Abstract: An exemplary system includes a sound processor configured to wirelessly communicate, while operating in a first mode, with a cochlear implant by way of a wearable headpiece coil configured to be worn on a head of a recipient of the cochlear implant, a non-wearable coil configured to be located away from the recipient, and an interface device configured to provide operating power to the non-wearable coil and communicatively couple to the sound processor while the sound processor is operating in a second mode. While the sound processor is coupled to the interface device and operating in the second mode, the non-wearable coil is configured to provide radio frequency (RF) power to the cochlear implant to keep the cochlear implant listening for commands from the sound processor.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to map an electrical waveform to a user-perceivable input. Some system examples include at least one electrode configured to sense neural activity in a patient, a mapping controller configured to receive an electrical waveform from the at least one electrode and map the sensed neural activity to a user-perceivable output based on the sensed neural activity, and a user interface operably connected to the mapping controller and configured to provide the user-perceivable output to a user.

Abstract: An exemplary evoked response measurement system includes a sound processor external to a patient and configured to direct a cochlear implant implanted within the patient to apply electrical stimulation to the patient. The measurement system also includes a headpiece configured to connect to the sound processor by way of a cable, affix to an external surface of a head of the patient, and facilitate wireless communication between the sound processor and the cochlear implant. The measurement system also includes a plurality of conductive contacts communicatively coupled to the sound processor and affixed to the external surface of the head of the patient to detect a signal representative of an evoked response generated by a brain of the patient in response to the electrical stimulation. At least one conductive contact is physically coupled to the headpiece and located between the headpiece and the external surface of the head of the patient.

Abstract: A signal processing arrangement generates optical stimulation signals to optical stimulation contacts in an implanted cochlear implant array. An input sound signal is transformed into band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies, with each band pass signal includes an envelope component characterizing loudness of the band pass signal, and a fine structure component characterizing temporal details of the band pass signal. One or more of the signal components of each band pass signal is half wave rectified to remove negative phase signals. Signal slope is determined that corresponds to rate of change of the rectified one or more signal components. Then constant-rate optical stimulation pulses are generated for one or more given band signals only when the rectified one or more signal components has a positive signal slope.

Abstract: A neural stimulus comprises at least three stimulus components, each comprising at least one of a temporal stimulus phase and a spatial stimulus pole. A first stimulus component delivers a first charge which is unequal to a third charge delivered by a third stimulus component, and the first charge and third charge are selected so as to give rise to reduced artefact at recording electrodes. In turn this may be exploited to independently control a correlation delay of a vector detector and an artefact vector to be non-parallel or orthogonal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) and to a method for electric stimulation. Said device comprises a stimulator (12) which comprises a multi-channel electrode arrangement with several stimulation electrodes (E1-E12). Said device also comprises a processor (18) which determines the pulse rate and the pulse amplitude for each stimulation electrode (E1-E12), and which controls the electrode arrangement for releasing stimulation impulses of the determined pulse rate and pulse amplitude. Said processor (18) determines the pulse rate for each stimulation electrode (E1-E12) dependent on the position in the cochlea. The invention also relates to a computer program product by means of which a data processing system determines the pulse rate for each stimulation electrode (E1-E12) dependent on the actual position thereof.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, including a magnet and a body encompassing the magnet, wherein the implantable medical device includes structural components in the body configured to move away from one another upon initial rotation of the magnet relative to the body when the magnet is subjected to an externally generated magnetic field, thereby limiting rotation of the magnet beyond the initial rotation.

Abstract: A method for transmitting information, a communication device, a portable device and a communication system are provided. The method is applied to a portable device; and the method includes: receiving and/or transmitting information in an electric field coupling manner through a first coupling electrode disposed at the portable device and a second coupling electrode at an opposite end. In an embodiment of the present application, the information is received and/or transmitted through an electric field coupling manner, which could not only improve communication quality and connection reliability on the basis of reducing communication power consumption of a portable device (such as an earphone or a charging case), but also reduce a volume of the portable device, simplify a structure and further improve user experience.

