Abstract: A button sound processor, including an RF coil, such as an inductance coil, and a sound processing apparatus and a magnet, which can be a permanent magnet, wherein the button sound processor has a skin interface side configured to interface with skin of a recipient, and the button sound processor is configured such that the magnet is installable into the button sound processor from the skin interface side.

Abstract: A transcutaneous bone conduction device includes magnets secured to housing of an external portion of the device. The magnets can be disposed within the housing, or secured to an external surface thereof. The magnets are disposed about a shaft that delivers vibrational stimuli to a recipient so as to evenly deliver the stimuli.

Abstract: A device, including an implantable microphone, including a transducer, and a chamber in which a gas is located such that vibrations originating external to the microphone based on sound are effectively transmitted therethrough, wherein the transducer is in effective vibration communication with the gas, wherein the transducer is configured to convert the vibrations traveling via the gas to an electrical signal, the chamber and the transducer correspond to a microphone system, wherein the chamber corresponds to a front volume of the microphone system, and the transducer includes a back volume corresponding to the back volume of the microphone system, and the implantable microphone is configured to enable pressure adjustment of the front and/or back volume in real time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the elimination/mitigation of vibration arising from a mode transition during robotic operation include a moveable robotic mechanism and a processor configured to control the robotic mechanism. The processor is configured to detect a request for a mode transition, wherein the request for the mode transition designates a new mode that is different than a current mode, determine initial parameters of the robotic mechanism, calculate a smoothing curve, and move the robotic mechanism according to the smoothing curve. The initial parameters include a position and a velocity of the robotic mechanism. The smoothing curve transitions between the current mode and the new mode and is C3 continuous. In some embodiments, to calculate the smoothing curve, the processor is configured to establish a first command position, calculate a step value, and set a second command position based on the first command position and the step value.

Abstract: A bone conduction speaker includes a vibration driver that includes a magnetic circuit and a vibration plate, and that is configured to convert sound into vibration, a vibration body configured to hold a side of the vibration driver, which is adjacent to the magnetic circuit, to come into contact with a subject, and to transmit vibration of the vibration driver to the subject, and a lid body configured to cover a side of the vibration driver, which is adjacent to the vibration plate, without being in contact with the vibration driver, and to substantially seal the vibration driver together with the vibration body.

Abstract: Presented herein are low-power active bone conduction devices that comprise an actuator that is subcutaneously implanted within a recipient so as to deliver mechanical output forces to hard tissue of the recipient. The low-power active bone conduction devices include an energy recovery circuit configured to extract non-used energy from the actuator and to store the non-used energy for subsequent use by the actuator. The low-power active bone conduction devices may also include a multi-bit sigma-delta converter that operates in accordance with a scaled sigma-delta quantization threshold value to convert received signals representative of sound into actuator drive signals.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for bodily sensation of bone vibration. The apparatus includes: an electric signal generator configured to generate an electric signal; an amplifier configured to amplify the electric signal from the electric signal generator; a vibrator configured to transduce the amplified electric signal transmitted from the amplifier into a mechanical vibration; a metal vibration member directly coupled to a vibration generator of the vibrator, the vibration member having a seat portion configured to contact with a human body and a side surface portion continuing with the seat portion; and a seat support member provided on a back surface of the seat portion, covering the vibrator, and configured to be placed on a placement plane and to support the seat portion above and apart from the placement plane so as to keep vibrational energy from being conducted to the placement plane.

Abstract: A head-mounted wearable device (HMWD) may be fashioned that includes temples that pass near each ear of the user. To accommodate different head shapes and sizes, a head contact piece may be mounted to the temple. Head contact pieces with different profiles may be used to improve user comfort, aid in retaining the HMWD on the user's head, improve performance of output devices such as bone conduction speakers, and so forth.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for arranging a bone conducting hearing device to a skin surface over the skull of a user is disclosed. The mounting assembly comprises an attachment element configured to be attached to a corresponding vibrator attachment element of a vibrator assembly, the attachment element and the vibrator attachment element being adapted to operationally couple with each other; a plate member configured to be arranged over the skin surface; one or more removably arranged mounting structures arranged outside the skull for attaching the mounting assembly to the skin surface over the skull.

