Abstract: A network interface module that forms part of a bilateral cochlear implant system which allows two standalone BTE units to be synchronized both temporally and tonotopically in order to maximize a patients listening experience. The bilateral cochlear network includes a communications interposer adapted to be inserted between the BTE battery and the BTE housing or modified BTE devices.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes an implantable stimulator simultaneously applying stimulation current to a stimulation site within a patient via at least one stimulating electrode and compensating current via one or more additional electrodes of opposite polarity as the at least one stimulating electrode and dynamically adjusting the simultaneously applied compensating current as a function of a stimulation level of the stimulation current by increasing a stimulation level of the compensating current if the stimulation level of the stimulation current decreases and decreasing the stimulation level of the compensating current if the stimulation level of the stimulation current increases. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

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: A method and system for implementing an acoustical front end customization are disclosed. The customization is implemented to optimize the sound level for each individual cochlear implant user. A known audio signal is generated using a sound source and captured by a microphone system. The captured sound signal is sampled at one or more locations along the signal processing pathway, and a spectrum is determined for the sampled signal and the known signal. A ratio of the two spectrums is related to the undesired transformation of the sampled signal, and a digital filter is designed based on the ratio to filter out the undesired transformation.

Abstract: Errors in pitch (frequency) allocation within a cochlear implant are corrected in order to provide a significant and profound improvement in the quality of sound perceived by the cochlear implant user. In one embodiment, the user is stimulated with a reference signal, e.g., the tone “A” (440 Hz) and then the user is stimulated with a probe signal, separated from the reference signal by an octave, e.g., high “A” (880 Hz). The user adjusts the location where the probe signal is applied, using current steering, until the pitch of the probe signal, as perceived by the user, matches the pitch of the reference signal, as perceived by the user. In this manner, the user maps frequencies to stimulation locations in order to tune his or her implant system to his or her unique cochlea.

Abstract: A hearing aid module is shaped for insertion into a tunnel made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space with the ear canal. The hearing aid module contains a speaker or auditory transducer, a battery or other power source powering the module, signal processing circuitry, a microphone, and a hollow tube which contains a steroid or drug. Telemetry circuitry within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit. A remote control unit permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone (frequency) control.

Abstract: The accuracy of neural response recordings in neural stimulators, e.g., cochlear implants, is often degraded by a recording artifact. An idealized electrical-equivalent model of a neural stimulator is created to study, measure and compensate for artifact evoked compound action potential (eCAP). Using this model, the artifact is shown to occur even when the electrical components that make-up the neural stimulator are ideal. The model contains parasitic capacitances between the electrode wires. The model demonstrates that these small parasitic capacitances provide a current path during stimulation which can deposit charge on the electrode-tissue interfaces of the recording electrodes. The dissipation of this residual charge and the charge stored across the stimulating electrode is seen as the recording artifact. The proposed solution for eliminating the artifact problem is realized by utilizing a capacitive electrode material, e.g.

Abstract: An adaptive place-pitch ranking procedure for use with a cochlear implant or other neural stimulation system provides a systematic method for quantifying the magnitude and direction of errors along the place-pitch continuum. The method may be conducted and completed in a relatively short period of time. In use, the implant user or listener is asked to rank the percepts obtained after a sequential presentation of monopolar stimulation pulses are applied to a selected spatially-defined electrode pair. The spatially-defined electrode pair may be a physical electrode pair or a virtual electrode pair. A virtual electrode pair includes at least one virtual electrode contact. Should the patient's judgment of pitch order be correct for all applied interrogations, then no further testing involving the tested electrode pair (two electrode contacts) is undertaken.

Abstract: An adaptive place-pitch ranking procedure for use with a cochlear implant or other neural stimulation system provides a systematic method for quantifying the magnitude and direction of errors along the place-pitch continuum. The method may be conducted and completed in a relatively short period of time. In use, the implant user or listener is asked to rank the percepts obtained after a sequential presentation of monopolar stimulation pulses are applied to a selected spatially-defined electrode pair. The spatially-defined electrode pair may be a physical electrode pair or a virtual electrode pair. A virtual electrode pair includes at least one virtual electrode contact. Should the patient's judgment of pitch order be correct for all applied interrogations, then no further testing involving the tested electrode pair (two electrode contacts) is undertaken.

Abstract: Systems for detecting an error associated with an implantable device include a back-telemetry transmitter within the implantable device configured to transmit one or more signals to an external device having a receiver configured to receive the one or more signals. The implantable device includes circuitry configured to detect an error associated with the implantable device, generate a fault signal corresponding to the error, and turn on the back-telemetry transmitter to transmit the fault signal to the external device.

