COCHLEAR LIMITED Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140316190 | IMPLANTABLE AUDITORY STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH OFFSET IMPLANTED MICROPHONES - An improved implantable auditory stimulation system includes two or more implanted microphones for transcutaneous detection of acoustic signals. Each of the implanted microphones provides an output signal. The microphone output signals may be combinatively utilized by an implanted processor to generate a signal for driving an implanted auditory stimulation device. The implanted microphones may be located at offset subcutaneous locations and/or may be provided with different design sensitivities, wherein combinative processing of the microphone output signals may yield an improved drive signal. In one embodiment, the microphone signal may be processed for beamforming and/or directionality purposes. | 10-23-2014 |
20140275732 | Hearing Prosthesis Fitting Incorporating Feedback Determination - The present application discloses systems and methods to analyze feedback path information during a fitting session. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided and includes during a fitting session, calculating a feedback gain margin of a hearing prosthesis by causing the hearing prosthesis to receive a test signal, output an output signal based on the test signal, and receive a feedback signal based on the output of the output signal, the test signal being configured to test a different parameter of the hearing prosthesis. | 09-18-2014 |
20140233743 | MEDICAL DEVICE DIAGNOSTICS USING A PORTABLE DEVICE - Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be used to test devices using a portable device. A portable device is a tablet computer, a smart phone, or other type of device. In embodiments, the different components of the portable device are utilized to perform tests on a medical device such as a hearing prosthesis or other type of medical device. For example, portable device components such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, microphones, speakers, etc. are used to provide testing stimuli and/or record the responses from the hearing prosthesis to the testing stimuli. The portable device is used to generate testing stimulus and record the response from the device being tested using the various components of the portable device. Analysis of the output of the medical device can be performed to determine a remedy to improve operation of the device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140052217 | Fitting Bilateral Hearing Prostheses - 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. | 02-20-2014 |
20140039576 | Automatic Sound Optimizer - Disclosed herein are systems and methods that help to optimize the sound quality produced when a sound processing mode is enabled in an audio device, such as a hearing prosthesis. When the sound processing mode is enabled, a sound processor in the audio device will create a candidate transformed signal based on a default set of parameters associated with the sound processing mode (i.e. a candidate signal processing function). Further, the sound processor will create a reference transformed signal based on the same enabled sound processing mode, but with a varied set of parameters (i.e. a modified signal processing function). The sound processor will then compare the candidate transformed signal to the reference transformed signal to determine which signal has a higher quality. The device then creates an output based on the higher quality signal. | 02-06-2014 |
20140025138 | Hearing Prosthesis with a Standard Wire Interface - Methods, systems, and devices for receiving a data signal and a power signal by a hearing prosthesis are disclosed. An input signal is received at a first unit of a hearing prosthesis. The first unit receives the input signal at a wired interface module that conforms to a standardized interface. The first unit identifies a data signal and a power signal included in the input signal. The first unit transfers at least a portion of the power signal to a second unit of the hearing prosthesis. The second unit is implanted in a body and is configured to stimulate an auditory organ, allowing a user to perceive at least a portion of a sound. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025137 | Electrical Isolation in an Implantable Device - A total implantable hearing aid system is described. The system includes a single transformer that acts as an insulator between simulation circuitry and associated electrodes, and other system elements residing in the tissue. These other system elements include an RF receiver coil, a microphone system, a battery, and a digital signal processor. The transformer also increases the battery output voltage to a level needed by the simulation circuitry with electrodes. | 01-23-2014 |
20130345775 | Determining Control Settings for a Hearing Prosthesis - Methods, systems, and devices for determining control settings used by a hearing prosthesis to process a sound are disclosed. A first model output based on control settings is received by a computing device configured to fit the hearing prosthesis to a user. A difference between the first model output and a reference output based on normal human hearing at a target frequency is determined. If the difference between the first model output and the reference output at the target frequency is within a specification, the computing device sends a signal to the hearing prosthesis that includes information indicative of the control settings. | 12-26-2013 |
20130308804 | Adaptive Data Rate for a Bilateral Hearing Prosthesis System - Methods, systems, and devices for determining a data rate for a communication between bilateral hearing prostheses are disclosed. A first hearing prosthesis transmits a first signal to a second hearing prosthesis during a first transmission interval. The second hearing prosthesis transmits a second signal to the first hearing prosthesis during a second transmission interval. The first signal includes an indication of a data rate for the second signal. | 11-21-2013 |
20130296969 | Electrode Weighting Unit - The present application discloses systems and methods for performing a weighting operation in a stimulation module of a stimulation prosthesis. Accordingly, a command module transmits one data word (i.e., the channel and amplitude value) to the stimulation module. The stimulation module then determines the individual electrodes and magnitudes of electrical signals to apply thereto so as to achieve appropriate stimulation on the channel. In accordance with one embodiment, a stimulation module includes a receiver that is configured for receiving stimulation data transmitted by the command module, the stimulation data defining a channel and an amplitude, a weighting unit configured for calculating, based on the channel and amplitude value, a set of magnitudes, and an arrangement of current sources-and-switches configured for applying current to the array of electrodes based on the calculated set of magnitudes. | 11-07-2013 |
20130282094 | Implantable Prosthesis Configuration to Control Heat Dissipation from Prosthesis Components - Disclosed herein are medical prostheses including a cochlear implant that includes circuitry enclosed within a housing and at least one electrode lead extending from the housing. The electrode lead comprises a conducting pathway and an electrode terminal at one end of the electrode lead. The conducting pathway connects the circuitry with the electrode terminal, and insulation (or an insulating sleeve) encloses at least a portion of the conducting pathway. In some embodiments, the electrode terminal has a lower thermal conductivity relative to the implant housing. In further embodiments, the insulation has thermal conductivity and thermal conduction properties that cause at least some thermal energy in the conducting pathway to flow into the insulation rather than to the electrode terminal. In still further embodiments, at least one of the electrode terminal or the electrode lead includes at least one thermal mass enhancing structure. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282067 | Enabling Device for Implantable Medical Devices - Methods and devices for determining the operating mode of an implantable medical device are disclosed. A first device transmits a keep-alive signal to an implantable medical device. If the implantable medical device receives the keep-alive signal within a first time interval, the implantable medical device operates in a normal operating mode. If the implantable medical device does not receive the keep-alive signal with the first time interval, at least a portion of the implantable medical device is deactivated. | 10-24-2013 |
20130268024 | Simultaneous-Script Execution - The present application discloses systems and methods for engaging in a peer approach to script execution. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods, a hearing prosthesis receives two scripts. Each script defines a different set of instructions to be carried out by the hearing prosthesis. In one embodiment, the command module receives one script and the stimulation module receives the other script. In such an embodiment, each module executes the script at substantially the same time. Furthermore, when one module encounters portions of the script that are somewhat time sensitive (e.g., a portion of a script that dictates to receive a transmission from the other module), the module will pause execution of the script and wait for execution of the other script to catch up. | 10-10-2013 |
20130245362 | Vibration Sensor for Bone Conduction Hearing Prosthesis - The present application discloses a vibration-based hearing prosthesis configured to measure the vibration applied by a hearing prosthesis to the skull of the hearing prosthesis recipient while the recipient is wearing the hearing prosthesis. Directly measuring the applied vibration in situ allows hearing characteristics to be more accurately mapped to voltage inputs. A recipient's hearing threshold and associated voltage input may be directly measured. Additionally, measuring the applied vibrations allows co-listening. A doctor can monitor the sound output from a vibration-based hearing prosthesis as it is worn by a recipient. Directly measuring the vibration output also allows an additional degree of freedom in diagnostics because a recipient can perform diagnostic tests at home. | 09-19-2013 |
20130184804 | IMPLANTABLE COMPONENT INTERFACE - An implantable medical device, comprising a first implantable component having a first interface surface and a second implantable component. The second implantable component has a second interface surface comprising one or more integrated protrusions extending therefrom configured to mate with the first interface surface and to provide a desired spacing between the first and second implantable components. | 07-18-2013 |
20130165992 | Stimulation Prosthesis with Configurable Data Link - The present application discloses systems and methods for operating a stimulation prosthesis that contains a command module and a stimulator module that communicate by a data link. The stimulation prosthesis has at least two operating states: a configuration state and a stimulation state. In one embodiment, the stimulation prosthesis may use a communication protocol that is suitable for the current operating state. The risk of unintended transitions between the operating states due to data transmission errors is substantially eliminated. And in accordance with another embodiment, in addition to switching stimulation strategies, the stimulation prosthesis may also switch stimulation data formats to a format that is optimized for the new stimulation strategy. | 06-27-2013 |
20130136268 | AUTOMATIC PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION FOR PERCEPTUAL DEVICES - Systems and methods may be used to modify a controllable stimulus generated by a digital audio device in communication with a human user. An input signal is provided to the digital audio device. In turn, the digital audio device sends a stimulus based on that input signal to the human user, who takes an action, usually in the form of an output signal, to characterize the stimulus that the user receives, based on the user's perception. An algorithm then determines a difference between the input signal and the output signal, and a perceptual model is constructed based at least in part on the difference. Thereafter, a new value for the parameter of the digital audio device is suggested based at least in part on the perceptual model. This process continues iteratively until the algorithm finds the user's optimal device parameters. While this process is highly complex and time consuming, the algorithm successfully reaches at least a near optimal settings, if not the optimal, in a short time. | 05-30-2013 |
