Straight-through type artificial cochlea

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of medical instruments, and particularly provides a straight-through type artificial cochlea which comprises an in-vitro machine used for converting sound into coded electric signals and an in-vivo machine used for processing the coded electric signals. And a fixing piece for fixing the in-vivo machine in the ear canal is arranged on the in-vivo machine. According to the straight-through type artificial cochlea, the external assembly used for capturing sound and the signal processing in-vivo implantation assembly are integrated in the ear canal, the structure is simple, an incision does not need to be made behind the ear, and operative complications caused by tight contact between an implant and the scalp are avoided. In-vitro functions are customized according to different ear canal shapes, the concealment is good, a patient is not different from a normal person after wearing the ear canal, and the awkwardness after an operation is reduced. The in-vivo machine and the in-vitro machine are detachably connected, and dismounting and mounting are convenient. In addition, the in-vitro machine can be connected with the in-vivo machine through a wireless communication device, and transmission of signals and energy is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular relates to a direct-through cochlear implant. Background Art

[0002] Cochlear implants are an advanced technology used to treat hearing impairment. They help patients restore their hearing by implanting a cochlear implant to replace the damaged part of the inner ear. A cochlear implant system usually consists of an external component (external device) and an internal component (internal device). The external component is located behind the ear and is used to capture sound signals; the internal component contains an implant and an electrode array (including a working electrode and a reference electrode). The implant is surgically placed on the surface of the temporal bone behind the ear, and the working electrode is inserted into the cochlea, which can receive the emitted sound signals and then send the signals in the form of microcurrent to the nerve endings in the cochlea (inner ear). Since the surgery requires an incision behind the ear and the placement of the internal device, the bone groove and bone bed need to be ground during the implantation, which will cause traction on the scalp. At the same time, the surgical process will expose the dura mater, which may cause some complications, such as meningitis, skin infection, damage to the facial nerve, and facial muscle weakness. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model aims to overcome the problems in the prior art that cochlear implantation requires an incision behind the ear and is prone to complications.

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides a direct-through cochlear implant, comprising an external device and an internal device in communication connection; the internal device is provided with a fixing member for fixing the internal device in the ear canal; the external device and the internal device are detachably connected.

[0005] Specifically, the fixing member includes a fixing ring and a bolt; the fixing ring is sleeved on the outside of the body; and the fixing ring is fixed to the ear canal via the bolt.

[0006] Specifically, the external device is provided with a first radio frequency coil; the internal device is provided with a second radio frequency coil; and the first radio frequency coil is signal-connected to the second radio frequency coil.

[0007] Specifically, the in-vivo device includes a signal decoder; the signal decoder is connected to the second radio frequency coil.

[0008] Specifically, the in-vivo device further includes an in-vivo housing; the second radio frequency coil and the signal decoder are installed in the in-vivo housing.

[0009] Specifically, the external device includes a microphone and a sound signal processor; the microphone is connected to the sound signal processor; and the sound signal processor is connected to the first radio frequency coil.

[0010] Specifically, the above-mentioned external device also includes a power supply; the power supply is connected to the microphone, the sound signal processor and the first radio frequency coil respectively; the first radio frequency coil wirelessly supplies power to the second radio frequency coil.

[0011] Specifically, the external device further includes an external device housing; the microphone, the sound signal processor and the first radio frequency coil are installed in the external device housing.

[0012] Specifically, the external device is provided with a first adsorption component; the internal device is provided with a second adsorption component for adsorbing the first adsorption component.

[0013] Specifically, the above-mentioned direct-through cochlear implant also includes a stimulator for receiving signals processed by the body's machine and generating electrical stimulation.

