Multipole magnet for medical implant system

Abstract

An apparatus includes a housing configured to be placed over a portion of a recipient's skin covering an implanted device. The apparatus also includes circuitry within the housing. The circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with the implanted device. The apparatus further includes a unitary magnet in mechanical communication with the housing. The magnet includes at least one first magnetic dipole moment having a first magnitude and a first direction and at least one second magnetic dipole moment having a second magnitude substantially equal to the first magnitude and a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application with international filing date of September 23, 2020, national application number 202080062663.X, and invention title "Multipole Magnet for Medical Implant System". Technical Field

[0002] This application generally relates to implantable medical systems, and more specifically to magnets for percutaneous mechanical connection of an external portion of a medical system to an implanted portion of the medical system. Background Technology

[0003] Medical devices having one or more implantable components are generally referred to herein as implantable medical devices, which have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients in recent decades. Specifically, partially or fully implantable medical devices, such as hearing prostheses (e.g., bone conduction devices, mechanical stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.), implantable pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, and other implantable medical devices have been successfully used for many years in performing life-saving and / or lifestyle improvement functions and / or recipient monitoring.

[0004] Over the years, the types of implantable medical devices and the range of functions they perform have increased. For example, many implantable medical devices now typically include one or more instruments, devices, sensors, processors, controllers, or other functional mechanical or electrical components permanently or temporarily implanted in the recipient. These functional devices are typically used to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat, or manage diseases / injuries or their symptoms, or to study, replace, or modify anatomical structures or physiological processes. Many of these functional devices utilize power and / or data received from external devices that are part of or operate in conjunction with the implantable medical device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect disclosed herein, a device is provided comprising a housing configured to be positioned over a portion of a recipient's skin, the skin covering an implanted device. The device also includes circuitry within the housing. The circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with the implanted device. The device further includes an integral magnet in mechanical communication with the housing. The magnet includes at least one first magnetic dipole moment having a first magnitude and a first direction, and at least one second magnetic dipole moment having a second magnitude substantially equal to the first magnitude and a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

[0006] In another aspect disclosed herein, a component is configured to be placed over a portion of a recipient's skin, which covers an implanted device. The component includes at least one flat external inductive communication coil configured to inductively communicate with at least one internal inductive communication coil of the implanted device. The component also includes at least one flat ferrite component positioned above and parallel to the at least one flat external inductive communication coil. The component further includes a monolithic magnet comprising a plurality of magnetized portions having different magnetizations from each other. The magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the implanted device to provide sufficient magnetic force to hold the component above the implanted device. The magnetic field intersects substantially perpendicularly to the at least one flat ferrite component.

[0007] In another aspect disclosed herein, a device is provided comprising a housing configured for implantation beneath a portion of a recipient's skin. The device also includes circuitry within the housing. The circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device covering the skin portion. The device further includes an integral magnet within the housing. The magnet includes at least one first magnetic dipole moment having a first magnitude and a first direction, and at least one second magnetic dipole moment having a second magnitude substantially equal to the first magnitude and a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Embodiments are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example cochlear implant auditory prosthesis in an implant recipient according to certain embodiments described herein;

[0010] Figure 2A-2B Two perspective views schematically illustrate a first example configuration of an implanted magnet and an external magnet;

[0011] Figure 2C schematically shown Figure 2A-2B A perspective view of a portion of the magnetic field of an external magnet;

[0012] Figures 3A-3B Two perspective views schematically illustrate a second example configuration of an implanted magnet and an external magnet;

[0013] Figure 3C schematically shown Figures 3A-3B A perspective view of a portion of the magnetic field of an external magnet;

[0014] Figure 4A cross-sectional view of an example device according to certain embodiments described herein is schematically shown;

[0015] Figures 5A-5B A perspective view of an example external magnet and an internal magnet according to certain embodiments described herein is shown schematically;

[0016] Figure 5C Some embodiments according to the description herein are illustrated schematically. Figures 5A-5B The magnetic field of an external magnet relative to at least one flat ferrite component;

[0017] Figures 6A-6B Some embodiments according to the description herein are illustrated schematically. Figures 5A-5B An alternative view of the external magnet;

[0018] Figures 7A-7F Various example configurations of external and internal magnets according to certain embodiments described herein are schematically illustrated; and

[0019] Figure 8 This is a graph comparing the holding forces provided by three external / internal magnet configurations. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Some embodiments described herein advantageously utilize a magnet in an external transmitter unit of an implantable medical device system. This external transmitter unit includes at least one external inductive communication coil and a ferrite component configured to shield other components of the external transmitter unit from the magnetic field generated by the at least one external inductive communication coil. The implantable medical device system is advantageously compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the magnet does not adversely affect the operation of other components of the external transmitter unit (e.g., interference; performance degradation), and the magnet is compatible with implanted devices including implanted magnets with diametrically magnetized implantation. In some such embodiments, the magnet comprises an integral (e.g., monolithic) body and has multiple portions, each portion having a corresponding magnetization (e.g., magnetic dipole moment). The magnetizations are oriented relative to each other to provide a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the ferrite component of the external transmitter unit.

