Abstract: A prosthesis including an implantable component including an LC circuit, wherein a piezoelectric material forms at least a part of the capacitance portion of the LC circuit, the piezoelectric material expands and/or contracts upon the application of a variable magnetic field to the inductor of the LC circuit, the LC circuit has an electrical self-resonance frequency below 20 kHz, and the piezoelectric material forms part of an actuator configured to output a force to tissue of a recipient in which the implantable component is implanted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compact hearing aids, components thereof, and support systems therefor, as well as methods of insertion and removal thereof. The compact hearing aids generally include a sensor, such as a microphone, an actuation mass, an energy source for providing power to the compact hearing aid, a processor, and an actuator enclosed in a housing that is designed to be inserted through the tympanic membrane during a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. In operation, the microphone receives sound waves and converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A processor then modifies the electrical signals and provides the electrical signals to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion, which actuates the actuation mass to modulate the velocity or the position of the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sound converting device, and in particular, a sound converting device having a near-infrared ray emission function, which allows a wearer to remain in a stable state by vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and adjusts a stimulation effect on the wearer by adjusting an intensity of stimulation. A near-infrared ray emitted by an optical device of a light emitting unit has at least one of a set wavelength included in a reference wavelength range, a set frequency included in a reference frequency range, and a set light intensity included in a reference light intensity range, and the optical device operates to correspond to a set duty ratio included in a reference duty ratio.

Abstract: Presented herein are directed to techniques for using objective measurements to determine a combined efficiency of an implantable actuator and a mechanical coupling of the implantable actuator to an auditory structure of an ear of a recipient. In particular, the implantable actuator is activated so as to deliver, via the mechanical coupling, mechanical stimulation to the auditory structure to effect a pressure change in an inner ear of the recipient. At least one stimulation device, that is separate from the implantable actuator, is configured to deliver secondary stimulation to the recipient to also effect a pressure change in the inner ear of the recipient. Objective measurements are performed to intra-operatively capture auditory evoked responses of the recipient in response to the mechanical stimulation and in response to the secondary stimulation. These auditory evoked responses are analyzed to determine a vibratory coupling efficiency.

Abstract: A processor comprises instructions to adjust a bias of an input signal in order to decrease a duty cycle of a pulse modulated optical signal. The bias can be increased, decreased, or maintained in response to one or more measured values of the signal. In many embodiments, a gain of the signal is adjusted with the bias in order to inhibit distortion. The bias can be adjusted slowly in order to inhibit audible noise, and the gain can be adjusted faster than the bias in order to inhibit clipping of the signal. In many embodiments, one or more of the bias or the gain is adjusted in response to a value of the signal traversing a threshold amount. The value may comprise a trough of the signal traversing the threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer may include a multi-layered membrane having a plurality of slits extending through the membrane, thereby forming a plurality of sections of the membrane at least partially separated by the slits. Each slit extends from a perimeter of the membrane to a respective end position at a predetermined distance away from a center of the membrane. The plurality of sections of the membrane are connected to each other at the center of the membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compact hearing aids, components thereof, and support systems therefor, as well as methods of insertion and removal thereof. The compact hearing aids generally include a sensor, such as a microphone, an actuation mass, an energy source for providing power to the compact hearing aid, a processor, and an actuator enclosed in a housing that is designed to be inserted through the tympanic membrane during a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. In operation, the microphone receives sound waves and converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A processor then modifies the electrical signals and provides the electrical signals to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion, which actuates the actuation mass to modulate the velocity or the position of the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A noise cancelling system is described for a in a patient implantable hearing implant system. An implantable microphone senses a sound signal present at the microphone that includes a sound source component from a sound source external to the patient, and a noise component from internal bone conduction. At least one implantable noise sensing element is located near the microphone to sense the noise component. A filter is controlled by an adaptive algorithm responsive to transform the noise component and outputs a transducer control signal. A bone conduction transducer receives the transducer control signal and generates a corresponding mechanical vibration signal to the skull bone. The adaptive algorithm controls the filter so that the mechanical vibration signal of the bone conduction transducer offsets the noise component sensed by the at least one noise sensing element so as to minimize the noise component sensed by the implantable microphone.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus, including an implantable transducer fixation mechanism, the fixation mechanism being configured to receive an implantable transducer, wherein the fixation mechanism is configured to be fixed to a wall of the middle ear cavity of the recipient, and the fixation mechanism is configured to locate the transducer at least partially outside the middle ear cavity.