20130116497 | Coupling Systems For Implantable Prosthesis Components - Disclosed are coupling systems for implantable prosthesis components, including implantable microphones and implantable actuators associated with prostheses including hearing prostheses. Some embodiments include a flexible elongate member having a first end mechanically coupled to a vibrating structure of a prosthesis recipient's body and a second end secured to a diaphragm, where the flexible elongate member is configured to transfer vibrations between the vibrating structure and the diaphragm. Microphone embodiments further include a vibration sensor configured to detect vibrations of the diaphragm and generate electrical signals based at least in part on the detected vibrations. Actuator embodiments include an actuation mechanism configured to apply mechanical vibration signals to a vibrating structure of the recipient's body via the elongate member by causing the first diaphragm to vibrate, where the mechanical vibration signals are based on electrical signals received from a sound processor associated with the prosthesis. | 05-09-2013 |
20130114835 | Optimal Spatial Filtering in the Presence of Wind in a Hearing Prosthesis - The present application discloses methods, systems, and hearing prostheses for reducing wind noise and/or thermal noise in an audio signal transmitted to the user of a hearing prosthesis. A method in accordance with the present disclosure includes utilizing delay-sum beamforming to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in an audio signal that contains wind noise and/or thermal noise. In the presence of at least one of wind noise and thermal noise, amplitudes and phases of at least two input signals are matched. The two signals are then added together, resulting in an average improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal transmitted to the user of about 3 dB. | 05-09-2013 |
20130102923 | Acoustic Prescription Rule Based on an In Situ Measured Dynamic Range - The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for determining prescription rules for a hearing prosthesis. A method in accordance with the present disclosure includes identifying a threshold hearing level and an uncomfortable loudness level for a channel of a hearing prosthesis. In one example, the threshold hearing level and the uncomfortable loudness level are determined in response to a stimulation signal generated utilizing the hearing prosthesis in situ on a recipient. In the present example, the stimulation signal corresponds to the channel of the hearing prosthesis. The method further includes developing a prescription rule based on the threshold hearing level and the uncomfortable loudness level. Generally, the prescription rule includes at least one of a linear compression scheme and a wide dynamic range compression scheme. | 04-25-2013 |
20130101095 | Internet Phone Trainer - A training system is disclosed. The training system includes a server. The server includes a processor, data storage, a data input/output interface, and a voice interface. The data input/output interface is configured to provide a web-based interface to a data terminal and to receive, from the data terminal and via the web-based interface, both an identifier identifying at least one voice terminal and at least one response. The voice interface is configured to transmit at least one audio test signal corresponding to at least one audio test to the at least one voice terminal. The response is a response to the at least one audio test. In one embodiment, the voice terminal and the data terminal are combined in a single device. | 04-25-2013 |
20130090517 | Flexible Protocol for an Implanted Prosthesis - The present application discloses systems and methods for transmitting configuration between a command module and a stimulation module of a hearing prosthesis. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods, a hearing prosthesis determines that a block of configuration data is queued for transmission. In response to this determination, the hearing prosthesis divides the amount of queued configuration data into a plurality of configuration data fragments and transmits the data fragments separately. In some embodiments, the command module appends each configuration data fragment to a different packet of stimulation commands and transmits to the stimulation module appended stimulation packets. | 04-11-2013 |
20130085549 | Hearing Prosthesis with Accessory Detection - 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. | 04-04-2013 |
20130041448 | Flexible Protected Lead - Designs for an implantable lead are disclosed. In one embodiment, the lead includes at least one conductive pathway and a protective element surrounding at least a portion of the at least one conductive pathway. A stiffness of the protective element varies along a length of the protective element. The stiffness may be varied by varying a material composition of the protective element. Alternately, the protective element may be one or two helically-wound wires, and the stiffness may be varied by varying a pitch of one or both helically-wound wires. Alternately, the protective element may be a perforated tube and the stiffness may be varied by varying a ratio of openings to tube in the perforated tube. Alternately, the protective element may be a patterned mesh and the stiffness may be varied by varying a pattern of the patterned mesh. The implantable lead may be used in a cochlear implant. | 02-14-2013 |
20130041428 | Upgradeable Cochlear Implant - The present application discloses an upgradeable cochlear implant. In one example, the implant may include a stimulator configured to generate a stimulation current comprising at least one stimulus, a first lead configured to conduct the stimulation current from the stimulator to at least one electrode, and a second lead configured to allow connection of a separate module to the stimulator. The second lead may include a lead conductor, a reference electrode configured to collect the stimulation current, an electrode conductor configured to conduct the stimulation current between the reference electrode and the stimulator, and an insulating material surrounding at least the lead conductor and the electrode conductor. The reference electrode may be formed at an exterior surface of the second lead, or may be formed on a portion of a connector for connecting to the separate module. The implant may additionally include a protective element. | 02-14-2013 |
20130023954 | Implantable Remote Control - The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling one or more functions of a device utilizing one or more tags. In one example, a method for controlling one or more functions of a medical device includes scanning a data interface of the medical device for signals induced wirelessly by one or more gestures made with one or more tags associated with a recipient of the medical device and controlling one or more functions of the medical device based on the wirelessly induced signals. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023953 | Systems, Methods, and Articles of Manufacture for Characterizing Hearing Prosthesis Channel Interaction - The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for characterizing hearing prosthesis channel interaction. Some embodiments may include applying a probe signal to a region of auditory neurons via a first hearing prosthesis channel, and applying a perturber signal to the region of auditory neurons via a second hearing prosthesis channel, where the perturber signal is configured to cause a polarity-independent neural excitation in an auditory neuron. Some embodiments may additionally include measuring one or more metrics corresponding to a neural response to the application of the probe and perturber signals. | 01-24-2013 |
20130013027 | Systems, Methods, and Articles of Manufacture for Configuring Hearing Prostheses - The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for fitting a hearing prosthesis to a hearing prosthesis recipient. Some embodiments include generating a first set of two or more stimulation signals via a corresponding set of two or more channels of a hearing prosthesis, reducing the corresponding stimulation levels of the stimulation signals of the first set of two or more stimulation signals in response to receiving an indication that a sound sensation corresponding to the first set of two or more stimulation signals is uncomfortably loud, and generating a second set of one or more stimulation signals at the reduced stimulation levels via a first subset of one or more channels. | 01-10-2013 |
20130006042 | Method and System for Configuration of a Medical Device that Stimulates a Human Physiological System - A method and system for automatically configuring a medical device that is at least partially implanted in a human recipient and that includes a transducer arranged to stimulate a physiological system of the recipient, such as a middle-ear implant for instance. The energy level of a signal provided to drive the transducer is progressively increased until there is a threshold electrical change indicative of a threshold change in impedance of the transducer. In the context of a middle-ear implant, for instance, the threshold electrical change indicative of the threshold change in impedance of the transducer may be indicative of the acoustic reflex. The energy level of the signal at that point is then used as a basis to set an operational parameter of the medical device, such as a comfort-level of the middle-ear implant for instance. | 01-03-2013 |
20130004000 | Systems, Methods, and Article of Manufacture for Configuring a Hearing Prosthesis - The present application discloses systems and methods for determining one or more configuration settings for a first hearing prosthesis based on configuration data associated with a second hearing prosthesis. In some embodiments, determining the one or more configuration settings for the first hearing prosthesis may include determining an acoustic operating range associated with the first hearing prosthesis based on whether a configured gain at one or more frequencies for the second hearing prosthesis meets or exceeds a target gain at the one or more frequencies. Some embodiments may also include storing the determined configuration settings in a tangible computer readable memory associated with the first hearing prosthesis. | 01-03-2013 |
20120197065 | Systems and Methods for Using a Simplified User Interface for Hearing Prosthesis Fitting - The present application discloses systems and methods for displaying and operating a user interface having one or more channel group controllers corresponding to one or more groups of hearing prosthesis channels. The hearing prosthesis may be configured to generate a plurality of signals via a plurality of channels based on a channel profile. The channel profile may define at least one intensity level for each channel. In operation, the user interface may be configured to instruct the hearing prosthesis to change the channel profile of the plurality of channels in response to receiving an input via one of the channel group controllers. The user interface may be used to fit a hearing prosthesis to a recipient. In one embodiment, an initial channel profile may be automatically determined, and the prosthesis channel profile may be adjusted by changing a representative intensity level corresponding to the channel profile. | 08-02-2012 |
20120191161 | Systems and Methods for Detecting Nerve Stimulation with an Implanted Prosthesis - The present application discloses systems and methods for detecting non-auditory nerve stimulation with an implant having a plurality of electrodes configured to electrically stimulate a target nerve of the implant recipient. One embodiment includes generating an electrical stimulation signal with a first set of electrodes of the implant, measuring a response to the electrical stimulation signal with a second set of electrodes of the implant, and determining whether the electrical stimulation signal stimulated at least one non-target nerve of the implant recipient based on the measured response. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191160 | CURRENT LEAKAGE DETECTION METHOD AND DEVICE - An improved arrangement for detecting DC current leakage in implanted devices is disclosed. Currents are monitored, so that any unexpected imbalance indicates that a fault condition has occurred. The principle of the system is that if everything working correctly, the same current should be flowing into the tissue from VDDH-ELEC as is passing out of the tissue into VSS_ELEC. Any difference is indicative of current flowing into or out of the tissue from unknown paths, which is indicative of some fault. This replaces routine monitoring for specific faults. | 07-26-2012 |