Abstract: Described herein are wearable sensory stimulation and monitoring devices that can be worn around the back of the neck along and in contact with the spine. Apparatuses described herein stimulate one or more senses including auditory, tactile or olfactory. Apparatuses are also described that allow for sensing and monitoring of physiologic parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and movement. The device also has features that allow for easy attachment or integration to articles worn on the head.

Abstract: A head-mounted wearable device (HMWD) may be fashioned that includes temples that pass near each ear of the user. A temple may incorporate a bone conduction speaker (BCS) to provide audio output to the user. During wear, a portion of the BCS is in physical contact with a head of the user to transfer the vibrations from the BCS to the user. To accommodate different head shapes and sizes, a head contact piece may be mounted to the BCS. The user may add, remove, or swap the head contact piece from an assortment of such pieces to find a profile that is comfortable to the wearer and improves performance of the BCS. The head contact piece may be magnetically affixed, allowing for easy changeout.

Abstract: A head-mounted wearable device (HMWD) includes a bone conduction speaker (BCS) to provide audio output to a user wearing the HMWD. The BCS may be mounted within a recess of a temple of the HMWD. During wear a portion of the BCS is in physical contact with a head of the user. In one implementation, a head contact piece may be mounted to the side of the BCS that is proximate to the head. The head contact piece is contoured to maximize the contact area with the head, and may have a cross section that is approximately wedge shaped, with a thicker portion of the wedge proximate to the front of the HMWD. The BCS may include low damping elements to provide protection to the BCS from damage and improve performance, as well as high damping elements to reduce the transfer of vibrations from the BCS to the temple.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an implantable medical device comprising: an implantable component, comprising an implantable memory module, configured to receive and store recipient-specific operating parameters in the implantable memory module, an external component, comprising an external memory module, configured to communicate with the implantable component to receive the recipient-specific operating parameters, and to configure the external component using the recipient-specific operating parameters, wherein the implantable medical device is configured to transfer the recipient-specific operating parameters upon operationally coupling the implantable component with the external component.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in a noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can be provided.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus including a lever arm apparatus including a living hinge, wherein the vibratory apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of the lever arm moves about the living hinge when the vibratory apparatus is generating vibrations.

Abstract: An external component of a bone conduction device, including a vibrator and a platform configured to transfer vibrations from the vibrator to skin of the recipient, wherein the vibrator and platform are configured to quick connect and quick disconnect to and from, respectively, one another.

Abstract: Haptic feedback is generated on a headphone to indicate contexts of ambient sound. In this way, noise-canceling headphones can alert the wearer to audible cues of potentially dangerous situations that otherwise would be suppressed by the noise cancelation feature of the headphones.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes a sound processor apparatus that is configured for external use by a patient and includes 1) a position sensor that detects a positioning of the sound processor apparatus and 2) a control module that is communicatively coupled to the position sensor and performs a predetermined action with respect to the auditory prosthesis system in accordance with the detected positioning of the sound processor apparatus. Corresponding auditory prosthesis systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: An external component including a vibratory portion configured to vibrate in response to a sound signal to evoke a hearing percept via bone conduction and including a coupling portion configured to removably attach the external component to an outer surface of skin of a recipient of the hearing prosthesis while imparting deformation to the skin of the recipient at a location of the attachment, in a one-gravity environment, of an amount that is about equal to or equal to that which results from the external component having mass.

Abstract: A spectacle hearing device system includes: a first hearing instrument, the first hearing instrument having a first wireless hearing instrument transceiver and a first acoustic output transducer; a pair of spectacles, the pair of spectacles comprising a first wireless spectacle transceiver, and a first plurality of microphones, the first plurality of microphones forming a first directional microphone array configured for generating a first electrical signal from acoustic signals picked up by the first plurality of microphones; a first processor for processing the first electrical signal according to a hearing loss compensation prescription; and a first amplifier for applying the first electrical signal to the first acoustic output transducer; wherein the first wireless spectacle transceiver is configured for transmitting the first electrical signal wirelessly to the first hearing instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for virtualizing an audio file. The virtualized audio file can be presented to a user via, for example, ear-speakers or headphones, such that the user experiences a change in the user's perception of where the sound is coming from and/or 3D sound. Embodiments can utilize virtualization processing that is based on head rotated transfer functions (HRTF's) or other processing techniques that can alter where the user perceives the sounds of the music file to originate from. A specified embodiment provides Surround Sound virtualization with DTS Surround Sensations software. Embodiments can utilize the 2-channel audio transmitted to the headphones.