Abstract: A system, device and method for assessing a fit quality of an earpiece while in use in a noisy environment. The earpiece having an external microphone for capturing an outer-ear audio signal and an internal microphone for capturing an inner-ear audio signal. The fit quality being assessed by estimating a filter according to the captured inner-ear and outer-ear audio signals, and determining a fit quality according to identified coefficients of the estimated filter. A system, device and method for assessing a seal quality of an earpiece while in use in a quiet environment. The earpiece having a loudspeaker for emitting a sound stimulus towards the ear canal and an internal microphone for capturing an audio signal inside the ear canal. The seal quality being assessed by estimating a transfer function according the emitted and captured sound stimulus, and determining at least one seal-quality indicator according to a signal magnitude of the transfer function.

Abstract: An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator and an earpiece having a first axial earpiece conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.

Abstract: An alert system detects when an auditory prosthesis recipient is wearing her sound processor. When the processor is not worn, the alert system signals a secondary device, such as an accessory, to provide some other form of tactile stimulation to allow the recipient to be made aware of certain auditory stimuli she is not receiving via the auditory prosthesis. Thus, the alert system can effectively “hear” for the recipient. Since many auditory prosthesis recipients are, for all practical purposes, completely deaf without their external sound processors attached and operational, such an alert system increases the recipient's safety, convenience, and quality of life.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compact hearing aids, components thereof, and support systems therefor, as well as methods of insertion and removal thereof. The compact hearing aids generally include a sensor, such as a microphone, an actuation mass, an energy source for providing power to the compact hearing aid, a processor, and an actuator enclosed in a housing that is designed to be inserted through the tympanic membrane during a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. In operation, the microphone receives sound waves and converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A processor then modifies the electrical signals and provides the electrical signals to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion, which actuates the actuation mass to modulate the velocity or the position of the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A hearing aid having a bellows vibration body is disclosed. The hearing aid comprises: an external unit having a microphone for converting an external voice into an electrical signal; an internal unit which can be implanted under the skin and is for communicating with the external unit; a bellows vibration body which can be connected to the auditory ossicles and comprises a non-magnetic body; and an audio transmission tube for transmitting an acoustic signal, which is output from the internal unit, to the bellows vibration body, wherein the bellows vibration body vibrates in accordance with the acoustic signal transmitted by means of the audio transmission tube and thus transmits the vibration to the auditory ossicles.

Abstract: A device, including an electromagnetic transducer including a bobbin having a space therein, a connection apparatus in fixed relationship to the bobbin configured to transfer vibrational energy directly or indirectly at least one of to or from the electromagnetic transducer, and a passage from the space to the connection apparatus.

Abstract: Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed.

Abstract: The present application relates to stacked piezoelectric composites comprising piezoelectric structures. Suitably, the composites are useful as tissue-stimulating implants, including spinal fusion implants. The present application also relates to methods of making stacked piezoelectric composites.

Abstract: A tympanostomy tube delivery device comprises a shaft assembly, a pressure equalization tube, and a sensor. The shaft assembly comprises a cannula and a pusher operable to translate relative to the cannula. The pressure equalization tube is positioned within the shaft assembly. The pusher is operable to drive the pressure equalization tube out of the shaft assembly. The sensor is operable to detect a physical parameter associated with engagement between the distal end of the shaft assembly and a tympanic membrane. A controller may activate a feedback device to inform an operator that the distal end of the shaft assembly has achieved suitable apposition with the tympanic membrane, based on information from the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic wave generation device for hearing recovery treatment, including an ultrasonic wave generation part. The ultrasonic wave generation part comprises a reference time-delay determination module, an emission sequence parameter determination module and an ultrasonic transducer module. The ultrasonic transducer module is used for emitting actual ultrasonic waves, and the efficiency and precision are improved by focusing by means of a plurality of array elements.

Abstract: An apparatus, including an external component of a medical device including an electromagnetic actuator configured such that static magnetic flux of the electromagnetic actuator removably retains the external component to a recipient thereof.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses are used to transmit data between external and internal portions of auditory prostheses or other medical devices. The external portion of the auditory prosthesis includes a magnet and an implanted coil that provides stimulation to the device recipient. A shaped shield material can be placed between the external coil and the sound processing hardware to improve efficiency and effectiveness between the external coil and implanted coil. Adverse effects on tuning frequencies can be reduced by disposing the shield material away from the magnet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a hearing prosthesis, and more particularly to a hearing prosthesis with a rigidly coupled vibrating transducer. In embodiments, the mechanical stimulating hearing prosthesis comprises, for example, at least one sound input device configured to sense a sound signal, and a transducer configured to generate a vibration based on the sound, wherein the sound input device is rigidly coupled to the transducer. Systems and methods are also described for reducing a well-defined mechanical feedback generated by a transducer in a hearing prosthesis.

