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Optically coupled bone conduction devices, systems and methods

A technology of bone conduction and equipment, applied in the field of hearing system, which can solve problems such as infection, inability to locate sound source, and inability to provide sound positioning to users

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-08-05
伊尔莱茵斯公司
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aids may not serve these populations well
However, bone conduction hearing devices may not provide sound localization to the user, at least in some cases, making it impossible for at least some people to locate sound sources, at least in some cases
This lack of sound localization can cause hearing difficulties for users in at least some cases
Furthermore, for bone conduction hearing aids, it is possible to surgically embed the post into the skull with a small abutment extending through the skin, so that implantation of the device can be somewhat invasive and, at least in some cases, through the skin. Potential infection risk from columns

Method used

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  • Optically coupled bone conduction devices, systems and methods
  • Optically coupled bone conduction devices, systems and methods
  • Optically coupled bone conduction devices, systems and methods

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Embodiment Construction

[0031] As used herein, light includes infrared light, visible light and ultraviolet light.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention can be used by many users to send multiple sounds. Examples of people who may benefit from hearing devices described herein include people with conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. For example, people with mixed hearing loss could benefit from improved hearing with bone conduction-based stereo and bone conduction-based sound localization cues. People with sensorineural hearing loss can receive sound localization cues, for example, at frequencies above 4 kHz. The devices described herein may be incorporated with communication devices, such as for cellular telephone calling and entertainment by the hearing person.

[0033] figure 1 A bone conduction hearing system 10 configured to provide sound to a user U using bone vibrations is shown. The system 10 is configured to provide bone conduction-based st...

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Abstract

A hearing device can allow a user to determine from side which a sound originates with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea. An output transducer assembly can be positioned on a first side of the user to vibrate a first bone tissue near a first cochlea with a first amount of energy, such vibration of a second cochlea on a second side with a second amount of energy is attenuated substantially, for example at least about 6 db, such that the user can localize the sound to the first side. A microphone may be located on the first side and coupled to the output transducer assembly, such that the user localizes the sound to the first side detects sound localization cues.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is non-provisional and claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 61 / 219,282, filed June 22, 2009, entitled "Optically Coupled Bone Conduction Systems and Methods" (Attorney Docket No. 026166-002700US), The entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. [0003] STATEMENT OF RIGHTS TO INVENTIVES MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT [0004] Not applicable technical field [0005] The present invention relates to hearing systems, devices and methods. Although specific reference is made to hearing aid systems, embodiments of the present invention may be used in many applications where signals are used to stimulate the ear. Background technique [0006] People want to hear voices. Hearing enables people to hear and understand others. Natural hearing can include spatial cues that allow a user to hear a speaker even in the presence of background noise. It is ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(China)
IPC IPC(8): H04R25/00A61F2/18
CPCH04R23/008H04R25/606H04R2225/021H04R25/554H04R2225/0216
Inventor S·帕利亚R·C·佩尔金斯
Owner 伊尔莱茵斯公司