Abstract: An exemplary targeted channel selection system may determine a target stimulation rate for a user of a cochlear implant system, determine a pulse width value that is representative of one or more pulse widths that are to be used for stimulation pulses applied by the cochlear implant system to the user during a stimulation session, and determine, based on the target stimulation rate and on the pulse width value, a value for N that is specific to the user. In this example, N represents a total number of analysis channels that are to be selected from M available analysis channels for presentation by the cochlear implant system to the user during a stimulation frame of the stimulation session.

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: An implantable transducer converts an electrical stimulation signal into a corresponding mechanical stimulation signal. The transducer has an elongated shape with a transducer end face having a transducer drive surface adapted to produce the mechanical stimulation signal, and a transducer adhesive feature adapted to intra-operatively receive adhesive material. A separate coupling cap has a coupling end face with a coupling adhesive feature adapted to engage the transducer adhesive feature with the adhesive material and a coupling drive surface adapted for distortion-free coupling of the mechanical stimulation signal from the transducer drive surface to the coupling cap. A signal delivery surface of the coupling cap delivers the mechanical stimulation signal to an adjacent cochlear surface for sensation as sound.

Abstract: A sub-cranial vibratory stimulator that at least partially bypasses a recipient's skull bone and delivers vibration to fluid within a recipient's skull bone. The sub-cranial vibratory stimulator comprises an actuator that is configured to be implanted beneath a recipient's skull bone. The actuator transfers vibration to the fluid within the recipient's skull without first passing through the skull bone. The actuator is also substantially mechanically decoupled (isolated) from the recipient's skull bone.

Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal comprises at least one light source configured to transmit the audio signal with at least one wavelength of light. At least one detector is configured to detect the audio signal and generate at least one electrical signal in response to the at least one wavelength of light. A transducer is supported with and configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum, an ossicle or a cochlea. Active circuitry is coupled to the transducer to drive the transducer in response to the at least one electrical signal, so as to provide the user with high quality sound.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing device comprising an input unit for providing an electric input audio signal, a configurable signal processing unit for processing an audio signal and providing a processed audio signal, and a reversible output transducer for converting an electric output signal to an acoustic output sound. The hearing device further comprises a measurement unit configured to convert a sound pressure level to an electric signal, termed the measurement signal, and a control unit configured to determine a present electric impedance of the output transducer or a measure indicative of said present electric impedance from said measurement signal. This has the advantage that no additional microphone or other measurement equipment is needed to provide a (e.g. in-situ) real ear measurement of sound pressure level. The invention may e.g. be used to control audio signal processing in hearing aids, headsets, ear phones, active ear protection systems, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a cochlear implant module configured to be implanted within a patient and including cochlear implant circuitry configured to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient, 2) a first connector assembly coupled to the cochlear implant module and configured to be implanted within the patient, the first connector assembly including a first induction coil, 3) an implantable module configured to be implanted within the patient, and 4) a second connector assembly coupled to the implantable module and configured to be implanted within the patient, the second connector assembly including a second induction coil. The first connector assembly may be configured to be removably connected to the second connector assembly in order to facilitate inductive transfer of power between the first induction coil and the second induction coil. Corresponding systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hearing aid device configured to be partly or fully inserted into the ear canal of a user is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises a receiver (loudspeaker) adapted to generate and send an air-borne acoustic signal towards the eardrum when the hearing aid device is partly or fully inserted into the ear canal. The hearing aid device further comprises a microphone configured to receive acoustic signals. The hearing aid device comprises a processing unit configured to determine if the hearing aid device is positioned in a correct position in the ear canal on the basis of the acoustic signals received by the microphone.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for reducing feedback between a transducer and a microphone in a magnetic bone conduction hearing aid. Such systems, devices, components and methods include providing encapsulation compartments for the transducer and/or the microphone, and providing an acoustically-isolating housing for the microphone that is separate and apart from the main housing of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A passive ossicular prosthesis has a sound-conducting prosthesis body with a first coupling element for mechanical connection to the incus, malleus, or an actuator end piece of an active hearing aid at one end. The bight is made of a strip-shaped metallic material, partially open toward the outside via a gap-type opening and is intraoperatively crimped in the middle ear for permanent attachment. There is a second coupling element at the other end of the prosthesis body for connection to a further component of the ossicular chain or directly to the inner ear. The bight includes elongated perforations with longitudinal axes extending, in the implanted state, along a curved trajectory at a right angle or slant relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (a) of the enclosed object to reduce spring action and stiffness and markedly reduce the force to be applied for the crimping.

