Abstract: Disclosed herein are various methods, systems, an apparatuses for determining appropriate situations to treat conditions such as sleep apnea. At appropriate times, treatment can be applied such as through electrical stimulation to a person (e.g., an electrical stimulation of a person's genioglossus muscle in response to detecting that the person is undergoing an obstructive sleep apnea precursor event). In exemplary embodiments, a sensor such as a microphone and/or motion sensor can be used to provide a processor with data to facilitate a determination by the processor as to whether an electrical stimulus should be applied.

Abstract: A packaged kit for performing a photodynamic laser myringotomy includes a plurality of ear needles having different shaped absorbent applicators on distal ends of the needles, a vial of a single dose of an otologic formulation of mitomycin-C, a diluent carrier containing sterilized water, and a syringe. The component parts of the kit are used together to reconstitute the contents of the vial with the water in the diluent carrier, and then draw the reconstituted drug into the syringe. A selected one of the plurality of ear needles is then communicated with the syringe. The syringe and needle are then used to inject the reconstituted drug into the absorbent pad at the end of the needle, and the absorbent pad containing the drug is used to apply the drug to the tympanic membrane. The application of the drug to the tympanic membrane prepares the membrane for a myringotomy procedure, and in particular, a photodynamic laser myringotomy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. Specifically, the motion signal may be scaled to match the motion component of the microphone output such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. Specifically, the motion signal may be scaled to match the motion component of the microphone output such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.

Abstract: An electret microphone having reduced noise due to reduced leakage current is provided. The microphone includes a flexible diaphragm, and sensor member disposed in opposing, spaced relation to the diaphragm and comprising a semi-conductor channel. At least one electret surface, comprised of a dielectric material having a permanently-embedded static electric charge, is disposed on one of the diaphragm and the sensor member. In turn, the semi-conductor channel of the sensor member has an electrical conductivity dependent upon relative movement of the diaphragm and support member responsive to acoustic signals incident upon the diaphragm, wherein the channel provides an output signal indicative of the acoustic signals. The electret surface may be disposed on the diaphragm. Alternatively, the electret surface may be disposed on the sensor member in spaced, face-to-face relation to an electrically conductive surface located on the diaphragm.

Abstract: An implantable microphone is disclosed having an external diaphragm and housing that forming chamber capable of being pressurized by deformational movement of the diaphragm induced by pressure waves (e.g., acoustic signals) propagating through overlying tissue. The chamber is shaped such that the volume of the chamber upon deflection of the diaphragm is reduced compared to a static volume of the chamber (i.e., volume of the chamber with no diaphragm deflection). As a result, the change in pressure within the chamber for a given diaphragm displacement is greater than it would be within a chamber having a cylindrical volume, leading to greater microphone sensitivity. In one arrangement, the chamber is shaped such that it is deeper at its center than at its edges, for example, to form a conical or paraboloidal volume.

Abstract: A hearing aid transducer that includes an actuator advanceable relative to the transducer to couple with a middle ear component. In one aspect of the invention, the actuator is a separate structure from the transducer that is insertable into an aperture defined between a first and second end of the transducer. This permits separate connection of the actuator to the middle ear component and the transducer to improve coupling of the transducer to the middle ear component, e.g., minimizing loads on the middle ear component.

Abstract: An implantable microphone is disclosed having an external diaphragm and housing that forming chamber capable of being pressurized by deformational movement of the diaphragm induced by pressure waves (e.g., acoustic signals) propagating through overlying tissue. The chamber is shaped such that the volume of the chamber upon deflection of the diaphragm is reduced compared to a static volume of the chamber (i.e., volume of the chamber with no diaphragm deflection). As a result, the change in pressure within the chamber for a given diaphragm displacement is greater than it would be within a chamber having a cylindrical volume, leading to greater microphone sensitivity. In one arrangement, the chamber is shaped such that it is deeper at its center than at its edges, for example, to form a conical or paraboloidal volume.

Abstract: An improved implantable auditory stimulation system includes two or more implanted microphones for transcutaneous detection of acoustic signals. Each of the implanted microphones provides an output signal. The microphone output signals may be combinatively utilized by an implanted processor to generate a signal for driving an implanted auditory stimulation device. The implanted microphones may be located at offset subcutaneous locations and/or may be provided with different design sensitivities, wherein combinative processing of the microphone output signals may yield an improved drive signal. In one embodiment, the microphone signal may be processed for beamforming and/or directionality purposes.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation electrode array may include a flexible, electrically non-conductive carrier, and a plurality of electrodes supportably interconnected to and spaced along a length of a carrier. In various embodiments, different ones of at least some of the plurality of electrodes may comprise corresponding contact surfaces having different areas. The different surface areas may be achieved by defining a different area per unit length of the carrier and/or by defining a different total length (e.g. as measured along a length of the carrier). In some embodiments, insulator portions having different corresponding lengths may be disposed between different adjacent ones of the electrodes. The insulated portions may be integrally defined with the carrier. Electrical connection lines may be embedded within the carrier. In a manufacturing method, a plurality of electrodes may be supportably interconnected to a first side of a sacrificial substrate and a carrier may be interconnected to the electrodes.

