Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing a self-curling cochlear electrode lead includes forming a shape memory polymer element that is configured to cause the cochlear electrode lead to transition to a curved spiral shape so as to conform with a curvature of the human cochlea when a temperature of the shape memory polymer element reaches a transition temperature, placing the shape memory polymer element within a cochlear electrode lead mold, attaching a wire included in a plurality of wires to each electrode contact included in a plurality of electrode contacts, placing the plurality of wires and the plurality of electrode contacts in the cochlear electrode lead mold, and providing the cochlear electrode lead mold with a flexible insulating material such that the shape memory polymer element, the plurality of wires, and the plurality of electrode contacts and embedded within the flexible insulating material after the flexible insulating material solidifies.

Abstract: An illustrative electroacoustic hearing system includes a loudspeaker and a processor configured to: direct the loudspeaker to present a sound to a recipient by way of a length of tubing extending from the loudspeaker to an ear tip disposed at an ear canal of the recipient, the directing configured to cause the sound to have a target sound pressure level at the ear canal; obtain a detected sound pressure level of the sound as the sound is presented at the ear canal, the detected sound pressure level obtained from a probe microphone disposed within the ear tip; identify a discrepancy between the detected and target sound pressure levels of the sound as the sound is presented at the ear canal; and direct, based on the identified discrepancy, a remedial action to be performed to compensate for the discrepancy.

Abstract: An illustrative system includes a computing module comprising: a display screen, and a processor configured to execute an application and direct the display screen to display a graphical user interface associated with the application; and a base module configured to attach to the computing module, the base module housing an interface unit configured to be communicatively coupled to the processor and to a cochlear implant while the base module is attached to the computing module, the base module comprising an audio output port; wherein the interface unit is further configured to generate acoustic stimulation and deliver the acoustic stimulation to a recipient of the cochlear implant by way of the audio output port and a sound delivery apparatus that has a distal portion configured to be placed in or near an entrance to an ear canal of the recipient.

Abstract: An illustrative sound calibration system is configured to direct a loudspeaker to present a sound to a recipient by way of a length of tubing extending from the loudspeaker to an ear tip disposed at an ear canal of the recipient. The directing is configured to cause the sound to have a target sound pressure level at the ear canal. The system is further configured to obtain, from a probe microphone disposed within the ear tip, a detected sound pressure level of the sound as the sound is presented at the ear canal. The system is further configured to identify a discrepancy between the detected and target sound pressure levels of the sound as the sound is presented at the ear canal, and, based on the identified discrepancy, to direct a remedial action to be performed to compensate for the discrepancy. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for use during a procedure associated with a cochlear implant includes a computing module and a base module configured to attach to a back side of the computing module and serve as a stand for the computing module. The computing module includes a display screen and a processor configured to execute a diagnostic application and direct the display screen to display a graphical user interface associated with the diagnostic application. The base module includes an interface unit configured to be communicatively coupled to the processor and to the cochlear implant while the base module is attached to the back side of the computing module.

Abstract: An illustrative stiffening member includes a body configured to integrate with a portion of an electrode lead so as to maintain the portion of the electrode lead in a substantially linear configuration in an absence of a flexure force. The stiffening member includes a plurality of slots distributed along the body and configured to bias the body, in a presence of the flexure force, to flex inwardly on a first side of the body that is closer to electrodes of the electrode lead than is a second side opposite the first side. The stiffening member also includes an orientation retainer coupled to the body and configured to interface with the electrode lead to maintain, while the body is integrated with the portion of the electrode lead, the first side of the body closer to the electrodes than the second side of the body.

Abstract: An illustrative stiffening member includes a body configured to integrate with a portion of an electrode lead so as to maintain the portion of the electrode lead in a substantially linear configuration in an absence of a flexure force. The stiffening member includes a plurality of slots distributed along the body and configured to bias the body, in a presence of the flexure force, to flex inwardly on a first side of the body that is closer to electrodes of the electrode lead than is a second side opposite the first side. The stiffening member also includes an orientation retainer coupled to the body and configured to interface with the electrode lead to maintain, while the body is integrated with the portion of the electrode lead, the first side of the body closer to the electrodes than the second side of the body.

Abstract: An exemplary stiffening member facilitates insertion of an electrode lead into a cochlea of a patient. The stiffening member includes an elongate body configured to integrate with the electrode lead so as to maintain the electrode lead in a substantially linear configuration in an absence of a flexure force on the body. The stiffening member further includes compression slots distributed along a first side of the body closer to the electrodes than a second side while the body is integrated with the electrode lead. The compression slots are configured to compress, in a presence of the flexure force, so as to bias the body to flex in an inward direction. Additionally, the stiffening member includes strain relief slots distributed along the second side of the body and configured to expand so as to complement the compression slots in biasing the body to flex in the inward direction.