Abstract: An apparatus associated with a cochlear implant system used by a patient directs a cochlear implant included within the cochlear implant system and implanted within the patient to generate electrical stimulation current at a predetermined current level. The apparatus further directs the cochlear implant to apply the electrical stimulation current to the patient by way of an electrode coupled with the cochlear implant, and to measure a voltage level associated with the electrode while the electrical stimulation current is applied to the patient by way of the electrode. Based on the predetermined current level and the measured voltage level, the apparatus determines an impedance of the electrode. Based on the determined electrode impedance and in accordance with a predetermined stimulation parameter adjustment constraint, the apparatus automatically adjusts a stimulation parameter associated with the cochlear implant system. Additional apparatuses and corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus having a first coil including at least one turn on at least one first-coil substrate and a second coil including at least one turn on at least one second-coil substrate. The first and second coils are electrically connected to one another in parallel.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes an external unit and an implantable unit. The external unit includes an electronic unit operationally coupled to a transmitter coil that is configured transmit power and/or data signal over a wireless transcutaneous link, a coil unit comprising a loop structure with the transmitter coil being wound around and along at least a part of length of the loop structure, and a fixation unit configured to attach the loop structure to a user's body i) proximal to an implantable receiver coil that is configured to be implanted within a body part, and ii) around a body part of a user such that a part of the body part is positioned in a hollow section of the loop structure.

Abstract: A multi-component system includes a first component housing a first conductive pad, a second conductive pad, and a first portion of a loop antenna that terminates on one side at the first conductive pad and on another side at the second conductive pad. The multi-component system further includes a second component housing a third conductive pad, a fourth conductive pad, and a second portion of the loop antenna that terminates on one side at the third conductive pad and on another side at the fourth conductive pad. The second component is distinct from, and configured to detachably couple with, the first component such that the first and third conductive pads, and the second and fourth conductive pads, respectively form first and second non-galvanic couplings that capacitively couple the first and second portions of the loop antenna while the first and second portions of the loop antenna remain galvanically separated.

Abstract: A hearing prosthesis circuit includes a power source, a first amplifier coupled to the power source, and a second amplifier coupled to the power source. The circuit also includes a stimulation component coupled to the first amplifier and the second amplifier. The stimulation component is configured to provide an output in accordance with an electrical signal that includes audio data. Further, the circuit includes a controller coupled to the first amplifier and the second amplifier. The controller is operable in accordance with a first operational setting to use the first amplifier to provide the electrical signal to the stimulation component and the controller is also operable in accordance with a second operational setting to use the second amplifier to provide the electrical signal to the stimulation component. Generally, the first amplifier provides greater signal amplification of the audio data than the second amplifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining optimal temporal patterns of neural stimulation are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes selecting a temporal pattern for neural stimulation. The method also includes determining a mutation type for altering a pattern of pulses of the temporal pattern. The method also includes identifying a location within the pattern of pulses of the temporal pattern to alter based on the determined mutation type. The method further includes altering the pattern of pulses of the temporal pattern based on the identified location and mutation type for application of the altered temporal pattern to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hearing aid which includes a lateral ear canal assembly and a medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention the medial ear canal assembly may include smart circuitry adapted to control parameters and outputs of the medial ear canal assembly. In embodiments of the invention various methods and circuitry are described, wherein the methods and circuitry are adapted to improve the performance and efficiency of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A fixation device for use with an implantable medical device includes a body member comprising a contact surface shaped to conform to an outer surface of the implantable medical device, an adhesion element provided on a contact surface of the body member and configured to attach the body member to the outer surface of the implantable medical device, and an anchor member extending from the body member and having a hole for securing the fixation device to a human body while the body member is attached to the outer surface of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A sound anchor for transmitting a sound and vibration to human tissues in an ear canal is provided. The sound anchor includes a first link, and an anchor which is fixed to an ear canal inner wall of a user, receives the sound and vibration from the first link, and transmits the sound and vibration to at least one of an ear canal bone portion, a bone portion skin surface, and an auditory ossicle protrusion portion of an eardrum. The anchor includes a bar-shaped connection portion and an ear canal contact portion which is installed in the connection portion. The ear canal contact portion includes a first contact portion which is installed in one end portion of the connection portion and is in contact with the skin surface or the bone portion, and a second contact portion which is installed in the other end portion of the connection portion and is in contact with the skin surface or the bone portion. The first link is attachable to or detachable from the anchor.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment system that can form part of a cochlear implant system. The magnetic alignment system prevents substantial movement of a magnet of an implanted component during an MRI procedure or allows for easy removal of the magnet to facilitate the MRI procedure.

Abstract: A fitting system is described for fitting electrode contacts of cochlear implant electrode array implanted in a cochlea of an implanted patient. A test stimulation generator delivers to at least one of the electrode contacts a test stimulation sequence at a variable charge level and a variable stimulation rate over time, wherein the charge level and stimulation rate are inversely related as a function of a defined loudness percept by the implanted patient to the test stimulation sequence. A response measurement module obtains objective response measurements of auditory neural tissues of the implanted patient that are affected by the test stimulation sequence. A fit mapping module defines a patient-specific fit map for the electrode contacts of cochlear implant electrode array based on the objective response measurements.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device comprises an implantable part for electrically stimulating an auditory nerve of a user. The implanted part 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. This has the advantages of providing a smaller spatial spread of neurons being discharged by electric stimuli from a given electrode. The invention may e.g. be used in cochlear implant hearing assistance devices.

