Head-mounted device and implantable cochlear stimulation system including same

Abstract

A cochlear implant head-mounted device for use with a cochlear implant, comprising: a housing; a headset magnet magnetized in a diametrically direction, the headset magnet defining an axis and an N-S direction, and being within the housing and rotatable about the axis such that the N-S direction of the headset magnet is self-aligned with the direction of gravity when the axis is perpendicular to the direction of gravity; and a headset antenna associated with the housing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on August 14, 2020, with application number "201880089412.3" and invention name "Head-mounted device and implantable cochlear stimulation system including the same". background

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to implantable cochlear stimulation (or "ICS") systems.

[0004] 2. Description of related technologies

[0005] The ICS system is used to help severely deaf patients perceive sound by directly stimulating the intact auditory nerve with controlled current pulses. The surrounding sound pressure waves are picked up by an externally worn microphone and converted into electrical signals. The electrical signals are processed by a sound processor and converted into a pulse sequence with varying pulse width, rate and / or amplitude, and transmitted to the implanted receiver circuit of the ICS system. The implanted receiver circuit is connected to an implantable electrode array that has been inserted into the cochlea of ​​the inner ear, and an electrical stimulation current is applied to the varying electrode combination to produce the perception of sound. Alternatively, the electrode array can be inserted directly into the cochlear nerve without residing in the cochlea. A representative ICS system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,824,022, which is entitled "Cochlear Stimulation System Employing Behind-The-Ear Sound processor With Remote Control" and its entire contents are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of commercially available ICS sound processors include, but are not limited to, the Harmony 1000, available from Advanced Bionics. TM BTE sound processor, Naida TM CIQ Series Sound Processors and Neptune TM Body-worn sound processor.

[0006] As described above, some ICS systems include an implantable cochlear stimulator (or "cochlear implant"), a sound processor unit, a battery, and a microphone that is part of or in communication with the sound processor unit. The cochlear implant communicates with the sound processor unit, and some ICS systems include a headpiece that communicates with both the sound processor unit (e.g., a body-worn processor or a behind-the-ear processor) and the cochlear implant. The headpiece communicates with the cochlear implant via a transmitter (e.g., an antenna) on the headpiece and a receiver (e.g., an antenna) on the implant. The headpiece and the cochlear implant may include corresponding magnets (or corresponding multiple magnets) that attract each other, thereby holding the headpiece on the head and maintaining the position of the headpiece transmitter directly above the implant receiver. The skin and subcutaneous tissue that separates the headpiece magnet and the implant magnet is sometimes referred to as a "flap." In other cases, all external components (e.g., battery, microphone, sound processor, antenna coil, and magnet) are carried within a single headpiece. One example of such a system is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0046778, entitled "Integrated Cochlear Implant Headpiece," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0007] One issue associated with cochlear implants is compatibility with magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI") systems. For example, the magnet in many conventional cochlear implants is disk-shaped and has north-south magnetic dipoles aligned in the axial direction of the disk. Such magnets produce a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the patient's skin and parallel to the axial direction, and the direction of the magnetic field is not aligned (aligned) with the direction of the MRI magnetic field (typically 1.5 Tesla or greater) and may be perpendicular to the direction of the MRI magnetic field. Misalignment of the interacting magnetic field may cause the implant magnet to demagnetize or generate a large torque on the implant magnet that may displace the implant magnet and cause tissue damage.

[0008] One proposed method for adapting the MRI magnetic field involves using a magnet apparatus having a diametrically magnetized disk magnet that is rotatable about an axis relative to the rest of the implant and has an NS orientation perpendicular to the axis. An example of a cochlear implant having such a magnet is Figure 1-3. The cochlear implant 10 is shown in FIG. The cochlear implant 10 includes a flexible housing 12 formed of a silicone elastomer or other suitable material, a stimulation processor 14, a cochlear lead 16 having an electrode array 18, and an antenna 20 that can be used to receive data and power via an external antenna. A diametrically magnetized disk magnet 22 that is rotatable about an axis A relative to the rest of the implant 10 is located within the antenna portion of the housing 12. The magnet 22 will rotate about the axis A into alignment with the MRI magnetic field direction, which is perpendicular to the axis A.

[0009] Cochlear implant 10 may be used with a headset 30 including a housing 32 in which components such as a microphone array with a pair of microphones 34 and a printed circuit board (not shown) carrying an antenna 36 and other electronic components are located. Housing 32 includes a pair of microphone apertures 38. An electrical connector 40 connects the circuit board to a sound processor (e.g., a BTE sound processor) via a cable 42. A diametrically magnetized disc magnet 44 is also provided. The magnetic attraction between magnets 22 and 44 maintains the position of headset 30 against the flap over cochlear implant 10 and causes the N and S poles of rotatable implant magnet 22 to align with the S and N poles of headset magnet 44 in the manner shown. U.S. Patent 8,634,909 ("the '909 patent") discloses a cochlear implant system having a diametrically magnetized and rotatable disc implant magnet and a diametrically magnetized disc headset magnet. The '909 patent notes that the headset magnet can be fixed within the headset to prevent it from rotating, or it can be rotated about its axis like an implant magnet.

