Abstract: A cochlear stimulation system includes (1) an implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS); (2) a behind-the-ear (BTE) wearable speech processor, including: coils for inductively coupling with the ICS, a first microphone, an LED indicator, and an FM receiver; (3) a remote control unit (RCU), including an FM transmitter, mode/control switches, a second microphone, an input jack for interfacing with external audio equipment, and a status indicator; and (4) an external programmer, including one or more ports for coupling the external programmer with a personal computer. The external programmer is used to program the ICS through the BTE processor to operate in a desired manner, and to perform tests on the ICS. Once the ICS is initially programmed, the user controls the sounds he or she "hears" with the ICS through the RCU, which RCU (when turned ON) is electronically coupled to the BTE processor through an FM (or other wireless) link. Through the RCU, the user may control, e.g.

Abstract: A low-cost, four-channel cochlear stimulation system utilizes a completely passive, implantable receiver/electrode array that is inductively coupled to an external wearable processor. The receiver/electrode array is formed in a silicone rubber carrier adapted to be implanted in a deaf patient. At one end of the receiver/electrode array, positioned subcutaneously near the surface of skin above the ear, four receiving coils are arranged in an appropriate pattern. Such receiving coils are held within an hermetically-sealed titanium case. At the other end of the receiver/electrode array, which may be pre-formed in a spiral to match the basal turn of the cochlea, and which is inserted in the cochlea, four ball electrodes are spaced apart along an inner radius of the spiral. Each electrode is electrically connected to a respective receiving coil. Each receiving coil is also electrically connected to a reference electrode typically located near the receiver-coil end of the array.

Abstract: In method of forming a hermetically sealed electrical feedthrough comprising, a feedthrough is positioned in a hole, the hole passing through a structure. The feedthrough includes a first material and the structure including a second material. A compressive force directed at the structure is applied to the feedthrough, and an equal force directed at the feedthrough is applied to the structure. The equal force is applied in a direction opposite the compressive force. The feedthrough and the structure are heated to a diffusion temperature whereat the first material and the second material undergo diffusion so as to cause a hermetically sealed bond between the first and second materials, and the hermetically sealed bond is thereby formed between the feedthrough and the structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fitting an auditory stimulation system involve, in one embodiment, coupling a programmer unit to an implanted unit implanted in the patient; prompting and/or assisting the operator to make and enter an objective or other measurement; receiving the objective measurements into the programmer unit; and determining an estimated threshold stimulation current for an electrode channel of the implanted unit as a function of the objective measurement. In another embodiment, the method and apparatus involve coupling a programmer unit to an implanted unit implanted in the patient; stimulating the patient with a speech signal; and displaying, in real time, a graphical representation of the speech signal using the programmer unit.

Abstract: A method and system of readily specifying a wide range of temporospatial patterns of electrical stimulation waveforms that can be used by an implantable cochlear prosthesis. Such stimulation patterns and waveforms can thus be readily tested by an audiologist in the process of fitting the cochlear prosthesis, allowing desirable patterns of pulsatile stimuli of almost arbitrary complexity to be modulated in real-time by the acoustic signal to produce useful perceptions of sound in otherwise deaf patients. The cochlear prosthesis includes two main components: (1) an external system, and (2) an implantable system. The external system includes electronic circuitry, typically including a microprocessor, that converts sensed acoustical signals to electrical signals and processes the electrical signals in accordance with a desired speech processing strategy. The present invention facilitates the definition of complex stimulation waveforms to be used as part of the selected speech processing strategy.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting failures in an auditory stimulation device includes, in one embodiment, a microphone; a signal processor; a supercutaneous transmitter; a subcutaneous receiver; a subcutaneous transmitter; and a supercutaneous receiver. The signal processor generates a stimulation signal in response to the microphone detecting an audio signal, and the supercutaneous transmitter couples the stimulation signal through a skin surface of a patient. The subcutaneous receiver receives the stimulation signal, and the subcutaneous transmitter generates a feedback signal in response to receipt of the stimulation signal by the subcutaneous receiver. The supercutaneous receiver receives the feedback signal. In one variation of the embodiment, the signal processor generates an alarm signal when the feedback signal is not received.

Abstract: A low-cost, multichannel cochlear stimulation system utilizes a passive, non-hermetically sealed, implantable receiver/electrode array and an external wearable processor. At one end of the receiver/electrode array, positioned subcutaneously near the surface of skin above the ear, multiple receiving coils are arranged in an appropriate pattern. At the other end, which is adapted for insertion into the spiral-shaped cochlea, electrodes are spaced apart along the spiral. Each electrode is electrically connected to a respective receiving coil in a monopolar or bipolar fashion. The wearable processor senses audible sounds, converts the sensed sounds to corresponding electrical signals, and divides the electrical signals into multiple frequency bands or channels. A continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) speech processing strategy applies the processed signals of each channel to each of multiple external coils, one coil for each channel, as a series of narrow, rapid, biphasic current pulses.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for forming a hermetically sealed bond for use in implantable medical devices, a first structure, made from a first material, is positioned against a second structure, made from a second material. A compressive force directed at the second structure is applied to the first structure, and an equal force directed at the first structure in a direction opposite the compressive force is applied to the second structure so that the first and second structures are isodynamically pressed together. The first and second structures are heated to a diffusion temperature whereat the first material and the second material undergo diffusion, thereby forming a hermetically sealed bond between the first and second materials.