[0021] In at least some embodiments, the teachings detailed herein are applicable to any type of implantable medical device, such as auditory prostheses utilizing implantable actuator components, including but not limited to: electroacoustic / electrical systems, cochlear implant devices, implantable hearing aid devices, middle ear implant devices, bone conduction devices (e.g., active bone conduction devices, passive bone conduction devices, transdermal bone conduction devices, percutaneous bone conduction devices), direct acoustic cochlear implants (DACI), middle ear transducers (MET), electroacoustic implant devices, other types of auditory prosthesis devices and / or combinations or variations thereof, or any other suitable auditory prosthesis system with or without one or more external components. Embodiments may include any type of medical device capable of utilizing the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof. In some embodiments, the teachings detailed herein and / or variations thereof may be utilized in other types of implantable medical devices besides auditory prostheses. For example, the concepts described herein can be applied to any of a variety of implantable medical devices (e.g., pacemakers, implantable EEG monitoring devices, visual prostheses) that utilize the transfer of power and / or data between the implanted component and an external component via inductive coupling.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example cochlear implant auditory prosthesis 100 in an implant recipient according to certain embodiments described herein. The example auditory prosthesis 100 is... Figure 1 The example auditory prosthesis 100, shown herein, includes an implanted stimulator unit 120 (e.g., an actuator) and an external microphone assembly 124 (e.g., a partially implantable cochlear implant). The example auditory prosthesis 100 (e.g., a fully implantable cochlear implant) according to certain embodiments described herein can... Figure 1 The external microphone assembly 124 shown is replaced with a subcutaneously implantable assembly including an acoustic transducer (e.g., a microphone), as described more fully herein.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the recipient typically has an outer ear 101, a middle ear 105, and an inner ear 107. In a fully functional ear, the outer ear 101 includes an auricle 110 and an ear canal 102. Sound pressure, or sound waves 103, are collected by the auricle 110 and enter through the canal 102. A tympanic membrane 104, which vibrates in response to sound waves 103, is located at the distal end of the ear canal 102. This vibration is connected to an elliptical or oval window 112 by three bones in the middle ear 105, collectively referred to as ossicles 106, including the malleus 108, incus 109, and stapes 111. The bones 108, 109, and 111 of the middle ear 105 filter and amplify sound waves 103, thereby causing the elliptical window 112 to hinge or vibrate in response to the vibration of the tympanic membrane 104. This vibration establishes a fluid motion wave of perilymph within the cochlea 140. This fluid motion then activates tiny hair cells (not shown) inside the cochlea 140. The activation of the hair cells enables the generation of appropriate neural impulses, which are transmitted to the brain (also not shown) via spiral ganglion cells (not shown) and the auditory nerve 114, where they are perceived as sound.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the example hearing prosthesis 100 includes one or more components that are temporarily or permanently implanted in a recipient. The example hearing prosthesis 100 in... Figure 1 The device is shown to have: an external component 142 that is directly or indirectly attached to the recipient's body; and an internal component 144 that is temporarily or permanently implanted in the recipient (e.g., located in a recess of the temporal bone adjacent to the recipient's auricle 110). The external component 142 typically includes one or more input elements / devices for receiving input signals at the sound processing unit 126. The one or more input elements / devices may include one or more sound input elements (e.g., one or more external microphones 124) and / or one or more auxiliary input devices for detecting sound. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) (e.g., audio ports, such as Direct Audio Input (DAI); data ports, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports; cable ports, etc.). Figure 1 In one example, the sound processing unit 126 is a behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processing unit configured to attach to and be worn near the ear of the recipient. However, in some other embodiments, the sound processing unit 126 has other arrangements, such as via an OTE processing unit (e.g., a component having a generally cylindrical shape and configured to be magnetically coupled to the head of the recipient), a mini or micro BTE unit, an intracanal unit configured to be located in the ear canal of the recipient, a body-worn sound processing unit, etc.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sound processing unit 126 includes a power supply ( Figure 1 (not shown in the image) (e.g., battery), processing module ( Figure 1(Not shown) (e.g., including one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcontroller cores, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), firmware, software, etc., arranged to perform signal processing operations) and external transmitter unit 128. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the external transmitter unit 128 includes circuitry comprising at least one external inductive communication coil 130 (e.g., a wire antenna coil comprising multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire). The external transmitter unit 128 generally also includes a magnet directly or indirectly attached to at least one external inductive communication coil 130. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). At least one external inductive communication coil 130 of the external transmitter unit 128 is part of an inductive radio frequency (RF) communication link with the internal component 144. The sound processing unit 126 processes signals from input elements / devices (e.g., microphone 124, which...) Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is a signal located outside the recipient's body by the recipient's auricle 110. The sound processing unit 126 generates an encoded signal, sometimes referred to herein as an encoded data signal, which is provided (e.g., via cable) to the external transmitter unit 128. It will be appreciated that the sound processing unit 126 may utilize digital processing techniques to provide frequency shaping, amplification, compression, and other signal conditioning, including conditioning based on recipient-specific fitting parameters.

[0026] The power source of the external component 142 is configured to supply power to the hearing prosthesis 100, which includes a battery (e.g., located in the internal component 144 or disposed at a separate implantation site) that is recharged (e.g., via a percutaneous power delivery link) by power supplied from the external component 142. The percutaneous power delivery link is used to transfer power and / or data to the internal component 144 of the hearing prosthesis 100. Various types of power delivery, such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive, and inductive delivery, can be used to transfer power and / or data from the external component 142 to the internal component 144. During operation of the hearing prosthesis 100, power stored in the rechargeable battery is distributed as needed to various other implanted components.

[0027] Internal components 144 include an internal receiver unit 132, a stimulator unit 120, and an elongated electrode assembly 118. In some embodiments, the internal receiver unit 132 and the stimulator unit 120 are hermetically sealed within a biocompatible housing, sometimes collectively referred to as the stimulator / receiver unit. The internal receiver unit 132 includes at least one internal inductive communication coil 136 (e.g., a wire antenna coil comprising multiple turns of electrically insulated single or multiple strands of platinum or gold wire) and generally includes a magnet ( Figure 1(Not shown in the image), the magnet is fixed relative to at least one internal inductive communication coil 136. At least one internal inductive communication coil 136 receives electrical and / or data signals from at least one external inductive communication coil 130 via a transcutaneous energy transfer link (e.g., an inductive RF link). Stimulator unit 120 generates an electrical stimulation signal based on the data signal, and the stimulation signal is delivered to the recipient via an elongated electrode assembly 118.

[0028] An elongated electrode assembly 118 has a proximal end connected to the stimulator unit 120 and a distal end implanted in the cochlea 140. The electrode assembly 118 extends from the stimulator unit 120 through the mastoid bone 119 to reach the cochlea 140. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 118 may be implanted at least in the basal region 116, and sometimes more deeply. For example, the electrode assembly 118 may extend toward the apex of the cochlea 140 (referred to as the cochlear apex 134). In some cases, the electrode assembly 118 may be inserted into the cochlea 140 via the cochlear fenestration 122. In other cases, the cochlear fenestration may be formed via a round window 121, an oval window 112, a promontory 123, or through the apical gyrus 147 of the cochlea 140.