[0010] The microphones 34 of the microphone array are spaced apart along a microphone axis MA and are fixed in position, ie, not movable relative to the housing 32. The microphone axis MA is perpendicular to the cable 42, so that, for example, when a user stands and looks at a target source, the microphone axis MA will point toward the target source.

[0011] The inventors have determined that there are a number of problems associated with the above-described cochlear implant system. For example, proper retention of the headgear 30 depends on the normal retention force NRF and the lateral retention force LRF ( Figure 3). The normal holding force NRF is a function of the strength of the magnets 22 and 44 of the implant and headgear magnetized in the diametrical direction and the thickness of the skin flap and hair (if any), while the lateral holding force LRF is a function of the normal holding force NRF and the coefficient of friction between the headgear and the associated head surface. When the normal holding force NRF is too high, pressure on the skin flap may cause discomfort and tissue necrosis, while when the normal holding force NRF is too low, the headgear will not be held. In addition, the normal holding force NRF is maximized when the N and S poles of the magnets of the implant and headgear are aligned in an N-to-S and S-to-N manner; for a given normal holding force NRF, the lateral holding force LRF is maximized when the NS direction (or "axis") of the magnet is aligned with the gravity direction G.

[0012] Considering that the head-mounted device is usually arranged with the head-mounted device cable along the gravity direction G( Figure 3 ) is worn in a downwardly extending manner, some conventional head-mounted devices align the NS direction of the head-mounted device magnet with the head-mounted device cable, thereby generally aligning the NS direction of the head-mounted device magnet with the gravity direction G. The head-mounted device cable is aligned. For those who do not wear the head-mounted device in a typical manner, such as with Figure 4 This may be problematic for people who wear the headgear in the manner shown. Although the strength of the headgear magnet 44 will cause the rotatable implant magnet 22 ( Figure 3 ) is rotated into NS alignment with the headset magnet, but due to the fixed orientation of the headset magnet, the NS direction of the magnet will not be aligned with the gravity direction G. This misalignment causes the lateral retention force LRF to be less than optimal, and the direction of the microphone axis MA may not be pointed at the target sound source when the user is looking at the target source. Similarly, in the case where the headset magnet 44 is free to rotate relative to the rest of the headset 30' ( Figure 5 ), the NS orientation of the headset magnet may not be aligned with the cable 42. Thus, even when the cable 42 is aligned with the gravity direction G, the NS directions of the magnets 22 and 44 may not be aligned with the gravity direction G. Summary of the invention

[0013] A cochlear implant headset according to one aspect of the invention comprises: a housing; a diametrically magnetized headset magnet defining an axis and an NS direction, and being within the housing and rotatable about the axis, whereby the NS direction of the headset magnet is self-aligned with the direction of gravity when the axis is perpendicular to the direction of gravity; and a headset antenna associated with the housing. The invention also includes a cochlear stimulation system having a sound processor and / or cochlear implant combined with such a headset. Such a headset and system have a number of advantages. By way of example and not limitation, for a given normal holding force, the alignment (alignment) of the NS direction of the headset magnet with the direction of gravity maximizes the lateral holding force.

[0014] A cochlear implant headset according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first headset portion defining an axis of rotation; a second headset portion mounted on the first headset portion and rotatable relative to the first housing portion about the axis of rotation and comprising a headset antenna and a first microphone and a second microphone defining a microphone array axis and having a center of gravity positioned such that, when the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of gravity, the microphone array axis will be perpendicular to the direction of gravity; and a headset magnet associated with the first headset portion. The present invention also includes a cochlear stimulation system having a cochlear implant combined with such a headset. Such a headset and system have a number of advantages. By way of example and not limitation, being able to orient the microphone array axis in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity regardless of the orientation of the magnet increases the likelihood that the microphone array axis will point to a target sound source when the user is standing and looking at the target source.

[0015] The present invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the above and many other features of the present invention will become apparent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is a plan view of a traditional cochlear implant.

[0018] Figure 2 is a plan view of a conventional head mounted device.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A simplified side cross-sectional view of a cochlear implant and headgear is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A plan view of the head mounted device shown.

[0021] Figure 5 is a plan view of a conventional head mounted device.

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a head-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the head-mounted device shown.

[0025] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the head-mounted device shown.

[0026] Fig.10 yes Figure 6 A plan view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0027] Fig.11 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the head mounted device is shown.

[0028] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional plan view of the head mounted device shown.

[0029] Fig.13 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional plan view of the head mounted device shown.

[0030] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a magnet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a head-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0033] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 An exploded perspective view of the head-mounted device shown.

[0034] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 An exploded perspective view of the head-mounted device shown.

[0035] Fig.19 yes Fig.15 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the head mounted device is shown.

[0036] Fig. 20 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0037] Fig.21 yes Fig.15 A plan view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0038] Fig. 22 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional plan view of the head mounted device shown.

[0039] Fig.23 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional plan view of the head mounted device shown.

[0040] Fig.23A is a plan view of a magnet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 23B Yes Fig.23A A cross-sectional plan view of a head mounted device of the magnet apparatus shown.

