H - Electricity – 04 – R
Patent
H - Electricity
04
R
181/22, 349/27
H04R 25/02 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 1293204
ABSTRACT In the present application, there is disclosed a method and apparatus for improving the impaired hearing of a subject utilizing a totally implantable device, not requir- ing any percutaneous elements and manifesting a frequency response commensurate with that provided by normal hearing. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the mechanical vibrations effected by the tympanic membrane (ear- drum) are converted into electrical signals which are there- after amplified and converted into mechanical vibrations and communicated to the inner ear. Conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy is achieved by means of an input transducer which is surgically implanted within the ossi- cular chain, followed by suitable amplification of those electrical signals to account for both the level of hearing impairment suffered by the subject and the electromechanical response of the implanted device, and then the signals are converted to mechanical energy (vibrations) once again by an output transducer, all to achieve the desired level of aural enhancement for the wearer. These transducers and the asso- ciated circuitry thus comprise means for mediating mechanical/electrical energy within the middle ear space. In all instances the ossicular chain of the subject is inter- rupted to preclude transmission of mechanical vibrations between the tympanic membrane and the inner ear, with the implanted device interposed within the chain to bridge the interruption therein and form an electromechanically inde- pendent link, free from feedback, between the membrane and the inner ear.
543685
Baker Harold C.
Medical Devices Group Inc.
LandOfFree
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