Abstract: Techniques associated with an implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue within a body is disclosed. In some examples, a device includes a case having an engaging surface configured to conform to a surface in a pelvic region, a passage extending from an opening on the case to another opening on the case, the passage configured to receive a securing member, a vibration generator coupled to the case and configured to generate a vibration, and a power receiver coupled to the case, the power receiver comprising a receiving coil and configured to receive electrical energy from a remote source.

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: A hearing actuator (10) for implantation in the middle ear of a user. The actuator comprises transducer means (for example a piezoelectric device) (12) for converting electrical input signals into mechanical vibrations, and attachment means (16) for attaching one end of the transducer means to a first part of the middle ear. The actuator also comprises contacting means (14) which extends from an opposite end of the transducer means such that a longitudinal axis of the contacting means is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the transducer means. The contacting means is for contacting a second part of the middle ear (to which it may be attached), so as to transmit the mechanical vibrations of the transducer means thereto.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes a subcutaneous housing which includes a main body and a bottom cover secured to the main body. A central cavity in a center of the subcutaneous housing is formed by a portion of an outer surface of the main body. A magnet is removably inserted into the central cavity and includes a cylindrical body with a central axis aligned with a removal axis of the central cavity, a groove extending circumferentially around the cylindrical body, and a top surface, which includes an outer edge, a plurality of ribs extending radially farther than the outer edge, and a plurality of abutments extending radially farther than the ribs. A compressive ring is seated in the groove of the cylindrical body and engages under a ledge in the central cavity when the magnet is inserted into the central cavity and biases the magnet against removal from the central cavity.

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: In a pressure detecting device for a vehicle, a first detection member is fixed to a sensor housing such that a first surface of a first diaphragm faces a closed space of the vehicle and a first chamber isolated from the closed space is provided to face a second surface of the first diaphragm. A second detection member is fixed to the sensor housing such that a first surface of a second diaphragm faces the closed space, and a second chamber is provided to face a second surface of the second diaphragm. When the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are deformed by the same amount and in the same direction, the first detection member and the second detection member output signals having the same value with opposite signs. The first surface of the first diaphragm and the first surface of the second diaphragm are covered with a protection member.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube.

Abstract: An ultrasonic audio transducer system includes an ultrasonic speaker. The ultrasonic speaker may be an electrostatic emitter, a piezoelectric emitter (single crystal or stack), a piezoelectric film emitter, or any other emitter capable of emitting ultrasound. The ultrasonic speaker is configured to be coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to an audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal from an amplifier, wherein upon application of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, the ultrasonic speaker is configured to launch a pressure-wave representation of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal into the air. Additionally, the ultrasonic speaker is implemented with an impedance matching element or optimized for matching the response within a user's ear canal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus, system, and method for generating a head related audio transfer function in real time. Specifically, the present invention utilizes unique structural components including a tragus structure and an antihelix structure in connection with a microphone in order to communicate the location of a sound in three dimensional space to a user.

Abstract: A prosthesis including an abutment, an operationally removable component including a coupling apparatus, and an adapter, wherein the abutment is connected to the adapter and the coupling apparatus of the operationally removable component is releasably coupled to the adapter.

Abstract: A prosthesis including an abutment, an operationally removable component including a coupling apparatus, and an adapter, wherein the abutment is connected to the adapter and the coupling apparatus of the operationally removable component is releasably coupled to the adapter.

Abstract: There is provided an acoustic device that can reduce muffled sound. The disclosed acoustic device includes a holder 103 that has one end abutting the inside of an inferior antihelix crus and other end abutting a depression between a tragus and an antitragus of a user's ear, and a human body vibration sound generator 10 that is held by the holder 103 and allows sound to be heard by the user in response to an audio signal as well.