[0042] Fig.24 is a block diagram of an ICS system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig.25 is a perspective view of a head-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig.26 It is along Fig.25 A cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 in FIG.

[0045] Fig. 27 yes Fig.25 A plan view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0046] Fig.28 yes Fig.25 A plan view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0047] Fig.29 yes Fig.25 Block diagram of the head mounted device shown.

[0048] Fig.30 yes Fig.25 A cross-sectional plan view of the head mounted device shown.

[0049] Fig.31 yes Fig.25 A cross-sectional plan view of the head mounted device shown.

[0050] Fig.32 yes Fig.25 A perspective view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0051] Fig.33 yes Fig.25 A plan view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0052] Fig.34 yes Fig.25 A side view of a portion of the head mounted device is shown.

[0053] Fig.35 yes Fig.25 A perspective view of a portion of the head mounted device shown.

[0054] Fig.36 is a perspective view of a magnet system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig.37 yes Fig.36 Side view of the magnet system shown.

[0056] Fig.38 yes Fig.36 Bottom view of the magnet system shown.

[0057] Fig.39 is a plan view of a head-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig.40 is a perspective view of a head-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Fig.41 is a plan view of a head-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Fig.42 is associated with the user's right ear and includes Fig.41 A stereoscopic view of the ICS system of the head mounted device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following is a detailed description of the best currently known mode of implementing the invention. This description is not limiting but is given only for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

[0062] exist Figure 6-9, an exemplary headgear in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention is shown, generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The exemplary headgear 100 may include a housing 102 having a body portion 104 and a cover 106, and a removable cap 108 that may be secured to the housing. A diametrically magnetized headgear magnet (or "magnet") 110 that is rotatable about a central axis A (or "axis of rotation A") is located within a receiving portion 112 that extends to a top wall 114 of the body portion 104. The cap 108 holds the magnet 110 within the receiving portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the magnet 110 is facilitated by the use of a sliding (sliding) bearing 116 that is also located within the receiving portion 112 and to which the magnet 110 is secured. Other exemplary bearings that may be employed include ball bearings and needle bearings. Alternatively, the magnet 110 and the receiving portion 112 may be provided with extremely low friction surfaces that face each other, thereby defining an "integrated sliding bearing". The counterweight 118 is associated with the magnet 110 so that the center of gravity of the magnet is offset from the axis of rotation A, as described below with reference to Figure 10-13 As described in more detail below. Figure 10-13 The magnet 110, slide bearing 116, and counterweight 118, discussed in greater detail, form a magnet assembly 120. The magnet 110 may be removed from the magnet assembly 120 and replaced, for example, by a magnet of greater or lesser strength.

[0063] The interior volume (space) of the exemplary housing 102 includes a microphone 121 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 122 connected to the microphone and carrying various other head mounted device electronic components on one side. Other embodiments may include an array of two or more microphones 121. An antenna 124 is associated with the housing 102, i.e., the antenna is located on the housing, located within the housing, or otherwise carried by the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the other side of the PCB 122 includes the antenna 124, which is located within an annular protective cover 126 ( Fig. 9 ) In other embodiments, the antenna may be carried by the cover 106. The PCB 122 also includes an aperture 128 through which the receiving portion 112 extends. A connector 130 (e.g., an RF connector) is connected to the PCB 122 and extends through a tube 132 on the housing body 104. The connector 130 may be used to connect the cable 208 ( Fig.24 ) connects PCB 122 to a sound processor (e.g., a BTE sound processor). The exemplary cap 108 has a cover 134 to accommodate the connector 130 and the tube 132. The housing 102 and cap 108 also include microphone ports 136 and 138 aligned with the microphone 121. A guard (not shown) may be positioned over the port 138 on the inner surface of the cap 108.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body portion 104 includes a cylindrical wall 140 and a bottom wall 142 that define the side surfaces of the receiving portion 112. The housing cover 106 includes a bottom wall 144 and an annular recess 146 for the antenna protection cover 126. The bottom (or "outer") surface of the bottom wall 144 can be concave or flat, and can include a plurality of protrusions 148. The housing 102 and the cap 108 can be attached to each other using any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body portion 104 includes a plurality of latch recesses 150 that are provided when the cap is in a closed position. Figure 6 When positioned on the housing 102 in the manner shown, the plurality of latch recesses 150 engage with a corresponding plurality of latch members 152 on the cap 108 .

[0065] The magnets, bearings, and weights in embodiments of the headgear of the present invention may be secured to or otherwise associated with each other in any suitable manner. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the illustrated embodiment, the exemplary diametrically magnetized magnet 110 includes an outer peripheral recess 154 and a pair of slots 156. The exemplary sliding bearing 116 includes an inner bearing member 158 and an outer bearing member 162, wherein the inner bearing member 158 has a pair of protrusions 160 extending inwardly into the magnet slots 156, respectively. The exemplary counterweight 118 is configured to fit into the recess 154 so that the magnet 110 and the counterweight together define a disc shape. In particular, the exemplary counterweight 118 is arc-shaped and has a thickness corresponding to the depth of the recess 154. The magnet 110 can be secured to the inner bearing member 158 using an adhesive or any other suitable means, and the counterweight 118 can be secured to the magnet and the inner bearing member using an adhesive or any other suitable means. When the exemplary head-mounted device 100 is Figure 6 and Figure 7 When assembled in the manner shown, the outer surface of the inner bearing member 158 abuts against and is slidable relative to the inner surface of the outer bearing member 162, and the outer surface of the outer bearing member 162 abuts against and is fixed relative to the inner surface of the receiving portion cylindrical wall 140. Therefore, the magnet 110 and the inner bearing member 158 can rotate about the axis A relative to the housing 102.