Abstract: An exemplary hearing device includes an interface assembly comprising a plurality of contacts and a processor coupled to the contacts. The processor is configured to configure, while a receiver assembly is connected to the interface assembly, the contacts to serve as output contacts; output, based on the configuring, audio signals to the receiver assembly by way of the contacts; detect that a device has been connected to the interface assembly in place of the receiver assembly; measure, in response to the detecting, a direct current resistance (DCR) of the device; determine, based on the DCR, that the device is a programming device; reconfigure, in response to determining that the device is the programming device, the contacts to serve as input contacts; and receive, based on the reconfiguring of the contacts to serve as input contacts, programming instructions from the programming device by way of the contacts.

Abstract: An implanted microphone is provided that allows for isolating an acoustic response of the microphone from vibration induced acceleration responses of the microphone. The present invention measures the relative motion between a microphone diaphragm, which is responsive to pressure variations in overlying media caused by acoustic forces and acceleration forces, and a cancellation element that is compliantly mounted within a housing of the microphone, which moves primarily in response to acceleration forces. When the microphone and cancelation element move substantially in unison to acceleration forces, relative movement between these elements corresponds to the acoustic response of the microphone diaphragm. This relative movement may be directly measured using various optical measuring systems.

Abstract: A method for designing a patient-customized EA or selecting an existing EA that fits the patient best includes segmenting shapes of SOIs of the cochlea in a pre-operative CT image using a shape model; defining a 3D curve of interest within the shape model of the SOIs as a sequence of points-; automatically transforming the defined 3D curve to the pre-operative CT image so as to obtain a structure curve in the cochlea; determining a length and curvatures of the structure curve at the sequence of points; and designing a patient-customized EA or selecting an existing EA based on the determined length and curvatures of the structure curve such that after the EA shape model, which estimates the resting state shape of the EA, is rigidly registered to the structure curve in the cochlea, the EA shape model has a registration error smaller than a preset value.

Abstract: An earbud includes a housing that includes a driver assembly positioned within the housing forming a front volume in front of the driver and a back volume behind the driver. An acoustic insert is positioned behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing such that it forms a bass channel that is routed from the back volume to a vent in the housing.

Abstract: An external portion of an auditory prosthesis includes an external magnet that interacts with an implanted magnet to hold the external portion against the skin of a recipient. A magnetic component can be disposed proximate either or both of the external magnet or implanted magnet to channel the magnetic field associated therewith. The magnetic component can be moved relative to its associated magnet so as to adjust the magnetic field, and thus, the retention force between the magnets.

Abstract: An exemplary method of inserting a peri-straight electrode array into a cochlea of a recipient includes positioning the peri-straight electrode array and an insertion tool within the recipient such that a distal end of the insertion tool is provided within the recipient at a location that is outside and not touching the cochlea of the recipient, and a straight distal portion of the peri-straight electrode array extends away from the distal end of the insertion tool and into the cochlea. The exemplary method further includes manually interacting with the insertion tool to advance the straight distal portion and at least some of a pre-curved proximal portion into the cochlea without allowing the insertion tool to enter or come in contact with the cochlea, and removing the insertion tool from the recipient such that the peri-straight electrode array remains within the cochlea after the insertion tool is removed from the recipient.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a neural measurement obtained in the presence of noise, in order to detect whether a locally evoked neural response is present in the neural measurement. A first neural measurement is obtained from a first sense electrode. A second neural measurement is contemporaneously obtained from a second sense electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a neural pathway of the neural response. A neural response decay is determined, being a measure of the decay in the neural response from the first sense electrode to the second sense electrode. A ratio of the neural response decay to an amplitude normalising term is calculated. From the ratio it is determined whether a locally evoked neural response is present in the neural measurement.

Abstract: Hearing assistance apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of distributed power without the use of a headpiece.

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

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a cochlear implant system is disclosed. The system includes an input unit, a filterbank, a processing unit and an implant. The input unit is configured to provide a first electrical signal from a first sound source and a second electrical signal from a second sound source. The filterbank is configured to filter the first electrical signal into a plurality of first band limited signals and the second electrical signal into a plurality of second band limited signals. The processing unit is configured to generate a primary pulse pattern based on a first band selected from the plurality of first band limited signals and to generate a secondary pulse pattern based on a second band selected from the plurality of second band limited signals, the first band and the second band being defined by same or substantially overlapping frequency ranges and the implant is configured to receive the primary pulse pattern and the secondary pulse pattern from the processing unit.