Abstract: A method of sensing vibrations in the middle ear is presented. The method includes implanting a transducer in the middle ear. The transducer measures vibration, within a predetermined frequency range, of at least one component of the middle ear. The transducer has a resonance frequency within the predetermined frequency range, and further has a limited frequency response in a portion of the frequency range. The implanting includes operatively coupling the implant to the at least one component of the middle ear such that the limited frequency response of the transducer is complimentary to, and compensated by, the frequency characteristics of the at least one component of the middle ear.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus, including a housing having an internal chamber, wherein the internal chamber includes a lever having a first end and a free second end, and a piezoelectric element adapted to deform in response to an applied voltage, wherein deformation of the piezoelectric element displaces the free second end of the lever, and wherein displacement of the free second end of the lever within the internal chamber imparts a vibration to the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a three-coil type round window driving vibrator, which includes a permanent magnet having the same magnetic poles adjoining each other and is designed to allow electric current flowing through coils to run in opposite directions in order to increase driving force without being affected by an external magnetic field. The round window driving vibrator includes a permanent magnet having three poles of SNS or NSN, a coil member wound around an outer periphery of the permanent magnet, and a vibration member connected to one end of the permanent magnet. Here, the coil member includes a first coil wound around a middle section of the permanent magnet and second and third coils wound around upper and lower sections of the permanent magnet, respectively.

Abstract: Techniques associated with an implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue within a body is disclosed. In some examples, a device includes a case having an engaging surface configured to conform to a surface of a bladder, a passage extending from an opening on the case to another opening on the case, the passage configured to receive a securing member, a vibration generator coupled to the case and configured to generate a vibration, and a power receiver coupled to the case, the power receiver having a receiving coil and configured to receive electrical energy from a remote source.

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: 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: 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: A smart microphone has voice control functions. The smart microphone includes a support plate, a microphone component, at least a sensor, at least an integrated component, a sound pressure conversion component and a plurality of welding pads. The microphone component is arranged on a surface of the support plate. The sensor, the integrated component and the sound pressure conversion component are arranged inside the microphone component. The welding pads are arranged on two sides of the support plate respectively. The sensors with environment volume monitoring, voice control and different functions are integrated into the microphone component to achieve the smart microphone with a small volume and multi-functions.

Abstract: A flexible membrane of piezoelectric material sized to be supported by and to conform to the eardrum. Electrodes on the membrane allow the membrane to function as an audio transducer stimulating the eardrum with an audio signal or detecting audio signals at the eardrum. Applications may include detecting a variety of pathophysiological and biomechanical features of the tissues of the tympanic membrane and regional integrated anatomy, detecting audio, physical and biological signals, and/or delivery a variety of therapeutic modalities.

Abstract: An implantable component including an implantable body including a functional component of the implantable medical device, and implantable actuator positioning mechanism connected to and extending from the implantable body, the actuator positioning mechanism configured to removably receive an implantable actuator.

Abstract: A wearable medical device system having an external, necklace-shaped antenna that is sized and configured for placement about the neck of a subject, and having an implantable device with an implanted antenna that communicates with the external antenna to permit the transfer of energy and data between external and implantable components. The wearable medical device includes a control module that communicates with the implanted device via the external antenna. The implantable device includes an electrode configured to provide stimulation to a nerve.

Abstract: Techniques associated with an implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue within a body is disclosed. In some examples, a device includes a case having an engaging surface configured to conform to a surface of a colon, a passage extending from an opening on the case to another opening on the case, the passage configured to receive a securing member, a vibration generator coupled to the case and configured to generate a vibration, and a power receiver coupled to the case, the power receiver comprising a receiving coil and configured to receive electrical energy from a remote source.

Abstract: Presented herein are trans-modiolar stimulation techniques in which stimulation current is sourced (delivered) by at least one intra-cochlear stimulating contact and is sunk at a group of other intra-cochlear stimulating contacts. The group of other intra-cochlear stimulating contacts is positioned (located) across a section of the recipient's modiolus from the intra-cochlear stimulating contact that sources the stimulation. As such, stimulation current generally passes through the modiolus to stimulate spiral ganglion cells and evoke a hearing percept.

Abstract: A system for rehabilitating patients affected by balance disorders with or without vestibular hypofunction and/or malfunction with or without an associated hearing loss, which includes sensors of sound and head movement, processing circuitry, a power source coupled to head phones, an air conduction hearing aid, bone conduction hearing aid, middle ear implant or an electrical stimulator implanted into the cochlea capable of stimulating areas within the cochlea with the potential for current spread to surrounding non-auditory areas including the vestibular system.

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: An implantable hearing unit is provided that includes an implantable microphone, a rechargeable power storage device and a speech signal processor. The hearing unit further includes a signal coupling device that is adapted for electrical interconnection to an implantable auditory stimulation device, which is operative to stimulate an auditory component of a patient. Such a stimulation device may include cochlear implants, brain stem stimulation systems, auditory nerve stimulation systems, and middle or inner ear transducer systems. The signal coupling device is operative to provide processed drive signals from the signal processor to the stimulation device as well provide power from the power storage device to operate the stimulation device. In one arrangement, the signal coupling device is a wireless coupling between first and second coils. In such an arrangement, the hearing unit may be utilized with an existing implanted stimulation device to make that device a fully implanted hearing system.