Abstract: A percutaneous bone conduction auditory prosthesis utilizes a multipole magnetic coupling system to secure the external device to an abutment that is secured to the skull of a recipient. With the multipole magnetic coupling system, a very strong retention force is formed between the device and the abutment. The multipole magnetic coupling system can include a complex array of exposed poles, such that the retention forces are coordinated with a mating abutment.

Abstract: A button sound processor, including an RF coil, such as an inductance coil, and a sound processing apparatus and a magnet, which can be a permanent magnet, wherein the button sound processor has a skin interface side configured to interface with skin of a recipient, and the button sound processor is configured such that the magnet is installable into the button sound processor from the skin interface side.

Abstract: Presented herein are low-power active bone conduction devices that comprise an actuator that is subcutaneously implanted within a recipient so as to deliver mechanical output forces to hard tissue of the recipient. The low-power active bone conduction devices include an energy recovery circuit configured to extract non-used energy from the actuator and to store the non-used energy for subsequent use by the actuator. The low-power active bone conduction devices may also include a multi-bit sigma-delta converter that operates in accordance with a scaled sigma-delta quantization threshold value to convert received signals representative of sound into actuator drive signals.

Abstract: An external component of a medical device, including an actuator including a static magnetic flux path that reacts with a dynamic magnetic flux path to actuate the actuator, and a magnetic retention system configured to retain the external component to a recipient via interaction with a ferromagnetic component attached to a recipient, the magnetic retention system including a magnetic flux path that encircles the static magnetic flux path of the actuator.

Abstract: A prosthetic support, including a structure configured to apply a clamping force to a head of a recipient while extending about a back of at least one of a head or neck of the recipient such that output generated by a device supported by the structure is directed into skin of the recipient at a location behind an ear canal of the recipient that covers the mastoid bone of the recipient.

Abstract: A noise-canceling device includes a processing circuit configured to detect vibrational noise sound waves near a listener's ear using a vibration sensor, generate a vibrational noise-canceling signal, and control operation of a speaker to provide a desired sound signal and the vibrational noise-canceling signal to at least partially cancel the vibrational noise sound waves.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for delivering bone conduction stimuli for measuring the gravitation receptor functions of the inner ear. In some embodiments, a system may include (i) an impactor operatively linked to a guide disposed within a housing and (ii) an electrically driven actuator enclosed within the housing. The electrically driven actuator may be configured to cause the impactor to (i) travel to a striking point to deliver a mechanical bone conduction stimulus for transmission to a skull bone and (ii) controllably decelerate prior to the instance of stimuli delivery. The system may also include an oculometric response monitoring system including a video camera for capturing video of motion of one or more eyes of the patient.

Abstract: A hearing aid apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for using a tympanostomy tube as a platform for driving the middle ear. The system and method may employ a mechanical interface for driving the middle ear. In another embodiment, a hearing aid apparatus includes a direct-drive hearing device (DHD) having a silicone mold on one end, where the silicone mold has an attached magnet; and a tympanostomy tube with a ferromagnetic cap, where the tympanostomy tube is insertable into a tympanic membrane. The DHD is configured for insertion in an ear canal such that the magnet attached to the silicone mold is in contact with the ferromagnetic cap of the tympanostomy tube.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a magnetic unit assembly for a bone conducting hearing aid is disclosed. The magnetic unit assembly is implantable and comprises one or more magnetic unit and unit for attaching the one or more magnetic unit to the tissue surrounding the magnetic unit assembly when the magnetic unit assembly is implanted in the body of a hearing aid user. The magnetic unit assembly comprises unit for positioning at least a portion of the one or more magnetic unit in the soft tissue between dermis and the subcutaneous fat or the muscle/fat layer.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring apparatus capable of measuring a vibration amount weighted with characteristics of vibration transmission to a human ear and capable of evaluating correctly an electronic device having a vibrator. A measuring apparatus 10 configured to evaluate an electronic device 100 that transmits vibration sound to a human ear by pressing a vibrator 102 held in a housing 101 thereto, including an ear simulator 50 that mimics a human ear, and a vibration detection unit 55 disposed on a periphery 52 of an artificial ear canal 53 formed in the ear simulator 50.