[0014] Specifically, the stimulator includes an electrode; one end of the electrode is connected to the internal machine.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0016] The straight-through cochlear implant provided by the present invention integrates the external components for capturing sound and the signal processing internal implant components in the ear canal. It has a simple structure and does not require an incision behind the ear. The internal machine is fixed in the middle ear canal by a fixing piece, and the stimulator (electrode) connected at the tail only needs to puncture a small hole in the eardrum and then be directly inserted into the cochlea through the round window, eliminating the subsequent operation of polishing the surface of the temporal bone, avoiding the common surgical complications such as skin allergies, necrosis, bleeding and inflammation caused by close contact between the implant and the scalp, and greatly improving the efficiency of the operation. At the same time, this structure has good concealment, and the external machine can be customized according to different ear canal shapes. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary Bluetooth headset or earplug. After the patient wears it, there is no difference from a normal person, reducing postoperative embarrassment. The internal machine and the external machine are detachably linked by an adsorption piece, which is convenient for disassembly and installation. In addition, the internal machine and the external machine realize the transmission of signals and energy through a wireless communication device, and the external machine can be conveniently taken out and charged at any time.

[0017] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the straight-through cochlear implant provided by the utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the wearing state of the straight-through cochlear implant provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the in vitro perspective structure of the straight-through cochlear implant provided by the utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 The utility model is a schematic diagram of the fixing structure of the straight-through cochlear implant provided by the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of the accompanying reference numerals: 1. External device; 101. External device housing; 102. Microphone; 103. Sound signal processor; 104. Power supply; 2. First radio frequency coil; 3. Internal device; 301. Internal device housing; 302. Signal decoder; 4. Second radio frequency coil; 5. Fixing member; 501. Fixing ring; 502. Bolt; 6. Electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0025] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the technical features indicated. Therefore, features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features; and in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0026] Reference Figure 1-3The present invention provides a direct-through cochlear implant, comprising an external device 1 for converting sound into a coded electrical signal and an internal device 3 for processing the coded electrical signal; the external device 1 is communicatively connected to the internal device 3; the internal device 3 is provided with a fixing part 5 for fixing the internal device 3 in the ear canal; the second adsorption part is used to adsorb the first adsorption part. Before use, the internal device 3 is connected to a stimulator for receiving the processed signal of the internal device 3 and generating electrical stimulation. The stimulator is preferably an electrode 6, and one end of the electrode 6 is connected to the internal device 3. When in use, after puncturing a small hole in the eardrum, the electrode 6 is directly inserted into the cochlea through the round window. The internal device 3 is fixed in the middle ear canal by the fixing part 5, and the external device 1 is connected to the internal device 3, so that the external device 1 and the internal device 3 are both integrated in the ear canal, without the need to make an incision behind the ear. The external device 1 converts the sound into a coded electrical signal and transmits it to the internal device 3 for processing. The internal device 3 transmits the decoded signal to the contacts on the electrode array 6, directly stimulates the auditory nerve in the cochlea through microcurrent, and transmits the sound information to the brain for processing and interpretation.

[0027] Specifically, the fixing member 5 includes a fixing ring 501 and a bolt 502; the fixing ring 501 is sleeved on the outside of the internal machine 3; the fixing ring 501 is fixed to the ear canal through the bolt 502. The size of the fixing ring 501 is designed according to the appearance of the internal machine 3, and the number of bolts 502 is designed according to actual needs. During installation, a hole is punched at the corresponding position of the middle ear canal, and the fixing ring 501 is fixed in the middle ear canal by means of bolts to achieve a fixed connection between the internal machine 3 and the ear canal, thereby preventing the internal machine 3 from falling off during the user's exercise and affecting its use. In a detailed embodiment, the structure of the fixing member 5 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, when in use, the fixing ring 501 is sleeved on the outside of the internal machine 3, and one end of the bolt 502 passes through the internal machine 3 and the fixing ring 501 in sequence from the inside of the internal machine 3 and is fixed in the skull corresponding to the ear canal.

[0028] Furthermore, the external device 1 and the internal device 3 are connected via wireless communication. The external device 1 converts sound into a coded electrical signal and transmits it to the internal device 3 via wireless communication for processing. The wireless communication device can use a magnetic core and transmitting / receiving coils, or other wireless devices to send / receive signals as needed.