[0029] The elongated electrode assembly 118 includes a longitudinally aligned and distally extending array 146 of electrodes or contacts 148 disposed along its length, sometimes referred to herein as an electrode or contact array 146. Although the electrode array 146 may be disposed on the electrode assembly 118, in most practical applications, the electrode array 146 is integrated into the electrode assembly 118 (e.g., the electrode array 146 is disposed within the electrode assembly 118). As noted, the stimulator unit 120 generates a stimulation signal, which is applied by the electrodes 148 to the cochlea 140, thereby stimulating the auditory nerve 114.

[0030] Figure 2A-2BTwo perspective views schematically illustrate a first example configuration of an implanted magnet 200 (e.g., within an internal component 144 of an auditory prosthesis enclosed beneath the recipient's skin 300) and an external magnet 210 (e.g., within an external component 142 of an auditory prosthesis enclosed outside or on the recipient's skin 300). The implanted magnet 200 has magnetization including a single implanted magnetic dipole moment 202, and the external magnet 210 has magnetization including a single external magnetic dipole moment 212, which has an orientation substantially parallel to and in the same direction as the single implanted magnetic dipole moment 202. Each of the implanted magnet 200 and the external magnet 210 has a cylindrical shape with a central axis, and the respective magnetization is substantially parallel to the respective central axis (e.g., the implanted magnet 200 and the external magnet 210 are axially magnetized), and the respective magnetization is substantially perpendicular to the recipient's skin 300. By aligning the respective axial magnetizations with each other, the external magnet 210 provides sufficient retention to the implanted magnet 200 so that the external component 142 is held in the operating position relative to the internal component 144.

[0031] However, the orientation of the individual implanted magnetic dipole moment 202 of the implanted magnet 200 (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the recipient's skin 300, as...) Figure 2A and 2B The example configuration shown has been described as incompatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because the large MRI magnetic field interacting with the single implanted magnetic dipole moment 202 results in magnetic induction torque on the implanted magnet 200. It is potentially adverse (e.g., causing pain to the recipient and / or damage to the recipient and / or the hearing prosthesis).

[0032] Figure 2C schematically shown Figure 2A-2B A perspective view of a portion of the magnetic field 214 of the external magnet 210. For example, the external magnet 210 may be a component of an external transmitter unit 128, which includes at least one external induction communication coil 130. Figure 2C(Not shown) and the circuitry of a ferrite component 220, the ferrite component having a generally flat shape, positioned above and parallel to at least one external inductive communication coil 130, and configured to shield other components of the circuitry of the external transmitter unit 128 from the magnetic field generated by the at least one external inductive communication coil 130. A magnetic field 214 of an external magnet 210 extends to and intersects the ferrite component 220 substantially perpendicularly, such that the magnetic field 214 does not saturate the ferrite component 220 (e.g., does not reduce the shielding provided by the ferrite component 220 against the magnetic field generated by the at least one external inductive communication coil 130 from other components of the circuitry of the external transmitter unit 128).

[0033] Figures 3A-3B Two perspective views schematically illustrate a second example configuration of an implanted magnet 400 (e.g., within an internal component 144 of an auditory prosthesis enclosed beneath the recipient's skin 300) and an external magnet 410 (e.g., within an external component 142 of an auditory prosthesis enclosed outside or on the recipient's skin 300). The implanted magnet 400 has magnetization including a single implanted magnetic dipole moment 402, and the external magnet 410 has magnetization including a single external magnetic dipole moment 412, which has a direction substantially parallel to and opposite to that of the single implanted magnetic dipole moment 402. Each of the implanted magnet 400 and the external magnet 410 has a cylindrical shape with a central axis, and the corresponding magnetization is substantially perpendicular to the corresponding central axis (e.g., the implanted magnet 400 and the external magnet 410 are magnetized in the diametrical direction), and the corresponding magnetization is substantially parallel to the recipient's skin 300. By aligning the corresponding diameters with each other through magnetization, the outer magnet 410 provides sufficient retention to the implanted magnet 400 so that the outer component 142 is held in the operating position relative to the inner component 144.

[0034] and Figure 2A-2C Compared to the example configuration, the orientation of the single implanted magnetic dipole moment 402 of the implanted magnet 400 (e.g., substantially parallel to the recipient's skin 300, as shown in the example configuration) Figure 3A and 3B The example configuration shown has been described as MRI compatible because the large MRI magnetic field interacting with the single implanted magnetic dipole moment 402 results in a magnetically induced torque on the implanted magnet 400. Having more Figure 2A-2C Lower torque is less likely to be potentially adverse (e.g., causing pain to the recipient and / or damage to the recipient and / or the hearing prosthesis). Additionally, the orientation of the individual external magnetic dipole moment 412 of the external magnet 410 (e.g., substantially parallel to the recipient's skin 300, as...) Figure 3A and 3B (As shown in the example configuration) it is also compatible with MRI, because compared to Figure 2A-2C In the example configuration, the magnetic induction torque on the external magnet 210 is unlikely to be potentially adverse.

[0035] Figure 3C schematically shown Figures 3A-3B A perspective view of a portion of the magnetic field 414 of the external magnet 410. For example, the external magnet 410 may be a component of an external transmitter unit 128, which includes at least one external induction communication coil 130. Figure 3C (Not shown) and a generally flat ferrite component 220, which is configured to shield other components of the external transmitter unit 128's circuitry from the magnetic field generated by at least one external inductive communication coil 130. The magnetic field 414 of the external magnet 410 extends to and is substantially parallel to the ferrite component 220. Therefore, the magnetic field 414 can saturate the ferrite component 220 (e.g., reduce the shielding provided by the ferrite component 220 to the magnetic field generated by at least one external inductive communication coil 130 from other components of the external transmitter unit 128's circuitry). Thus, Figures 3A-3C In the example configuration, the magnetic field 414 of the external magnet 410 can extend a significant distance away from the external magnet 410 and can interfere with other components of the circuitry of the external transmitter unit 128, potentially adversely affecting the operation of the circuitry (e.g., interfering with the inductive RF link of the internal component 144). Such interference can lead to a variety of adverse effects, including but not limited to: reduced battery life of the auditory prosthesis 100 and / or the sound processing unit 126 (e.g., 30%), increased RF link power consumption, increased RF tuning range, and reduced coil alignment tolerances for inductive charging.

