Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving hearing by preventing acoustic feedback from the ossicular chain into a middle ear-implanted microphone of an implantable hearing assistance system. Mechanical sound vibrations are received with an acoustic microphone implanted in the middle ear. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted to an amplified electrical signal and the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the microphone and the inner ear. A mechanical feedback barrier is established by removing or separating a portion of the hearing-impaired person's ossicular chain (e.g., malleus or incus) to prevent transmission of sound feedback into the microphone from the tympanic membrane via the ossicular chain. Implanting an acoustic microphone permits alternative implantation methods other than a mastoidectomy.

Abstract: A wireless signal processing device integrated with a hearing device is structured to form a wireless auditory system. Specifically, the system enables reception of radio and similar related broadcast, within a selected range of frequencies, directly into the hearing aid. A remote programmable unit operates as a transceiver and a selector to provide the user with several options to change frequencies, adjust volume and select among broadcast programs. A receiver is integrated with the hearing device to wirelessly receive transmission signals from the programmer unit. The hearing device may be fitted with a transceiver unit to directly receive and transmit signals. In this arrangement, the programmer unit is used to control channel, frequency and volume while simultaneously serving as a redundant reception and transmission unit. The system could be used to enable direct transfer of information, communication and entertainment in addition to its normal function as a hearing aid unit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a programmable implantable hearing aid including built-in electronics being in wireless communications with a hand-held programmer. The programmer transmits digital code signals of the type including RF, infrared and ultrasonic, based on selected parameter settings. A receiver accepts the signals for transmission to an input transducer in the middle ear. The input transducer collects the middle ear's response to the signals and transmits it to a circuit in the implanted hearing aid. The circuit searches for specific programming patterns and decodes the signals to effectuate the desired adjustment in the hearing aid. The conditioned signals are then transferred to an output transducer to operate the device at the adjusted signal level and condition. The invention enables both a patient and doctor to make unlimited number of adjustments in the implanted hearing aid without invasive surgery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of the present invention improves hearing for a hearing-impaired person by preventing acoustic feedback from the ossicular chain into a middle ear-implanted microphone of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an acoustic microphone implanted in the middle ear. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the microphone to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the microphone and the inner ear, preferably coupled to a stapes or any element of the ossicular chain connected to the stapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of the present invention improves hearing for a hearing-impaired person by preventing acoustic feedback from the ossicular chain into a middle ear-implanted microphone of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an acoustic microphone implanted in the middle ear. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the microphone to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the microphone and the inner ear, preferably coupled to a stapes or any element of the ossicular chain connected to the stapes. Finally, a mechanical feedback barrier is established by removing or separating a portion of the hearing-impaired person's ossicular chain (e.g., malleus or incus) to prevent transmission of sound feedback into the microphone from the tympanic membrane via the ossicular chain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer for an implantable hearing aid, such as a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid system. The invention comprises at least one piezoelectric element proportioned for mechanically coupling to a middle ear only through an auditory element in the middle ear, such as the tympanic membrane, malleus, incus, stapes, or in the inner ear, such as the oval window, round window, vestibule, or semicircular canals. The invention need not be secured to a temporal bone. Inertial masses and a carrier are optionally provided to assist in sensing or producing mechanical vibrations. The carrier is optionally hermetically sealed. Superpositioned individual frequency responses optimize an overall frequency bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The apparatus includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vibrating an auditory element, such as a stapes, within an ear to improve hearing. A piezoelectric transducer is interposed within an inner circumference of the stapes, such as between the neck and footplate. An electrical input signal is applied to the transducer to vibrate an oval window or perilymph of the cochlea, either directly or through the stapes. The vibrator has small size and low power consumption, which are particularly advantageous for partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid systems.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided which is controlled by a remote control via infrared radiation. The remote control is provided with volume control keys, standardized sound environment keys and custom sound environment keys. When one of these keys is pressed, new circuit settings are transmitted to the hearing aid via infrared radiation. An audiologist tests a patient to obtain an audiogram, MCL and LDL measurements. A set of template overlays is used to determine curve shape and magnitude of loss. This data is stored in the remote control which uses it to derive the circuit settings. These settings which constitute a baseline set of settings are modified as a result of a key on the remote control being pressed.

Abstract: A power up reset pulse generator circuit provides a reset pulse to initialize the states of logic elements in a low power field effect transistor (FET) integrated circuit. The reset pulse generator includes a pair of P-channel enhancement FETs and a first capacitor connected in a series charging path between V.sub.DD and V.sub.SS power supply terminals of the integrated circuit. A second capacitor, and a pair of N-channel enhancement FETs are connected in a second series charging path between the V.sub.DD and V.sub.SS terminals. The second capacitor is connected between the V.sub.DD terminal and an output node, at which the reset pulse is provided. Before power is applied, the first and second capacitors are uncharged and all four FETs are off. When power is applied and the potential between V.sub.DD and V.sub.SS terminals exceeds twice the P-channel threshold voltage, the P-channel FETs turn on, thereby allowing the first capacitor to begin charging. In the meantime, the voltage at the output has followed V.

Abstract: An improved sense latch circuit for differentially sensing an MNOS memory FET's voltage thresholds, selectively operable in either a memory retention or read interrogation mode with enhanced sensitivity and improved power conservation. The improvement consisting of the additional cross coupling of each of the latch outputs to a respective plurality of MOS FETs coupled in series with each of the MNOS FET inputs, which cross coupling reduces extraneous current paths and increases the switching sensitivity of the sense latch circuit.