20120143284 | IMPLANT STIMULATION DEVICE - An implantable stimulation device is disclosed which provides for reduced power consumption when compared with bipolar stimulation and better stimulation performance when compared with monopolar stimulation. Implantable stimulator devices use less power in monopolar stimulation mode than that of bipolar stimulation but stimulation performance is greater when using bipolar stimulation. The device comprises circuitry capable of simultaneous stimulation between a reference electrode and an electrode of a stimulation array and between electrodes of the stimulation array, the ratio of current to the reference electrode and array electrodes being selectable. | 06-07-2012 |
20120093329 | Localisation in a Bilateral Hearing Device System - Disclosed is a method and system for allowing a recipient of a hearing aid device, and in one aspect, a bilateral hearing aid system, to locate the source of a sound signal about the recipient. The method uses localisation cues in the sound signal and modifies these to provide useable localisation cues to generate a stimulating signal for application to the recipient. In one example, a detected localisation cue such as an interaural level difference (ILD) is transposed to a lower frequency. | 04-19-2012 |
20120041531 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT WITH IMPROVED LUMEN ARRANGEMENT - Disclosed is an electrode lead for a medical implant, and in one example, a cochlear implant. The electrode lead includes a lumen for receiving a stylet for assisting in implanting the device. The lumen of the electrode lead is removable from the electrode lead upon or after implantation. | 02-16-2012 |
20120022613 | Transcutaneous Modulated Power Link for a Medical Implant - A medical implant system such a Direct Acoustic Cochlear Stimulation and method for generating a transcutanous link between an external module and an internal module. A signal is generated in the external module by modulating an input signal using pulse modulation and then further modulating the pulse modulated signal using digital modulation. In the internal module, the received signal is processed using digital demodulation, the digitally demodulated signal being applied to the input of an amplifier to generate a control signal to control an actuator of the implant. A power component may also be extracted from the received signal in the internal module. | 01-26-2012 |
20110319703 | Implantable Microphone System and Calibration Process - A method of calibrating an implantable microphone for a hearing prosthesis is disclosed. For an implantable microphone which includes a vibration sensor to provide body noise cancellation, a calibration method is disclosed, in which known acoustic and vibration signals are provided by an external device. This may be as part of the external charging system for an implantable device. | 12-29-2011 |
20110280427 | Music Pre-Processing for Hearing Prostheses - A method of pre-processing a sound signal including music for an auditory prosthesis is provided. An input sound signal is received. The sound signal is processed using music pre-processing software to produce a music pre-processed signal. The music pre-processed signal is presented for further processing, so as to produce a corresponding stimuli signal. | 11-17-2011 |
20110270355 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING UNITARY CONTACTS - A connector for electrically connecting implantable components. The connector comprises first and second connector halves configured to be electrically coupled to first and second components, respectively, and one or more readily severable unitary contacts electrically connecting the first and second connector halves to one another. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270014 | HEARING PROSTHESIS HAVING AN ON-BOARD FITTING SYSTEM - A hearing prosthesis comprising an external component having an integrated user interface, a sound processor configured to process received sounds based on predefined fitting data, and an on-board fitting system configured to set the fitting data in response to control inputs received via the integrated user interface. | 11-03-2011 |
20110268303 | BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE HAVING LIMITED RANGE OF TRAVEL - A bone conduction device configured to couple to an abutment of an anchor system anchored to a recipient's skull. The bone conduction device includes a housing and a vibrating actuator movably suspended in the housing and configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the bone conduction device The bone conduction device further includes a coupling apparatus configured to attach the bone conduction device to the abutment so as to deliver to the recipient's skull vibrations generated by the vibrating actuator, and a travel limit apparatus configured to limit a range of travel of the housing relative to the coupling apparatus. | 11-03-2011 |
20110266268 | IN SITU ADJUSTMENT OF IMPLANTABLE COMPONENTS CONNECTED BY AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - A method for in situ electrical connection of implantable components. A first implantable component is electrically coupled to a first connector half, and a second implantable component is electrically coupled to a second connector half. The method comprises mating the first and second connector halves with one another; and forming at least one readily severable unitary contact between the first and second connector halves. | 11-03-2011 |
20110245714 | Hearing Prosthesis with Integrated Sensors for Measuring Pressure in a Cochlea - The present application discloses a hearing prosthesis comprising a stimulation assembly configured to be implanted into a cochlea. The stimulation assembly comprises a plurality of electrodes and one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be configured to measure pressure within the cochlea. The pressure measurements may include (i) measurements of pressure corresponding to a physical contact of the one or more sensors with internal cochlear structures, (ii) measurements of perilymph fluid pressure, or (iii) measurements of pressure waves in the perilymph fluid corresponding to external sound waves. In one aspect, the sensor may be used by a system to help surgeons avoid damage to the cochlea during surgical implantation of the stimulation assembly. In another aspect, the sensor may be one component of an implantable microphone. | 10-06-2011 |
20110201997 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE LEAD HAVING A CROSS-SECTION WITH VARIABLE HEIGHT - An electrode lead for a cochlear implant, the electrode lead having a lateral side and a medial side supporting an electrode array, wherein a height of a cross section of the electrode lead is greater in the lateral side than a height of the cross section in the medial side. | 08-18-2011 |
20110178579 | ACTIVE ELECTRODE STATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A body stimulating device operatively adapted to provide electrical stimuli within a body, the device including stimulating electrodes, stimulus generator, and electrode voltage sensors, said electrode voltage sensors operatively measuring the DC/LF voltage of the electrodes, wherein if the sensors determine that the electrode voltage for an electrode is outside a predetermined range, then a compensating current is applied to that electrode, so as to reduce the voltage. | 07-21-2011 |
20110144733 | Electrode for a Cochlear Implant - An electrode for a cochlear implant for implantation in a cochlea of a patient, the electrode having a first side that is curved in a lateral dimension so as to substantially conform to a side wall of a scala upon implantation of the electrode into a cochlea and a second side that is shaped so as to preserve a natural acoustic pathway within the scala upon implantation of the electrode into the cochlea. In one example, opposing ends of the electrode taper off in cross section. In another example, the fluid contact side is concave. In a further example, the electrode is one of crescent-shaped, oval shaped, and semi-circular in cross section. By using such an electrode, a more natural fluid-flow in the cochlea can be maintained after implantation relative to an original fluid-flow prior to implantation. | 06-16-2011 |
20110126410 | MANUFACTURING AN ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY HAVING CONTOURED ELECTRODE CONTACT SURFACES - A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly. The method comprises: forming a comb having a plurality of electrode contacts, wherein the surface of at least one of the electrode contacts comprises a plurality of indentations such that the effective surface area per area unit of a center region of the at least one electrode contact is larger than the effective surface area per area unit of the of the region of the surface outside the center region; assembling an array of electrode contacts from the comb; molding a carrier member about the assembled array of electrode contacts, wherein a surface of the at least one electrode contact is covered by a layer of the carrier member material; and removing the layer of carrier member material on the surface of the at least one electrode contact. | 06-02-2011 |
20110106188 | IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - An implantable device is provided. The device is constructed from an open body containing electronic components, a heat-sensitive component, and a sealing component. The device is formed in a moisture controlled environment, such that the heat-sensitive component is attached to the open enclosure after the enclosure has been heated. The sealing component is subsequently affixed to the open enclosure to form a sealed enclosure. | 05-05-2011 |
20110098813 | COMPLEMENTARY DRUG DELIVERY SHEATH FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A complementary drug delivery sheath for implantable medical devices. The complementary drug delivery sheath is covered, impregnated or otherwise carries one or more drugs. The complementary drug-delivery sheaths are manufactured separately from to the implantable device and are operationally combined with one or more components subsequent to the device's manufacture and/or sterilization. | 04-28-2011 |
20110087085 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INTRACOCHLEA IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT - This method of determining an intracochlea tissue impedance comprises using at least two stimulating electrodes to apply an electrical stimulus to intracochlea tissue. A voltage caused by the stimulus is measured between two measuring electrodes distinct from the stimulating electrodes. From the voltage a stimulus-response characteristic of tissue between the two measuring electrodes is determined. This allows the tissue/electrode interface impedance and potential and the tissue impedance and potential to be uniquely determined. In turn, modiolus currents can be estimated in monopolar stimulation mode. Also provided is automated initiation of re-mapping of the device when tissue characteristics change | 04-14-2011 |
20110060384 | DETERMINING STIMULATION LEVEL PARAMETERS IN IMPLANT FITTING - A fitting system that may be used by a recipient to determine stimulation level parameters, such as threshold and/or maximum comfort levels, for a stimulating medical device is provided. These parameters may be for MAPs that may be used by a genetic algorithm in fitting a stimulating medical device. In obtaining these parameters, an internal component implanted in a recipient may apply stimulation to the recipient. In response, the recipient, using a user interface, may their information regarding their perception of the applied stimulation. This response may then be used to determine a stimulation level parameter that is then transmitted to the stimulation medical device for use in applying stimulation. | 03-10-2011 |
20110056729 | INSULATED CONDUCTIVE ELEMENT HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY CONTINUOUS BARRIER LAYER FORMED THROUGH CONTINUOUS VAPOR DEPOSITION - A continuous vapor deposition system for coating an elongate, uncoated conductive element with a substantially continuous barrier layer. The system comprises an internal deposition chamber configured to have a section of the conductive element extend there through; a vapor supply system connected to the internal deposition chamber configured to provide a barrier material to the internal deposition chamber, wherein the barrier material is deposited on the section of the conductive within the internal deposition chamber to form a substantially continuous barrier layer; and a guide system positioned adjacent to the first deposition chamber configured to maintain tension in the section of the conductive element in the internal deposition chamber to control movement of the conductive element through the internal deposition chamber. | 03-10-2011 |
20110009925 | TRANSCUTANEOUS RECEIVING ANTENNA DEVICE FOR IMPLANT - An implantable antenna ( | 01-13-2011 |