Abstract: An auditory prosthesis includes a fixation system manufactured in whole or in part from a deformable material, such as a viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material responds viscously to loads applied over an extended period of time. Thus, the material is able to accommodate growth of a recipient's anatomy without becoming disconnected or misaligned from any attachment points. This allows the device to accommodate growth of a recipient over time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing motion sickness of a user while the user is wearing a head-mounted device (HMD). One method includes an operation for monitoring the physical characteristics of the user while wearing the HMD that is presenting a virtual reality with multimedia content, where the physical characteristics including motions of the user. The multimedia content includes audio and video for presentation on a display of the HMD. Additionally, the method includes an operation for determining if the user is experiencing motion sickness based on the monitoring of the physical characteristics of the user while the virtual reality is being presented. When the user is experiencing motion sickness, supplemental sound is delivered to the user, where the supplemental sound is combined with sound from the multimedia content for delivery to the user, and the supplemental sound is defined to decrease the motion sickness experienced by the user.

Abstract: A system includes a first device for neural stimulation of a patient's ipsilateral ear and a second hearing stimulation device, wherein the stimulation mode of the second stimulation device is different from that of the first stimulation device. The system further includes a fitting device for adjusting the first stimulation device and the second stimulation device. The fitting device includes a graphical user interface configured to present an acoustic level audiogram representation of aided acoustic and electric behavioral values for the first and second stimulation devices.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to implantable transducer systems for implantable hearing prostheses. The implantable transducer systems in accordance with embodiments presented herein include a transducer and an expandable fixation arrangement, such as a radially expandable fixation arrangement, that is configured to anchor/secure the implantable transducer system directly within an elongate cannular cavity extending through a portion of a recipient's skull bone.

Abstract: An ear plug for arrangement in an ear canal includes at least two electrodes for detecting an EEG signal from a skin surface when the ear plug is arranged in the ear canal. The ear plug further includes a housing having an outer wall made from a resilient material, and a signal acquisition circuit. The electrodes are provided with a skin contact part arranged on an outside surface of the housing and connected through the outer wall of the housing to a supporting member on the inner part of the housing. The skin contact part and the supporting member are arranged for clamping the outer wall.

Abstract: An auditory prosthesis comprising an actuator for providing mechanical stimulation to a recipient. The auditory prosthesis comprises a measurement circuit for use in determining the resonance peak(s) of the actuator. In an embodiment, the measurement circuit measures the voltage drop across the actuator and/or current through the actuator during a frequency sweep of the operational frequencies of the actuator. These measured voltages and/or currents are then analyzed for discontinuities that are indicative of a resonance peak of the actuator. In another embodiment, rather than using a frequency sweep to measure voltages and/or currents across the actuator, the measurement circuit instead applies a voltage impulse to the actuator and then measure the voltage and/or current across the actuator for a period of time after application of the impulse. The measured voltages and/or currents are then analyzed to identify resonance peak(s) of the actuator.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for measuring vibration of an implanted elongate vibrating body coupled to a bone of the middle ear. One system includes an elongate vibratory body having a first and second piezoelectric body separated by a central vane. The piezoelectric bodies and central vane can be individually electrically coupleable to an implantable electronic device. The electronic device can have a switch, driving circuitry and sensing circuitry within. In normal use, the driving circuitry is coupled through the switch to drive both piezoelectric bodies causing the vibratory body to vibrate. In diagnostic use, one piezoelectric body is driven while the other piezoelectric body is sensed to detect changes in vibration indicative of decoupling or undesirable impedance of the vibratory body.

Abstract: A balanced armature driver assembly comprises a first balanced armature driver having an armature surrounded by a coil, said first balanced armature driver having two taps for connecting respective end points (12,14) of said coil to an input signal circuit. The coil further comprises an intermediate point (16) which is electrically connected to one of said respective end points (12,14) such that the coil is shorted (16) between said intermediate point and said one of said respective points (12,14).

Abstract: A middle ear implant includes a first interface portion configured to interface with a first structure of a middle ear of a patient, a second interface portion configured to interface with a second structure of the middle ear of the patient, a shaft that connects the first and second interface portions, a carrier plate removably mounted in one of the first or second interface portions, and a removable sensor disposed at one end of the shaft, between the shaft and one of the first interface portion or the second interface portion. The removable sensor is configured to provide a DC signal output indicative of static pressure on the sensor based on placement of the sensor between the first and second structures, and provide an AC signal output indicative of a frequency response of the implant. The removable sensor is disposed at a portion of the carrier plate.

