to generate band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. An information extractor extracts stimulation signal information from the band pass signals based on assigning the band pass signals to corresponding electrode stimulation groups that each contain one or more stimulation electrodes, and generates a set of stimulation event signals for each electrode stimulation group that define electrode stimulation timings and amplitudes. A pulse selector selects a set of electrode stimulation signals from the stimulation event signals based on a pulse weighting function that uses channel-specific weighting factors favoring lower frequencies for activating the stimulation electrodes to stimulate neighboring audio nerve tissue.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auricle-installed device including, a reference electrode to be placed on the ear lobe, a detection electrode to be placed on a surface exposed to bones surrounding the auricle of the ear, and a support body for supporting the reference and detection electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for improving imaging resolution of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). More specifically, the present disclosure forms virtual electrode(s) using an electric current steering technique, which is used to improve imaging resolution of an EIT system without physically increasing a number of conducting electrodes. The EIT system of the present disclosure may includes a plurality of conducting electrodes, at least one signal generator, at least one signal receiver and at least one electric current steering device. In other words, the present disclosure applies both the electric current steering technique and the virtual electrode technique to EIT. Consequently, imaging resolution of EIT can be improved without physically increasing the number of conducting electrodes.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes a cochlear electrode array which has a flexible body with a distal end, a plurality of electrodes supported along a length of the flexible body, and a lumen formed in the flexible body. The cochlear implant system also includes a stiffening stylet which is fully inserted into the lumen prior to insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured such the stylet does not extend to the distal end of the flexible body and remains stationary within the lumen to prevent buckling of the electrode array during insertion of the electrode array through a cochleostomy and into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured to be withdrawn from the lumen after the electrode array is positioned within the cochlea. A method for implanting an electrode array into a cochlea is also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary insertion tool configured to facilitate insertion of a lead into a bodily orifice includes a handle assembly configured to facilitate handling of the insertion tool, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly and comprising a rigid holding tube configured to removably couple to a portion of the lead, and a release assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and comprising a release button. The release assembly is configured to release the lead from the holding tube in response to user actuation of the release button. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a portable brain-activity monitor for recording a subject's EEG while he/she is listening to music. The brain-activity monitor includes an earphone connected to a portable audio player as well as an EEG sensor. The EEG sensor is connected to EEG electrodes that are shaped and sized to fit within the auditory canal. Suitable electronic processing circuitry, located in close proximity to the electrode, amplify the EEG signals in a range of 0.5 Hz to 100 Hz, perform an analogue-to-digital conversion, filter the output and deliver it to a recording device. A cable connected to the subjects earlobe provides the ground for the EEG sensor. The monitor is preferably Bluetooth enabled to allow it to connect to computing devices such as PCs and smart phones.

Abstract: A personal wearable EEG monitor comprises a base part (1) having signal processing means (23), and an electrode part (2) with at least two electrodes (11, 12) for measuring an EEG signal of a person. The electrode part (2) comprises means for converting the EEG signal into a digital signal. The EEG monitor comprises a databus for transferring data between the base part (1) and the electrode part (2) and for providing power from one part to the other. The databus is adapted for application of two electrical wires. The invention further provides a method for communicating between two parts of an EEG monitor.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.

Abstract: A system for remote surveillance of an EEG signal of a person susceptible of having a hypoglycemic seizure comprises an EEG sensor part with electrodes for measuring one or more EEG signals from the person, and a processing unit adapted to be arranged at the ear of said person. EEG signal processing means is adapted for analyzing the EEG signal, for identifying or predicting a hypoglycemic seizure in the person. The system comprises a first connection between the EEG sensor part and the processing unit, adapted for transmitting an EEG signal from the implantable EEG sensor to the processing unit. The system comprises an external part adapted to receive wirelessly an alarm from the processing part, where the external part is adapted to forward an alarm to a care-giver. The invention further provides a method of EEG surveillance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stapedius muscle electrode array for detecting the action elements generated when a human stapedius muscle is contracted. Said array comprises an electrode (2, 2?, 2?) that is adapted for bipolar discharge and is to be attached to a human stapedius muscle. The electrode has two flexible, elastic, electrically conducting elongate elements (2a, 2b), each of which has a distal (4a, 4b) and a proximal end (17a, 17b) and is helically preshaped along at least some of the length thereof to the distal end (4a, 4b) thereof in such a way that the distal end (4a, 4b) and a section of the respective elongate element (2a, 2b) which adjoins the distal end (4a, 4b) can be placed at least in part around the tendon (7) extending between the stapedius muscle and the stapes while the helical part can be guided along the tendon (7), can be moved in the direction of the stapedius muscle, and can be at least partly twisted into and/or slid onto the region of the muscle belly (6) adjoining the tendon (7).

Abstract: A portable monitoring device comprises a hearing aid having a housing, a microphone (24), an acoustic signal processing means (43), and an acoustic output transducer (33). The portable monitoring device further comprises an EEG monitoring system arranged at least partly in said housing, and comprising a measuring unit (3) having electrodes (12) arranged external to the housing. The EEG monitoring system comprises a processing unit (42) for analyzing the EEG signal for identifying or predicting specific biological incidences, such as a seizure, in said person, decision means for deciding, based on said analyzed EEG signal, when an alarm or information must be provided to said person, and means for providing said alarm or information through said output transducer (33). The invention further provides a method of monitoring an EEG signal of a hearing impaired person.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible elongate carrier member configured to introduce a therapeutic element into the recipient and a stiffening member, permanently embedded in and longitudinally extending through at least a first region of said carrier member, configured to decrease said flexibility of said carrier member region so as to prevent deformation of said first region during implantation into the recipient.

Abstract: An ear plug (200) comprises a shell (206) with at least two electrodes (201-205) adapted for measuring brain wave signals, said electrodes (201-205) being connected with means for processing the measured signals, wherein the contours of the outer surface of the ear plug (200) and the electrodes (201-205) are individually matched to at least part of the ear canal and the concha of the user. The invention further provides a method for producing an ear plug.