Implantable sound sensor for hearing prostheses

a technology of sound sensor and hearing prosthesis, applied in electrotherapy, physical therapy, artificial respiration, etc., can solve problems such as body noise sensitivities

Pending Publication Date: 2017-07-20
VAN DEN HEUVEL KOEN ERIK
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The sound sensor effectively detects sound vibrations, reducing body noise interference and enhancing the performance of implantable hearing prostheses by providing clear signals for stimulation, thereby improving hearing sensation.

Problems solved by technology

A drawback of subcutaneous microphones is that they are sensitive to body noise which may originate from the circulatory, respiratory, skeletal, digestive or other systems.

Method used

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  • Implantable sound sensor for hearing prostheses
  • Implantable sound sensor for hearing prostheses
  • Implantable sound sensor for hearing prostheses

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0019]Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to sound sensor implantable in a recipient of a hearing device. The sound sensor is configured to detect sound through the use of vibrations of structures of the recipient's ear, or through pressure variations that occur in the recipient's body cavities.

[0020]In embodiments of the present invention, the sensor comprises a hermetically sealed biocompatible housing having a membrane attached thereto. The membrane is configured to vibrate in response to vibration of at least on a structure of the recipient's ear and fluid within one of the recipient's body cavities. A vibrational sensor, disposed in the housing, and detects vibrations of the membrane and generates signals representative of the detected vibrations.

[0021]Embodiments of the present invention are described herein primarily in connection with one type of implantable hearing prosthesis, namely a totally or fully implantable cochlear prosthesis (commonly referred t...

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Abstract

A sound sensor implantable in a recipient of a hearing device. The sound sensor comprises a biocompatible housing comprising a cavity having an opening at a first end of the housing and a membrane attached to the housing so as to hermetically seal the opening, wherein the membrane vibrates in response to vibration of at least one of a structure of the recipient's ear and fluid within one of the recipient's body cavities. The sound sensor also comprises a vibrational sensor disposed in the housing configured to detect vibrations of the membrane, and configured to generate signals representative of the detected vibrations; and a transmitter configured to provide the generated signals to one or more other components implanted in the recipient.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT / US2009 / 047422 filed Jun. 15, 2009, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 061,250, filed Jun. 13, 2008.BACKGROUND[0002]Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to implantable sound sensors, and more particularly, to an implantable sound sensor for hearing prostheses.[0004]Related Art[0005]Implantable hearing prostheses primarily comprise an implantable stimulator that provides electrical, mechanical, optical or other stimulation to a recipient's inner and / or middle ear. Such prostheses also include a microphone, that is configured to receive and transform an acoustic sound into an electrical signal that is supplied to a sound processor. The sound processor utilizes the signal to drive the implantable stimulator.[0006]One type of implantable hearing prosthesis, referred to as a cochlear implant, delivers elec...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61N1/36
CPCA61N1/36032A61N1/36038
InventorVAN DEN HEUVEL, KOEN ERIK
OwnerVAN DEN HEUVEL KOEN ERIK