Abstract: A reference electrode for an inner ear stimulation device is disclosed. The reference electrode is to be implanted and includes a protruding conductor portion and an insulated conducting portion connected to a lead for connection to the device. The protruding conductor portion is shaped so as to present a generally smooth surface without any substantial projections to impede removal in the event that the electrode is withdrawn in the direction of the lead. The smooth profile and lack of an undercut assist in preventing biofilm accumulation and growth. This reduces the risk of post-surgical complications such as infection.

Abstract: An external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, a protective case configured to have said speech processor module removably mounted therein; and an operational mode controller configured to determine when said speech processor module is mounted in said case and to place said speech processor module in said body-worn mode of operation when said module is mounted in said case.

Abstract: A method for operating an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and a protective case. The method includes operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode, determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case, and operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode in response to determining that the speech processor module is mounted in the case.

Abstract: A reference electrode for an inner ear stimulation device is disclosed. The reference electrode is to be implanted and includes a protruding conductor portion and an insulated conducting portion connected to a lead for connection to the device. The protruding conductor portion is shaped so as to present a generally smooth surface without any substantial projections to impede removal in the event that the electrode is withdrawn in the direction of the lead. The smooth profile and lack of an undercut assist in preventing biofilm accumulation and growth. This reduces the risk of post-surgical complications such as infection.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly device (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), a first stiffening element (15a), and a second stiffening element (15b). The carrier member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon. The carrier member (11) has a first configuration selected to allow it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea (30), a second configuration wherein it is curved in shape to match a surface of the cochlea (30), and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the first and second stiffening elements (15a,15b) are made of a material relatively stiffer than said the material and in combination bias the elongate member into the first configuration. If either the first stiffening element (15a) or the second stiffening element (15b) are removed, the elongate member (11) adopts the at least one intermediate configuration.

Abstract: A method for joining a first component to a second component with a brazing material, the first component including an aperture for receiving the second component. The method includes positioning the second component within the first component via the aperture to form a gap between an inner surface of the first component and an outer surface of the second component, introducing by capillary action brazing material into the gap between the first component and the second component, and forming a join between the first and second component upon cooling of the brazing material introduced by capillary action. According to this first aspect of the present invention, the capillary flow of brazing material in the gap is diverted via a capillary flow diverter located in the gap between the first and second component.

Abstract: An external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, a protective case configured to have said speech processor module removably mounted therein; and an operational mode controller configured to determine when said speech processor module is mounted in said case and to place said speech processor module in said body-worn mode of operation when said module is mounted in said case.

Abstract: A method for operating an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and a protective case. The method includes operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode, determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case, and operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode in response to determining that the speech processor module is mounted in the case.

Abstract: A speech processor module is disclosed. The speech processor module is configured to be implemented in more than one mode of operation of a hearing prosthesis including as a component of a stand-alone speech processing unit, and as a component of a body-worn speech processing unit, wherein said body-worn speech processing unit comprises a case that protects the speech processor module from environmental conditions which can damage said speech processor module implemented in said stand-alone operating mode.

Abstract: A bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing the acoustic sound signal; a transducer configured to generate mechanical forces representing the electrical signal for delivery to the recipient's bone; and one or more vibration extensions mechanically coupled to the transducer and configured to be inserted into the ear canal of the recipient, and further configured to vibrate in order to transmit the mechanical forces generated from the transducer to the recipient's bone.

Abstract: A bone conduction device, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; and a transducer configured to generate motion of a mass component based on said electrical signal so as to generate one or more mechanical forces resulting in one or more of motion and vibration of a recipient's skull thereby causing sound perception, wherein one or more of the size and shape of said mass component is selectable at least partially based on a desired mechanical force to be generated by said transducer.

Abstract: An electrode array for a tissue-stimulating prosthesis, such as a cochlear implant. The electrode array is comprised of a plurality of electrodes (41), wherein at least one electrode of the array is comprised of at least two electrically connected portions (41a,41b) that are adjustable in orientation relative to each other. This adjustability in orientation preferably allows the array to adopt a tighter curvature than would be the case were the electrode portions not relatively adjustable to each other.

Abstract: A tamperproof seal arrangement for the pin index outlet valve of a gas cylinder, comprising a body capable of being positioned closely and securely around the pin index valve and having a number of faces matching those of the valve, one face having at least one inwardly directed projection engaging in and matching either the outlet of the valve and/or the pin index hole or holes of the valve, and another face having non-removably associated with it a unique identification marking, that face being joined to adjacent faces by rupturable means, whereby removal of that face with the identification marking will destroy the continuity of the body, whereafter the rest of the body can be removed from the pin index valve to allow use of the pin index valve while it is apparent that the seal arrangement has been destroyed or otherwise visibly damaged.