[0036] Some prior systems have attempted to address unwanted magnetic fields from external magnets by using flux guidance (e.g., cylindrical or can-shaped; including "mu-metal" or other materials with sufficiently high permeability) between the external magnet of the external transmitter unit 128 and the circuitry to guide the magnetic field away from critical components of the circuitry (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 9,392,384). However, such structures undesirably increase the mass and volume of the external transmitter unit 128. Other prior systems have used external magnets comprising modified Halbach arrays to reduce unwanted magnetic fields (see, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0078808). However, such structures utilize undesirably large diameters for the magnet assembly of the external transmitter unit 128.

[0037] Figure 4A schematic cross-sectional view of an example device 200 according to certain embodiments described herein is shown. Device 500 includes a housing 510 configured to be positioned over a skin portion 300 of a recipient. The skin portion 300 covers an implanted device 600. Device 500 also includes circuitry 520 within the housing 510, configured to wirelessly communicate with the implanted device 600. Device 500 also includes an integral magnet 530 (e.g., a monolithic magnet) mechanically communicated with the housing 510. Magnet 530 includes at least one first magnetic dipole moment 532 having a first magnitude and a first direction, and at least one second magnetic dipole moment 534 having a second magnitude substantially equal to the first magnitude and a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, at least one first magnetic dipole moment 532 and at least one second magnetic dipole moment 534 are configured to generate an external magnetic field that is configured to attract the magnet 530 to the implanted device 600 when the housing 510 is placed over the skin portion 300, without adversely affecting the operation of the circuit 520.

[0038] In some embodiments, device 500 is an implantable medical device (e.g., an auditory prosthesis system; such as that provided by...). Figure 1 The external component 142 of the cochlear implant hearing prosthesis 100 is schematically shown, and the internal device 600 is the internal component 144 of an implantable medical device. For example, the device 500 may be the external component 142 of an hearing prosthesis system selected from the group consisting of: cochlear implant systems, direct acoustic cochlear implant (DACI) systems, middle ear implant systems, middle ear transducer (MET) systems, electroacoustic implant systems, another type of hearing prosthesis system, and / or combinations or variations thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments, the external component 142 may include a housing 510 (e.g., comprising a polymer material and / or other compatible material placed in contact with the recipient's skin 300), and circuitry 520 within the housing 510 (e.g., including at least one microphone 124, a sound processing unit 126, a power supply, an external transmitter unit 128, and / or at least one external inductive communication coil 130, such as...). Figure 1 (Shown schematically), and a magnet 530, which can be mechanically communicated with the housing 510. For example, the magnet 530 can be accommodated within a cavity 536 of the housing 510 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 4 (Illustrated schematically), while in other instances, the magnet 530 may be attached to an external portion of the housing 510 and / or may form part of the outer surface of the housing 510.

[0040] In some embodiments, magnet 530 comprises at least one ferromagnetic material selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, and steel. In some embodiments, magnet 530 comprises a permanent multipole magnet having an external static magnetic field (e.g., a magnet with two or more portions having different magnetizations). In some embodiments, magnet 530 is an indivisible monolithic (e.g., monolithic) component (e.g., such that at least one first portion 531 comprising at least one first magnetic dipole moment 532 and at least one second portion 533 comprising at least one second magnetic dipole moment 534 cannot be easily separated from each other without damaging magnet 530). In some other embodiments, magnet 530 is a separable monolithic (e.g., monolithic) component (e.g., configured to be divided into multiple portions at selected times without damaging magnet 530). For example, separable integral (e.g., monolithic) components can be divided into multiple parts when the magnet 530 is not mounted on or within the housing 510, and can be engaged or re-engaged before being placed in mechanical communication with other parts of the device 500 (e.g., the first part 531 and the second part 533 are configured to repeatedly and reversibly separate and re-engage with each other without damaging the magnet 530).

[0041] In some embodiments, magnet 530 has a first width and a first height, the first width being substantially parallel to the skin portion 300 when (e.g., after) the device 500 is placed over the skin portion 300 during operation of circuit 520, and the first height being substantially perpendicular to the first height of the skin portion 300 when (e.g., after) the device 500 is placed over the skin portion 300 during operation of circuit 520. In some embodiments, magnet 530 has a cylindrical shape, the cross-section of which (e.g., circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, polygonal, geometric, irregular, symmetrical, asymmetrical) has a straight side, a curved side, or an asymmetrical side. For example, magnet 530 may have a right circular cylindrical shape with a first width being a first diameter D1, a first height H1 substantially perpendicular to the first diameter, and a first circumference C1 (=πD1). In some embodiments, the magnet 530 has an orientation during operation of the device 500 (e.g., during operation of the circuitry 520) such that a first diameter D1 is substantially parallel to the recipient's skin 300 and a first height H1 is substantially perpendicular to the recipient's skin 300. In some embodiments, the first diameter D1 ranges from 10 mm to 14 mm, and in some embodiments, the first height H1 ranges from 0.8 mm to 8 mm (e.g., selected to provide sufficient magnetic attraction across the recipient's skin flap thickness). In some other embodiments, the magnet 530 has a rectangular prism shape or a hexagonal prism shape, and other shapes and / or sizes of the magnet 530 are also compatible with some embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the magnet 530 has an asymmetrical shape such that the magnet 530 is configured to be received within the housing 210 in a limited number of orientations (e.g., keyed to only one orientation).

[0042] In some embodiments, example internal components 144 may include an implantable housing 610 (e.g., comprising titanium and / or other biocompatible materials compatible with implantation beneath recipient skin 300), circuitry 620, and an internal magnet 630 having at least one-third magnetic dipole moment 632. The circuitry 620 of the implantable device 600 may include an implanted receiver unit 132, a stimulator unit 120 (e.g., operatively in communication with an elongated electrode assembly 118), and / or at least one internal inductive communication coil 136, such as… Figure 1 As shown schematically. For example, the internal magnet 630 and / or circuitry 620 of the internal device 600 may be housed within one or more cavities 636 (e.g., hermetically sealed areas) of the implantable housing 610.