Abstract: The invention relates to a template for implanting a housing of an implantable unit of a partially implantable hearing instrument, comprising a template plate comprising an implant position marking opening and a template position indicating element which extends substantially normal with regard to the surface of the template plate, wherein the implant position marking opening is designed to mark the position of a receptacle to be created in the patient's temporal bone for receiving an elevated housing positioning portion of the housing, and wherein the template position indicating element is a projection designed to be seen or felt by a surgeon through the patient's skin when the template plate is positioned at the patient's skull to mark the position of said receptacle.

Abstract: A bone conduction device including an external component, the external component comprising a sound processor and transducer, the transducer configured to generate mechanical forces, and the external component configured for positioning behind a recipient's ear such that the mechanical forces are transmitted from the external component to a recipient's bone to generate a hearing percept via bone conduction.

Abstract: A device, including an implantable microphone, including a chamber in which media corresponding to at least one of a liquid or a fluid resistant to compression is located such that vibrations originating external to the microphone are effectively transmitted through the media.

Abstract: An implantable microphone for placement in soft tissue, comprising a sensor arrangement comprising a housing, a first pressure sensor having a first membrane for being exposed to surrounding soft tissue and a second pressure sensor having a second membrane for being exposed to surrounding soft tissue and a compensation circuitry for combining the output signals of the first and second sensor in a manner so as to eliminate signals resulting from acceleration forces acting on the sensor arrangement, wherein the first and the second sensor are of a mirror-symmetric design with regard to each other, with the first and the second membrane being arranged parallel to each other.

Abstract: A sound presentation device including: a casing; an electroacoustic transducer that is installed in such a way that a space inside the casing is divided into a first empty chamber and second empty chamber that are acoustically isolated, and that receives an electrical signal and vibrates; and a vibration plate that makes contact with a body surface of a human body when the sound presentation device is mounted on the body surface, and causes vibration of the electroacoustic transducer to be propagated to the human body via the first empty chamber, the second empty chamber suppressing sound waves produced by the vibration of the electroacoustic transducer from being emitted to outside of the sound presentation device via the second empty chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and devices for transmission of an audio signal. In some embodiments, the system may include a wearable computing device, a first audio receiver, and a second audio receiver. The wearable computing device may include an audio source configured to generate an audio signal that includes a first channel and a second channel, and a transmission coil configured to transmit the audio signal. The first audio receiver may include a first receiving coil configured to receive the audio signal, a first circuit configured to process the audio signal to determine the first channel, and a first audio output configured to output the first channel. Similarly, the second audio receiver may include a second receiving coil configured to receive the audio signal, a second circuit configured to process the audio signal to determine the second channel, and a second audio output configured to output the second channel.

Abstract: A vibroacoustic system has a shell for containing water to which transducers are mounted. Multi-channel input signals cause the transducers to drive the shell to effect distinct, but coordinated tactile and aural stimuli providing a unique combined vibratory and auditory water experience for the user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an earphone testing device. An earphone testing device provided by the embodiments of the present invention comprises an fixation base, a standard microphone attached to the fixation base, and a fixation scaffold for attaching and fixing the fixation base and the standard microphone; the fixation base is supported and fixed on the fixation scaffold by several supporting elements; a sealer is located on the position on the fixation base in contact with the outer shell of an earphone, the sealer forms an earphone storage portion for placing the earphone; a sealer is located on the position on the fixation base in contact with the outer shell of the standard microphone, the sealer forms a microphone attachment portion for attaching to the standard microphone; the earphone placed in the earphone storage portion and the standard microphone attached onto the microphone attachment portion are communicated with each other in the fixation base.