Abstract: Technology presented herein increases a user's enjoyment of sound by personalizing an audio signal so that the user perceives the audio signal as if the user had ideal hearing and/or desired hearing. In one embodiment, headphones on a user's head include a sensor and a speaker. While the speaker plays an audio signal to the user, the sensor records the user's response to the audio signal. The sensor can be a microphone, a brainwave sensor, an EEG sensor, etc. The user's response can be the audio response inside the user's ear, the brainwave response associated with the user, electrical skin response associated with the user, etc. Based on the measured response, and based on the knowledge of how other people perceive sound, the audio signal is modified to compensate for the difference between the user's hearing and the ideal hearing and/or desired hearing, therefore increasing the user's enjoyment of sound.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.

Abstract: A posture and breathing improvement device, system, and method. The system for improving posture and deep breathing may comprise: a sensor device; posture/breathing improvement software program, comprising one, both, or a combination of a posture improvement system interface and a breathing improvement system interface; and one or more user devices. The sensor device may be physically associated with a user and may communicate with the posture improvement software program. The sensor device may comprise: one or more sensors for monitoring positions and movements of the user. The system may calculate one or more optimum postural positions and breathing exercises for the user, based on data communicated by the sensor device and collected information about the user. The system may monitor a conformance of the user with the optimum postural positions and may display the conformance on the posture improvement system interface.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a hearing aid system is disclosed. The system includes a speech processor communicatively coupled to a microphone. The speech processor is configured to process a microphone signal received at the speech processor for producing an electrical stimulation signal and an acoustic stimulation signal. The speech processor is also configured to generate a modified acoustic stimulation signal by modifying the acoustic stimulation signal at least for a part of a residual frequency range of a patient in dependence on effect of an implantable electrode array on mechanical properties of cochlea of the patient. The system also includes a first unit and a second unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an open ear audio device outputting audio using an external audio speaker, bone conduction speaker, or both an external audio speaker and bone conduction speaker. In an aspect, sound is output using either the audio speaker or the bone conduction speaker based on the type of sound. Audio the user desires to keep private are configured to be output using the bone conduction speaker. In an aspect, the audio device simultaneously outputs a first sound using the audio speaker and a second sound using the bone conduction speaker. The user receives both streams of audio and selects which sound to focus on. In an aspect, the audio device determines how to output audio based on the SPL of the user's environment.

Abstract: An implantable bone conduction transducer has a center rotational axis radially surrounded by an outer surface, and at least one radial projection projecting radially outward from the outer surface. An implantable transducer receptacle has a receptacle outer surface configured to fit into a receptacle recess in skull bone of a recipient patient, a receptacle inner surface configured to fit around the outer surface of the transducer, and at least one projection bracket projecting radially inward away from the receptacle inner surface. The at least one projection bracket and the at least one radial projection are configured to cooperate so that rotation of the transducer around the center rotational axis creates increased lateral force between the transducer and the skull bone surrounding the receptacle recess so as to securely engage the transducer with the skull bone.

Abstract: A method operates a hearing device for a user. In the method, electromyography is performed, in which a muscle activity of an auricular muscle of the user is measured by an electrode array. The muscle activity is continuously measured to detect a complex activity profile of the auricular muscle, in which the user's intention is coded. The electrode array generates a sensor signal that is classified by means of a classifier, and in this classification process, the muscle activity is decoded and the underlying intention is determined by examining whether the sensor signal has a previously known feature vector. The previously known feature vector is assigned to an operating mode of the hearing device, which is set when the sensor signal has the previously known feature vector.

Abstract: A linear actuator may include a movable element having a plurality of permanent magnets stacked in a direction of an axis line; a stationary element comprising a plurality of coils surrounding a circumferential section of the permanent magnets, the plurality of coils being placed along the axis line; and viscous elastic members inserted between the movable element and the stationary element. The plurality of permanent magnets are arranged such that, among adjacent permanent magnets of the plurality of permanent magnets, sides of the adjacent permanent magnets facing each other have a same polarity. The viscous elastic members are provided at a plurality of locations being separate in the direction of the axis line, in a space sandwiched in a radial direction by the movable element and the stationary element.

