Abstract: A direct hearing device includes an inner actuator element that interacts with a subject's tympanic membrane, the inner actuator element sitting in the subject's ear canal. The direct hearing device further includes an outer component that houses a microphone, circuitry that processes a signal from the microphone, and a battery. The outer component is configured to sit laterally in the subject's ear canal. Advantageously, the outer component is separable form the inner actuator element.

Abstract: A totally or partially concealed, partially implantable semi-implantable hearing device includes a replaceable outer ear unit having a means for generating energy responsive to acoustic energy received by the replaceable outer ear unit. The replaceable outer ear unit is adapted to be located inside a subject’s outer ear canal or behind a subject’s ear. The implantable semi-implantable hearing device also includes a fluid-filled tube-shaped device that is placed in the middle ear or mastoid. Characteristically, the fluid-filled tube-shaped device is adapted to receive transferred energy from the replaceable outer ear unit such that energy received by the fluid-filled tube-shaped device is transferred to the inner ear via fluid contained in the fluid-filled tube-shaped device.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a combination therapy comprising different classes of medications for the treatment of tinnitus and other medical conditions, and methods of treatment thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a disease, comprising: (a) implanting an array of electrodes on one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles; and (b) treating the disease by selectively stimulating the one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles through electrical pulses delivered from the array. Also disclosed herein is a device, comprising a plurality of electrodes that have the capacity to be inserted in or around a facial nerve. Further disclosed herein is a method of treating facial paralysis and/or damage in a subject, comprising: (a) detecting the level of contraction of individual muscles on a healthy, non-paralyzed side of the face of the subject; and (b) treating facial paralysis by a direct targeted stimulation of the corresponding muscles or nerve fibers on a paralyzed side of the face of the subject.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a combination therapy comprising different classes of medications for the treatment of tinnitus and other medical conditions, and methods of treatment thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a disease, comprising: (a) implanting an array of electrodes on one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles; and (b) treating the disease by selectively stimulating the one or more targeted nerves and/or targeted muscles through electrical pulses delivered from the array. Also disclosed herein is a device, comprising a plurality of electrodes that have the capacity to be inserted in or around a facial nerve. Further disclosed herein is a method of treating facial paralysis and/or damage in a subject, comprising: (a) detecting the level of contraction of individual muscles on a healthy, non-paralyzed side of the face of the subject; and (b) treating facial paralysis by a direct targeted stimulation of the corresponding muscles or nerve fibers on a paralyzed side of the face of the subject.

Abstract: A hearing aid apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for using a tympanostomy tube as a platform for driving the middle ear. The system and method may employ a mechanical interface for driving the middle ear. In another embodiment, a hearing aid apparatus includes a direct-drive hearing device (DHD) having a silicone mold on one end, where the silicone mold has an attached magnet; and a tympanostomy tube with a ferromagnetic cap, where the tympanostomy tube is insertable into a tympanic membrane. The DHD is configured for insertion in an ear canal such that the magnet attached to the silicone mold is in contact with the ferromagnetic cap of the tympanostomy tube.

Abstract: A hearing aid apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for using a tympanostomy tube as a platform for driving the middle ear. The system and method may employ a mechanical interface for driving the middle ear. In another embodiment, a hearing aid apparatus includes a direct-drive hearing device (DHD) having a silicone mold on one end, where the silicone mold has an attached magnet; and a tympanostomy tube with a ferromagnetic cap, where the tympanostomy tube is insertable into a tympanic membrane. The DHD is configured for insertion in an ear canal such that the magnet attached to the silicone mold is in contact with the ferromagnetic cap of the tympanostomy tube.