20110004273 | SOUND COMMAND TO STIMULATION CONVERTER - A method and system for stimulating a tissue-stimulating prosthesis is disclosed. The method and system comprise receiving a sound command, such a MIDI command, and converting the sound to a stimulation signal. The stimulation signal is then used to provide stimulation to a recipient so that the recipient may perceive sound in accordance with the received sound command. | 01-06-2011 |
20100326723 | ELECTRICALLY INSULATIVE STRUCTURE HAVING HOLES FOR FEEDTHROUGHS - Forming feedthrough device comprising an electrically insulative structure having holes extending there through. The holes have disposed therein conductive members around which the electrically insulative structure is hermetically sealed. | 12-30-2010 |
20100312308 | BILATERAL INPUT FOR AUDITORY PROSTHESIS - Providing stimulation signals for an implanted auditory prosthesis including receiving first and second sound signals at first and second signal receiving devices, each of the first and second signals having a signal-to-noise ratio; determining a signal parameter related to said signal-to-noise ratio of each of the first and second signals; selecting one of the first and second signals which has the greater signal-to-noise ratio; and generating stimulation signals for the implanted auditory prosthesis based on said selected sound signal. | 12-09-2010 |
20100310082 | INPUT SELECTION FOR AUDITORY DEVICES - A method and auditory device for automatic evaluation of an input signal for use in an auditory device, the method including the steps of: detecting a signal; processing the signal to determine one or more shape parameters relevant to the change of spectral shape over time of said signal, and the signal level; and on the basis of the shape parameter and the signal level, and a predetermined set of rules, evaluating whether said signal is a useful input signal for said device. | 12-09-2010 |
20100298626 | BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE HAVING A MULTILAYER PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENT - A bone conduction device comprising a multilayer piezoelectric element. The multilayer piezoelectric element comprises two stacked piezoelectric layers, and a flexible passive layer disposed between the piezoelectric layers. The device also comprises a mass component attached to the multilayer piezoelectric element; and a coupling attached to the multilayer piezoelectric element configured to transfer mechanical forces generated by the multilayer piezoelectric element and the mass component to a recipient's skull. | 11-25-2010 |
20100296661 | OPTIMIZING OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A method for operating a hearing prosthesis is provided. A plurality of settings are provided, each setting providing a different operating functionality for the hearing prosthesis suitable for different situations. A signal analysis is executed on input signals to the hearing prosthesis. The signal analysis monitors characteristics of a current situation to detect any change and, in the case of detecting change, classifies the current situation into one of a plurality of predefined states. The suitability of the settings is compared with the determined state. One or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is identified for the current situation. The one or more optimal choice(s) of setting(s) is presented to a user. The user is then allowed to make a selection from the presented choice(s) of setting(s). If a selection is received from the user, the selected setting is executed. A hearing prosthesis is also provided. | 11-25-2010 |
20100292760 | IMPLANTABLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY - Embodiments of the present invention relate to an implantable device housing assembly, for use in, for example, implantable prosthetic devices. In one aspect, the present invention provides a housing for an implantable device comprising a body portion and a sealing flange. The body portion includes a cavity in which electronic components are disposed on an open side thereof, and at least one feed-through which provides electrical connections between the electronic components and the exterior of the device. The feed-through includes interior and exterior connection points, which are accessible during assembly of the device from a first side of the device. The sealing flange operatively seals the cavity so as to form a sealed housing. A method of forming a sealed housing for an implantable device is also provided. | 11-18-2010 |
20100287770 | MANUFACTURING AN ELECTRODE CARRIER FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an electrode carrier comprising one or more electrode contacts of an implantable medical device, comprising: coupling at least one electrode to a base plate, securing the base plate in a mold, injecting the mold with injection material at least partially around the at least one electrode coupled to the base plate, curing the injected material, and decoupling the at least one electrode from the base plate such that the cured injection material is separated from the base plate. | 11-18-2010 |
20100274319 | CURRENT LEAKAGE DETECTION FOR A MEDICAL IMPLANT - Current leakage detection techniques in an implantable medical device are disclosed. In these techniques, a core surrounds conductors carrying current to and from an implanted medical device. A secondary winding on the core picks up imbalances between the current flows on the conductors traveling through the core. An imbalance is detected if the current on the secondary winding results in a specified threshold being exceeded. Corrective action may then be taken if a current imbalance is detected. | 10-28-2010 |
20100249784 | IMPLANT ABUTMENT - The present invention relates to a percutaneous implant abutment for bone anchored implant devices adapted to be anchored in the craniofacial region of a person, such as bone anchored hearing aids. The abutment comprises a skin penetration body having a skin contacting surface. The skin contacting surface has been modified. | 09-30-2010 |
20100222639 | HEARING DEVICE HAVING A NON-OCCLUDING IN THE CANAL VIBRATING COMPONENT - A self-retaining bone conduction hearing device having a sound processor ( | 09-02-2010 |
20100219793 | POWER SUPPLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A power supply for a medical device having one or more power consuming components. The power supply system comprises first and second battery cells electrically connected in series to supply a first level of power to the components, and at least one additional battery cell. The power supply also comprises a control system configured to electrically connect the at least one additional battery in parallel with one or both of the first or second batteries upon a detection of a power demand at the components that is greater than said first level. | 09-02-2010 |
20100209873 | ANCHORING ELEMENT - Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to an anchoring element comprising a screw shaped central part, a flange which functions as a stop when the anchoring element is installed into the skull bone, and a tubular peripheral part which is connected to the central part via said flange, wherein the peripheral part together with the central part is arranged to cut into the bone tissue when the anchoring element is installed into the bone tissue. | 08-19-2010 |
20100198301 | MULTI-ELECTRODE CHANNEL CONFIGURATIONS - An apparatus and method optimizing complex channel configurations to produce minimal channel interactions is provided. The method includes selecting multiple channels from a channel configuration including a plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels includes multiple electrodes. The method also includes measuring an interaction between selected channels and determining a significance of the measured interaction. The method further includes adjusting a focus of the channel configuration based on the significance of measured interaction, wherein the focus of the channel configuration is not adjusted if the interaction between the selected channels determined to be insignificant. The measuring, determining and adjusting is repeated until the interaction between the selected channels is determined to be insignificant or the magnitude of the interaction is determined to be minimized, thereby optimizing the channel configuration for the selected channels. Another set of channels from the channel configuration is selected and the measuring, determining, adjusting and repeating is performed for each set until full channel configuration is optimized. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198300 | STIMULUS TIMING FOR A STIMULATING MEDICAL DEVICE - Methods and systems are disclosed for determining the timing of stimulation applied using a medical device. In embodiments, the medical device filters a received signal to obtain a plurality of band-pass filtered signals, each corresponding to one or more stimulation channels. The medical device then determines the envelopes of these band-pass filtered signals. Next, the medical device determines the stimulation timing (i.e., the pulse times) for the corresponding stimulation channel based on the timing of a particular phase (e.g., a peak, a minimum, etc.) of the envelope. A pulse amplitude for the stimulation channel may then be determined, and stimulation applied using the determined amplitude and pulse time. | 08-05-2010 |
20100179615 | IMPLANTABLE ACOUSTIC SENSOR - An implantable sound pickup system. The system comprises an intracochlear acoustic sensor implantable in a recipient's cochlea comprising: an elongate core conductor, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the surface of the core conductor configured to detect pressure waves in the perilymph of the cochlea when the acoustic sensor is at least partially implanted in the cochlea, and to produce electrical signals corresponding to the detected pressure waves. | 07-15-2010 |
20100179375 | VIBRATOR FOR BONE CONDUCTING HEARING DEVICES - A vibrator for generating vibrations in a bone conducting hearing device, i.e. a hearing device of the type in which the sound information is mechanically transmitted via the skull bone directly to the inner ear of a person. The vibratory movements are provided by a piezo-electric or magneto-elastic element arranged to transfer the vibrations via the skull bone from the area behind the outer ear to the inner ear. The piezo-electric or magneto-elastic element is arranged to be at least partially implanted in a surgically drilled hole directly into the mastoid bone behind the outer ear so that the vibrations are transferred directly from the element to the bone and transferred in the skull bone to the inner ear. The element is encapsulated with a bone integrating material, such as titanium or various biocompatible ceramic materials or coatings and is disc shaped and acts with a radial expansion upon electrical stimulation so that longitudinal sound waves are induced into the skull bone. | 07-15-2010 |
20100152813 | USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM TO FIT A MEDICAL IMPLANT SYSTEM TO A PATIENT - Apparatus and method for at least partially fitting a medical implant system to a patient is described. These apparatuses and methods comprise executing a genetic algorithm to select a set of parameter values for the medical implant system. This genetic algorithm may comprise executing a tabu search wherein value sets that are determined to be bad are added to a tabu list that may be consulted to exclude tabu value sets from successive generations of the genetic algorithm. | 06-17-2010 |
20100137942 | TRANSFORMABLE SPEECH PROCESSOR MODULE FOR A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A method for operating an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and a protective case. The method includes operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode, determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case, and operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode in response to determining that the speech processor module is mounted in the case. | 06-03-2010 |
20100137941 | TRANSFORMABLE SPEECH PROCESSOR MODULE FOR A HEARING PROSTHESIS - An external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, a protective case configured to have said speech processor module removably mounted therein; and an operational mode controller configured to determine when said speech processor module is mounted in said case and to place said speech processor module in said body-worn mode of operation when said module is mounted in said case. | 06-03-2010 |
20100137675 | BONE CONDUCTION DEVICES GENERATING TANGENTIALLY-DIRECTED MECHANICAL FORCE USING A ROTATIONALLY MOVING MASS - A bone conduction device, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; and a transducer, comprising a mass configured to move in a rotational direction, configured to generate a vibrational force in a tangential direction with respect to a recipient's bone. | 06-03-2010 |
