Abstract: A kit of fixation devices for cochlear implant speech processors comprising a spring loaded alligator clip including front and rear pivotally connected legs, a top portion of the front leg forming a support latch with an upper portion of one of several vertically extending cradles shaped to receive and support speech processors of different size while (i) allowing for replacement of the battery pack of the processor, (ii) protecting the control panel thereof against accidental actuation and (iii) supporting the processor cable, the front and rear legs of the alligator clip including hooks for engaging and capturing a safety pin that may have been already attached to the clothing of a user of the processor.

Abstract: A miniature electrical connector comprising a floating and vertically orientable spring contact within but not physically secured to an electrically-conductive connector block of a female connector wherein the spring contact and connector block are designed such that the spring contact is vertically oriented and outwardly expanded when a male connector is inserted into the female connector to provide a conductive path between a male contact of the male connector and the connector block of the female connector.

Abstract: A cochlear implant for a cochlear stimulation system and method of assembling the implant comprising an implantable sealed housing comprising a metal feedthrough case and a metal bottom cover and containing cochlea stimulation circuitry, the feedthrough case comprising silicone enclosed feedthrough pins for connecting an electrical lead of a cochlear electrode to the stimulation circuitry, and a moisture absorbing material comprising calcium oxide secured within the housing and sufficient in quantity to absorb moisture released by the circuitry materials and leaking into the feedthrough case at leak rates of about 1×10?7 atm cc/s to maintain the cochlear implant within acceptable internal moisture limits for at least about 60 years.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: A cochlear stimulation lead and method of making a curved electrode array are provided. In one embodiment of the lead, while the curved section of the lead is curled further beyond its originally molded curvature and held in this position, a filling channel is filled with a filling material that is hardened or cured in this held position. The resulting lead has a tip curvature that is more curved than the originally molded curvature.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. The microphone includes means for adjusting the position of the microphone to receive sound waves through a port. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: Detachable shells on hearing system components are used to provide protection to the hearing system components, to be visually pleasing, to provide visibility and to increase system attachment stability, among other functions. The detachable shells allow the overall shape and appearance of the components to be changed, thereby complementing a variety of activities that constitute a hearing system user's unique lifestyle.

Abstract: An assistive listening device cap attaches to a headpiece of a cochlear implant behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, an other BTE unit, an earhook, or an external component unit to supplement or replace components thereof. The cap may receive signals from sources outside the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit. The cap communicates with the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit using direct, wired, or wireless technology.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone which converts audio sounds into electrical signals which are then processed by a speech processor to generate electrical pulses to stimulate nerves in the cochlea, improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: A battery circuit, including a secondary battery, a storage capacitor, two switches and two voltage monitor circuits, detects a remaining capacity of the secondary battery and sends out data indicative of the remaining capacity to outside of the battery circuit. A first switch connects a secondary battery to a storage capacitor. A second switch connects the other end of the first switch to the storage capacitor and a load. A storage capacitor voltage monitor circuit measures voltage of the storage capacitor. The first switch is then turned ON and a current from the battery is transferred to the storage capacitor. At this time, the second switch is OFF. Then, the first switch is then turned OFF, and voltage of the storage capacitor indicative of the voltage of the secondary battery is measured. Then, the second switch turns ON and the current flows from the storage capacitor to the external load.