[0066] Reference again Fig.10 , the exemplary weight 118 can be formed of a material having a density greater than the material forming the magnet 110. The material can be magnetic or non-magnetic. In at least some embodiments, the density of the weight material can be at least 20% greater than the magnet material. For example, the magnet 110 can be formed of a material having a density of 7 g / cm 3 The weight 118 may be made of neodymium with a density of 8.6 g / cm 3and 8.94 g / cm 3 Other suitable weight materials include tungsten and gold, which have densities of 19.3 g / cm 3 and 19.32g / cm 3 The additional weight and the position of the weight cause the center of gravity C of the magnet / weight combination to be offset from the rotation axis A passing through the center of the magnet 110 and to be on the NS axis of the magnet passing through the rotation axis A. In other words, the magnet / weight combination causes the load to be unbalanced. Fig.23A and Fig. 23B Other methods of creating an unbalanced load are described. When the rotation axis A of the magnet 110 is perpendicular to the direction G of gravity, the NS direction of the magnet will be aligned with the direction G of gravity.

[0067] The exemplary head mount 100 has a number of advantages. The rotatability of the remainder of the head mount 100 relative to the magnet 110 allows, regardless of the preferred orientation of the head mount 100, the NS direction of the magnet to self-align with the direction of gravity when the axis of rotation A is perpendicular to the direction of gravity G. In other words, regardless of the preferred orientation of the head mount 100, when the axis of rotation A is perpendicular to the direction of gravity G, the magnet 110 will rotate without the application of a force (other than gravity) such that the NS direction of the magnet self-aligns with the direction of gravity, if it is not already aligned. For example, and with reference to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , when the head mount 100 is oriented such that the cable 208 (discussed below) extends along the gravity direction G and when the head mount 100 is oriented such that the cable 208 extends along any other direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the gravity direction G), the NS direction of the magnet 110 will be aligned with the gravity direction G. Therefore, regardless of how the user orients the head mount 100, the lateral retention force LRF will be maximized for the associated normal retention force NRF.

[0068] It should also be noted that the present invention is not limited to any particular bearing configuration or any particular weight shape or weight position, as long as the desired rotation and off-axis center of gravity can be achieved. By way of example and not limitation, Fig.14The magnet device 120a in is similar to the magnet device 120 and can be used to replace the magnet device 120 in the head-mounted device 100. For example, the magnet device 120a includes a magnet 110a, a sliding bearing 116a, and a counterweight 118a. The magnet 110a does not include an outer peripheral recess for a counterweight, and the counterweight 118a is configured to be positioned on the top (or bottom) surface, that is, positioned on a longitudinal end facing the cap 108 (or the bottom wall 142 of the receiving portion) and extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A rather than parallel to the rotation axis. In some cases, the top (or bottom) surface may include a recess for a magnet (counterweight). In addition, as Fig.14 As shown, the magnet 100a does not include the above-mentioned slot 156 ( Fig.11 ), and the inner bearing member 158a of the sliding bearing 116a does not include the corresponding protrusion 160. The sliding bearing 116 (or 116a) can also be omitted, and the magnet 110 (or 110a) can be rotatably mounted in the housing 102 in other ways.

[0069] Another exemplary head mounted device is Figure 15-20 100b. The exemplary head mount 100b is substantially similar to the exemplary head mount 100, with like elements being identified by like reference numerals, and the above discussion regarding elements with the same reference numerals being incorporated herein by reference. For example, the head mount 100b may include a housing 102b having a body portion 104b and a cover 106, and a removable cap 108 that may be secured to the housing. A diametrically magnetized head mount magnet (or "magnet") 110b that is rotatable about an axis of rotation A is positioned within a receiving portion 112b extending into a top wall 114 of the body portion 104b. Rotation of the magnet 110b is facilitated by the use of a sliding bearing 116b that is also positioned within the receiving portion 112b and to which the magnet 110b is secured. Go to Figure 19-20 , the sliding bearing 116b is located in the aperture 164b extending through the magnet 110b and is mounted on the support 166b. The support 166b defining the rotation axis A includes a first end fixed to the bottom wall 142 of the receiving portion 112b and a second free end. The counterweight 118 is associated with the magnet 110b in the manner described above. The magnet 110b, the sliding bearing 116b and the counterweight 118 form a magnet assembly 120b, which can be removed and replaced, for example, by an assembly including magnets of greater or lesser strength.

