Abstract: A processing device is interfaced with an auditory region of the brain of a subject that is responsible for auditory perception. The processing device receives signals associated with nerve impulses that are transmitted to the auditory region of the brain of the subject in response to sound collected by an ear of the subject. The processing device processes the received signals and generates at least one audio signal that is representative of the auditory perception, by the subject, of the sound collected by the ear. In certain embodiments, the processing device processes at least one audio signal that is representative of at least one sound to convert the at least one audio signal to a sequence of nerve impulses, and selectively provides the sequence of nerve impulses to the auditory region of the brain of the subject such that the subject audially perceives the at least one sound.

Abstract: A wireless earpiece includes a wireless earpiece housing, a processor, and a transceiver configured to produce electromagnetic pulses capable of reaching a brain of a user. A method of stimulating the brain of the user using the wireless earpiece includes receiving a request at the wireless earpiece and generating an electromagnetic pulse in response to the request.

Abstract: An illustrative cochlear implant system is disclosed herein. The cochlear implant system comprises a microphone assembly including a microphone and a retention device configured to hold the microphone near an entrance to an ear canal of an ear of a recipient. The cochlear implant system further comprises an off-the-ear (OTE) sound processor that includes a housing configured to be worn off the ear of the recipient and further configured to physically attach to the microphone assembly so as to allow the microphone assembly to be worn off the ear when the microphone assembly is not being worn at the ear using the retention device. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modulating neural activity within brainstem circuitry to evoke a certain bodily function (e.g., cardiorespiratory response) in a patient. A controller can configure a light signal (such as an infrared light signal) to deliver an amount of radiant exposure to a specific portion of the brainstem for a time. The specific portion of the brainstem can include brainstem circuitry that is the control center for the certain bodily function. The configured light signal can be delivered to the specific portion of the brainstem by an optrode for the time. During application, the light signal can deliver the amount of radiant exposure to the specific portion of the brainstem to evoke the certain bodily function.

Abstract: Disclosed are nerve stimulation assemblies adapted to apply stimulation signals to a person's nervous system. The assemblies are adapted to apply such signals to nerves terminating on the outer ear of a person, for example, the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The assemblies comprise an ear canal extension adapted to fit within an ear canal of the person, a housing connected with the extension, and an electrode arm connected with the housing by a connection member. The connection member is adapted to articulate the electrode arm to position the electrode arm relative to the outer ear. An electrode is connected with a distal end of the arm. When the arm is articulated to a selected orientation and the extension is fitted in the ear canal, the electrode is in electrical contact with a portion of the outer ear innervated by a selected peripheral nerve, such as the vagus nerve.

Abstract: The present invention regards a hearing aid device at least one environment sound input, a wireless sound input, an output transducer, electric circuitry, a transmitter unit, and a dedicated beamformer-noise-reduction-system. The hearing aid device is configured to be worn in or at an ear of a user. The at least one environment sound input is configured to receive sound and to generate electrical sound signals representing sound. The wireless sound input is configured to receive wireless sound signals. The output transducer is configured to stimulate hearing of the hearing aid device user. The transmitter unit is configured to transmit signals representing sound and/or voice. The dedicated beamformer-noise-reduction-system is configured to retrieve a user voice signal representing the voice of a user from the electrical sound signals. The wireless sound input is configured to be wirelessly connected to a communication device and to receive wireless sound signals from the communication device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a cochlear implant system comprising; a microphone unit configured to receive an acoustical signal and transmit an audio signal based on the acoustical signal, a processor unit configured to receive the audio signal and process the audio signal into a plurality channels that are then used to generate a plurality of electrode pulses, an electrode array including a plurality of electrodes (M) configured to stimulate auditory nerves of a user of the cochlear implant system based on the plurality of electrode pulses, and wherein the processor unit is configured to assign an importance value to one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the importance values is determined based on a status of an electrode pulse assigned to the respective electrode, and wherein the status of the electrode pulse of the plurality of electrode pulses is determined based on a masking model of across-electrode interferences imposed on that electrode pulse by other electro

Abstract: A neural stimulator, suitable for implanting in a recipient, and configured to combine vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) with cochlear stimulation, to result in faster adaptation to new sounds and maps, and alleviation of tinnitus in the recipient.