20100121134 | BONE CONDUCTION DEVICES GENERATING TANGENTIALLY-DIRECTED MECHANICAL FORCE USING A ROTATIONALLY MOVING MASS - A bone conduction device, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; and a transducer, comprising a mass configured to move in a rotational direction, configured to generate a vibrational force in a tangential direction with respect to a recipient's bone. | 05-13-2010 |
20100106232 | HEARING PROSTHESIS ELECTRODE ARRAY WITH RESILIENTLY FLEXIBLE TIP MEMBER - A tip member for inserting into the cochlea, a device comprising: an elongate member including at least one electrode mounted thereon; and a tip member extending distally from a distal end of the elongate member, the tip member comprising a tapered portion tapering distally and a blunt end portion at a distal end of the tapered portion, wherein the tip member is resiliently flexible, and a method for making such a device. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106218 | CONFIGURATION OF A STIMULATION MEDICAL IMPLANT - A method for configuring a medical implant that stimulates a physiological system of a recipient of the medical implant is described where the medical implant includes at least one input configuration variable corresponding to a subjective characteristic of the physiological system. The configuration method includes measuring at least one physical characteristic of the physiological system to provide at least one objective physical measurement value and then determining the at least one input configuration variable to configure the medical implant by a predictive configuration model having as an input the at least one objective physical measurement value. | 04-29-2010 |
20100094380 | ELECTRONEURAL INTERFACE FOR A MEDICAL IMPLANT - Embodiments are generally directed to improving the interface between one or more electrode contacts of a medical implant and the neurons of a recipient of the medical implant. In an embodiment, a growth factor is applied to stimulate the growth of peripheral processes (also referred to as dendrites). Then an electric field is applied to direct the growth of the peripheral processes towards the electrode contact. Growing peripheral processes towards the electrode contacts may reduce the charge required to stimulate the peripheral processes and improve operation of the medical implant. | 04-15-2010 |
20100092021 | IMPLANTABLE MICROPHONE FOR AN IMPLANTABLE HEARING PROSTHESIS - An implantable microphone for a hearing prosthesis. The microphone comprises: a housing having a diaphragm chamber formed therein, and an aperture extending from the exterior surface of the housing to the chamber; a diaphragm disposed on the exterior of the housing so as to seal the aperture, and configured to vibrate in response to sound signals; a sensor positioned adjacent an end of the chamber opposing the diaphragm, and configured to detect vibration of the diaphragm, and to generate electrical signals based thereon; and a stiffening material substantially filling the regions of the housing external to the sensor and the diaphragm such that that air gaps within the filled regions of the housing are substantially eliminated, wherein the stiffening material has an elastic modulus that enables the housing to substantially resist deformation there of in response to body-noise. | 04-15-2010 |
20100075598 | VOLTAGE OVERSHOOT PROTECTION - A transmission circuit for an RF inductive link, particularly for an implanted device such as a cochlear implant. In a preferred form, the transmission circuit | 03-25-2010 |
20100057180 | IMPLANTABLE CARRIER MEMBER HAVING A NON-COMMUNICATIVE LUMEN - A non-communicative lumen for electrode assemblies of medical implants, in particular prosthetic hearing implants, is provided by the present invention. The non-communicative lumen prevents the lumen within the cochlea from being able to transport fluids, cells, bacteria, tissue, etc., with the lumen outside the cochlea, and vis versa through the incision or cochleostomy. The lumen may have a cavity or slit that receives a stylet during insertion of the electrode assembly. | 03-04-2010 |
20100030301 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR MODULATION OF NEURAL PLASTICITY - A stimulating medical device. The stimulating medical device comprises a plurality of electrical contacts implantable proximate to a recipient's neural system; and an electrical stimulation controller configured to generate and apply plasticity modulating electrical stimulation signals to the recipient's neural system via one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts, the plasticity modulating signals configured to facilitate one or more of the production and release of naturally occurring neurotrophic agents within the recipient's neural system. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030130 | PHARMACEUTICAL INTERVENTION FOR MODULATION OF NEURAL PLASTICITY - A stimulating medical device. The stimulating medical device comprises: a stimulating assembly implantable proximate to a recipient's neural system, the assembly having at least one agent delivery port and a plurality of electrical contacts; an electrical stimulation controller configured to generate electrical stimulation signals for application the neural system via one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts; a pharmaceutical agent source configured to provide a plasticity modulating agent to the at least one delivery port for application to the neural system; and a pharmaceutical agent controller configured to control one or more of the pharmaceutical agent source and the at least one delivery port to cause selective application of the plasticity modulating agent to the neural system to at least one of reinforce and activate one or more neural pathways within the system. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030012 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION IN A MULTIMODAL AUDITORY PROSTHESIS - A multimodal auditory prosthesis. The prosthesis comprises a sound processing unit configured to process sound and to generate electrical signals representing different frequency components of the processed sound and a stimulation module communicably coupled to the sound processing unit, configured to stimulate the recipient to evoke a hearing percept of a range of the frequency components. The prosthesis also comprises an external stimulation module, configured to be positioned within an externally accessible portion of the recipient's first ear, comprising: a receiver unit to wirelessly receive the electrical signals representing the different frequency components, and a transducer that delivers acoustic or mechanical energy to the recipient's ear to evoke a hearing percept of a range of the frequency components. | 02-04-2010 |
20100016922 | CONFIGURATION OF IMPLANTED DEVICES - 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. | 01-21-2010 |
20100010569 | MECHANICAL SEMICIRCULAR CANAL STIMULATOR - A mechanical stimulator for evoking a hearing percept by directly generating waves of fluid motion of fluid in a recipient's semicircular canal. The mechanical stimulator comprises a sound processing unit configured to process a received sound signal; and an implantable stimulation arrangement, comprising: a stapes prosthesis having a first end configured to be positioned abutting an opening in the semicircular canal, an actuator configured to receive electrical signals representing the processed sound signal and configured to vibrate in response to the electrical signals, and a coupler connecting the actuator to the stapes prosthesis such that vibration of the actuator results in waves of fluid motion in a recipient's semicircular canal that evoke a hearing percept of the received sound signal. | 01-14-2010 |
20090319005 | STOCHASTIC STIMULATION IN A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A hearing prosthesis configured for delivery of stochastic stimulation to a recipient. The hearing prosthesis comprises a sound pickup component configured to receive a sound signal having at least one pitch; a stochastic stimulation generator configured to generate a stochastic sequence of stimulation pulses having first and second inter-pulse intervals distributed stochastically throughout the sequence within controlled limits, the first inter-pulse interval based on the at least one pitch; and at least one stimulation channel to deliver the sequence of electrical stimulation pulses to the recipient. | 12-24-2009 |
20090312769 | STYLET FOR STIMULATING MEDICAL IMPLANTS - An elongate stylet for removable insertion into a lumen of a stimulating medical implant, comprising a plurality of contiguous longitudinal regions, wherein a cross-sectional area of at least some of the regions are different. | 12-17-2009 |
20090310804 | BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE WITH A USER INTERFACE - The present invention relates to a bone conduction device for enhancing a recipient's hearing. The device may include an input configured to receive sound signals and generate a plurality of signals representative of the sound signals, an electronics module configured to receive the plurality of signals and having a first control setting configured to control a first characteristic of at least one of the plurality of signals and a second control setting configured to control a second characteristic of the at least one of the plurality of signals, a vibrator configured to receive the plurality of signals representative of the sound signals and transmit vibrations to the recipient's bone, and a user interface having a first interface control configured to interface with the first control setting and alter the first characteristic and a second interface control configured to interface with the second control setting and alter the second characteristic. | 12-17-2009 |
20090306754 | TELESCOPIC ELECTRODE ARRAY - A telescoping electrode assembly and method of implantation of a telescoping electrode assembly are provided herein. The electrode assembly may comprise a plurality of telescoping sections that may, for example, be in a retracted configuration during insertion into the patient and then after insertion expanded to their final expanded configuration. These sections may have electrodes disposed therein for use in applying electrical stimulation to the patient in which the electrode is implanted. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306745 | ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR DELIVERING LONGITUDINAL AND RADIAL STIMULATION - An elongate electrode assembly for a cochlear implant comprising a plurality of sections arranged longitudinally along a length of the elongate electrode assembly. The sections each comprise one or more electrodes. At least one of the plurality of sections comprise two or more radially-spaced electrodes. The electrodes of adjacent sections are electrically discontinuous and the elongate electrode assembly is capable of delivering electrical stimulation in any one or a combination of radial mode, longitudinal mode, and radial-longitudinal mode. The electrodes in adjacent sections may be longitudinally spaced apart to provide electrical discontinuity. Alternatively, the plurality of sections may be arranged in offset layers and the electrodes in adjacent sections may be transversely spaced apart. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306744 | IMPLANTABLE COCHLEAR ACCESS DEVICE - An elongate hollow device for providing direct access to the cochlea of a recipient. The device has a symmetrical shape about a longitudinal axis through the center of the device, and comprises a first end having an aperture with its geometric center positioned at the longitudinal axis, and a distal end having an aperture with its geometric center positioned at the longitudinal axis, wherein the access device is configured to be at least partially positioned in the mastoid bone of the recipient such that the first end is positioned adjacent the surface of the mastoid bone, and the distal end is inserted into the cochlea. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306743 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATED OBSERVATION FITTING - Fitting an auditory prosthesis to a recipient by automatically determining operational thresholds of the prosthesis based on changes in the activity of the recipient that occur in response to applied stimulation signals. Such changes in recipient activity are detected by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) permanently or temporarily secured to or implanted in the recipient as an integral part of the prosthesis or a separate device operationally coupled to the prosthesis. