Abstract: A tissue detection system includes a probe having a body and an emission optical fiber extending from an input end through the probe body to an output end at a distal end portion of the probe body. The emission optical fiber defines a Numerical Aperture (NA). The tissue detection system further includes an emitter configured to output electromagnetic radiation and an optical coupler optically coupling the emitter with the input end of the emission optical fiber such that, in response to receiving the output from the emitter, electromagnetic radiation is input to the input end of the emission optical fiber. The optical coupler modifies the electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagnetic radiation input to the input end of the emission optical fiber defines an NA about equal to or less than the NA of the emission optical fiber.

Abstract: A tissue detection system includes a probe having a body defining a distal end portion for positioning in contact with or close proximity to tissue. The probe includes an emission optical fiber extending from an input end through the probe body to an output end at the distal end portion of the probe body, and a detection optical fiber extending from an output end through the probe body to an input end at the distal end portion of the probe body. An emitter is coupled to the input end of the emission optical fiber and a detector is coupled to the output end of the detection optical fiber. One or more optical elements is disposed at the detector filter out electromagnetic radiation received from the detection optical fiber below a pre-determined wavelength threshold or outside of a pre-determined wavelength range.

Abstract: A tissue detection system includes a probe having a body and an emission optical fiber extending from an input end through the probe body to an output end at a distal end portion of the probe body. The emission optical fiber defines a Numerical Aperture (NA). The tissue detection system further includes an emitter configured to output electromagnetic radiation and an optical coupler optically coupling the emitter with the input end of the emission optical fiber such that, in response to receiving the output from the emitter, electromagnetic radiation is input to the input end of the emission optical fiber. The optical coupler modifies the electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagnetic radiation input to the input end of the emission optical fiber defines an NA about equal to or less than the NA of the emission optical fiber.

Abstract: A monitoring system facilitating neuro-monitoring and tissue identification and method for use thereof is provided. The system and method can apply electrical stimulation via a probe to the fibrous tissue and/or the tissue of interest, and can determine a location and/or integrity of nerves or nerve roots therein using stimulated response signals in the fibrous tissue and/or the tissue of interest in response to the electrical stimulation. The system and method also can stimulate the tissue of interest by applying radiation to the tissue of interest from the distal end of the probe, and can identify the tissue of interest using captured radiation from the tissue of interest stimulated by the applied radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for reducing feedback between a transducer and one or more microphones in a magnetic bone conduction hearing device. Such systems, devices, components and methods include acoustically sealing or welding first and second compartments of the hearing device from one another, where the first compart contains the one or more microphones, and the second compart contains the transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for reducing feedback between a transducer and a microphone in a magnetic bone conduction hearing aid. Such systems, devices, components and methods include providing encapsulation compartments for the transducer and/or the microphone, and providing an acoustically-isolating housing for the microphone that is separate and apart from the main housing of the hearing aid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for adjustable bone conduction hearing aids where a patient or health care provided can select different positions of a magnetic spacer on a patient's skull after a magnetic implant has been implanted beneath the patient's skin and affixed to the patient's skull.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for reducing feedback between a transducer and one or more microphones in a magnetic bone conduction hearing device. Such systems, devices, components and methods include acoustically sealing or welding first and second compartments of the hearing device from one another, where the first compart contains the one or more microphones, and the second compart contains the transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for reducing feedback between a transducer and a microphone in a magnetic bone conduction hearing aid. Such systems, devices, components and methods include providing encapsulation compartments for the transducer and/or the microphone, and providing an acoustically-isolating housing for the microphone that is separate and apart from the main housing of the hearing aid.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of components and devices in a sound acquisition system for a magnetic hearing aid that include a sound acquisition device. In one embodiment, the sound acquisition device is configured to be positioned between a magnetic spacer and a magnetic implant, and to be magnetically coupled to the magnetic spacer and the magnetic implant, such that sound signals generated by an EM transducer in the hearing aid may be acquired by a sound sensor forming a portion of the sound acquisition device as the sound signals pass through the sound acquisition device into the patient's skull or a test fixture.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for mechanically coupling a bone conduction hearing aid, or a spacer or other device for a bone conduction hearing aid, to an abutment of a bone screw affixed to a patient's skull. Some embodiments of abutment attachment mechanisms employ axially-directed forces to secure a hearing aid to an abutment of a bone screw, while others employ radially directed forces to secure a hearing aid to an abutment of a bone screw.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for reducing feedback between a transducer and a microphone in a magnetic bone conduction hearing aid. Such systems, devices, components and methods include providing encapsulation compartments for the transducer and/or the microphone, and providing an acoustically-isolating housing for the microphone that is separate and apart from the main housing of the hearing aid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for a magnetic hearing aid system comprising an implantable sound transmission device configured for implantation in a patient's skull. The sound transmission device is configured to receive acoustic signals generated by an EM transducer in a magnetic hearing aid that are transmitted through the patient's skin, and to transmit the received acoustic signals to the patient's cochlea via one or more sound-transmitting metal members. According to some embodiments, the sound transmission device is curved to permit optimal placement of the hearing aid and corresponding magnetic implant behind a patient's ear.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for magnetic spacers configured for use in conjunction with bone conduction hearing aids and corresponding magnetic implants. According to some embodiments, the magnetic spacers are configured to vary the amount and/or orientation or direction of magnetic coupling force provided thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of components and devices in a sound acquisition system for a magnetic hearing aid that include a sound acquisition device. In one embodiment, the sound acquisition device is configured to be positioned between a magnetic spacer and a magnetic implant, and to be magnetically coupled to the magnetic spacer and the magnetic implant, such that sound signals generated by an EM transducer in the hearing aid may be acquired by a sound sensor forming a portion of the sound acquisition device as the sound signals pass through the sound acquisition device into the patient's skull or a test fixture.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for a magnetic hearing aid system comprising an implantable sound transmission device configured for implantation in a patient's skull. The sound transmission device is configured to receive acoustic signals generated by an EM transducer in a magnetic hearing aid that are transmitted through the patient's skin, and to transmit the received acoustic signals to the patient's cochlea via one or more sound-transmitting metal members. According to some embodiments, the sound transmission device is curved to permit optimal placement of the hearing aid and corresponding magnetic implant behind a patient's ear.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for reducing feedback between a transducer and a microphone in a magnetic bone conduction hearing aid. Such systems, devices, components and methods include providing encapsulation compartments for the transducer and/or the microphone, and providing an acoustically-isolating housing for the microphone that is separate and apart from the main housing of the hearing aid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods are disclosed for hearing devices and systems.