[0029] Preferably, the wireless communication device includes a first RF coil 2 and a second RF coil 4; the first RF coil 2 is disposed within the external device 1; the second RF coil 4 is disposed within the internal device 3; and the first RF coil 2 and the second RF coil 4 are signal-connected. The coded electrical signal converted by the external device 1 is transmitted by the first RF coil 2, received by the second RF coil 4, and transmitted to the internal device 3 for processing.

[0030] Specifically, the in-vivo device 3 includes a signal decoder 302 ; the signal decoder 302 is connected to the second radio frequency coil 4 , and the signal decoder 302 performs signal processing such as decoding on the received coded electrical signal.

[0031] In a detailed embodiment, the internal device 3 further includes an internal device housing 301; the second RF coil 4 and the signal decoder 302 are mounted within the internal device housing 301. The housing defines the external shape of the internal device 3, allowing the internal structure, including the signal decoder 302, to be more easily mounted and secured within the ear canal.

[0032] Furthermore, the external device 1 includes a microphone 102 and a sound signal processor 103; the microphone 102 is connected to the sound signal processor 103; and the sound signal processor 103 is connected to the first radio frequency coil 2. The microphone 102 is preferably arranged at the outermost side of the external device 1, away from the ear canal. The microphone 102 captures sounds from the environment and converts them into electrical signals. After these electrical signals are received by the sound signal processor 103, they are processed and enhanced, including volume adjustment, frequency adjustment, noise suppression, audio compression, etc., to improve the clarity and comfort of the patient's hearing. The sound signal processor 103 can be personalized and adjusted according to the type and degree of the patient's hearing loss to provide the best hearing experience.

[0033] To facilitate powering the external device 1 and the internal device 3, the external device 1 also includes a power supply 104; the power supply 104 is respectively connected to the microphone 102, the sound signal processor 103, and the first radio frequency coil 2; the first radio frequency coil 2 wirelessly supplies power to the second radio frequency coil 4. In addition to signal transmission, the first radio frequency coil 2 and the second radio frequency coil 4 can also transmit energy. The power supply 104 is preferably a battery, which powers the hardware of the external device 1 and also powers the internal device 3 through the radio frequency coil. When the battery is exhausted, the external device 1 can be easily removed and connected to a charging device for charging. After it is fully charged, it can be reinserted into the ear canal, which is convenient and quick.

[0034] In an optimized embodiment, the external device 1 further includes an external housing 101; the microphone 102, the sound signal processor 103, and the first RF coil 2 are mounted within the external housing 101. The external housing 101 can be customized to suit the shape of the patient's ear canal. Its structural shape allows it to be fixed within the ear canal, resembling a Bluetooth headset or earplug. When worn, the patient looks identical to a normal wearer, minimizing postoperative discomfort.

[0035] Furthermore, the external device 1 is provided with a first adsorption member, and the internal device 3 is provided with a second adsorption member for adsorbing the first adsorption member. The internal device 1 and the external device 3 are detachably connected via the first and second adsorption members. The first and second adsorption members are preferably magnetic connectors. The external device 1 and the internal device 3 are aligned and adsorbed via the magnetic structure, facilitating connection and removal of the two.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] Reference Figure 1-3 This embodiment provides a direct-through cochlear implant, comprising an external device 1, a first adsorption component, an internal device 3, a second adsorption component, a first radio frequency coil 2, a second radio frequency coil 4, and an electrode 6. The first adsorption component and the second adsorption component are both magnetic connectors.

[0038] The external device 1 includes an external device housing 101, a microphone 102, a sound signal processor 103, and a battery; the external device housing 101 is an earplug structure, and the microphone 102, the sound signal processor 103, the battery, and the first radio frequency coil 2 are installed in the external device housing 101, and the sound receiving end of the microphone 102 is located at the outermost side of the external device housing 101. The microphone 102, the sound signal processor 103, and the first radio frequency coil 2 are connected in sequence; the battery is respectively connected to the microphone 102, the sound signal processor 103, and the first radio frequency coil 2; the first adsorption component is installed on the external device housing 101 and is located at the end of the external device housing 101 close to the internal device 3.