Abstract: A cochlear implant includes a cochlear lead, a housing, an antenna, a stimulation processor operably connected to the antenna and to the cochlear lead, a first fixation element, a second fixation element with a different configuration than the first fixation element, and a connector configured to simultaneously connect the first and second fixation elements to the housing in such a manner that the first and second fixation elements are independently detachable from the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrode assemblies configured for use with a medical device, such as an implantable medical device. In one aspect, the disclosed electrode assembly includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode, each of which is configured to deliver electrical stimuli to a body part of a recipient. The electrode assembly also includes a first wire that is attached at one end to the first electrode and comprises a conductor that has a first diameter, and a second wire that is attached to the second electrode and comprises a conductor that has a second diameter, with the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. Additionally, each of the first wire and the second wire pass through a proximal end of the assembly is configured to connect the one of the electrodes to a stimulation unit of a medical device.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject in need thereof, is carried out by (a) administering said subject a therapeutic intervention (e.g., an active agent) in a treatment effective amount; and concurrently (b) administering said subject caloric vestibular stimulation in a treatment effective amount, said caloric vestibular stimulation administered so as to enhance the efficacy of said active agent. In some embodiments, the caloric vestibular stimulation is administered as an actively controlled time varying waveform.

Abstract: An exemplary cochlear implant system for use by a recipient includes a microphone assembly and an off-the-ear (OTE) sound processor communicatively coupled with the microphone assembly. The microphone assembly includes a microphone configured to capture an audio signal representative of sound presented to the recipient, and a retention device configured to hold the microphone in place near an entrance to an ear canal of an ear of the recipient. The OTE sound processor includes a housing configured to be worn on a head of the recipient at a location that is off the ear of the recipient, and electronic circuitry included within the housing. The electronic circuitry is configured to generate stimulation parameters that, when transmitted to a cochlear implant implanted within the recipient, direct the cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation representative of the captured audio signal to the recipient. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measuring tinnitus of a patient using a Bayesian minimum-entropy psychometric procedure for which a probabilistic model of the patient's behavior is combined with an optimal statistical-inference method to generate a test sound to be presented to the patient. The test sound includes a sequence of sound components selected and arranged to facilitate, expedite, and improve the reliability of tinnitus measurements.

Abstract: A method of reversing hearing loss using a therapy stimulator machine that includes a first and second handheld probe electrode; using the hand held probe electrodes with water to apply pressure to locations and at the same time wiggle the probe electrodes around the patient's ear to stimulate hearing loss reversal. Simultaneously an isolated sound source is applied to the side of the ear under treatment so patient would be able to appreciate the improvement in the hearing capability instantly.

Abstract: A method of providing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to a user is provided. The method includes the steps of: (1) collecting, by one or more sensors monitoring a user, one or more sets of physiological data; (2) determining, by a controller, an occurrence of a physiological event based on the one or more sets of physiological data; (3) stimulating, by a first earpiece worn by a user, a vagus nerve of the user with a VNS signal generated based on the controller determining the occurrence of the physiological event, wherein the VNS signal has an amplitude. The physiological condition may be an anxiety attack. The physiological condition may be a migraine headache.

Abstract: A method, comprising, fitting an electrical stimulating device to the recipient, the electrical stimulating device including electrodes implanted in the recipient, the electrical stimulating device being a multipolar electrical stimulating device, wherein the fitting includes simultaneously applying multipolar stimulation to the recipient via the electrodes based on at least two different stimulation channels of the electrical stimulating device.