[0043] like Figure 4As schematically shown, at least one external inductive communication coil 130 may include a first flat inductive coil having a first multiple turns, and the first flat inductive coil may surround the magnet 530 and / or may surround the magnet 530 and protrude into a protrusion on the plane defined by the first flat inductive coil. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As schematically shown, at least one internal inductive communication coil 136 may include a second flat inductive coil having a second multiple turns, the second flat inductive coil being able to surround the internal magnet 630 and / or be able to surround the internal magnet 630 and protrude into a protrusion on the plane defined by the second flat inductive coil.

[0044] In some embodiments, magnet 530 and internal magnet 630 are configured to magnetically attract each other, with the recipient's skin 300 between them. Magnet 530 is positioned relative to at least one external inductive communication coil 130 such that when device 500 is placed in an operating position above implanted device 600 (e.g., as shown in the image), Figure 4 (Illustrated schematically), magnet 530 is attracted to implanted magnet 630, and magnet 530 is configured to position device 500 such that at least one external inductive communication coil 130 is aligned with at least one internal inductive communication coil 136 (e.g., centered above at least one external inductive communication coil; concentric with and above at least one external inductive communication coil). As used herein, the term “concentric” refers to the relative position of the centers of two or more components and does not refer to any particular shape of these components (e.g., magnet 530 and at least one external inductive communication coil 130 may be concentric with each other without magnet 530 or at least one external inductive communication coil 130 needing to have a circular shape).

[0045] In some embodiments, when the device 500 and magnet 530 are positioned in their operating positions, magnet 530 is sufficiently close to implanted magnet 630 such that magnet 530 and implanted magnet 630 are magnetically attracted to each other, and at least one external inductive communication coil 130 within housing 510 is configured to inductively communicate with at least one internal inductive communication coil 136 of implanted device 600. In some such embodiments, at least one external inductive communication coil 130 and at least one internal inductive communication coil 136 form a transdermal inductive radio frequency (RF) communication link between device 500 and implanted device 600 (e.g., inductive communication coils 130, 136 interact with each other via magnetic flux through one of inductive communication coils 130, 136), across which implanted device 600 receives power and / or data signals from device 500. In some embodiments, when the device 500 and the magnet 530 are in their operating positions, at least one external inductive communication coil is centered above at least one internal inductive communication coil. For example, the central axis of at least one external inductive communication coil 130 (e.g., coinciding with the axis of symmetry of the shape of the magnet 530 and / or the axis of symmetry of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 530) may coincide with the central axis of at least one internal inductive communication coil 136 (e.g., coinciding with the axis of symmetry of the shape of the implanted magnet 630 and / or the axis of symmetry of the magnetic field generated by the implanted magnet 630).

[0046] Figures 5A-5B A perspective view of an example external magnet 530 and an internal magnet 630 according to certain embodiments described herein is shown schematically. The external magnet 530 and the internal magnet 630 are configured to position the skin 300 of a recipient therebetween. Figures 5A-5B The internal magnet 630 has magnetization including a single magnetic dipole moment 632, which is oriented substantially parallel to the recipient's skin 300 and substantially perpendicular to the central axis 631 of the internal magnet 630 (e.g., the implanted magnet 630 is magnetized in the diametrical direction).

[0047] Figures 5A-5B The external magnet 530 has a cylindrical shape with a first diameter and a first height, and includes a first magnetized portion 531 having a first magnetization including a first magnetic dipole moment 532 (e.g., the first portion 531 generates the first magnetic dipole moment 532) and a second magnetized portion 533 having a second magnetization including a second magnetic dipole moment 534 different from the first magnetization (e.g., the second portion 533 generates the second magnetic dipole moment 534). For example, in Figures 5A-5BIn the first magnetization portion 531, the first magnetization portion 531 includes the first half of the external magnet 530, the second magnetization portion 533 includes the second half of the external magnet 530, and the second magnetic dipole moment 534 has a magnitude that is substantially equal to the magnitude of the first magnetic dipole moment 532 and a second direction that is substantially parallel to and opposite to the first direction of the first magnetic dipole moment force 534. Figures 5A-5B The external magnet 530 is configured to be mounted to the housing 510 such that the first magnetic dipole moment 532 and the second magnetic dipole moment 534 are substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300 during operation of the device 500 (e.g., during operation of the circuit 520).

[0048] Figure 5C The illustrations schematically depict certain embodiments according to those described herein. Figures 5A-5B The external magnet 530 has a magnetic field 514 relative to at least one flat ferrite component 220. Figure 5C At least one flat ferrite component 220 is positioned on at least one external induction communication coil 130. Figure 5C Above and parallel to the at least one external inductive communication coil (not shown), the at least one external inductive communication coil 130 is configured to inductively communicate with at least one internal inductive communication coil 136 of the implanted device 600. The magnetic field 514 of the external magnet 530 extends to at least one flat ferrite component 220 and intersects the at least one flat ferrite component substantially perpendicularly. In some such embodiments, the external magnet 530 is configured to interact with the implanted device 600 to provide sufficient magnetic force to hold the component 500 above the implanted device 600, while providing... Figure 2A-2B The axially magnetized magnet 210 provides the same advantage as the flat ferrite component 220 (e.g., it does not reduce the shielding provided by the flat ferrite component 220 to the magnetic field generated by the at least one external induction communication coil 130 by other components of the circuitry of the external transmitter unit 128; it does not adversely affect, interfere with, or degrade the performance of the component 500).

[0049] In some embodiments, the external magnet 530 includes four poles: two "north" poles (labeled "N") and two "south" poles (labeled "S"). Figures 5A-5B The external magnet 530 is schematically shown to comprise two halves, each half having a "north" pole and a "south" pole (e.g., each half having a corresponding magnetization comprising magnetic dipole moments having substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions). Figures 5A-5BIn the outer magnet 530, a first width (e.g., a first diameter) divides it into a first half and a second half, such that the first half is a semicircular first portion 531 and the second half is a semicircular second portion 533, wherein the first magnetic dipole moment 532 and the second magnetic dipole moment 534 are oriented substantially parallel to the central axis 535 of the outer magnet 530. The outer magnet 530 is mounted to the housing 510, such that... Figures 5A-5B The first magnetic dipole moment 532 and the second magnetic dipole moment 534 are substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300 during the operation of the circuit 520.

