Abstract: A hearing aid (100) is provided for surgically implanting in the ear of a subject. A gel or paste filled tube (142) is positioned between an orifice of the cochlea and a subcutaneous amplifier (200). A microphone (122) converts sound waves outside the subject into electrical signals which are amplified by the amplifier and are converted back into amplified mechanical motion by a transducer means (124). The amplified mechanical motion is transmitted through the tube by the gel or paste to the cochlea bypassing the outer and middle ears. The gel or paste and dimensions of the tube are selected to substantially match the acoustic impedance of the cochlea at the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A hearing aid (100) is provided for surgically implanting in the ear of a subject. A liquid filled tube (142) is positioned between an orifice of the cochlea and a subcutaneous amplifier (200). A microphone (122) converts sound waves outside the subject into electrical signals which are amplified by the amplifier and are converted back into amplified mechanical motion by a transducer means (124). The amplified mechanical motion is transmitted through the tube by the liquid to the cochlea bypassing the outer and middle ears. The liquid and dimensions of the tube are selected to substantially match the acoustic impedance of the cochlea at the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A processor controlled ear responsive hearing aid for the ear of a hearing impaired individual and method for operating a hearing aid. The input from the microphone is amplified and split into a plurality of band-pass channels each having a frequency range of approximately one-third octave. Each channel has an amplifier that is controlled by the processor. The processor receives control signals from a feedback microphone located in the ear canal and uses the control signals to develop a spectrum of the actual sound pressure levels by frequency at the eardrum. The processor compares averages of the actual sound pressure levels to the desired levels for each channel and for the overall output according to a predetermined set of instructions and controls the channel amplifiers and an output amplifier to produce the desired sound pressure levels for each frequency in the ear canal.