[0070] For example, Fig.21As shown, and as discussed above in the context of magnet 110, the addition of counterweight 118 causes the center of gravity C to be offset from the rotation axis A passing through the center of magnet 110b and to be on the NS axis of the magnet passing through the rotation axis A. In other words, the magnet / counterweight combination causes the load to be unbalanced. When the rotation axis A of magnet 110b is perpendicular to the gravity direction G, the NS direction of the magnet will self-align with the gravity direction G. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The relative rotational movement between the magnet 110b and the rest of the head mounted device 100, combined with the off-axis position of the center of gravity G, allows the NS direction of the magnet to be aligned with the direction of gravity when the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A (the direction of gravity G), regardless of the orientation of the head mounted device 100. In this way, the NS direction of the magnet 110b will be aligned with the direction of gravity G when the head mounted device 100b is oriented so that the cable 208 extends along the direction of gravity G and when the head mounted device 100 is oriented so that the cable 208 extends along any other direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity G).

[0071] Another exemplary magnet apparatus having an unbalanced load is Fig.23A 120b'. The exemplary magnet apparatus 120b' is substantially similar to the exemplary magnet apparatus 120b, with like elements being identified by like reference numerals, and the above discussion regarding elements with the same reference numerals being incorporated herein by reference. For example, the magnet apparatus 120b' includes a diametrically magnetized head-mounted device magnet (or "magnet") 110b' rotatable about an axis of rotation A, and the above-described slip bearing 116b. However, here, the magnet 110b' includes an outer peripheral recess 154b' in which no counterweight is mounted. The recess 154b' serves as a weight reduction area, much like the weight gain area defined by the counterweight 118, which causes the center of gravity C to deviate from the axis A. When the axis of rotation A of the magnet 110b' is perpendicular to the direction of gravity G, the NS direction of the magnet will self-align with the direction of gravity G. Go to Fig. 23B , the magnet arrangement 120b' may form part of the head mount 100b', otherwise the head mount 100b' is identical to the head mount 100b.

[0072] The exemplary head mounted device 100 (or 100b or 100b') may be used in an ICS system (eg, Fig.24 The exemplary ICS system 60 shown in FIG. 6 includes a cochlear implant 10, a head-mounted device 100 (or 100b), and a sound processor 200, such as a body-worn sound processor or a behind-the-ear sound processor.

[0073] The exemplary sound processor 200 is a body-worn sound processor that includes a housing 202 in which and / or on which various components are supported. These components may include, but are not limited to, a sound processor circuit 204, a headset port 206 that may be connected to the headset 100 via a cable 208, an auxiliary device port 210 for an auxiliary device such as a cell phone or music player, a control panel 212, one or more microphones 214, and a power receiving portion 216 for a removable battery or other removable power source 218 (e.g., rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries or other electrochemical batteries). The sound processor circuit 204 converts electrical signals from the microphone 214 into stimulation (stimulus) data.

[0074] During use, the headset magnet 110 (or 110b) will be attracted to the implant magnet 22, thereby aligning the headset antenna 124 with the implant antenna 20. Stimulation data (and in many cases, power) is supplied to the headset 100, which transmits the stimulation data (and in many cases, power) transcutaneously to the cochlear implant 10 via a wireless link between the antennas. In at least some embodiments, the cable 208 will be configured for forward telemetry and power signals at 49 MHz (MFlz) and backward telemetry signals at 10.7 MHz. It should be noted that in other embodiments, communication between the sound processor and the headset and / or auxiliary device can be achieved through wireless communication technology. In addition, given the presence of the microphone 214 on the sound processor 200, the headset microphone 121 can be omitted in some cases.

[0075] It should be noted that the present invention has application in ICS systems that are configured such that all external components (e.g., battery, microphone, sound processor, and antenna coil) are carried within a single headset. An example of such a headset is Figure 25-29 100c. The exemplary headgear 100c may include a housing (or "headgear portion") 102c having a body portion 104c and a removable cover 106c, and a base (or "headgear portion") 108c. The cover 160c has an end wall 107c, a top wall 109c, and a bottom wall 111c, and a side wall 113c between the top and bottom walls. A magnetic device (or "magnet") 110c-2 is located within the receiving portion 112c. The headgear 100c will be referred to below. Figure 33-35The exemplary magnet 110c-2 discussed in more detail is a removable and replaceable two-part structure, which includes a magnetic member 168c-2 and a non-magnetic member 170c-2, which can be fixed in any desired rotational orientation relative to the receiving portion 112c. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 112c is a part of the base 108c and is defined by a tubular member 115c extending to the base bottom wall 114c. Once positioned in the receiving portion 112c, the rotational orientation of the magnet 110c-2 relative to the receiving portion 112c (and the base 108c) is fixed. The housing 102c can rotate relative to the base 108c and the magnet 110c-2 around the central axis A (or "rotation axis A"). To this end, the main body portion 104c includes a tubular member 117c, in which the tubular member 115c (and the receiving portion 112c) is located. The tubular members 115c and 117c are both coaxial with the rotation axis A, and are connected to each other via a bearing 116c.

