Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing neuronal stimulation signals configured to elicit sensory percepts in the cortex of an individual, comprising means for obtaining spatial information relating to the actual or planned position of at least one neuronal stimulation means relative to at least one afferent axon targeting at least one sensory neuron in the cortex of the individual and means for determining at least one neuronal stimulation signal to be applied to at least one afferent axon via the at least one neuronal stimulation means based at least in part on the obtained spatial information.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a gain of a hearing device includes receiving a demand for increasing a treble of an output sound signal; determining a frequency dependent headroom curve, the headroom curve indicating up to which gain value a frequency of the sound signal is amplifiable; comparing the headroom curve with a gain curve; when the gain curve is below the headroom curve, increasing the gain curve in a treble range; and when the gain curve has reached the headroom curve in the treble range, frequency lowering the sound signal, such that frequencies of the sound signal are moved from the treble range into a middle range of frequencies below the treble range.

Abstract: An audio system for providing content to a user. The system includes a first and a second transducer assembly of a plurality of transducer assemblies, an acoustic sensor, and a controller. The first transducer assembly couples to a portion of an auricle of the user's ear and vibrates over a first range of frequencies based on a first set of audio instructions. The vibration causes the portion of the ear to create a first range of acoustic pressure waves. The second transducer assembly is configured to vibrate over a second range of frequencies to produce a second range of acoustic pressure waves based on a second set of audio instructions. The acoustic sensor detects acoustic pressure waves at an entrance of the ear. The controller generates the audio instructions based on audio content to be provided to the user and the detected acoustic pressure waves from the acoustic sensor.

Abstract: A cochlear external device with an external microphone according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an external device body attached to a side of the head of a user, an internal microphone embedded in the external device body to collect sound, an external microphone located at the outside of the external device body to be attached around the ear of the user to collect sound, a connection cable configured to connect the external microphone and the external device body in a wired manner; and a control unit embedded in the external device body to generate an output signal based on the sound collected by at least one of the internal microphone and the external microphone and transmit the generated output signal to a cochlear implant transplanter.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor 1) divides an audio signal into M analysis channels, 2) generates M fine structure signals corresponding to the M analysis channels, wherein each fine structure signal included in the M fine structure signals represents fine structure information for a different analysis channel included in the M analysis channels, and 3) selects, based on the M fine structure signals, only N analysis channels included in the M analysis channels for presentation to the patient during a stimulation frame, wherein N is less than M. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic recoil fastener assembly comprises a fastener with a head and a shank, and two annular magnets. When assembled, the annular magnets are arranged on the shank of the fastener to magnetically repel each other. At least the magnet arranged closer to the head of the fastener has a varying inner diameter of its axial opening, including a first diameter at one end which is larger than the width of the head, and a second diameter which is smaller than the width of the head. The end having the larger first diameter is arranged facing the head of the fastener. Also described are in-wall speaker assemblies including such magnetic recoil fastener assemblies for magnetically mounting speaker grilles in an adjustable manner, as well as methods for installing such in-wall speaker assemblies using such magnetic recoil fastener assemblies.

Abstract: Presented herein are non-surgical or superficial coupling apparatuses for transcutaneous bone conduction devices. A coupling apparatus comprises a drive plate configured to be detachably connected to a transcutaneous bone conduction device. The drive plate is also connected to an earhook (ear hook) configured to fit over/around a recipient's pinna (auricle) to at least partially support the drive plate. An adhesive member may also be provided to secure the drive plate to the recipient's skin.

Abstract: In a subcutaneous microphone used in medical devices, a structure is introduced that constrains the motion of the diaphragm during normal operation of the microphone. In one embodiment, a raised portion, such as a pole or pillar is placed in the chamber at the middle of the diaphragm. The raised portion may contact one or both of the bottom surface of the chamber and the underside of the membrane, and generally acts to reduce the amount of deflection experienced by the membrane.

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: A holder extends from a part fixed to a housing and curves in substantially S-shape. A portion that extends from the housing and significantly curves for the first time serves as an ear-hanging part. The ear-hanging part is a portion that is hanged on an upper part of an auricle of a user. A portion that curves from the ear-hanging part so as to protrude toward a transmitting surface serves as a holding part. That is, the holding part is a portion that is formed at a position opposed to the transmitting surface and that is closest to the transmitting surface. A grasping part that can be curved, as needed, so as to be slightly distanced away from the transmitting surface is provided further toward the end from the holding part. The grasping part is a portion at which the user grasps the holder, the grasping part being so held allowing for easy attachment to and detachment from the auricle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described herein related to improving the sound quality of a bone conduction speaker. The sound quality of the bone conduction speaker is adjusted in the sound generation, sound transferring, and sound receiving of the bone conduction speaker by designing vibration generation manners and vibration transfer structures.

Abstract: An open-ear headphone with an acoustic module that is configured to be located at least in part in a concha of an outer ear of a user. The acoustic module includes an acoustic transducer, and a sound-emitting opening that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer. A body is coupled to the acoustic module and includes a first portion that is configured to pass over an outer side of at least one of an anti-helix and a helix and a lobule of the outer ear, and a second portion that is configured to be located behind the outer ear.

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 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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.