[0039] The internal device 3 includes an internal device housing 301 and a signal decoder 302; the signal decoder 302 is connected to the second radio frequency coil 4, and both are installed in the internal device housing 301, and the second radio frequency coil 4 is arranged at one end close to the external device 1; the second adsorption member is installed on the internal device housing 301 and is located at one end close to the external device 1; a fixing member 5 is provided on the outside of the internal device housing 301.

[0040] One end of the electrode 6 extends into the body housing 301 and is connected to the signal decoder 302 .

[0041] The above-mentioned direct cochlear implant is implanted by puncturing a small hole in the eardrum. Figure 2 As shown, one end of the electrode 6 is directly inserted into the cochlea through the round window, eliminating the need for subsequent polishing of the temporal bone surface. This prevents close contact between the implant and the scalp, which can cause common surgical complications such as skin allergies, necrosis, bleeding, and inflammation, greatly improving surgical efficiency. The internal device 3 is secured within the middle auditory canal via a fastener 5. The external device housing 101 is connected to the internal device housing 301 via the adsorption between a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent, allowing both the external device 1 and the internal device 3 to be integrated within the auditory canal. The microphone 102 faces outward for easy sound reception.

[0042] When the direct-through cochlear implant is in use, the battery powers the hardware of the external device 1, while the internal device 3 is powered via the first and second RF coils 2 and 4. Microphone 102 captures ambient sound and converts it into electrical signals. These signals are received by the sound signal processor 103, processed and enhanced, and converted into coded electrical signals, which are then emitted via the first RF coil 2. The second RF coil 4 receives the coded electrical signals and transmits them to the signal decoder 302 of the internal device 3, which decodes and performs other signal processing. The decoded signals are then transmitted to the contacts of the electrode array 6, where microcurrents directly stimulate the auditory nerve in the cochlea, transmitting the sound information to the brain for processing and interpretation.

[0043] When the battery is exhausted, take out the external device 1 and connect it to the charging device for charging. After it is fully charged, it can be reinserted into the ear canal. The connection process relies on the magnetic connector to align and adsorb, which is convenient and quick.

[0044] The above examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any design that is identical or similar to the present invention falls within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A direct-through cochlear implant, characterized in that: The invention comprises an external device (1) and an internal device (3) which are communicatively connected; a stimulator for receiving a signal processed by the internal device (3) and generating electrical stimulation is connected to the tail of the internal device (3); the stimulator is in contact with the cochlea; a fixing member (5) for fixing the internal device (3) in the ear canal is provided on the internal device (3); the external device (1) and the internal device (3) are detachably connected.

2. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing member (5) comprises a fixing ring (501) and a bolt (502); the fixing ring (501) is sleeved on the outside of the internal device (3); and the fixing ring (501) is fixed to the ear canal via the bolt (502).

3. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 1, wherein: The external device (1) is provided with a first radio frequency coil (2); the internal device (3) is provided with a second radio frequency coil (4); the first radio frequency coil (2) and the second radio frequency coil (4) are signal-connected.

4. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 3, wherein: The in-vivo machine (3) comprises a signal decoder (302); the signal decoder (302) is connected to the second radio frequency coil (4).

5. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 4, wherein: The in-vivo machine (3) further comprises an in-vivo machine housing (301); the second radio frequency coil (4) and the signal decoder (302) are installed in the in-vivo machine housing (301).

6. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 3, wherein: The external device (1) comprises a microphone (102) and a sound signal processor (103); the microphone (102) is connected to the sound signal processor (103); and the sound signal processor (103) is connected to the first radio frequency coil (2).

7. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 6, wherein: The external device (1) further comprises a power supply (104); the power supply (104) is respectively connected to the microphone (102), the sound signal processor (103) and the first radio frequency coil (2); the first radio frequency coil (2) wirelessly supplies power to the second radio frequency coil (4).

8. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 6, wherein: The external device (1) further comprises an external device housing (101); the microphone (102), the sound signal processor (103) and the first radio frequency coil (2) are installed in the external device housing (101).

9. The direct-through cochlear implant according to claim 1, wherein: The external machine (1) is provided with a first adsorption component; the internal machine (3) is provided with a second adsorption component for adsorbing the first adsorption component.

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