Abstract: A bimodal hearing stimulation system comprises an implantable stimulation assembly for applying neural stimulation to a patient's hearing according to an electrical stimulation signal; an acoustic stimulation unit for applying acoustic stimulation to the patient's hearing according to an acoustic stimulation signal; and a sound processor for generating the electric stimulation signal and the acoustic stimulation signal from an input audio signal. The sound processor is configured to divide the input audio signal into a plurality of frequency bands. The sound processor comprises a weighting unit for dynamically determining for each of the frequency bands a relative loudness weight of the electric stimulation and a relative loudness weight of the acoustic stimulation as a function of the present level of the input audio signal in the respective frequency band. The sound processor is configured to apply the weighting function when generating the electric stimulation signal and the acoustic stimulation signal.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation device where the innervation of the external ear canal is transcutaneously stimulated for treatment of neurological diseases. More particularly, an electrostimulation device having a cylindrical ear insert the surface of which contains at least one electrode being provided with a stimulation end adapted to be transcutaneously attached to the innervation of the external ear canal of a human. The electro-stimulation device is configured to stimulate anterior, superior, posterior or inferior positions of the external ear canal to stimulate simultaneously, sequentially or separately the trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, vagus nerve or glossopharyngeal nerve of the external ear canal.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for determining or quantifying tinnitus conditions within a patient, including determining if a patient has some form of tinnitus as well as categorizing or determining the severity of a tinnitus condition, if present. The described systems and methods are also useful in evaluating the efficacy a tinnitus treatment by measuring the degree of reduction of tinnitus symptoms in a patient. The described systems and methods also provide a personalized profile for each specific patient, allowing for more effective treatment options as various forms or causes of tinnitus become apparent.

Abstract: A method of neurostimulation may include delivering an electrical signal to a plurality of electrodes connected to a patient. The electrical signal may include a plurality of spaced-apart packets of electrical pulses. The method may include modulating at least one of a quantity of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, a width in time of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, an amplitude in voltage of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, a separation in time between adjacent ones of the plurality of electrical pulses within ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses, and a separation in time between adjacent ones of the plurality of packets of electrical pulses to modulate the electrical signal.

Abstract: The present methods and apparatus can provide improved efficacy with improved tolerance. The methods and apparatus can be configured to alter the stimulus, which can decrease neural adaptation of the subject and provide an improved response. The acoustic stimulus can be delivered as a tone, which can make the stimulus more acceptable to the subject receiving the stimulus. The stimulus may comprise a varying stimulus in order to decrease neural adaptation to the stimulus. The stimulus can be varied by varying one or more of a duty cycle, a frequency, or a shape of the waveform. The waveform may comprise a plurality of individual pulses, in which the waveform varies among pulses of the plurality. Acoustic stimulation can be combined with electrical stimulation. The device may comprise a plurality of sensors to determine the response of the subject.

Abstract: A determination system includes a head electrode that is located on a left head portion of a user when an intention of the user to move a portion on a right side of a body of the user is detected and that is located on a right head portion of the user when an intention of the user to move a portion on a left side of the body of the user is detected; an ear hole electrode that is located in an ear hole of the user; an electroencephalogram signal measurer that obtains a voltage between the head electrode and the ear hole electrode; and a determiner that determines whether or not a change in the voltage includes the intention to move the portion on the right side of the body or the intention to move the portion on the left side of the body.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system for treatment of physiological disorders. The system includes one or more stimulators for stimulating one or more cranial nerves; one or more detectors configured for detecting a predetermined physiological state; and a control unit that controls nerve stimulation by the one or more stimulators so that it is synchronized with the at least one predetermined physiological state detected by the one or more detectors. A method of neuromodulating a patient for treatment of physiological disorder. The method includes the steps of detecting a predetermined physiological state and applying stimulation to one of the cranial nerves during the predetermined physiological state by one or more stimulators of a neuromodulation system.

Abstract: A fabric material composite construction, for use as a filter means or media, characterized in that said construction comprises a combination of one or more nanofiber layers and a synthetic single-thread squarely knitted precision fabric.

Abstract: An exemplary programming system 1) detects a first input command representative of a request to create a sound processing program, 2) provides, in response to the first input command, a user interface that shows a plurality of default values corresponding to a plurality of parameters associated with the sound processing program, 3) detects a changing, by way of the user interface, of the plurality of default values to a plurality of modified values, 4) detects, subsequent to the changing, a second input command representative of a request to create a sound processing program template configured to serve as a basis for one or more additional sound processing programs, and 5) presents, in response to the second input command, an option that allows the user to select one or more of the modified values to be included in the sound processing program template.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject in need thereof, is carried out by (a) administering said subject a therapeutic intervention (e.g., an active agent) in a treatment effective amount; and concurrently (b) administering said subject caloric vestibular stimulation in a treatment effective amount, said caloric vestibular stimulation administered so as to enhance the efficacy of said active agent. In some embodiments, the caloric vestibular stimulation is administered as an actively controlled time varying waveform.