Abstract: A headpiece for use with a cochlear implant includes a headpiece housing, a microphone within the headpiece housing, an induction coil within the headpiece housing that transmits audio signals to the cochlear implant, signal processing electronics, within the headpiece housing and operably connected to the microphone and to the induction coil, that generate stimulation parameters, and a rechargeable battery operably connected to the induction coil such that the induction coil provides energy to charge the rechargeable battery when the induction coil is inductively coupled to a transmitter coil through which current is passing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a human body implant device including a first unit including a transmission unit, and a second unit configured to communicate with the first unit, wherein the second unit includes a second package including a reception unit configured to receive power or an electrical signal from the transmission unit, a first package configured to generate a stimulation signal in response to the electrical signal, a connector configured to electrically connect the first package and the second package, and a cover configured to package the first package, the second package, and the connector.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a supply of power to an external electronics module for controlling an implanted device of the user, the control circuit electrically coupled to a switching circuit for controlling an electrical connection between an external power source, a battery, and an external electronics module, the control circuit further electrically coupled to a sensor for sensing at least one from the group consisting of a voltage and a current received from the external power source, the control circuit being configured to control the switching circuit to electrically disconnect the external electronics module from the external power source and electrically connect the external electronics module to the battery in response to a sensed fluctuation of at least one from the group consisting of voltage and current and electrically connect the external electronics module to the external power source and electrically disconnect the external electronics module from the battery when the fluctuation is not

Abstract: Presented herein are distributed implantable hearing systems that have at least a main implant module that is physically separated from a distally positioned inner radio-frequency (RF) coil. Embodiments presented herein may include a main implant module positioned within a recipient's mastoid and an implantable coil positioned within a recipient's middle ear cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing non-obtrusive, automatic adjustment of an auditory prosthesis are disclosed. A control expression can be detected during a conversation. Upon detection of the control expression, an audio setting adjustment can be selected and applied to the auditory prosthesis. Multiple adjustments can be made in response to identifying multiple control expressions during a conversation.

Abstract: An elongate stimulation assembly of an implantable stimulation device, including an intra-cochlear portion including an array of electrodes, and an extra-cochlear portion extending from the intra-cochlear portion, wherein the extra-cochlear portion includes a plurality of electrical lead wires in electrical communication with the array of electrodes and a malleable component extending in an elongate manner such that the malleable component is located further away from a longitudinal axis of the extra-cochlear portion than at least one of the electrical leads of the plurality of electrical leads.

Abstract: An auditory prosthesis can be powered by an on-board battery that is placed into a receptacle in the auditory prosthesis. When longer battery life is desired, a recipient can selectively utilize a discrete power supply to power the auditory prosthesis. The discrete power supply provides power to the auditory prosthesis and, in certain embodiments, has a longer life than the on-board battery. The discrete power supply includes an adapter having a form factor that mates with the battery receptacle on the auditory prosthesis.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array comprising a flexible electrically non-conductive carrier, a flexible electrically non-conductive substrate provided with a plurality of electrical tracks. At least two of the plurality of electrical tracks run along different lengths of the flexible substrate. Each of the plurality of electrical tracks is physically and electrically connected to a respective electrode contact of a plurality of electrode contacts. The flexible substrate is immovably attached to and along a length of the flexible carrier.

Abstract: A local device of an auditory device system is configured to perform a process that switches between operating modes. As part of the process, the local device may determine a wireless quality parameter indicative of a current environment for wireless communication with the contra device. Additionally, based on the one or more local input audio signals and the wireless quality parameter, the local device may determine whether to change a local active operating mode of the local device from a bilateral mode to a binaural mode or from the binaural mode to the bilateral mode. The local device may generate a local output audio signal based on the one or more local input audio signals in accordance with the local active operating mode and may produce sound based on the local output audio signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting one type of speech processor unit into another type of speech processor unit.

Abstract: A signal processing arrangement generates electrical stimulation signals to electrode contacts in an implanted cochlear implant array. An input sound signal is processed to generate band pass signals that each represent an associated band of audio frequencies. A characteristic envelope signal is extracted for each band pass signal based on its amplitude. Stimulation timing signals are generated for each band pass signal, including for one or more selected band pass signals using a timing function defined to: i. represent instantaneous frequency as determined by the band pass signal temporal fine structure features, and ii. exclude temporal fine structure features occurring within a time period shorter than a band-specific upper frequency limit. The electrode stimulation signals are produced for each electrode contact based on the envelope signals and the stimulation timing signals.