[0050] Figures 6A-6B The illustrations schematically depict certain embodiments according to those described herein. Figures 5A-5B An alternative view of the external magnet 530. (See also...) Figures 5A-5B In this configuration, the external magnet 530 comprises two parts, each having a "north" pole and a "south" pole (e.g., each part has a corresponding magnetization comprising magnetic dipole moments having substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions). However, in Figures 6A-6B In the first part 531, a cylindrical shape has a second width (e.g., diameter) substantially equal to a first width (e.g., diameter), and a second part 533 has a cylindrical shape with a third width (e.g., diameter) substantially equal to the first width (e.g., diameter). In some embodiments, such as Figures 6A-6B As schematically shown, the first portion 531 has a second height that is substantially half the first height, and the second portion 533 has a third height that is substantially half the first height. In some other embodiments, the second height is smaller than the third height. For example, Figures 6A-6B The external magnet 530 may be a separable integral component (e.g., wherein the first part 531 and the second part 533 are configured to repeat and reversibly separate from each other, and to repeat and reversibly rejoin each other without damaging the magnet 530), wherein the first part 531 has a smaller height than the second part 533. Figures 6A-6B The external magnet 530 is configured to be mounted on the housing 510, such that Figures 6A-6B The first magnetic dipole moment 532 and the second magnetic dipole moment 534 are substantially parallel to the skin portion 300 during the operation of the circuit 520.

[0051] In some embodiments, the internal magnet 630 is also a monolithic (e.g., monolithic) magnet comprising a plurality of magnetized portions having magnetizations distinct from each other (e.g., at least one first magnetic dipole moment having a first magnitude and a first direction, and at least one second magnetic dipole moment having a second magnitude substantially equal to the first magnitude and a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction). At least one first magnetic dipole moment and at least one second magnetic dipole moment of the internal magnet 630 may be configured to generate a magnetic field configured to attract the internal magnet 630 to the external device 500 (e.g., to the external magnet 530) when the external device 500 is placed over the skin portion 300. As described herein with respect to the external magnet 530, after implantation of the housing 610, the internal magnet 630 of some embodiments has a first width substantially parallel to the skin portion 300 and a first height substantially perpendicular to the skin portion. The internal magnet 630 of some embodiments includes a first portion generating the first magnetic dipole moment and a second portion generating the second magnetic dipole moment. In some embodiments, the first portion includes a first half of the internal magnet 630, and the second portion includes a second half of the internal magnet 630. For example, a first width may divide the internal magnet 630 into a first half and a second half, and after the housing 610 is implanted, the first direction and the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300. In another embodiment, the first portion may have a second width substantially equal to the first width and a second height substantially equal to half the first height, and the second portion may have a third width substantially equal to the first width and a third height substantially equal to half the first height, and after the housing 610 is implanted, the first direction and the second direction may be substantially parallel to the skin portion 300.

[0052] Figures 7A-7F Various example configurations of the external magnet 530 and the internal magnet 630 according to certain embodiments described herein are schematically illustrated. Figures 7A-7F In each of these, both the outer magnet 530 and the inner magnet 630 are multipole magnets (e.g., magnets with two or more parts having different magnetizations). The magnetization (e.g., magnetic dipole moment) of the various parts of the magnet is schematically shown by arrows. Although Figures 7A-7F The outer magnet 530 and the inner magnet 630 are shown as having a cylindrical shape, but other shapes are also suitable for some embodiments described herein.

[0053] exist Figure 7AIn the middle, the outer magnet 530 includes two halves 531, 533 (e.g., semicircular halves) having magnetizations 532, 534, the magnetizations having substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300), and the inner magnet 630 includes two halves 633, 635 (e.g., semicircular halves) having magnetizations 634, 636, the magnetizations having substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300).

[0054] exist Figure 7B In this embodiment, the external magnet 530 includes a first portion 531 and a second portion 533 having magnetizations 532 and 534, and a third portion 537 between the first portion 531 and the second portion 533, the magnetizations having substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300). The third portion 537 has a magnetization 538 substantially perpendicular to the magnetizations 532 and 534 of the first portion 531 and the second portion 533. Similarly, Figure 7B The internal magnet 630 includes a first portion 633 and a second portion 635 having magnetizations 634 and 636, and a third portion 637 between the first portion 633 and the second portion 635. The magnetizations have substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300). The third portion 637 has a magnetization 638 substantially perpendicular to the magnetizations 634 and 636 of the first portion 633 and the second portion 635. The magnetization 538 of the third portion 537 of the external magnet 530 is substantially equal to and opposite to the magnetization 638 of the third portion 637 of the internal magnet 630.

[0055] exist Figure 7C In the inner magnet 530, the outer magnet 530 includes a first portion 531 and a second portion 533 having magnetizations 532 and 534, and a third portion 537 between the first portion 531 and the second portion 533, the magnetizations having substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300), the third portion 537 having a magnetization 538 substantially perpendicular to the magnetizations 532 and 534 of the first portion 531 and the second portion 533. The inner magnet 630 includes two halves 633 and 635 (e.g., semi-circular halves) having magnetizations 634 and 636, the magnetizations having substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300).

[0056] exist Figure 7DIn this embodiment, the outer magnet 530 includes a first portion 531 (e.g., a cylindrical portion) and a second portion 533 (e.g., a cylindrical annular portion 533 concentric with the first portion 531) surrounding the periphery of the first portion 531. In some embodiments, the magnetizations 532, 534 of the first portion 531 and the second portion 533 of the outer magnet 530 have substantially equal values ​​and are in substantially opposite directions. Similarly, the inner magnet 630 includes a first portion 633 (e.g., a cylindrical portion) and a second portion 635 (e.g., a cylindrical annular portion 635 concentric with the first portion 633) surrounding the periphery of the first portion 633. In some embodiments, the magnetizations 634, 636 of the first portion 633 and the second portion 635 of the inner magnet 630 have substantially equal values ​​and are in substantially opposite directions.