[0076] The interior volume (space) of the exemplary housing 102c includes a pair of microphones 121 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 122c, which is connected to the microphones and carries various other head-mounted device electronic components such as a sound processor circuit 119 on one side. The other side of the PCB 122c includes an antenna 124. The microphones 121, which define a microphone array and are spaced apart along the microphone axis MA, are fixed in place, i.e., cannot be moved relative to the housing 102c. Other embodiments may include only one microphone 121, or more than two microphones. The PCB 122c also includes an orifice 128c through which the tubular member 117c extends. The housing has a pair of microphone ports 136c extending through the cover end wall 107c, and a protective member (not shown) can be positioned on the port 136c on the inner surface of the housing 102c. A power receiving portion 123c for multiple removable power sources 125c (e.g., rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries or other electrochemical batteries) is located within the housing 102c. Other receiving portions configured for use with other power sources may also be employed.

[0077] More specifically refer to Fig.28, the position of the relatively heavy power source 125c (and in some cases other relatively heavy objects) causes the center of gravity C of the housing 102c to deviate from the rotational axis A, which passes through the respective centers of the magnet 110c-2 and the tubular members 115c and 117c. In other words, the housing 102c has an unbalanced load. Regardless of the rotational orientation of the magnet 110c-2 and the base 108c, when the rotational axis A is perpendicular to the gravity direction G, the axis A and the center of gravity C will self-align with each other in the gravity direction G. Thus, for example, when the user is standing and looking at the target source, the microphone axis MA will point to the target source regardless of the NS orientation of the magnet 110c-2. To this end, for example, as shown in Fig.30 and Fig.31 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the NS direction of the magnet 110 c - 2 is along the gravity direction G ( Fig.30 ) and when the magnet 110c-2 is oriented so that the NS direction is along any other direction, such as a direction deviating by 45 degrees from the gravity direction G ( Fig.31 ) extends, the microphone axis MA is perpendicular to the direction of gravity G.

[0078] The sound processor 119 can operate in an omnidirectional mode or a directional mode. In the directional mode, the user points the microphone array toward a target source and the sound processor 119 performs beamforming operations on the signals from the microphone 121 in a manner such as discussed in U.S. Patent 7,995,771, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other directional sound processing examples have been incorporated into the Phonak SmartLink+ TM and ZoomLink+ TM In short, spatial processing is performed on the signal from microphone 121, thereby enhancing signals associated with sounds from target sources toward which microphone axis MA is directed (or adjacent), and attenuating signals associated with sounds from non-target sources.

[0079] The exemplary headgear 100c may be used in an ICS system (eg, an exemplary ICS system including the cochlear implant 10).

[0080] refer to Figure 32-35 , the exemplary magnet 110c-2 is a two-part structure, which includes a magnetic member 168c-2 and a non-magnetic member 170c-2 that can be permanently fixed to the magnetic member. The magnetic member 168c-2 is disc-shaped and magnetized in the diametrical direction, and its diameter DI MM The diameter DI of the receiving portion 112c RThe non-magnetic member 170c-2, which can be compressed and formed of foam or other compressible material, includes a disc-shaped body 172c-2 and one or more protrusions 174c-2 extending radially outward from the body. The diameter DI of the body 172c-2 of the compressible non-magnetic member 170c-2 is MB and the receiving part diameter DI R The uncompressed thickness T of magnet 110c-2 is the same or at least substantially the same. MU Greater than depth D R When magnet 110c-2 is placed in receiving portion 112c (with magnetic member 168c closest to base bottom wall 114c), a portion of each protrusion 174c-2 will extend beyond the perimeter of the receiving portion at the top of the receiving portion. Non-magnetic member 170c-2 can then be compressed into receiving portion 112c with fingers or a tool (e.g., Fig.26 This compression will cause the non-magnetic member 170c-2 (particularly at the protrusion 174c-2) to press against the inner surface of the receiving portion 112c to generate sufficient friction to retain the magnet 112c within the receiving portion and prevent the non-magnetic member from expanding back to its uncompressed state.

[0081] The exemplary magnet 110c-2 also includes a marking 176c that can be used to indicate the NS direction of the associated diametrically magnetized magnetic member 168c-2 and the strength of the magnet relative to other magnets in the associated magnet system, as described below with reference to Figure 36-38 In the illustrated embodiment, the marking 176c is in the form of one or more chevrons pointing in the N (or S) direction. When the head-mounted device 100c is combined with a cochlear implant (e.g., Fig.24 When used in conjunction with implant 10 in or one of the implants described in U.S. Patent Publication 2017 / 0239476, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), for example, by marking 176c, the user will be able to align the NS magnetization direction of magnetic member 168c-2 with the gravity direction G ( Fig.30 ), or if necessary, not aligning the NS magnetization direction of the magnetic member 168c-2 with the gravity direction G ( Fig.31 ).