Abstract: A cochlear implant includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrode contacts arranged along at least a portion of a length of an electrode array, and a processing arrangement configured to map at least one electrode contact to first and/or second mappings. The first mapping provides a first electrical stimulation from the electrode contact to a first ground electrode positioned external to a patient's cochlea to stimulate hearing at a first location in the cochlea positioned adjacent to the electrode contact when the implant is inserted into the cochlea. The second mapping provides a second electrical stimulation from the electrode contact to the second ground electrode to stimulate hearing at a location in the cochlea positioned further towards the apex of the cochlea as compared to a distal end of the electrode array when the implant is inserted into the cochlea.

Abstract: An exemplary cochlear implant assembly includes an implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS) configured to apply electrical stimulation to a recipient by way of an electrode array. The ICS is housed in a casing that comprises a first surface area configured to serve as a current path to ground for the electrical stimulation and a second surface area. The cochlear implant assembly further includes an encapsulant that includes a conductive portion configured to cover the first surface area of the casing and be in conductive contact with the first surface area such that the conductive portion serves as the ground electrode and a non-conductive portion configured to cover the second surface area of the casing such that the casing is entirely disposed within the conductive and non-conductive portions of the encapsulant. Corresponding methods for manufacturing cochlear implant assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A middle ear implant may include 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 configured to connect the first interface portion and the second interface portion, and a sensor disposed at one end of the shaft, between the shaft and one of the first interface portion or the second interface portion. The sensor may be 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. The sensor may also be configured to provide an AC signal output indicative of a frequency response of the implant in response to the sensor being coupled to an output device.

Abstract: Embodiments may stimulate nerve activity using transcutaneous nerve stimulation, as well as monitor nerve activity through the skin. Various branches of the nervous system may be accessed at various points on the body. For example, system for monitoring and stimulating human body activity and conditions may comprise at least one transcutaneous nerve stimulation circuitry comprising a circuitry adapted to generate a nerve stimulation signal and at least one electrode or contact adapted to apply the nerve stimulation signal to a nerve of a human through a skin of the human, transcutaneous electrical nerve monitoring circuitry comprising a circuitry adapted to monitor at least one nerve signal received from at least one sensor adapted to obtain the at least one nerve signal from a human through the skin of the human, and control circuitry adapted to control signal generation and signal application of the transcutaneous nerve stimulation circuitry.

Abstract: Presented herein are magnet arrangements for use with encapsulated implantable components. An implantable component comprises an implant body and a plurality of wire loops forming an internal coil that are encapsulated in a biocompatible overmolding. The implantable component also comprises a bone fixture positioned proximate to the plurality of wire loops and an implantable magnet attached to the bone fixture.

Abstract: A cochlear implant configured to be implanted within a patient may comprise an integrated circuit including a driver configured to generate a back telemetry signal encoded with information to be transmitted over a wireless communication link to a sound processor located external to the patient. The cochlear implant may also comprise a filter network that includes a first plurality of impedance components including a damping resistor, and a first and a second impedance component such as a capacitor or an inductor. The cochlear implant may also comprise an isolation network including a second plurality of impedance components configured to isolate, from the filter network and the driver, a forward telemetry signal received by the cochlear implant from the sound processor.

Abstract: A method of signal processing to generate hearing implant stimulation signals for a hearing implant system includes transforming an input sound signal into band pass signals each representing an associated frequency band of audio frequencies. The band pass signals are processed in a sequence of sampling time frames and iterative steps to produce a noise power estimate. This includes using a noise prediction model to determine if a currently observed signal sample includes a target signal, and if so, then updating a current noise power estimate without using the currently observed signal sample, and otherwise updating the current noise power estimate using the currently observed signal sample. The noise prediction model also is adapted based on the updated noise power estimate. The hearing implant stimulation signals are then developed from the band pass signals and the noise power estimate.

Abstract: Arrangements are described for fitting a cochlear implant to a recipient patient. An acoustic stimulus is delivered to an ear of the patient over a range of acoustic frequencies. A baseline acoustic transfer function resulting from the acoustic stimulus is measured using a response sensor configured to sense pressure response characteristics in the middle ear. And a maximum comfortable level (MCL) of stimulation is determined for at least one stimulation contact in the electrode array, based on performing an electrically evoked measurement to an electric stimulation signal and using the response sensor to measure a modified acoustic transfer function. The modified acoustic transfer function is compared to the baseline acoustic transfer function to determine when a stapedius reflex response occurs and identify the MCL.

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.