Abstract: One example discloses a vibration sensor, comprising: an RF receiver circuit configured to receive an RF input signal; an RF signal characterization circuit configured to measure an attribute of the RF input signal over a set time-period; wherein the attribute of the RF input signal varies based on a physical motion between the vibration sensor and an RF source transmitting the RF input signal; and a vibration profiling circuit configured to map the attribute of the RF input signal to a vibration level.

Abstract: An implantable auditory prosthesis includes at least one implantable sound sensor that is configured to detect sound signals from within a recipient and to use these internally detected sound signals for use in stimulating the recipient. The implantable auditory prosthesis is also configured to receive sound signals from an external sound source and to use the externally detected sound signals for use in stimulating the recipient. The implantable auditory prosthesis uses the sound signals received from the external sound source to stimulate the recipient, while restricting the use of sound signals detected at the implantable sound sensor when the external sound source is not present/available to provide sound signals to the implantable auditory prosthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus having a directional antenna system having adaptable directionality and a direction determination system configured to determine a desired direction, the directionality of the directional antenna system may be modified or adapted based on the desired direction.

Abstract: Presented herein are substantially automated techniques that enable an electro-acoustic or other hearing prosthesis implanted in a recipient to use objective measurements to determine when the recipient is likely experiencing sound perception changes. Once one or more perception changes are detected, the hearing prosthesis may initiate one or more remedial actions to, for example, address the perception changes. As described further below, the one or more remedial actions may include adjustments to the recipient's operational map to reverse the one or more perception changes.

Abstract: A cochlear implant or other auditory prosthesis utilizes an external portion worn on a recipient's head and an internal portion implanted therein. Both portions include an associated coil that transmits a signal between the two portions. The external coil has a form factor substantially similar to the implantable coil. This form factor allows the external portion to be manufactured with a smaller footprint, since components that may otherwise interfere with signal transmission (e.g., batteries) may be installed closer to the external coil.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computing devices for fitting bilateral hearing prostheses. An example method includes sending a signal to a first hearing prosthesis and a second hearing prosthesis. The signal causes the first hearing prosthesis to deliver a first stimulus to a body part in a left auditory pathway of a user. The signal also causes the second hearing prosthesis to deliver a second stimulus to a body part in a right auditory pathway of the user. The first stimulus and the second stimulus cause the user to perceive a sound and are delivered simultaneously. The method also includes receiving an indication of a perception of the sound by the user. The method further includes determining an adjustment to at least one of the first stimulus or the second stimulus based on the perception of the sound by the user.

Abstract: A method of operating an implantable neuromodulator coupled to an electrode array implanted adjacent tissue of a patient having a medical condition comprises conveying electrical modulation energy to tissue of the patient in accordance with a modulation parameter set, wherein conveying the electrical modulation energy to tissue of the patient in accordance with the modulation parameter set stimulates dorsal horn neuronal elements more than dorsal column neuronal elements.

Abstract: Arrangements are described for assessing potential fitting processes for a cochlear implant patient. A test stimulation sequence at a given test frequency is delivered to the cochlear implant patient. The test stimulation sequence includes jittered stimulation periods when the test frequency varies due to a jitter variation component, and unjittered stimulation periods when the test frequency is constant without a jitter variation component. At least two different responses of the cochlear implant to the test stimulation sequence are measured in parallel. The different responses include an objective electrophysiological response, and a subjective psychophysical response. A correlation between the different responses is evaluated to determine an appropriate fitting process for the cochlear implant patient.

Abstract: A universal implant for an implantable medical device, the universal implant including a plurality of functional components, having a plurality of hardware components disposed in a housing, and an auxiliary component interface disposed in a surface of the housing and configured to electrically connect any one of a plurality of auxiliary components to said hardware components. The universal implant further includes a determinator configured to identify one or more of the auxiliary components, select one or more of said functional components based on the identified auxiliary components, and adapt said selected functional components for operation with the identified auxiliary components.

Abstract: An exemplary stimulation configuration management system may 1) obtain electric field imaging (EFI) data for a plurality of stimulation configurations associated with an electrode included in an intracochlear electrode array that is a part of a cochlear implant system associated with a patient, 2) identify, based on the EFI data, a stimulation configuration included in the plurality of stimulation configuration and that focuses an electric field produced by current applied to the electrode more than any other stimulation configuration included in the plurality of stimulation configurations, and 3) direct the cochlear implant system to use the identified stimulation configuration for the electrode during a normal operation of the cochlear implant system.