[0057] exist Figure 7E In the middle, the external magnet 530 includes a first portion 531 (e.g., a cylindrical portion) and a second portion 533 (e.g., a cylindrical annular portion 533 concentric with the first portion 531) surrounding the periphery of the first portion 531, and a third portion 537 between the first portion 531 and the second portion 533. The first portion 531 and the second portion 533 have magnetization that is substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300, and the third portion 537 has magnetization 538 that is substantially perpendicular to the magnetizations 532 and 534 of the first portion 531 and the second portion 533. Similarly, the internal magnet 630 includes a first portion 633 (e.g., a cylindrical portion) and a second portion 635 (e.g., a cylindrical annular portion 635 concentric with the first portion 633) surrounding the periphery of the first portion 633, and a third portion 637 between the first portion 633 and the second portion 635. The first portion 633 and the second portion 635 have magnetizations 634 and 636 that are substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300, and the third portion 637 has a magnetization 638 that is substantially perpendicular to the magnetizations 634 and 636 of the first portion 633 and the second portion 635. In some embodiments, the magnetizations 532, 534 of the first portion 531 and the second portion 533 of the outer magnet 530 are substantially equal and opposite to each other, the magnetizations 634, 636 of the first portion 633 and the second portion 635 of the inner magnet 630 are substantially equal and opposite to each other, and the magnetizations 538 of the third portion 537 of the outer magnet 530 and the magnetizations 638 of the third portion 637 of the inner magnet 630 are substantially equal and opposite to each other.

[0058] exist Figure 7FIn the inner magnet 530, the outer magnet 530 includes a first portion 531 (e.g., a cylindrical portion), a second portion 533 (e.g., a cylindrical annular portion 533 concentric with the first portion 531) surrounding the periphery of the first portion 531, and a third portion 537 between the first portion 531 and the second portion 533. The first portion 531 and the second portion 533 have magnetizations 532 and 534 that are substantially perpendicular to the skin portion 300, and the third portion 537 has a magnetization 538 that is substantially perpendicular to the magnetizations 532 and 534 of the first portion 531 and the second portion 533. In some embodiments, the magnetizations 532 and 534 of the first portion 531 and the second portion 533 of the outer magnet 530 are substantially equal and opposite to each other. The inner magnet 630 includes a first portion 633 (e.g., a cylindrical portion) and a second portion 635 (e.g., a cylindrical annular portion 635 concentric with the first portion 633) surrounding the periphery of the first portion 633. In some embodiments, the magnetizations 634, 636 of the first portion 633 and the second portion 635 of the internal magnet 630 have substantially equal values ​​and are in substantially opposite directions.

[0059] In some embodiments, the external magnet 530 and / or the internal magnet 630 provide increased retention force (e.g., for the same magnet size and weight) over the thickness range (e.g., flap thickness) of the skin portion 300 between the external device 500 and the implanted device 600. Some such embodiments advantageously provide a lighter external device 500 and / or implanted device 600 for equal retention force. This effect is even more pronounced when both the external magnet 530 and the internal magnet 630 are multipole magnets.

[0060] Figure 8This is a graph comparing the holding forces provided by three external / internal magnet configurations. Each magnet has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 12 mm and a height of 6 mm. A first configuration of axially polarized external magnets and axially polarized internal magnets exhibits the maximum holding force for all magnet separation distances. For smaller magnet separation distances (e.g., less than about 3-4 mm), a second configuration of multipole external magnets and diameter-directly magnetized internal magnets, according to certain embodiments described herein, has a greater holding force than a third configuration of diameter-directly magnetized external magnets and diameter-directly magnetized internal magnets. For larger magnet separation distances (e.g., greater than about 3-4 mm), the third configuration has a greater holding force than the second configuration. Therefore, for small flap thicknesses (e.g., less than 4 mm), in some embodiments, a smaller multipole external magnet can provide a holding force equal to that of a larger diameter-directly magnetized external magnet. Therefore, in some embodiments, combining a multipole external magnet with a diameter-oriented magnetized internal magnet can provide superior holding force than combining an external magnet of equal size with a diameter-oriented magnetized internal magnet, while also providing desired MRI compatibility.

[0061] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other in various arrangements.

[0062] As used herein, terms such as “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” indicate a value, quantity, or characteristic that is close to the stated value, quantity, or characteristic while still performing the desired function or achieving the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” can refer to a quantity within ±10%, ±5%, ±2%, ±1%, or ±0.1% of the stated quantity. As another example, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that deviates from exact parallelism by ±10, ±5, ±2, ±1, or ±0.1 degrees, and the terms “generally perpendicular” and “substantially perpendicular” refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that deviates from exact perpendicularity by ±10, ±5, ±2, ±1, or ±0.1 degrees.

[0063] The invention described and claimed herein is not limited in scope to the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, because these embodiments are intended to be illustrative of several aspects of the invention, and not to limit those aspects. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention. In fact, various modifications in form and detail of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, in addition to those shown and described herein. These modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the claims. The breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An auditory prosthesis, comprising: External components, including external magnets; as well as Internal components, including internal magnets, wherein: The external magnet is configured to interact with the internal magnet to provide sufficient magnetic force to hold the external component above the internal component. The external magnet has two magnetic dipole moments. The internal magnet has only two magnetic dipole moments. The external component includes a sensor coil that surrounds the external magnet and / or surrounds the external magnet and protrudes into a protrusion on a plane defined by the sensor coil. At least one of the following: (i) The first magnetic dipole moment of the two magnetic dipole moments of the external magnet deviates from parallel to or from perpendicular to the central axis of the external magnet in the range of 5 to 10 degrees, and the second magnetic dipole moment of the two magnetic dipole moments of the external magnet deviates from parallel to or from perpendicular to the central axis of the external magnet in the range of 5 to 10 degrees. or (ii) The two magnetic dipole moments of the internal magnet deviate from the central axis of the internal magnet by a range of 5 to 10 degrees, either parallel or perpendicular to the central axis of the internal magnet.

2. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the two magnetic dipole moments of the external magnet have substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions.

3. The auditory prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the external magnet includes a third magnetic dipole moment, and the auditory prosthesis is configured such that the third magnetic dipole moment is at least substantially parallel to the skin above the internal component.

4. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the external magnet has only two magnetic dipole moments.