[0082] Go to Figure 36-38, exemplary magnet 110c-2 is a magnet in a multi-magnet system 110c, which also includes magnets 110c-1, 110c-3 and 110c-4. The magnets in system 110c are similar in shape and size, but have different magnetic strengths. By changing the size of the magnetic member and the compressible non-magnetic member, the magnetic strength of the magnet is different from that of the magnet. In particular, each of magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4 is a two-part structure, which includes a disk-shaped, diameter-magnetized magnetic member 168c-1 to 168c-4 and a compressible non-magnetic member 170c-1 to 170c-4 permanently fixed to the associated magnetic member. The compressible non-magnetic member 170c-1 to 170c-4 includes a disk-shaped body 172c-1 to 172c-4 and one or more protrusions 174c-1 to 174c-4 extending radially outward from the body. In some cases, a compressible spacer 111 (eg, a foam spacer) may also be provided in the system 110c. The inner surface of the cap 108b may have a small recess (not shown) that may accommodate the portion of the magnet that extends beyond the receiving portion 112c.

[0083] Except for the slightly shorter magnet 110c-1, the corresponding uncompressed thickness T of the magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4 is MU ( Fig.28 ) is greater than the receiving portion depth D R , but the diameter DI MM The respective thickness (and strength) of the magnetic members increases from magnetic member 168c-1 to magnetic member 168c-4, while the uncompressed thickness of the non-magnetic members decreases from non-magnetic member 170c-1 to non-magnetic member 170c-4.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the number of chevrons 160a identifies the relative strength of magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4. A single chevron 176c represents the weakest magnet (i.e., magnet 110c-1), and four chevrons represent the strongest magnet (i.e., magnet 110c-4). Alternatively or additionally, other types of markings representing strength (e.g., numbers or colors) may also be used. Chevrons 160a (or other markings) may also be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of magnets 110c-1 to 110-4. Chevrons 176c or other markings may, for example, be provided on adhesive labels 162b (as shown) or formed directly on the relevant surface.

[0085] The number of magnetic strength options provided by the exemplary magnet system 110c is greater than the number of magnets in the system. Magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4, each having a different strength, can be inserted in a manner such that the magnetic members 168c-1 to 168c-4 face the implant magnet 22 or the associated compressible non-magnetic members 170c-1 to 170c-4 face the implant magnet. In other words, the magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4 can be inserted into the receiving portion 112c in a manner such that the non-magnetic members 154-1 to 154-4 are between the associated magnetic members 168c-1 to 168c-4 and the bottom wall 114c or in a manner such that the non-magnetic members are not between the associated magnetic members and the bottom wall. Therefore, for each of the magnets 110c-1 to 110c-4, the user can select either of two possible magnetic member-to-implant magnet distances depending on the insertion orientation of the magnet. In addition, considering that the thickness of the magnet 110c-1 is slightly smaller, the compressible spacer 111b can be placed between the magnet 110c-1 and the bottom end of the storage portion 112c when the magnet 110c-1 is in any orientation. Therefore, each of the magnets 110c-2 to 110c-4 can generate two different magnetic attractive forces with the same implant magnet, while the magnet 110c-1 can generate four different magnetic attractive forces with the same implant magnet.

[0086] It should also be noted that magnet system 110c can be used in a headgear similar to headgear 100. For example, bearing 116 can be modified to omit protrusion 160 and retain the entire bearing within the receiving portion. A weight similar to weight 118 can be added to magnetic member 168c in magnet system 110c.

[0087] The location and number of microphones can also be adjusted as needed. By way of example and not limitation, Fig.39 The exemplary headgear 100d shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as the headgear 100, and similar elements are indicated by similar reference numerals. However, here, the headgear 100d includes three microphones 121 that are offset 90 degrees from each other, and the cap 108' includes three microphone ports 138 that are aligned with the microphones 121. The housing (under the cap) also has three microphone ports. The signals from the microphones 121 can be processed in a directional mode similar to the directional mode described above.

[0088] Go to Fig.40, exemplary headgear 100e is substantially identical to headgear 100c, and like elements are indicated by like reference numerals. However, here, the microphones face the respective cover sidewalls 113e (rather than end wall 107e), and cover 106e includes microphone ports 136e (only one shown) extending through the respective cover sidewalls 113e. Thus, the microphones face forward and backward. Signals from the microphones may be processed in a directional mode similar to the directional mode described above.

[0089] Another exemplary head-mounted device is configured such that all external components (e.g., battery, microphone, sound processor, and antenna coil) are carried within a single head-mounted device that is mounted on a Fig.41 The exemplary head-mounted device 100f is similar to the head-mounted device 100c in that the head-mounted device 100f includes a housing 102f, such as a sound processor (not shown), a microphone array having a pair of microphones 121 (see also Fig.25 ), antenna 124, positioning magnet 110f and battery 125f are positioned in the housing 102f. Microphones 121 are spaced apart along a microphone array axis (or "microphone axis") MA and are fixed in position, i.e., cannot move relative to the housing 102f. The housing 102f includes a microphone port 136f, which can be positioned on an end wall (as shown) or in a manner similar to that of the housing 102f. Fig.40 The headset 100f does not have the base and rotation capability of the above-described headset 100c for maintaining a predetermined headset orientation. Here, the headset 100f is provided with an orientation magnet 178f and is configured to be used in conjunction with a cochlear implant having a corresponding orientation magnet. The magnets 110f and 178f each define an axis A and are spaced apart from each other in a magnet spacing direction MSD so that they are not coaxial. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet spacing direction MSD is perpendicular to the microphone array axis MA.