Abstract: An implantable microphone, comprising a rigid housing, a sensor membrane for exposure to surrounding soft tissue, the sensor membrane being arranged to seal an opening of the housing, a transducer for generating an output signal corresponding to the deflection of the sensor membrane, and a compliant suspension arrangement located opposite to the sensor membrane for being exposed to soft tissue and for supporting the housing on soft tissue in a manner that the housing is moveable relative to said soft tissue upon acceleration of the housing and the soft tissue, the suspension arrangement comprising means for adjusting the spring constant of the suspension arrangement when the microphone is implanted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining an estimated transfer function of an acoustic feedback path during fitting of a hearing device, which receives acoustic signals from an individual's surroundings, modifies the acoustic signals electronically and transmits the modified acoustic signals into the individual's ear or ear canal. In order to save resources in the hearing device, the hearing device reuses a start-up jingle for determining an estimated transfer function during a fitting session upon reception of a predefined message from a fitting apparatus.

Abstract: A device and methods are provided for a hearing device. In one embodiment, a hearing device includes a microphone to receive sound, an interactive tip and actuator. The actuator can include an actuator element and preload force element to place the interactive tip in contact with a portion of an ear. The hearing device includes circuitry coupled to the microphone and actuator, the circuitry configured to process sound received by the microphone and drive the actuator based on processed sound, wherein the actuator drives the interactive tip relative to a portion of the ear based on one or more signals received from the circuitry.

Abstract: One embodiment of a rigid fixture for coupling one or more transducers to the center upper back of the human body. The left contact area (10) and right contact area (11) are curved surfaces designed to ergonomically fit against the trapezius muscle groups. The contact areas (10) and (11) may optionally be covered with a cushioning pads (31). Between the contact areas (10) and (11) is a center section spaced away from the spine (12) that is not in contact with the human body. One or more transducers (30) are attached or incorporated into the center section (12), which may be facilitated by transducer attach points (21). The entire fixture can be fastened to straps, belts, harnesses, backpacks, clothing, or seats by the attach points (20).

Abstract: An earpiece system for adapting an electronic sound producing module to an elastomeric earpiece device. The earpiece system includes an elastomeric base that mechanically snaps together with the electronic sound producing module, and a vibration dampening tube that prevents sound feedback of the overall amplification unit while also interfacing with one of a selection of elastomeric devices that fit in the ear, or a custom molded in-the-ear housing.

Abstract: A holding unit and a vibration transmission system are disclosed. The holding unit comprising a holding plate is configured to be attached to the skin by means of magnetic attraction between a number of external magnets that are either: a) integrated within the holding plate; b) mechanically attached to the holding plate; or c) constituting the holding plate and a number of internal magnets implanted under the skin of a hearing impaired person. The holding unit comprises a transmission member or plate member configured to transfer mechanical vibrations from a vibrator through the skin to the bone of the person. The transmission member or plate member is interconnected by a mechanical flexible coupling to the magnet(s) of the holding plate.

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: A hearing aid interconnection system is disclosed. The hearing aid interconnection system comprises an abutment provided with means for being attached to a fixture for anchoring the hearing aid interconnection system to a skull bone. The hearing aid interconnection system comprises means for attaching a hearing aid device to the abutment. The hearing aid interconnection system comprises an extension member attached to the abutment in such a manner that the extension member extends the length of the abutment.

Abstract: A hearing aid including a permanent magnet to be fixed at a patient's incus (26), an audio signal source (14), an audio signal processing unit (16) for processing audio signals from the audio signal source, a driver unit (18) including a coil (22) for generating a magnetic field (25) that vibrates the permanent magnet according to the processed audio signals in order to stimulate the patient's hearing, and a measurement arrangement (56, 58, 60) for measuring the magnetic coupling between the coil and the permanent magnet in order to adjust the position of the coil or the input signals to the coil provided by the driver unit.