Abstract: A support for input and output transducers of a hearing aid is implanted in the middle ear. The support, which is attached to the mastoid bone, can be a single component or comprise two adjustable components. In one embodiment, an arm extends from the proximal end of the support towards an access hole created behind the outer ear, where the arm is attached for further stability. In another embodiment, the arm extends outside the access hole, where it is mounted subcutaneously to the mastoid bone with a mechanical fastener. The support provides positional adjustability, stability, and is invisible externally.

Abstract: A pocket-sized disposable cardiac defibrillator relies on the use on a split unit packaging design to decrease the size.

Abstract: An implantable hearing assistance system includes a sensor transducer and an electronics unit. The sensor transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer, is operatively coupled to an auditory element of the middle ear (e.g., malleus), and electrically connected to the electronics unit. The transducer and the electronics unit are arranged together to minimize the driving impedance and lead capacitance therebetween, thereby minimizing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and minimizing high audio frequency signal attenuation.

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 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: A pocket-sized disposable external defibrillator relies on the use on a thermal battery which using a pyrotechnic molten salt electrolyte which delivers an extremely high current for a short period of time thus providing a perfect energy source for a rare use of an external disposable defibrillator.

Abstract: A support shaft for use in supporting a universal connector for use in an implantable hearing assistance system. The support shaft provides an implantation surgeon with several features designed to secure a support shaft within the air cell-filled portion of a temporal bone. The support shaft is further configured to allow the secure attachment of the universal connector, the connector configured to support transducers and other components of an implantable hearing assistance system.

Abstract: An implantable hearing assistance system includes a sensor transducer and an electronics unit. The sensor transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer, is operatively coupled to an auditory element of the middle ear (e.g., malleus), and electrically connected to the electronics unit. The transducer and the electronics unit are arranged together to minimize the driving impedance and lead capacitance therebetween, thereby minimizing susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and minimizing high audio frequency signal attenuation. In one example, the transducer and the electronics unit are disposed immediately adjacent each other or physically joined together to virtually eliminate (or at least significantly shorten) the length of the electrical connection between the transducer and the electronics unit.

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 assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring syncope, and having available for use an electrical cardiac output forcing (ECOF) back up. An implantable device, including an ECOF back up, for recording the electrical activity within a human heart is provided. The device includes a power supply for operating the device and for providing the necessary output forcing signals. A monitoring or detection device is provided connected to the power supply. Electrodes are provided to electrically connect the power supply and the detection device to a patient's heart. A memory device is also provided connected to the detection device for recording electrical activity and/or blood pressure data of the patient's heart. The memory device may be comprised of a short term loop buffer for continuously recording the electrical data from the patient's heart and a long term storage buffer. The short term loop may be of a desired size, for example, capable of storing from 1-30 minutes of data before overriding occurs.

Abstract: A total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) or partial middle ear implantable (PMEI) hearing assistance system provides a transient middle ear mechanical vibration stimulus, and senses emissions from the cochlea. The sensed cochlear emissions include mechanical vibrations (“otovibratory emissions”) and sound pressure waves (“otoacoustic emissions”). Based on the sensed emissions, diagnostic information is provided to the physician at an external programmer, allowing easier positioning and coupling of an electrical-to-mechanical output transducer. Diagnosis of auditory system or hearing assistance system malfunctions is effectively implemented using the data communicated from the implantable hearing assistance device. Signal processing parameters are adjusted based on the sensed cochlear emissions for improved hearing assistance. Otovibratory emission sensing is likely more sensitive than otoacoustic emissions, providing improved audiometric screening data.

Abstract: An improved partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing assistance system includes a device and method of providing between a vibrating auditory element and a transducer that senses or provides such mechanical vibrations adjustably positionable contact at a controllable, adjustable, or calibrated force. A screw adjusts a spacing between first and second members of the transducer mount to position the transducer and obtain the desired coupling force between the transducer and the auditory element. A spring provides an adjustable coupling force. A spacer limits further compression of the spring, providing additional force. A calibrated coupling force is obtained by compressing the spring by a known amount, such as by observing visual demarcations, or by reducing the spacing between the first and second members until the spacing is almost limited by the length of the spacer. Optimal ranges of forces for sensing malleus vibrations are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical method and apparatus for stimulating cardiac cells causing contraction to force hemodynamic output during fibrillation, hemodynamically compromising tachycardia, or asystole. Forcing fields are applied to the heart to give cardiac output on an emergency basis until the arrhythmia ceases or other intervention takes place. The device is used as a stand alone external or internal device, or as a backup to an ICD, atrial defibrillator, or an anti-tachycardia pacemaker. The method and apparatus maintain some cardiac output and not necessarily defibrillation.

Abstract: An improved partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing assistance system includes a device and method of providing between a vibrating auditory element and a transducer that senses or provides such mechanical vibrations adjustably positionable contact at a controllable, adjustable, or calibrated force. A screw adjusts a spacing between first and second members of the transducer mount to position the transducer and obtain the desired coupling force between the transducer and the auditory element. A spring provides an adjustable coupling force. A spacer limits further compression of the spring, providing additional force. A calibrated coupling force is obtained by compressing the spring by a known amount, such as by observing visual demarcations, or by reducing the spacing between the first and second members until the spacing is almost limited by the length of the spacer. Optimal ranges of forces for sensing malleus vibrations are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus assists a hearing impaired person by introducing and maintaining a mechanical feedback barrier between a microphone and a transducer of an implantable hearing assistance system. In this method, mechanical sound vibrations impinging on the person's body habitus are received with an electromechanical device (e.g. microphone) disposed at a body habitus sound reception site. The body habitus sound reception site can be located within the external auditory canal, or external of the external auditory canal either subdermally or external of the scalp. The mechanical sound vibrations are converted with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal. Next, the amplified electrical signal is delivered to the inner ear with a transducer operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the middle ear or the inner ear.

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 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 device for preventing clotting during atrial fibrillation includes optional electrical cardiac output forcing (ECOF) or ICD/AED back up. The device includes a power supply for operating the device and for providing the necessary output forcing signals. The power supply is located in a housing which may be implantable into a human patient. In one embodiment, the housing acts as an electrode. At least one additional electrode is connected to the housing and may be inserted into the human heart. A ventricular lead is mounted to the electrode along with an atrial lead. The housing also contains an electrical cardiac stimulator. When a certain cardiac event, such as atrial fibrillation, is detected, anti-clotting pulses are applied to the heart via the atrial lead. If and when ventricular fibrillation is detected, further pulses of a different voltage level are applied to the heart via the ventricular lead. In one embodiment, the anti-clotting pulses are synchronized to the R-wave sensed by the ventricular lead.

Abstract: An electrical method and apparatus for stimulating cardiac cells causing contraction to force hemodynamic output during fibrillation, hemodynamically compromising tachycardia, or asystole. Forcing fields are applied to the heart to give cardiac output on an emergency basis until the arrhythmia ceases or other intervention takes place. The device is used as a stand alone external or internal device, or as a backup to an ICD, atrial defibrillator, or an anti-tachycardia pacemaker. The method and apparatus maintain some cardiac output and not necessarily defibrillation.