Abstract: An illustrative sound calibration system is configured to direct a loudspeaker to present a sound to a recipient by way of a length of tubing extending from the loudspeaker to an ear tip disposed at an ear canal of the recipient. The directing is configured to cause the sound to have a target sound pressure level at the ear canal. The system is further configured to obtain, from a probe microphone disposed within the ear tip, a detected sound pressure level of the sound as the sound is presented at the ear canal. The system is further configured to identify a discrepancy between the detected and target sound pressure levels of the sound as the sound is presented at the ear canal, and, based on the identified discrepancy, to direct a remedial action to be performed to compensate for the discrepancy. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for use during a procedure associated with a cochlear implant includes a computing module and a base module configured to attach to a back side of the computing module and serve as a stand for the computing module. The computing module includes a display screen and a processor configured to execute a diagnostic application and direct the display screen to display a graphical user interface associated with the diagnostic application. The base module includes an interface unit configured to be communicatively coupled to the processor and to the cochlear implant while the base module is attached to the back side of the computing module.

Abstract: An exemplary self-curling cochlear electrode lead includes a flexible body formed of a flexible insulating material, a shape memory polymer element that is embedded within the flexible body and that is configured to cause the self-curling cochlear electrode lead to transition to a curved spiral shape so as to conform with a curvature of a human cochlea when a temperature of the shape memory polymer element reaches a transition temperature, a plurality of electrode contacts arranged along a side of the flexible body, and a plurality of wires embedded within the flexible body and configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrode contacts to at least one signal source. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a self-curling cochlear electrode lead are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary self-curling cochlear electrode lead includes a flexible body formed of a flexible insulating material, a shape memory polymer element that is embedded within the flexible body and that is configured to cause the self-curling cochlear electrode lead to transition to a curved spiral shape so as to conform with a curvature of a human cochlea when a temperature of the shape memory polymer element reaches a transition temperature, a plurality of electrode contacts arranged along a side of the flexible body, and a plurality of wires embedded within the flexible body and configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrode contacts to at least one signal source. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a self-curling cochlear electrode lead are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary pull wire displacement assembly includes a housing, a proximal wire stay, a distal wire stay, a slider pin, and a track. The proximal wire stay is configured to statically affix to a pull wire. The distal wire stay is configured to slidably affix to the pull wire in a manner that allows the pull wire to pass through the distal wire stay while substantially constraining radial displacement of the pull wire. The slider pin is configured to slide along the track in response to a sliding force. The track is configured to direct the slider pin along a trajectory that crosses a straight line between the proximal and distal wire stays such that, when the slider pin slides along the trajectory, the slider pin progressively displaces the pull wire away from the straight line to thereby pull the pull wire toward the housing through the distal wire stay.

Abstract: An exemplary stiffening member facilitates insertion of an electrode lead into a cochlea of a patient. The stiffening member includes an elongate body configured to integrate with the electrode lead so as to maintain the electrode lead in a substantially linear configuration in an absence of a flexure force on the body. The stiffening member further includes compression slots distributed along a first side of the body closer to the electrodes than a second side while the body is integrated with the electrode lead. The compression slots are configured to compress, in a presence of the flexure force, so as to bias the body to flex in an inward direction. Additionally, the stiffening member includes strain relief slots distributed along the second side of the body and configured to expand so as to complement the compression slots in biasing the body to flex in the inward direction.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus includes tubing that physically couples to an acoustic stimulation generator generating sound waves representative of acoustic stimulation used to obtain an audiometric measurement with respect to a patient. The tubing provides a first portion of a sound propagation channel from the acoustic stimulation generator to an ear canal of the patient. The apparatus further includes an ear tip disposed at the ear canal and including an external portion and an internal portion that couples to the tubing to provide a second portion of the sound propagation channel. The apparatus also includes a permanent bend associated with a coupling between the tubing and the ear tip. The permanent bend is disposed immediately outside the ear canal of the patient so as to angle the tubing toward a pinna of the patient without obstructing the sound propagation channel. Systems employing this exemplary apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary self-curling cochlear electrode lead includes a flexible body formed of a flexible insulating material, a shape memory polymer element that is embedded within the flexible body and that is configured to cause the self-curling cochlear electrode lead to transition to a curved spiral shape so as to conform with a curvature of a human cochlea when a temperature of the shape memory polymer element reaches a transition temperature, a plurality of electrode contacts arranged along a side of the flexible body, and a plurality of wires embedded within the flexible body and configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrode contacts to at least one signal source. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a self-curling cochlear electrode lead are also described.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).