Abstract: A compensation system for an implantable actuator is disclosed where the implantable actuator includes a sealed housing containing a driving arrangement for the actuator. The compensation system includes an external pressure sensor for measuring an external pressure outside of the sealed housing and a compensation module for determining a compensation factor for the implantable actuator based on the external pressure. In one embodiment, the compensation is directed to a direct acoustic cochlear stimulation (DACS) implantable 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: According to an aspect, a binaural cochlear implant system is disclosed. The system includes an implantable stimulator; an ipsilateral cochlear implant electrode array connected to the stimulator and a lead connected to the stimulator at a first end of the lead and provided with a contralateral binaural cochlear implant electrode array at a second end of the lead, the lead being configured to be implanted beneath the skin above the skull of a hearing aid user, wherein the lead comprises at least one electrical wire connecting the contralateral binaural cochlear implant electrode array with the stimulator, and a reinforcement fiber running along length of the at least one electrical wire.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for customizing cochlear implant stimulation of a living subject. The cochlear implant includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes implanted in a cochlea of the living subject. The method includes determining a position for each of the plurality of electrodes and spiral ganglion nerves that the electrode array stimulates, determining a geometric relationship between neural pathways within the cochlea and the electrode array implanted therein, and using one or more electrodes of the electrode array to stimulate a group of SG neural pathways of the cochlea based on the location of the one or more electrodes and their geometric relationship with the neural pathways.

Abstract: An alert system detects when an auditory prosthesis recipient is wearing her sound processor. When the processor is not worn, the alert system signals a secondary device, such as an accessory, to provide some other form of tactile stimulation to allow the recipient to be made aware of certain auditory stimuli she is not receiving via the auditory prosthesis. Thus, the alert system can effectively “hear” for the recipient. Since many auditory prosthesis recipients are, for all practical purposes, completely deaf without their external sound processors attached and operational, such an alert system increases the recipient's safety, convenience, and quality of life.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for automated assessment and adjustment of tinnitus-masker impact on speech intelligibility during use of the tinnitus-masker. In various embodiments, a method of fitting a tinnitus-masker device for a patient is provided. The method includes using a speech intelligibility model to predict impact of therapy provided by the tinnitus-maker device on speech understanding of the patient. A parameter of the tinnitus-masker device is automatically adjusted during use to reduce the impact of the therapy provided by the tinnitus-maker device on speech understanding of the patient, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: A method including receiving input indicative of a parameter related to an operating environment of an implantable portion of a prosthesis and adjusting an adjustable system of the prosthesis based on the received input.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for initiating a night-time mode of operation in an implantable hearing prosthesis in response to detection of night-time recharging operations. More specifically, an implantable hearing prosthesis comprises a rechargeable battery that is configured to be recharged via an external night-time charging device, such as a pillow charger. The implantable hearing prosthesis is configured to detect inductive charging of the rechargeable battery by the external night-time charging device. In response, the implantable hearing prosthesis is switched to a night-time mode of operation.

Abstract: There is provided a hearing assistance system, comprising an audio streaming device, a first hearing device for stimulating a first ear of a user, and a second hearing device for stimulating a second ear of the user, the audio streaming device comprising an audio input interface for receiving an input stereo audio signal, a unit for analyzing the input stereo audio signal in order to determine at least one azimuthal localization cue by comparing the two channels of the stereo signal, a unit for processing the input stereo audio signal in order to produce an output stereo audio signal, and a unit for supplying one channel of the output stereo audio signal to the first hearing device and for supplying the other channel of the output stereo audio signal to the second hearing device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hearing aid for placement on head of a user comprising a first second part. The first part may comprise an acoustic input transducer adapted to convert ambient sound picked up at the ear of the user to an electric signal, a signal processor adapted to process the electric signal according to specifications of user into a processed electric signal, and an output transducer adapted to covert the processed electric signal into a transmission signal, The second part may comprise an anchor adapted to fixate said second part under the skin to skull bone of the user, and a receiver adapted to receive the transmission signal and convert the transmission signal to an output signal perceivable as sound by the user. The first part may comprise an inner recess adapted to receive an insert element, where the insert element may comprise a first magnet adapted to in cooperation with the second part to cause the first part to attach to the head of the user.

Abstract: An improved implantable auditory stimulation system includes two or more implanted microphones for transcutaneous detection of acoustic signals. Each of the implanted microphones provides an output signal. The microphone output signals may be combinatively utilized by an implanted processor to generate a signal for driving an implanted auditory stimulation device. The implanted microphones may be located at offset subcutaneous locations and/or may be provided with different design sensitivities, wherein combinative processing of the microphone output signals may yield an improved drive signal. In one embodiment, the microphone signal may be processed for beamforming and/or directionality purposes.