Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.

Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.

Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.

Abstract: A direct drive hearing system for providing an ultrasonic signal to a portion of the human ear. The direct drive hearing system includes an ultrasonic direct device. The device includes a housing with at least one coil coupled to the housing. Inside the housing is a magnet, which vibrates at an ultrasonic resonant frequency in direct response to an externally generated electric signal through the at least one coil. A biasing mechanism, which supports the magnet within the housing, is also provided. The magnet is free to move within the housing subject to the retention provided by the biasing mechanism. The hearing system is partially or totally implantable.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering medicament media into tissue comprises a medicament supply assembly and an oscillatory drive assembly. The medicament supply assembly includes a medicament transfer surface, and the oscillatory drive assembly includes a housing, a coil mounted within the housing, and a magnet suspended within the housing. By applying an electrical drive signal to the coil, the housing can be oscillated to phonophoretically enhance delivery of medicament from the medicament transfer surface into tissue.

Abstract: A disposable audio processor for use with implanted hearing devices is provided. The audio processor may include a microphone, application specific integrated circuit performing both signal processing and signal modulation, a battery, and a coil. The audio processor is designed for specific types of hearing loss. Electronic signals are transmitted to an implanted receiver through the use of electromagnetic fields generated by the coil of the audio processor. The audio processor is a low power and inexpensive device that may be disposed of when it becomes inoperable. The audio processor and may include a finger tab for manipulating the device.

Abstract: A dual coil floating mass transducer for assisting a person's hearing is provided. Inertial vibration of the housing of the floating mass transducer produces vibrations in the inner ear. A magnet is disposed within the housing biased by silicone springs so that friction is reduced between the magnet and the interior surface of the housing. Two coils reside within grooves in the exterior of the housing which cause the magnet to vibrate when an electrical signal is applied to the coils.

Abstract: A floating mass transducer for assisting hearing in a person is provided. Inertial vibration in the floating mass transducer (100) produces vibrations in the inner ear. In an exemplary embodiment, the floating mass transducer comprises a magnet assembly (12) and a coil (14) secured inside a housing (10) which is attached to bone within the middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil results in vibration of the magnet assembly and coil relative to one another. The vibration is caused by the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet assembly and coil. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The floating mass transducer may generate vibrations in the inner ear by being attached to the skull or through a mouthpiece.

Abstract: Tinnitus maskers for direct drive hearing devices are provided. A circuit generates signals corresponding to sounds to mask tinnitus a user perceives. A direct drive hearing device which is coupled to a structure in the user vibrates in response to the signals. The vibrating direct drive hearing device stimulates hearing by vibrating the structure to which it is coupled. A user may select the frequency, intensity and phase of a tone generated. Additionally, a second tone or a background sound may be selected.

Abstract: A laser catheter having a flexible body and a distally positioned translucent end cap coupled to the flexible body by a metal coupler. Multiple fiber optic light pipes extend through the body and direct light through the end cap at oblique angles. The light passing through the catheter originates from a visible light pulsed dye laser.