5. The auditory prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the external magnet comprises only three magnetic dipole moments, and the third magnetic dipole moment of the only three magnetic dipole moments has a direction substantially perpendicular to the respective directions of the first magnetic dipole moment and the second magnetic dipole moment of the external magnet.

6. The auditory prosthesis of claim 2, wherein the two magnetic dipole moments of the internal magnet have substantially equal magnitudes and substantially opposite directions.

7. The auditory prosthesis of claim 6, wherein the substantially opposite orientation of the internal magnet is substantially perpendicular to the skin above the internal component.

8. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic dipole moment of the external magnet has a direction perpendicular to the skin at a positive 10 degrees or a negative 10 degrees.

9. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 8, wherein the second magnetic dipole moment of the external magnet has a direction perpendicular to the skin at a positive 10 degrees or a negative 10 degrees.

10. The auditory prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic dipole moment of the two magnetic dipole moments of the internal magnet has a direction perpendicular to the skin at a positive 10 degrees or a negative 10 degrees.

11. The auditory prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the second magnetic dipole moment of the two magnetic dipole moments of the internal magnet has a direction perpendicular to the skin at a positive 10 degrees or a negative 10 degrees.

12. The auditory prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the magnetization of the auditory prosthesis has a direction parallel to the skin at a positive 10 degree or a negative 10 degree.

13. The auditory prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the internal magnet comprises only two magnets.

14. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the internal magnet is a separable integral component.

15. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein the internal magnet is an inseparable integral component.

16. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein: The internal components include a stimulator unit and / or a stimulator / receiver unit; and The auditory prosthesis includes a microphone.

17. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 1, wherein: The auditory prosthesis includes a sound processor unit.

18. An auditory prosthesis, comprising: External components, including external magnets; as well as Internal components, including internal magnets, wherein: The external magnet is configured to interact with the internal magnet to provide sufficient magnetic force to hold the external component above the internal component. The internal magnet comprises an integral component with only two parts, each part having a separate magnetic dipole moment, and The individual magnetic dipole moments of the internal magnet deviate from parallel to or perpendicular to the central axis of the internal magnet in the range of 5 to 10 degrees.

19. The auditory prosthesis of claim 18, wherein the internal magnet is an inseparable integral component.

20. The auditory prosthesis of claim 18, wherein the internal magnet is a separable integral component.

21. The auditory prosthesis of claim 18, wherein the internal magnet is capable of being divided into the two parts when the internal magnet is not mounted on or within the housing.

22. The auditory prosthesis of claim 21, wherein the two portions are capable of engaging or re-engaging together before being placed in mechanical communication with other portions of the internal components.

23. The auditory prosthesis of claim 18, wherein the two portions are configured to repeatedly and reversibly separate from each other and repeatedly and reversibly rejoin each other without damaging the internal magnet.

24. The auditory prosthesis of claim 18, wherein the internal magnet is disc-shaped.

25. The auditory prosthesis of claim 18, wherein the first magnetic dipole moment of the first portion of the two portions of the internal magnet extends at a first angle away from the surface of the internal magnet facing the external magnet, and the second magnetic dipole moment of the second portion of the two portions of the internal magnet extends at a second angle away from the surface of the internal magnet facing away from the external magnet.

26. The auditory prosthesis of claim 18, wherein the external magnet has a portion magnetized in only one diametrical direction.

27. The auditory prosthesis of claim 26, wherein the magnetic dipole moment of the diameter-directed magnetized portion has a direction parallel to the skin at a positive 10 degrees or a negative 10 degrees.

28. The auditory prosthesis of claim 27, wherein the diameter-magnetized portion is part of an integral magnet component, the integral magnet component further comprising two magnet portions having magnetic dipole moments substantially perpendicular to the magnetic dipole moments of the diameter-magnetized portion.

29. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 18, wherein: The external component includes a sensor coil that surrounds the external magnet and / or protrudes around the external magnet into a protrusion on a plane defined by the sensor coil.

30. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 18, wherein: The auditory prosthesis includes a sound processor unit and a microphone.

31. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 18, wherein: The internal components include an elongated electrode assembly; and The external components include an external transmitter unit.

32. An auditory prosthesis, comprising: External components, including external magnets; as well as Internal components, including internal magnets, wherein: The external magnet is configured to interact with the internal magnet to provide sufficient magnetic force to hold the external component above the internal component, and At least one of the following: (i) The external magnet comprises an integral component having two magnetic dipole moments, the two magnetic dipole moments being offset from the central axis of the external magnet by a range of 5 degrees to 10 degrees, either parallel to or perpendicular to the central axis of the external magnet. (ii) The internal magnet includes an integral component having two magnetic dipole moments that deviate from the central axis of the internal magnet in a range of 5 to 10 degrees from either parallel or perpendicular to the central axis of the internal magnet.

33. The auditory prosthesis of claim 32, wherein the two magnetic dipole moments are deviated from the central axis by a positive 10 degrees or a negative 10 degrees.

34. The auditory prosthesis of claim 32, wherein the two magnetic dipole moments are deviated from the perpendicularity of the central axis by a positive 10 degrees or a negative 10 degrees.

35. The auditory prosthesis of claim 32, wherein the integral component of the external magnet is an inseparable integral component, and / or the integral component of the internal magnet is an inseparable integral component.

36. The auditory prosthesis of claim 32, wherein the integral component of the external magnet is a separable integral component, and / or the integral component of the internal magnet is a separable integral component.

37. The auditory prosthesis of claim 32, wherein the external magnet comprises the integral member having two magnetic dipole moments that are deviated from being parallel to or deviated from being perpendicular to the central axis of the external magnet.

38. The auditory prosthesis of claim 32, wherein the internal magnet comprises the integral member having two magnetic dipole moments that are deviated from being parallel to or deviated from being perpendicular to the central axis of the internal magnet.

39. The auditory prosthesis of claim 32, wherein the external component includes a sensor coil that surrounds the external magnet and / or surrounds the external magnet and protrudes into a plane defined by the sensor coil.

40. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 32, wherein: At least one of the external component or the internal component includes a microphone; and The internal components include a receiver unit and / or a stimulator / receiver unit.

41. The auditory prosthesis according to claim 32, wherein: The auditory prosthesis includes a postauricular BTE device.

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