Abstract: A hand-held remote unit functions as both a remote status device and a control device for a cochlear implant system. When placed near the headpiece of a cochlear implant system, the remote unit monitors the forward telemetry signals transmitted between an external sound processor, e.g., a behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processor, and an implanted unit, thereby providing the remote unit with the ability to output status information regarding the implant system. The remote unit may also generate a back telemetry signal that when properly received by the sound processor causes a forward telemetry signal to be generated that controls the implant unit.

Abstract: Methods of automatically identifying whether a neural recording signal includes a neural response signal include fitting an artifact model to a neural recording signal to produce a fitted artifact model signal, determining a strength-of-response metric that describes a distance of the neural recording signal from the fitted artifact model signal, and identifying the neural recording signal as including a neural response signal if the strength-of-response metric is above a pre-determined threshold. Corresponding systems are also described.

Abstract: Methods of removing accumulated charge from one or more electrodes include applying a plurality of stimulation events to one or more stimulation sites within a patient via the one or more electrodes and globally shorting each of the electrodes during a plurality of global shorting periods interspersed among the plurality of stimulation events. Systems for removing accumulated charge from one or more electrodes include a stimulator electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes and configured to apply a plurality of stimulation events to one or more stimulation sites within a patient via the one or more electrodes. The stimulator is further configured to globally short each of the electrodes during a plurality of global shorting periods interspersed among the plurality of stimulation events.

Abstract: Errors in pitch (frequency) allocation within a cochlear implant are corrected in order to provide a significant and profound improvement in the quality of sound perceived by the cochlear implant user. In one embodiment, the user is stimulated with a reference signal, e.g., the tone “A” (440 Hz) and then the user is stimulated with a probe signal, separated from the reference signal by an octave, e.g., high “A” (880 Hz). The user adjusts the location where the probe signal is applied, using current steering, until the pitch of the probe signal, as perceived by the user, matches the pitch of the reference signal, as perceived by the user. In this manner, the user maps frequencies to stimulation locations in order to tune his or her implant system to his or her unique cochlea.

Abstract: Psychophysical tests are administered to cochlear implant (CI) users to determine a spectral modulation transfer function (SMTF), smallest detectable spectral contrast as a function of spectral modulation frequency, for each individual CI user. The determined SMTF for individual CI user is compared against a SMTF of a normal hearing person to determine the specific enhancements needed. A profile of spectral enhancement achievable with variation of filter parameters, sigma and maximum that best fits the needed enhancements for the individual CI user is selected. Based on the corresponding sigma and maximum selected, a sound processing strategy is adjusted to provide customized spectral contrast enhancement for the individual CI user. The sound processing strategy implemented includes an outer hair cell model.

Abstract: Systems for fitting an implantable cochlear stimulator to a patient include an interface unit configured to display a graphical representation of an implant fitting line as part of a graphical user interface. The implant fitting line has a slope and a horizontal position and represents a mapping relationship between a plurality of audio frequencies and a plurality of stimulation sites within a cochlea of the patient. The interface unit is further configured to facilitate adjustment of the slope and/or horizontal position of the fitting line.

Abstract: Audio streaming is made available throughout the signal processing path of the speech processor of a cochlear implant or other audio signal processor. Audio streaming comprises the digitally phase locked playback of a real time n-bit digital audio stream, where n may be a large number, e.g., 8, 12, 16, 24 or 32, that emanates (unsolicited) from an operating speech processor. A number of sample points are made available long the processing chain of a digital signal processor (DSP) used within the speech processor of the cochlear implant. Audio streaming may occur at any sample point. The signal at a selected sample point may be selectively monitored in order to allow appropriate diagnostics to be performed. Audio streaming utilizes an auto-referencing mixed-mode phase locked loop. Such phase locked loop processes an asynchronous stream of digital audio samples that arrive at a designated location, e.g., a selected sample point, at a consistent, but unknown, average rate.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating communication between a first and second device include a voltage level translator circuit configured to convert a voltage level of one or more digital signals that are transmitted from the first device to the second device to a voltage level substantially equal to a supply voltage level of the second device. The conversion is based on a first input voltage signal into the translator circuit. The systems further include a diode in series with a capacitor. The diode is configured to generate the first input voltage signal by charging the capacitor to a voltage level that is substantially equal to the voltage level of the one or more digital signals.

Abstract: Exemplary cochlear implant systems include an implantable head module configured to be implanted within a head of a patient. The implantable head module includes a cochlear stimulator configured to be coupled to an electrode lead, the electrode lead including one or more electrodes configured to be in communication with one or more stimulation sites within the patient. The implantable head module also includes a signal receiver configured to receive a telemetry signal representative of an audio signal from a signal transmitter located external to the patient, a sound processor configured to process the telemetry signal and direct the cochlear stimulator to generate and apply electrical stimulation representative of the audio signal to the one or more stimulation sites via the electrode lead, and a power receiver configured to receive power for operating the implantable head module from a power transmitter located external to the patient.

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.