[0090] For this purpose, refer to Fig.42 , an exemplary cochlear implant 10f is substantially similar to the cochlear implant 10, and similar elements are represented by similar reference numerals. However, here, the cochlear implant 10f includes a housing 12f having a magnet carrier 13f for the magnet 22. The magnet carrier 13f can be a separate structure fixed to the implant housing 12, or can be an integral part of the implant housing. The positioning magnet 23f is located within the antenna portion of the housing 12. The magnets 22 and 23f each define an axis A and are spaced apart from each other so that they are not coaxial.

[0091] During use, magnets 110f and 178f of headset 100f are positioned over magnets 22 and 23f of cochlear implant 10f. Magnets 22 and 110f hold headset 100f on the user's head, while magnets 23f and 178f align antennas 20 and 124 and set the orientation of headset 100f (and microphone array axis MA) relative to the user's head. For example, Fig.42 As shown, magnets 23f and 178f can be used to set the orientation of the head mounted device 100f (and the microphone array axis MA) so that the microphone array axis MA is perpendicular to the direction of gravity G when the user is standing or sitting and looking straight ahead.

[0092] The implant and headgear magnets 22, 23f, 110f, and 178f can be any suitable magnets. In some cases, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the implant and headgear magnets 22, 23f, 110f, and 178f can be diametrically magnetized disk magnets that can rotate relative to the rest of the cochlear implant 10f and headgear 100f about the respective axes A in the manner described above with or without associated bearings.

[0093] Although the invention disclosed herein has been described according to the above preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and / or additions to the above preferred embodiments are made. The present invention also includes any combination of elements from the various species and embodiments disclosed in the specification that have not yet been described. The scope of the present invention is intended to extend to all such modifications and / or additions, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A cochlear implant headset for use with a cochlear implant, the cochlear implant headset comprising: a first headset portion defining an axis of rotation; a second headgear portion mounted on the first headgear portion and rotatable relative to the first housing portion about the rotation axis, the second headgear portion including a headgear antenna and first and second microphones defining a microphone array axis, and having a center of gravity positioned such that, when the rotation axis is perpendicular to the direction of gravity, the microphone array axis will be perpendicular to the direction of gravity; as well as A headgear magnet associated with the first headgear portion.

2. The cochlear implant head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein: The second headgear portion includes a sound processor circuit operably connected to the first and second microphones and the antenna.

3. The cochlear implant head-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The headgear magnet includes a diametrically magnetized headgear magnet.

4. The cochlear implant head-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The center of gravity is offset from the axis of rotation.

5. The cochlear implant head-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first headgear portion includes a magnet receiving portion; The headgear magnet includes a magnetic member and a compressible non-magnetic member permanently secured to the magnetic member and is removably positioned within the magnet receiving portion.

6. The cochlear implant head-mounted device according to claim 5, wherein: The magnet receiving portion defines a circular shape in a plane perpendicular to the axis; and The compressible non-magnetic member is compressible in an axial direction.

7. The cochlear implant head-mounted device according to claim 6, wherein: The magnet receiving portion defines a receiving portion depth; The headgear magnet defines an uncompressed magnet thickness, the uncompressed magnet thickness being greater than the receiving portion depth; and The headgear magnet is compressible to a compressed thickness no greater than a depth of the receiving portion.

8. The cochlear implant headset according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The magnetic member includes a disk-shaped magnetic member magnetized in a diameter direction.

9. The cochlear implant headset according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The headset magnet defines a first headset magnet having a first magnetic strength, the cochlear implant headset further comprising: A second headgear magnet is insertable into the magnet receiving portion in place of the first headgear magnet and includes a magnetic member and a compressible non-magnetic member permanently fixed to the magnetic member and has a second magnetic strength greater than the first magnetic strength.

10. The cochlear implant headset according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The cover comprises an end wall, a top wall and a bottom wall and a first side wall and a second side wall between the top wall and the bottom wall; and The end wall includes a first microphone aperture and a second microphone aperture.

11. The cochlear implant headset according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The cover comprises an end wall, a top wall and a bottom wall and a first side wall and a second side wall between the top wall and the bottom wall; and The first side wall and the second side wall include a first microphone aperture and a second microphone aperture, respectively.

12. A cochlear stimulation system comprising: a cochlear implant comprising a housing, an antenna within the housing, a first cochlear implant magnet associated with the antenna, and a second cochlear implant magnet spaced apart from the first cochlear implant magnet; as well as A cochlear implant headset includes first and second microphones defining a microphone array axis, a headset antenna, a first headset magnet associated with the antenna, and a second headset magnet spaced apart from the first headset magnet.

13. The cochlear stimulation system according to claim 12, wherein: The first headgear magnet and the second headgear magnet are spaced apart in a magnet spacing direction perpendicular to the microphone array axis.

14. A cochlear stimulation system comprising: A cochlear implant head-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; as well as A cochlear implant comprising a cochlear implant magnet and a cochlear implant antenna.

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