Abstract: A system is provided for driving an implantable neurostimulator lead, the lead having an associated plurality of electrodes disposed in at least one array on the lead. The system comprises an implantable pulse generator (IPG), the IPG including an electrode driver, a load system for determining load requirements, an IPG power coupler, and an IPG communication system. The system also includes an external unit, which includes an external variable power generator, an external power coupler, an external communication system, and a controller for varying the power level of the variable power generator.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a stimulation management facility configured to direct an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) system to concurrently apply acoustic stimulation to a patient by way of a loudspeaker and electrical stimulation to the patient by way of an electrode, and 2) a fitting facility communicatively coupled to the stimulation management facility and configured to detect an interaction between the acoustic stimulation and the electrical stimulation, and set one or more control parameters governing an operation of the EAS system based on the detected interaction. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for delivering caloric vestibular stimulation to an individual, includes: (a) an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the individual for delivering said caloric vestibular stimulation; (b) a power supply operatively associated with said earpiece; and (c) a controller operatively associated with said power supply and said earpiece for configuring said caloric vestibular stimulation as at least a first and second time-varying waveform. Preferably, the waveforms are actively controlled waveforms.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device includes an implantable part for electrically stimulating an auditory nerve of a user. The electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve by a cochlear implant hearing assistance device is improved by providing an implanted part that comprises a) a current source generator; and b) an electrode array configured to be located inside one of the cochlear scala or adjacent to the auditory nerve. The hearing assistance device is configured to produce a time-varying waveform delivered by the current source generator, the time-varying waveform comprising a positively sloping positive pulse.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a sound detector configured to detect an audio signal, 2) an implantable stimulator configured to be implanted within a user, and 3) a sound processor communicatively coupled to the implantable cochlear stimulator and the sound detector. The sound processor is configured to determine that a level of the audio signal exceeds a predetermined threshold and direct, in response to the determination that the level of the audio signal exceeds the predetermined threshold, the implantable stimulator to elicit a stapedial reflex within the user by applying electrical stimulation to one or more stimulation sites within the user. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maximizing the resonance frequency match between a reader and a controlled device interacting over a narrowband inductive link involve, in various embodiments, features of the controlled device, the reader, or both.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses involving providing a clock signal. As consistent with one or more embodiments herein, a sawtooth waveform signal is generated in a manner that facilitates low power operation. In some implementations, the sawtooth waveform signal is generated using an oscillator that operates without necessarily employing R-C circuits and/or without rail-to-rail voltage supply, such as via a nonlinear oscillator. The sawtooth waveform signal is used to generate a trapezoidal waveform signal, and a clock signal is generated using the trapeziodal waveform signal.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a stimulation management facility configured to direct an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) system to concurrently apply acoustic stimulation to a patient by way of a loudspeaker and electrical stimulation to the patient by way of an electrode located within a cochlea of the patient during a fitting session, and 2) a fitting facility communicatively coupled to the stimulation management facility and configured to detect, during the fitting session, an interaction between the acoustic stimulation and the electrical stimulation, and set, during the fitting session, one or more control parameters governing an operation of the EAS system based on the detected interaction. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application discloses hearing prostheses with two modes of operation and methods for operating the prostheses. In the first mode of operation, a hearing prosthesis receives a microphone input and produces an output based on the microphone input. In the second mode of operation, the hearing prosthesis may detect an accessory input signal and switch to an accessory input mode. The second mode of operation may produce an output that is based at least in part on the accessory input signal. Some embodiments may include detecting an accessory input signal with a detector. In response to detecting an accessory input signal, the hearing prosthesis may switch to an accessory operation mode. When the accessory input signal is not detected, the hearing prosthesis may operate in microphone operation mode.

Abstract: Treatment system for a patient, preferably for performing a dialysis treatment, including a medical apparatus, preferably a dialysis apparatus, having a communication device which is configured to emit a wireless interrogation signal and receive a wireless identification signal, and an identification device which can be carried by an operator to identify the operator. The identification device is preferably embodied as a watch and is configured to send a wireless identification signal to the medical apparatus to confirm the identity of the operator and that the operator is authorized to operate the medical apparatus to which the signal has been sent.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.