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306742 | RECOGNITION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Controlling the interaction between an external device and an implanted device, including a method of controlling interaction between an external device and an implanted device, the method including at least the steps of: establishing communications between the implanted device and the external device; the external device determining an identification of the implant and comparing the identification with identifications in a stored list; if the device matches one of said identifications, then using a corresponding set of operating parameters to interact with said implant; and otherwise, not interacting with said device. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306458 | Direct acoustic cochlear stimulator for round window access - A mechanical stimulator for evoking a hearing percept by directly generating waves of fluid motion of fluid in a recipient's scala tympani. The stimulator comprises a sound processing unit configured to process a received sound signal; and an implantable stimulation arrangement, comprising: an actuator configured to receive electrical signals representing the processed sound signal and configured to vibrate in response to the electrical signals, a stapes prosthesis having first and second ends, the first end having a surface configured to be positioned abutting the round window in the recipient's cochlea, and wherein the first end surface is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis extending through the actuator, an elongate rod extending longitudinally from the actuator connecting the actuator to the stapes prosthesis such that vibration of the actuator results in waves of fluid motion in a recipient's scala tympani that evoke a hearing percept of the received sound signal. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306457 | IMPLANTABLE HEARING SYSTEM - A system for rehabilitating the hearing of a recipient. The system comprises: an elongate hollow access device having a symmetrical shape about a longitudinal axis through the center of the device, and comprising first and second ends each having apertures therein which have their geometric centers positioned at the longitudinal axis, wherein the access device is configured to be at least partially positioned in the mastoid bone of the recipient, such that the first end is positioned adjacent the surface of the mastoid bone, and the second end is inserted into the cochlea, and a first membrane disposed across the aperture at the first end of the device configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic sound signal presented there to, and wherein the access device has a cross-sectional diameter along its length that provides a desired amplification of the received sound signal. | 12-10-2009 |
20090292338 | WEARABLE ALARM SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHETIC HEARING IMPLANT - A prosthetic hearing implant kit is disclosed. The prosthetic hearing implant kit comprises internal components configured to be implanted in a recipient and comprises an internal coil; external components configured to be worn by the recipient and comprises an external coil adapted to be inductively coupled with said internal coil; and an alert system having a second external coil and adapted to receive an external alarm and to transmit signals to said implanted components via said external coil for providing the recipient with a corresponding alarm indication. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292337 | BRAZE JOIN - A method of forming a braze join between two components is disclosed, in which braze material is introduced into a gap between the two components by capillary action. This assists in reducing flooding. Also disclosed is a component for use with the method, and an assembly produced by the method. In one form, the component comprises a recess or reservoir for storing braze material, in fluid communication with an aperture to allow the braze material to be drawn into the gap by capillary forces. The method may be used in a number of applications including medical devices and more specifically, a cochlear implant. | 11-26-2009 |
20090292329 | APPARATUS FOR DELIVERY OF PHARMACEUTICALS TO THE COCHLEA - An implantable tissue-stimulating device, such as a cochlear implant, having a resiliently flexible elongate member ( | 11-26-2009 |
20090292161 | MULTI-MODE HEARING PROSTHESIS - A multi-mode hearing prosthesis for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive a sound signal component; a frequency spectral analysis module configured to analyze the sound signal component and to categorize the component into at least a high- or lower-frequency component; a bone conduction processor configured to generate bone conduction stimulation signals from at least one of said high- and lower-frequency component for bone conduction stimulation of the recipient's skull; and a second stimulation processor configured to generate auditory stimulation signals from at least one of said high- and lower-frequency components for stimulating the recipient. | 11-26-2009 |
20090287038 | IMPLANTED-TRANSDUCER BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE - An implanted-transducer bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; a transducer implanted within the recipient and mechanically coupled to the recipient's bone, said implanted transducer configured to generate mechanical forces representing said electrical signal for deliver to the recipient's skull. | 11-19-2009 |
20090276006 | EXTERNAL SPEECH PROCESSOR UNIT FOR AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS - A cochlear implant system comprising an external component having an external speech processor unit, and an internal component. The speech processor unit monitors one or more parameters, and the speech processor unit is configured to reduce the power consumption of the cochlear implant system in the absence of one or more parameters. | 11-05-2009 |
20090259091 | BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE HAVING A PLURALITY OF SOUND INPUT DEVICES - The present invention relates to a bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient is provided. The bone conduction device may include a first sound input device configured to receive sound signals and generate a first electrical signal representative of the signal, a second sound input device configured to receive sound signals and generate a second electrical signal representative of the signal, electronic circuitry configured to select at least one of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, and an electronics module configured to generate a third electrical signal representing the sound signals based on at least of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259090 | BONE CONDUCTION HEARING DEVICE HAVING ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK REDUCTION SYSTEM - A bone anchored hearing device, comprises: a housing, a sound input element positioned in the housing configured to receive sound signals, and a transducer positioned in the housing configured to generate vibrations representative of the sound signals received by the sound input device. | 10-15-2009 |
20090254163 | SECURING AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE IN A PATIENT - An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes a stimulating lead assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating element positioned thereon. The stimulating lead assembly further has an expandable portion thereon configured to be inserted into said reference structure in a first dimension, expand to a second dimension, and interact with a portion of the reference structure to help longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient. | 10-08-2009 |
20090252353 | BONE CONDUCTION DEVICES GENERATING TANGENTIALLY-DIRECTED MECHANICAL FORCE USING A LINEARLY MOVING MASS - A bone conduction device, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; and a transducer, comprising a mass configured to move in a rotational direction, configured to generate a vibrational force in a tangential direction with respect to a recipient's bone. | 10-08-2009 |
20090248155 | TRANSCUTANEOUS MAGNETIC BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE - A bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing the acoustic sound signal; a transducer configured to generate mechanical forces representing the electrical signal for deliver to the recipient's skull; one or more external components mechanically coupled to the transducer and configured to transfer the mechanical forces; and one or more implanted components magnetically coupled to the one or more external components and configured to receive the mechanical forces from the external components. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248086 | Tangential Force Resistant Coupling For A Prosthetic Device - A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. An abutment is coupled to a bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment pass into the bone anchor. The abutment defines a conduction path to the bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment are transferred to the bone anchor. The abutment comprises a plurality of shearing elements disposed adjacent the bone anchor, wherein the shearing elements form part of the conduction path. The fixation system also comprises a vibratory coupler extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a second conduction surface and a magnet, wherein the magnet attracts to the abutment so as to couple the second conduction surface to the abutment, thereby enabling vibrations to pass through the conduction path. The shearing elements are configured to slide laterally in response to tangential forces incident upon the abutment. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248085 | TISSUE INJECTION FIXATION SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. The fixation system comprises an implantable anchor comprising a plurality of elements configured to be implanted in at least one of the one or more layers of tissue adjacent the skull of a recipient such that vibrations applied thereto are transferred to the skull. The fixation system further comprises a vibratory coupler, extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a conduction surface and a magnet, wherein when the conduction surface is adjacent the one or more layers, the magnet is attracted to the implantable anchor to retain the conduction surface adjacent the one or more layers, thereby enabling vibrations to pass from the bone conduction device to the skull. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248023 | MECHANICAL FIXATION SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. An abutment is coupled to a bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment pass into the bone anchor. The abutment defines a conduction path to the bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment are transferred to the bone anchor. The abutment comprises a plurality of interlocking stacked plates disposed adjacent the bone anchor, wherein the plates form part of the conduction path. The fixation system also comprises a vibratory coupler extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a second conduction surface and a magnet, wherein the magnet attracts to the abutment so as to couple the second conduction surface to the abutment, thereby enabling vibrations to pass through the conduction path. The plates are configured to slide laterally in response to tangential forces incident upon the abutment. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247814 | BONE CONDUCTION HEARING DEVICE HAVING ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK REDUCTION SYSTEM - A bone anchored hearing device, comprises: a housing, a sound input element positioned in the housing configured to receive sound signals, and a transducer positioned in the housing configured to generate vibrations representative of the sound signals received by the sound input device. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247813 | BONE CONDUCTION HEARING DEVICE HAVING ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK REDUCTION SYSTEM - A bone anchored hearing device, comprises: a housing, a sound input element positioned in the housing configured to receive sound signals, and a transducer positioned in the housing configured to generate vibrations representative of the sound signals received by the sound input device. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247812 | DUAL PERCUTANEOUS ANCHORS BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE - A bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing the acoustic sound signal; a transducer configured to generate mechanical forces representing the electrical signal for deliver to the recipient's skull; and dual percutaneous anchors coupled to the transducer and configured to receive and transmit the mechanical forces. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247811 | MECHANICALLY AMPLIFIED PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER - A piezoelectric transducer having a component therein for amplifying the deformation of the piezoelectric element so as to increase the available transducer stroke. This amplification of the piezoelectric element may be provided by a mechanical amplifier coupled to the piezoelectric element. The mechanical amplifier is configured to exert a preloading force on the piezoelectric element. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247810 | CUSTOMIZABLE MASS ARRANGEMENTS FOR BONE CONDUCTION DEVICES - A bone conduction device, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; and a transducer configured to generate motion of a mass component based on said electrical signal so as to generate one or more mechanical forces resulting in one or more of motion and vibration of a recipient's skull thereby causing sound perception, wherein one or more of the size and shape of said mass component is selectable at least partially based on a desired mechanical force to be generated by said transducer. | 10-01-2009 |
