Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical actuator 100 for hearing applications comprising one or more permanent magnets 10 and one or more magnetically permeable members 20 arranged to form a stator 50 and armature 70 arranged to provide one or more magnetic flux circuits 80, 80? configured to give rise, in the armature seat 52, to a position of unstable equilibrium for the armature 70 along the longitudinal A-A? axis and regions either side of the position of unstable equilibrium along the longitudinal A-A? axis where the armature applies a destabilization-driven force to the compliant member that decreases the effective rigidity of the compliant member that retains to armature in a neutral position. The invention also relates to a hearing aid system incorporating the electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: A combined set including a vibration actuator and an implantable device provided to be implanted in an inner ear part is disclosed. The implantable device has a surface in contact with an inner ear fluid when inserted in said inner ear part. The implantable device includes a frame having an inner wall and a slidably movable member having an outer wall which is connected to the vibration actuator. The slidably movable member is provided for transferring energy supplied by the vibration actuator from and towards the inner ear fluid by means of a translational movement. The slidably movable member is at least partially mounted inside the frame in such a manner that a gap extending between the inner wall of the frame and the outer wall of the member is less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

Abstract: An implantable device for improving hearing is provided. The device includes a vibration generator including an output region configured to apply vibrational stimulation to an inner ear fluid, a proximal electrode configured to physically attach to a wall enclosing an inner ear at a location proximal to the output region of the vibration generator, and a separate distal electrode configured to make electrical contact with an auditory nerve.

Abstract: A combined set (71) comprising a vibration actuator and an implantable device to be used as an artificial fenestrum implantable in a bony wall (25) of an inner ear, said device comprising a frame (32) made of a bio-compatible material and provided to be applied at least partially in said bony wall, said frame being provided with a wall part formed by a membrane (27) forming a barrier with a perilymph of said inner ear when applied in said bony wall, said membrane being provided to form together with said frame an interface with said inner ear, said interface being provided for energy transfer towards and from said inner ear, said membrane being electrically dissociated from said vibration actuator and provided for receiving vibration energy from said vibration actuator.

Abstract: A combined set including a vibration actuator and an implantable device provided to be implanted in an inner ear part is disclosed. The implantable device has a surface in contact with an inner ear fluid when inserted in said inner ear part. The implantable device includes a frame having an inner wall and a slidably movable member having an outer wall which is connected to the vibration actuator. The slidably movable member is provided for transferring energy supplied by the vibration actuator from and towards the inner ear fluid by means of a translational movement. The slidably movable member is at least partially mounted inside the frame in such a manner that a gap extending between the inner wall of the frame and the outer wall of the member is less than or equal to 0.1 mm.