Abstract: A stimulation system for a patient is provided. The system comprises: at least one implantable device comprising at least one implantable antenna; and an external device comprising at least one external antenna, wherein the at least one external antenna transfers power to the at least one implantable antenna. The at least one implantable device delivers therapy to the patient. A patient attachment device or body covering positions the at least one external antenna relative to the patient.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for a patient comprises an external system and an implantable system. The external system is configured to transmit one or more transmission signals, each transmission signal comprising at least power or data. The implantable system is configured to receive the one or more transmission signals from the external system, and to deliver stimulation energy to the patient. Methods of delivering stimulation energy are also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system for a patient includes a body-worn sound processor apparatus configured to control an operation of a cochlear implant, a headpiece configured to facilitate wireless coupling of the body-worn sound processor apparatus to the cochlear implant, an audio accessory that includes a microphone configured to receive incoming audio and convert the incoming audio into an audio signal, a first communication port configured to connect directly to a communication port of the body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of a first cable, a second communication port configured to connect directly to a communication port of the headpiece by way of a second cable, and a control module communicatively coupled to the microphone and the first and second communication ports and that is configured to provide the audio signal to the body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of the first cable.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system for a patient includes a body-worn sound processor apparatus configured to control an operation of a cochlear implant, a headpiece configured to facilitate wireless coupling of the body-worn sound processor apparatus to the cochlear implant, an audio accessory that includes a microphone configured to receive incoming audio and convert the incoming audio into an audio signal, a first communication port configured to connect directly to a communication port of the body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of a first cable, a second communication port configured to connect directly to a communication port of the headpiece by way of a second cable, and a control module communicatively coupled to the microphone and the first and second communication ports and that is configured to provide the audio signal to the body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of the first cable.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes an audio accessory configured to be external to a patient and that includes 1) a plurality of microphones that receive incoming audio and convert the incoming audio into a plurality of audio signals, 2) a first communication port that connects directly to a communication port of a body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of a first cable, 3) a second communication port that connects directly to a communication port of a headpiece by way of a second cable, and 4) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of microphones and the first and second communication ports and that generates a processed audio signal by processing the plurality of audio signals converted by the plurality of microphones from the incoming audio and provides the processed audio signal to the body-worn sound processor apparatus.

Abstract: Exemplary radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuits that provide power to an implant device are described. An exemplary RF transmitter circuit may be included in an apparatus located external to a patient and may be configured to dynamically adjust an amount of power that is provided to an implant device implanted within the patient.

Abstract: Hearing assistance apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of distributed power.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus includes 1) an earhook interface assembly that includes a plurality of contacts and that is configured to interchangeably connect to a microphone assembly and an EAS receiver assembly by way of the plurality of contacts, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of contacts. In some examples, the control module uses the plurality of contacts as output ports to output one or more EAS signals to the EAS receiver assembly while the EAS receiver assembly is connected to the earhook interface assembly.

Abstract: Hearing assistance apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a head mountable power supply to power an implantable cochlear stimulator.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes an audio accessory configured to be external to a patient and that includes 1) a plurality of microphones that receive incoming audio and convert the incoming audio into a plurality of audio signals, 2) a first communication port that connects directly to a communication port of a body-worn sound processor apparatus by way of a first cable, 3) a second communication port that connects directly to a communication port of a headpiece by way of a second cable, and 4) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of microphones and the first and second communication ports and that generates a processed audio signal by processing the plurality of audio signals converted by the plurality of microphones from the incoming audio and provides the processed audio signal to the body-worn sound processor apparatus.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact, 2) a first switchable current source having an output coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of a first data line, 3) a differential transmitter having an output coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of the first data line, 4) a differential receiver having an input coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of the first data line, and 5) a control module communicatively coupled to the first switchable current source, the differential transmitter, and the differential receiver and configured to selectively operate in a component type detection mode and in a programming mode. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes a plurality of contacts and that facilitates interchangeable connectivity of a plurality of external components to the sound processor apparatus, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of contacts and that interacts with each of the external components by overloading each contact included in the plurality of contacts with a plurality of functions. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus includes 1) an earhook interface assembly that includes a plurality of contacts and that is configured to interchangeably connect to a microphone assembly and an EAS receiver assembly by way of the plurality of contacts, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of contacts. In some examples, the control module uses the plurality of contacts as output ports to output one or more EAS signals to the EAS receiver assembly while the EAS receiver assembly is connected to the earhook interface assembly.

Abstract: A device includes a hermetically sealed case with electronic circuitry housed within. One surface of the hermetically sealed case includes a metallic plate and a co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough with a number of vias. The co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough is hermetically joined to the metallic plate and a hybrid circuit is connected to the feedthrough.

Abstract: Exemplary radio frequency (RF) transmitter circuits that provide power to an implant device are described. An exemplary RF transmitter circuit may be included in an apparatus located external to a patient and may be configured to dynamically adjust an amount of power that is provided to an implant device implanted within the patient.

Abstract: A device includes a hermetically sealed case with electronic circuitry housed within. One surface of the hermetically sealed case includes a metallic plate and a co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough with a number of vias. The co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough is hermetically joined to the metallic plate and a hybrid circuit is connected to the feedthrough.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus includes 1) an earhook interface assembly that includes a plurality of contacts and that is configured to interchangeably connect to a microphone assembly and an EAS receiver assembly by way of the plurality of contacts, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of contacts and that is configured to selectively operate in an input mode or in an output mode. While operating in the input mode, the control module uses the plurality of contacts as input ports to receive one or more audio signals detected by the microphone assembly while the microphone assembly is connected to the earhook interface assembly. While operating in the output mode, the control module uses the plurality of contacts as output ports to output one or more EAS signals to the EAS receiver assembly while the EAS receiver assembly is connected to the earhook interface assembly.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact, 2) a first switchable current source having an output coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of a first data line, and 3) a control module that detects a connection of a battery module to the interface assembly by way of the first contact, enables the first switchable current source while the battery module is connected to the interface assembly, detects a logic level of the first data line while the first switchable current source is enabled and while the battery module is connected to the interface assembly, and identifies, based on the detected logic level of the first data line, a battery type associated with the battery module. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes generating, by an external control device selectively and communicatively coupled to an implantable stimulator, a calibration table indicating transmit power levels required to achieve a plurality of distinct combinations of compliance voltages and maximum stimulation current levels by the implantable stimulator, determining, by the external control device, a maximum stimulation current level to be delivered by the implantable stimulator via one or more electrodes to one or more stimulation sites within a patient during a stimulation frame, determining, by the external control device, an optimal compliance voltage that allows the implantable stimulator to deliver the determined maximum stimulation current level, and selecting, by the external control device in accordance with the calibration table, a transmit power level that results in the implantable stimulator operating at substantially the optimal compliance voltage during the stimulation frame.

Abstract: Hearing assistance apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a head mountable power supply to power an implantable cochlear stimulator.