20090245557 | PIERCING CONDUCTED BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE - A bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient comprising a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing the acoustic sound signal; a transducer configured to generate mechanical forces representing the electrical signal for delivery to the recipient's skull; one or more extensions mechanically coupled at a first portion to the transducer and further mechanically coupled at a second portion of the one or more extensions to the recipient's bone, wherein the one or more extensions are configured to transfer the mechanical forces from the transducer to the recipient's bone. | 10-01-2009 |
20090245556 | HEARING DEVICE HAVING ONE OR MORE IN-THE-CANAL VIBRATING EXTENSIONS - A bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing the acoustic sound signal; a transducer configured to generate mechanical forces representing the electrical signal for delivery to the recipient's bone; and one or more vibration extensions mechanically coupled to the transducer and configured to be inserted into the ear canal of the recipient, and further configured to vibrate in order to transmit the mechanical forces generated from the transducer to the recipient's bone. | 10-01-2009 |
20090245555 | PIEZOELECTRIC BONE CONDUCTION DEVICE HAVING ENHANCED TRANSDUCER STROKE - A bone conduction device for enhancing the hearing of a recipient, comprising a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal and an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing the acoustic sound signal. The device further comprises a piezoelectric transducer comprising at least one piezoelectric element configured to deform along at least one axis in response to an application of the electrical signal thereto, the transducer configured to generate an transducer stroke based on the deformation, the stroke having a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the deformation, wherein the transducer stroke is utilized to generate a mechanical force for delivery to the recipient's skull. | 10-01-2009 |
20090245554 | Snap-Lock Coupling System for a Prosthetic Device - A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. An abutment is coupled to a bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment pass into the bone anchor. The abutment comprises a first conduction surface, a bearing surface, and a magnetic material at or near the first conduction surface. A coupler extends from a bone conduction device and comprises a second conduction surface, a leveraging extension, and a magnet. The second conduction surface is shaped complimentary to the first conduction surface. The magnet attracts to the magnetic material such that the second conduction surface seats on the first conduction surface, thereby enabling vibrations to pass from the bone conduction device to a recipient's skull. | 10-01-2009 |
20090245553 | ALTERNATIVE MASS ARRANGEMENTS FOR BONE CONDUCTION DEVICES - A bone conduction device, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; one or more functional components, wherein at least one of said one or more functional components is an electronics module configured to generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; and a transducer configured to generate motion of a mass component based on said electrical signal so as to generate one or more mechanical forces resulting in one or more of motion and vibration of a recipient's skull thereby causing sound perception, wherein said mass component comprises at least one of said one or more functional components. | 10-01-2009 |
20090240307 | RECIPIENT-CONTROLLED FITTING OF A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A method for fitting to a recipient a cochlear prosthesis having a sound processor that processes received sound in accordance with a MAP, the method comprises providing, by the hearing prosthesis, combinations of voice prompts and test stimuli for testing values of an element of the MAP; receiving from the recipient an indication of which of said values are desirable; and revising the MAP with the desired value for the tested element. A neural-stimulating device for stimulating nerve cells of a recipient is provided. | 09-24-2009 |
20090216296 | INTERLEAVING POWER AND DATA IN A TRANSCUTANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS LINK - The present invention is related to an implantable medical device. The medical device comprises an implantable component having a receiver unit; an external charging module having a power transmitter unit; and a data module having a data transmitter unit. The units are configured to establish a transcutaneous communication link over which data and power is transmitted on a single frequency channel via a time interleaving scheme comprising successive frames each divided into at least two time slots, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the data transmitter unit, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the power transmitter unit, and wherein data and power are transmitted by the transmitter units during their allotted time slots. | 08-27-2009 |
20090215296 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An implantable connector for connecting components of implantable medical devices. The connector comprises first and second connector halves electrically coupled to the implantable components. A sealing membrane is provided to seal the electrical connection between the first and second connector halves. The sealing membrane is configured to be ruptured with a minimal amount of force so that the connector halves may be readily disconnected from each other. | 08-27-2009 |
20090204177 | MAINTAINING LOW IMPEDANCE OF ELECTRODES - An implantable tissue-stimulating device for an implantee comprising: an elongate member, and at least one electrode disposed on the elongate member, wherein at least a portion of the device is coated, prior to implantation in the implantee, with a coating configured to at least partially inhibit adhesion of body tissue to the device following implantation, and wherein the coating is removable, after implantation, by an electrochemical cleaning process during which potential of one or more of the at least one electrode is increased and then decreased. | 08-13-2009 |
20090182392 | Thermoelectric power supply - A thermoelectric power source for generating power for use by at least one load device is disclosed. The thermoelectric power source comprises: an implantable thermoelectric unit comprising at least one thermoelectric device configured to be electrically coupled to said at least one load device; and at least one impedance matching device constructed and arranged to match an output impedance of said thermoelectric device with an input impedance of said load device. | 07-16-2009 |
20090177247 | DETERMINING STIMULATION SIGNALS FOR NEURAL STIMULATION - A tissue-stimulating prosthesis receives an input signal and determines a set of stimulation signals for use in generating electrical stimulation that will cause the recipient to perceive the input signal. The prosthesis determines a set of stimulation signals based on the perceptual power of at least one of the frequency components of the input signal or the perceptual power of one or more stimulation signals within the set. | 07-09-2009 |
20090165921 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - A method of forming electrode structures comprising a plurality of electrode pads and a plurality of electrically conducting wires extending from the electrode pads. The method comprises coating an electrode structure with a relatively electrically insulating material, arranging each of the electrode pads in a first arrangement; arranging the wires relative to each other to provide a sufficient gap of separation between neighboring wires; securing the wires to a remotely positioned anchor member to preserve a gap of separation between neighbouring wires, and applying a coating of relatively electrically insulating material to the electrode structure. | 07-02-2009 |
20090161896 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENVELOPE DETECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF PITCH CUE OF AUDIO SIGNALS - A method and apparatus for detecting an envelope of an audio signal, and a method and apparatus for enhancing the pitch cue of an audio signal perceived by a cochlear implant patient where the audio signal is processed and input to an implant device of the recipient. The methods and apparatuses use techniques such as filtering, rectifying, detecting peak values, sampling, resetting, comparing and multiplying various signals to detect the envelope or enhance the pitch cue of the audio signal. | 06-25-2009 |
20090132006 | USING INTERACTION TO MEASURE NEURAL EXCITATION - Assessment of neuron excitation is implemented by quantifying the interaction between focused and unfocused stimulation applied to a cochlear array. By applying focused and unfocused stimulation to the electrode array and comparing the difference in the responses to the two types of stimulation the interaction may be determined. The magnitude of the interaction may be related to neural excitation and using this data a neural excitation profile may be determined. | 05-21-2009 |
20090124201 | SHORT RANGE COMMUNICATIONS FOR BODY CONTACTING DEVICES - A communication system for wirelessly transmitting at least one signal, the system comprising: a first device configured to receive and modulate the at least one signal, the first device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a first human body and a second conductive element isolated from the first human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to wirelessly transmit the modulated signal; and a second device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a second human body, and a second conductive element isolated from the second human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to receive the transmitted modulated signal from the first device. | 05-14-2009 |
20090099658 | ARRANGEMENT FOR THE FIXATION OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical implant, such as a cochlear implant, comprising a fixating point which is located remotely from the medical implant. This arrangement can reduce the risk of post operative infection in a patient in which the medical implant is implanted. | 04-16-2009 |
20090082817 | COUPLING APPARATUS FOR A BONE ANCHORED HEARING DEVICE - A coupling apparatus for a bone anchored hearing device for anchoring hearing aid devices or extra-oral prostheses in the form of ear and orbital prostheses in the skull bone. The apparatus comprises a screw-shaped anchoring fixture configured to be inserted into the skull bone and a skin-penetrating abutment coupled to the fixture by a screw connection. The fixture comprises a main body with an external screw thread and a flange having a substantially planar bottom surface. The flange is configured to stop the anchoring element from penetrating through the skull bone. The skin-penetrating abutment comprises a substantially conical outer surface. The upper end surface of the fixture is designed with an open cavity with a tapered inner contour forming a seat for the bottom part of the abutment. The bottom part of the abutment is configured to create a good connecting fit between the fixture and abutment. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079265 | POWER SUPPLY HAVING AN AUXILIARY POWER CELL - A power supply having a plurality of selectively electrically connectable power cells configured to supply power to a load. The power supply comprises a plurality of power cells electrically connected in series and an auxiliary power cell electrically connected in parallel with one of said plurality of power cells. A control is configured to selectively electrically connect said auxiliary cell in parallel with whichever one of said plurality of power cells has a lower power delivery capability. | 03-26-2009 |