Abstract: A hearing prosthesis including an implantable component including a vibrator portion configured to vibrate in response to a sound signal to evoke a hearing precept and a screw portion configured to removably attach the implantable component to a recipient, wherein the vibratory portion is rigidly adhered to the screw portion.

Abstract: A method for operating an acoustic transducer is provided. The acoustic transducer includes a moving element and a fixed element, wherein the moving element is coupled to surrounding air. In the method, a signal-independent magnetic field is generated to urge the moving element into a rest position when no input signal is received; and a force is generated in response to the input signal and applying that force to the moving element to urge the moving element away from the rest position. The moving element is controlled by a combined influence of the signal-independent magnetic field and the signal-dependent force to generate acoustic vibrations in response to an audio input signal.

Abstract: A floating mass transducer has a cylindrical transducer housing within which is a cylindrical transducer magnet arrangement with a magnetic pair of: i. an inner rod magnet disposed along the cylinder axis with a first magnetic field direction, and ii. an outer annular magnet surrounding the inner rod magnet along the cylinder axis with a second magnetic field direction opposite to the first magnetic field direction. Current flow through the drive coils creates a coil magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic fields of the transducer magnet arrangement to create vibration in the transducer magnet which is coupled by the transducer housing to the middle ear hearing structure for perception as sound. In addition, the opposing magnetic fields of the transducer magnet arrangement cancel each other to minimize their combined magnetic field and thereby minimize magnetic interaction of the transducer magnet arrangement with any external magnetic field.

Abstract: An implant system for imparting vibratory massage to tissue of a patient from within the body of the patient is disclosed. The system comprises an implant device configured to produce and communicate a vibration to body tissue located adjacent to the implant device. The device many include a case forming at least a portion of an exterior of the device, and a vibration generator configured to vibrate the portion of the exterior. The device may include a power supply to supply power to the vibration generator and a switch to selectively permit power from the power supply to be supplied to the vibration generator. The device may include a power receiver to receive electrical energy from a location external to the body of the patient and a signal receiver to receive signals from a location external to the body of the patient when the receiver is located in the body of the patient.

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: 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 detects low frequency sound, such that feedback is 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 is configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user receives and transmits audio signals. A bone conduction sensor detects near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user improves the user's hearing of desired sounds.

Abstract: A middle ear implant arrangement is described which includes an implantable electromechanical transducer with an inner end and an outer end, for converting an input electrical stimulation signal into a corresponding output mechanical stimulation signal. A cochlear engagement member at the inner end of the transducer has a cochlear engagement surface for coupling the mechanical stimulation signal to an outer cochlear surface of a recipient patient. A transducer loading structure has: i. an inner end adapted to releasably engage the transducer, ii. an outer end elongated along a central end axis for engaging a fixed anatomical structure within the middle ear of the recipient patient, and iii. a center spring structure connecting the inner end and the outer end and adapted to expand along a central spring axis to develop a spring force between the fixed anatomical structure and the outer end of the transducer.

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: An acoustic transmission device for transmission of acoustical energy to the cochlea includes a liquid conducting assembly, an acoustic input unit, and a vibration transducer abutting a transmission area on an outer surface of the skin over a transition area of the acoustic input unit. The assembly includes a tube with a liquid or semi-liquid medium filling the bore of the tube, and is adapted to be terminated in direct operative association with the cochlea. The acoustic input unit is adapted to be disposed subcutaneously between a skull bone surface and an external skin surface. The vibration transducer is adapted to be magnetically attachable at a fastening area adjacent to the transmission area by a magnetic assembly configured to be provided under the skin in the fastening area around the transition area.

Abstract: A partially implantable hearing device comprises a microphone assembly to be worn by the user for capturing audio signals from ambient sound, an audio signal processing unit for processing the audio signals captured by the microphone and an implantable assembly with a power supply and an electromechanical output transducer for stimulating the user's hearing according to the audio signals processed by the audio signal processing unit. Also a microphone assembly provides for transcutaneous transmission of audio signals captured by the microphone assembly to the implantable assembly and for transcutaneous transmission of power to microphone assembly from the implantable assembly.

Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.

Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.