Abstract: A driver and sensor assembly that is hermetically sealed so that the assemblies may be fully implanted in a being. The assemblies employ a transducer that has a longitudinal axis and that vibrates or picks up vibration in a direction substantially transverse to its longitudinal axis. A sheath covers the transducer and is hermetically sealed to a housing. Leads from a sound processor are coupled to the housing and the entire assembly is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A positive fixation device for use with a structure of mastoid, middle, or inner ear having engaging elements for engaging the ear structure and one or more resilient portions for adjusting the pressure of the engaging elements on the ear structure. The device is particularly useful in connecting the ear structure with a desired component, for example, a transducer.

Abstract: A mountable transducer assembly with removable sleeve provides for efficient and versatile implantation of transducers that are part of an implantable hearing assistance system. The invention provides for a universal connector and bracket where the universal connector can be removed from the bracket without the necessity of unmounting the bracket from its implanted location, for example, attached to the mastoid bone in the middle ear region. Further, the invention provides for three-dimensional movement of a transducer assembly attached to a removable column which further extends the flexibility and options for an implantation surgeon when implanting an implantable hearing-assistance device requiring one or more transducers. The sleeve, with attached transducer assembly, is further slidably adjustable in a longitudinal manner, to further extend the options and flexibility for the implantation surgeon to achieve good contact between a transducer and a target anatomical structure within the middle ear.