20090076581 | IMPLANTATABLE COMPONENT HAVING AN ACCESSIBLE LUMEN AND A DRUG RELEASE CAPSULE FOR INTRODUCTION INTO SAME - In one aspect of the invention, a method for delivering drugs from an implantable medical device to an implantee is disclosed, comprising implanting the medical device having a receptacle configured to receive a drug release capsule, the drug release capsule having at least one drug disposed thereon, placing the drug release capsule in the receptacle subsequent to the implanting, and permitting the release of the at least one drug from the drug release capsule to the recipient | 03-19-2009 |
20090076569 | FITTING A PROSTHETIC HEARING IMPLANT FOR A RECIPIENT - System and methods for fitting a cochlear implant for a recipient. In a fitting method, receiving, at an acoustic domain user interface, an acoustic target intensity for each of a plurality of frequency channels at which the recipient is to experience a desired percept; loading into a speech processor unit of the cochlear implant a MAP specifying a stimulation signal current level corresponding to a selected acoustic target; presenting the selected acoustic target to the cochlear implant so as to cause the cochlear implant to deliver electrical stimulation to the recipient at the current level corresponding to the selected acoustic target; and upon receipt of an external command: adjusting the current level corresponding to the selected acoustic target; and repeating the loading and the presenting steps. | 03-19-2009 |
20090067653 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DEVICES OF A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A method of wireless communication between hearing aid devices of a hearing prosthesis. A first device selects a frequency channel for bidirectional wireless communication from a predefined series of frequency channels. A second device transmits a command signal repeatedly over the series of frequency channels until it transmits the command signal over the frequency channel selected by the first device. Subsequent commands send by the second device to the first device are initially transmitted over the selected frequency channel. | 03-12-2009 |
20090048580 | INDEPENDENTLY-MANUFACTURED DRUG DELIVERY MODULE AND CORRESPONDING RECEPTACLE - A drug delivery system for an implantable medical device and methods for making and using the same. Embodiments include a housing of an implantable component of the medical device and one or more at least quasi-solid drug-delivery modules that retain an at least quasi-solid state if not a solid state. The drug-delivery modules and component housing are physically distinct, and as such, may be manufactured independently of each other. The independently-manufacturable drug delivery modules each carry a drug, while the component housing has an exterior surface with one or more recesses formed therein. Associated module(s) and recess(es) are correspondingly dimensioned so that each module may be securely retained within an associated recess via, for example, an interference fit such as by physical interlocking or by friction fit. When so retained in a housing recess, the drug-delivery module and surrounding exterior surface of the housing form a contiguous component surface. | 02-19-2009 |
20090043359 | PERCEPTION-BASED PARAMETRIC FITTING OF A PROSTHETIC HEARING DEVICE - According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting an established initial operational settings profile, the profile having two or more operational setting values for a speech processor of a recipient's cochlear implant, comprising: setting one or more profile adjustment functions with one or more function parameters; and modifying concurrently said two or more operational setting values in said operational settings profile using each of said set profile adjustment functions. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043358 | ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR A STIMULATING MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable electrode assembly for a stimulating medical device, the electrode assembly comprising: an elongate carrier member; one or more electrodes disposed on said carrier member; and one or more signal pathways each extending for a length through at least a part of said carrier member to deliver signals to an associated one of said one or more electrodes, wherein at least one of said one or more signal pathways has a non-uniform cross-sectional profile over a length of said elongate carrier member. | 02-12-2009 |
20090034769 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention provides an implant device comprising a shell and a printed circuit board for mounting electronic components, wherein the shell surrounds the printed circuit board and defines a large area for large electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board and a small area for smaller electronic components. The shell has a shape that is curved. The shell may consist of two layers, with one layer being thicker. Also one layer may provide openings or feedthroughs for connecting the implant to other components, such as coils and electrode arrays. | 02-05-2009 |
20090030488 | IMPLANTED ANTENNA AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS LINK - A medical implant comprising a housing and an antenna member carried by the housing. The antenna member is configured to be capacitively coupled to body tissue in which the housing is implanted. This forms, together with the impedance of the body tissue, part of a resonant circuit. A reference electrode carried by the housing as a return for the antenna member also forms a further part of the resonant circuit. Transceiver circuitry is also provided and is operable as at least one of a source and a load for the antenna member and forms yet a further part of the series resonant circuit | 01-29-2009 |
20090030484 | BILATERAL PROSTHESIS SYNCHRONIZATION - An arrangement for improving the effectiveness of a bilateral hearing prosthesis system is disclosed. The timing of the prostheses is synchronized allowing the stimulation and other processes to be coordinated so as to minimize interference between the hearing prostheses. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030483 | ELONGATE IMPLANTABLE CARRIER MEMBER HAVING AN EMBEDDED STIFFENER - A cochlear implant comprising: a speech processor for processing received sounds to generate coded stimulation control signals; a stimulator unit configured to generate stimulation signals in response to the control signals; and an electrode assembly ( | 01-29-2009 |
20090028365 | ANALOG TO DIGITAL (A/D) CONVERSION CIRCUIT HAVING A LOW DYNAMIC RNAGE A/D CONVERTER - A low-power, high-dynamic range, analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion circuit for converting an analog signal to a digital signal having a controllable amplifier for amplifying the analog signal received at an input of the amplifier in response to a first control signal and for generating an amplified analog signal, a low dynamic range A/D converter for converting the amplified analog signal to an intermediary digital signal, a controllable bit shift register for scaling the intermediary digital signal in response to a second control signal to generate the digital signal, and a gain control component (AGC) for generating the first control signal to cause the amplified analog signal to be within the dynamic range of the A/D converter and for generating the second control signal to cause the scaling to compensate for the amplification by the amplifier. | 01-29-2009 |
20090023109 | BONE ANCHOR FIXTURE FOR A MEDICAL PROSTHESIS - A screw-shaped anchoring fixture for anchoring a prosthesis in the skull bone. The anchoring fixture comprises a main body configured to be implanted into the bone and a flange configured to function as a stop to prevent the main body from completely penetrating through the bone. The main body comprises a distal tapered apical portion, a first portion, and a second portion. The inner diameter of the second portion is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion. The method for inserting the anchoring fixture includes providing the anchoring fixture, drilling a hole, and inserting the anchoring fixture into the hole until the flange contacts the skull bone, wherein the hole has a diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the first portion and less than the outer diameter of the second portion. | 01-22-2009 |
20090018615 | INCREMENTAL STIMULATION SOUND PROCESSOR - In one aspect of the invention, a cochlear implant constructed and arranged to successively generate stimulation signals each comprising at least one stimulus pulse such that said successive stimulation signals incrementally build a neural excitation pattern that accurately reflects a received sound. In one embodiment, each said successive stimulation signal is generated based on the cumulative effect of all previous stimulus pulses, thereby compensating for finite spatial spreading of individual stimulus pulses as well as for the temporal integration of the neural excitation pattern along the neural pathways. | 01-15-2009 |
20090012594 | COMPLIMENTARY DRUG DELIVERY SHEATH FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A complementary drug delivery sheath for implantable medical devices. The complementary drug delivery sheath is covered, impregnated or otherwise carries one or more drugs. The complementary drug-delivery sheaths are manufactured separately from to the implantable device and are operationally combined with the device subsequent to the device's manufacture and/or sterilization. For example, embodiments of the complementary drug-delivery sheaths may be configured, for example, to attain an implanted position adjacent to one or more surfaces of an implantable medical device. In certain embodiments, the sheath is configured in the form of a glove, pocket, pouch, or the like to receive and to partially or completely wrap around or envelop an implantable medical device. Embodiments of the complementary drug delivery sheath may be implanted into the recipient prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to the implantation of the implantable medical device. | 01-08-2009 |
20080304686 | BEHIND-THE-EAR (BTE) PROSTHETIC DEVICE WITH ANTENNA - A BTE prosthetic device for use in a medical system or prosthesis comprises a connector configured to mechanically attach an auxiliary device of the system to the BTE prosthetic device. The connector is electrically connected to an transceiver of the BTE prosthetic device. The connector operates as an electromagnetic antenna for transmitting and/or receiving signals between the BTE prosthetic and other components of the medical system. | 12-11-2008 |
20080300658 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED ANTENNA SYSTEM - The present invention is related to active implantable medical devices comprising an antenna and a band diplexer connected to said antenna. The band diplexer comprises first filter means for a first signal to be transmitted and/or received in a first RF band and second filter means for a second signal to be transmitted and/or received in a second RF band. A method of bidirectional wireless communication is disclosed between an active implantable medical device and an external device, comprising the steps of: communicating unidirectionally from the external device to the implantable medical device over a first wireless link in a first RF band in the MI near-field and communicating unidirectionally from the implantable medical device to the external device over a second wireless link in a second RF band in the EM field. | 12-04-2008 |
20080288022 | Hearing System Prostheses - There is disclosed a hearing prosthesis comprising a first housing ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080269864 | Cochlear implant electrode array - A cochlear implant electrode assembly ( | 10-30-2008 |
20080234793 | SECURING AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE IN A PATIENT - An apparatus and method for implanting and securing an implanted medical device in a recipient. The implantable medical device of the generally includes an electrode assembly that comprises an elongate carrier member having at least one stimulating electrode positioned thereon. The carrier member further has a fixation structure positioned thereon configured to interact with a portion of the rigid structure to longitudinally secure the carrier member in the recipient. | 09-25-2008 |
20080209723 | FEEDTHROUGH FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS | 09-04-2008 |
20080208289 | FEEDTHROUGH FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS | 08-28-2008 |