Abstract: An implantable component (30) of a cochlear implant system comprising a housing for a stimulator unit (31) that is adapted to output one or more stimulation signals and an electrode assembly (30) adapted to apply electrical stimulation in accordance with the output of the stimulator unit (31). On implantation, the housing is positionable such that the electrode assembly (20) extends from the housing at least initially in a downward orientation toward the mastoid cavity before entering the cochlea. An external component (50, 60 or 70) of a cochlear implant system comprising a support for mounting to the ear of an recipient and an external signal transmitter coil (53) wherein the signal transmitter coil (53) is movably mounted to at least a portion of the support.

Abstract: A speech processor unit (12) for a cochlear implant system. The speech processor unit (12) comprises a signal processor for processing incoming auditory signals and for forwarding processed signals to an implanted component (18) of the system, a monitoring means for monitoring a predetermined parameter, and a controller, controlled by the signal processor, for placing the unit in an idle state in the absence of the parameter. The predetermined parameter can comprise the presence or absence of the implanted receiver antenna coil (22) relative to the external antenna coil (16). The invention allows the speech processor unit (12) to be supplied without a physical on and off switch.

Abstract: A method of controlling charging of a battery (16) of a totally implantable auditory prosthesis and a control system (50) therefor. The method comprises determining a first charge related characteristic of the battery (16) such as the predetermined minimum amount of charge (58), and a second charge related battery characteristic such as the preset charge level or charge rate of the battery (16). The method further comprises detecting when a charge cycle of the battery (16) commences and monitoring where the charge level of the battery (16) is in relation to the first charge related battery characteristic when the charge cycle commences and adjusting the second charge related battery characteristic depending on the relationship between the charge level and the first charge related battery characteristic at the commencement of the charge cycle. The control system and method has the potential to increase the operational life of the battery (16).

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment of the present invention is a device comprising: a housing; electronic components contained within said housing; and a heat absorption medium sealed within said housing for regulating the temperature of said device, wherein said heat absorption medium undergoes a state change at a state change temperature of 36° Celsius or greater, and wherein said device is a medical implant.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an acoustic prosthesis is disclosed. The acoustic prosthesis comprises: an external speech processor unit comprising electronic components and a power source contained within a housing, wherein the power source provides power to the electronic components via a power line; and a magnetically-responsive switch disposed along the power line to switchingly connect the power source to the electronic components in response to the presence of a magnetic field.

Abstract: A virtual wire assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate; and a plurality of hermetic feedthroughs each comprising a conductive region extending transversely through the substrate to form a conductive pathway with accessible surfaces at opposing ends thereof, wherein each conductive pathway is electrically isolated from other conductive pathways. In certain embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate is a semiconductor device, and the conductive regions each are comprised of an n-type or a p-type doped semiconductor material. Also disclosed are implanted medical devices requiring electronic or other components to be retained in a hermetic enclosure, such as cochlear and other sensory or neural prosthetic devices.

Abstract: A power management system for a power supply (43) providing power to electrical equipment, such as a totally implantable cochlear implant (40). The power supply (43) can comprise a first rechargeable battery and at least one further rechargeable battery that each independently provide power to the implant (40) through a switching means. The management system comprises a management means for controlling the operation of the switching means to place the system in a first state where the implant (40) can draw power from only the first battery or at least in a further state where the implant (40) can draw power from only said at least one further battery.

Abstract: A monitor for a therapeutic device such as a cochlear implant monitors the leakage RF signals between the external and the internal components. In one embodiment, absence of RF signals is interpreted by the monitor as being indicative of either an out-of-range condition or a flat battery condition and a sound and/or visual signal is generated to indicate this condition to an attendant. In a more complex embodiment, special indication signals either are superimposed on the standard signals and used to uniquely identify the cochlear implant or to provide an indication of certain preselected features of the external component. The monitor is especially useful for infant cochlear implants.

Abstract: A protective component is provided for protecting a cochlear implant from external electrostatic discharges. The implant receives signals through a receiver coil inductively coupled to a transmitter coil. The protective component is disposed across the coil of the transmitter.