Optically coupled acoustic middle ear implant systems and methods

A middle ear and ear technology, applied in the field of hearing aid system, can solve problems such as user blocking

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-07-18
SOUNDBEAM
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Also, at least some of the proposed optical coupling devices have been fixed to the vibrating structure of the ear, which may result in user-perceivable obstruction due to the mass of the device fixed to the vibrating structure of the ear

Method used

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  • Optically coupled acoustic middle ear implant systems and methods
  • Optically coupled acoustic middle ear implant systems and methods
  • Optically coupled acoustic middle ear implant systems and methods

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention are well suited for improving communication between people such as via cellular communication and hearing aids as a less invasive implantable component that can be easily implanted by a healthcare provider. Since the implantable device can be positioned within the middle ear cavity by cutting a portion of the eardrum, the surgical procedure can be minimally invasive. Furthermore, the surgical procedure is reversible and has low cost since no bone incision can be made and the device works without contacting the moving structures of the ear, such as the eardrum and ossicles, so the implant can be removed. Risk of patient complications. Since the device can be easily implanted on the promontory through soft tissue such as fascia, the implantable device described in the present invention can be used in individuals with normal hearing as well as in hearing impaired individuals.

[0056] As used herein, light includes electromagnetic radi...

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PUM

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Abstract

An assembly comprising a sound transducer can be implanted in the middle ear in a manner that simplifies surgery. The assembly may comprise a narrow cross-sectional profile such that the assembly can be positioned in the middle ear through an incision in the eardrum, for example without cutting bone. The incision can be closed and electromagnetic energy transmitted through the closed incision to a transducer configured to vibrate the ear in response to the electromagnetic energy. In many embodiments, the sound transducer comprises a speaker positioned in the middle ear, and the sound transducer can couple to vibratory structure of the ear with air so as to simplify surgery. The assembly may be affixed to a substantially fixed structure of the ear, for example the promontory, so as to inhibit user perceivable occlusion and inhibit motion of the assembly, such that the user can perceive clear sound with little occlusion.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to the following U.S. applications: 61 / 184,563, filed June 5, 2009, entitled "Optically Coupled Middle Ear Implant Acoustic Systems and Methods," and filed June 22, 2009, entitled " 61 / 219,286 of Round Window Coupled Hearing Systems and Methods", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to hearing systems, devices and methods. Although specific reference is made to hearing assistance systems, embodiments of the invention may be used in many applications in which the ear is stimulated with a signal. Background technique [0004] People like to listen. Hearing allows a person to hear and understand other people or things. Natural hearing may include spatial cues that allow a user to hear a person speaking even in the presence of background noise. People also like to communicate with distant people, for e...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): H04R25/00
CPCH04R25/453H04R25/606H04R2225/49
Inventor S·珀亚R·C·佩尔金斯P·拉克尔
Owner SOUNDBEAM
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