Abstract: An implanted microphone is provided that has reduced sensitivity to vibration and attendant acceleration forces to differentiate between desirable and undesirable components of a transcutaneously received signal. More specifically, the microphone utilizes an output that is indicative of acceleration forces acting on the implanted microphone to counteract and/or cancel the effects of acceleration-induced pressures in an output signal of a microphone diaphragm. In one arrangement, a microphone having two diaphragms pneumatically cancels acceleration pressures. In this arrangement, a first diaphragm receives and generates a response to commingled acoustic and acceleration forces and a second diaphragm is substantially isolated from the acoustic forces. That is, the second diaphragm generates a response to acceleration forces. The displacements of the first and second diaphragms are pneumatically combined.

Abstract: An implantable microphone that includes a hermetically-sealed, enclosed volume and an electret member and back plate disposed with a space therebetween and capacitively coupleable to provide an output signal indicative of acoustic signals incident upon at least one of the electret member and back plate. At least one of the electret member and the back plate may include a plurality of laterally offset portions located in corresponding spatial relation to a plurality of laterally offset regions including the lateral extent of the space. The output signal may be at least one of weighted and weightable in relation to the plurality of laterally offset portions. The electret member may include the plurality of laterally offset portions, and the laterally offset portions may include at least one positively charged dielectric material portion and at least one negatively charged dielectric material portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable hearing aid systems and provides for selective interconnection between two or more implantable components of a system. The inventive apparatus comprises a first connector interconnected to a distal end of a first signal cable that is connected to a first implantable component and a second connector interconnected to a distal end of a second signal second that is connected to a second implantable component. To facilitate routing of the signal cables, the male and female connectors are designed such that distal portions (e.g., mating ends) of the first and second signal cables may be juxtaposed (e.g., disposed side-by-side) when interconnected.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus and method are provided for use in conjunction with an implantable neurostimulation signal generator that provides an electrical stimulation signal to an active electrode. In auditory stimulation applications, the apparatus includes at least one anchor member having a distal end portion for directly contacting a patient's cranial bone and an electrically conductive portion extending from the distal end portion to a contact location proximal to the distal end portion. An electrical connection line may be electrically interconnected at a first end to the contact location of the anchor member and electrically interconnected at a second end to an implantable auditory neurostimulation signal generator to define a reference electrode. A bracket member may be mounted to a patient's cranial bone utilizing the anchor member, wherein an electrically conductive pathway extends from a first contact location to a second contact location of the bracket member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. Specifically, the motion signal may be scaled to match the motion component of the microphone output such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.

Abstract: An implantable hearing aid transducer is provided that allows providing movement for stimulation purposes in at least first and second directions. This allows for moving an auditory component in a direction that may be substantially aligned with a natural direction of movement for the auditory component. In one arrangement, a middle ear transducer having an elongated vibratory member that extends into a patient's tympanic cavity is operative to move a tip of the vibratory member in at least first and second directions. A first direction may be along a long axis of the vibratory member while a second direction may be in a direction that is at least partially transverse to the long axis of the vibratory member. Further, the transducer may be positionable to provide alignment of the vibratory member such that the transverse direction of movement is substantially aligned with a direction of natural movement of a middle ear component (e.g. ossicles bone) to be stimulated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for lateral contact loading of an implantable transducer relative to an auditory component. The apparatus may include a contact tip for directly contacting a lateral aspect of an auditory component, and a vibratory actuator adapted for axial displacement in response to the operation of an interconnected implantable hearing aid transducer. At least a portion of the vibratory actuator may be deflectable, wherein the contact tip is laterally displaceable upon lateral deflection of the vibratory actuator to apply a lateral loading force to an auditory component. In operation, the contact tip may be positioned to apply the lateral loading force upon initial placement and then automatically moved to maintain contact with the auditory component by virtue of deflection of the vibratory actuator, (e.g., responsive) post-implantation auditory component movement.

Abstract: An implantable device such as a microphone that may be subcutaneously positioned in surrounding soft tissue. The implantable device may include a hermetically-sealed housing and a diaphragm that forms a portion of an outside surface of the housing. The microphone has a density that is no more than 110% of a density of the surrounding soft tissue. In one arrangement, the device may move in at least substantial unison with the surrounding soft tissue in response to a pressure or compression wave propagating through the soft tissue and being received at the device. In another arrangement, the device may include a filler that may be operable to alter the density of the device.

Abstract: An output stage for an auditory neurostimulation electrode and related system arrangements and methods are provided. The output stage is operable to effect a plurality of stimulation and discharge intervals, and includes a stimulation channel and a discharge channel coupled to the electrode, wherein a stimulation current and a discharge current may flow therethrough during the corresponding stimulation intervals and discharge intervals. The output stage also includes a controller that is operable to selectively control the flow of current through the stimulation channel and the discharge channel during the stimulation and discharge intervals. Further, one of the stimulation channel and the discharge channel couples the electrode to a single voltage supply, and the other of the stimulation channel and the discharge channel couples the electrode to a reference potential node.

Abstract: A system for reducing subcutaneous migration of an implantable device or housing relative to surrounding soft tissue. For instance, the implantable housing may support a microphone diaphragm. The system includes at least one securement member having at least one aperture extending therethrough that may selectively receive one of a soft tissue securement device (e.g., soft tissue suture) and soft tissue growth therethrough. The securement member is at least one of interconnected to and disposable over at least a portion of the housing and at least one of extends away from and is selectively extendable away from a periphery of the housing. In one arrangement, at least one mesh member may be optionally included with the system that may allow for tissue growth to enhance securement of the implanted device relative to the soft tissue.