Stimulation using a microstimulator to treat tinnitus
First Claim
1. A system for treating tinnitus using electrical stimulation comprising:
- an implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted within a recess created within a bone surrounding the middle ear; and
an electrode electrically connected to the microstimulator;
wherein the electrode is placed to stimulate the auditory system with electrical stimulation to mask or suppress the perception of tinnitus.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable microstimulator and a stimulating electrode are implanted to treat tinnitus. The microstimulator is connected to the stimulating electrode via a short, flexible lead. The electrode is implanted in the promontory of the cochlea or in the cochlear round window niche to deliver electrical stimulation to the auditory nervous system and thereby suppress or mask the tinnitus. The microstimulator may be surgically implanted through the ear canal, via a mastoidectomy or through the middle fossa, i.e., a supra-meatal approach. The microstimulator may be placed in middle ear cavity, a bony recess created in the bone surrounding the middle ear, the mastoid, the cochlea or a part of the temporal bone. In addition, the system may further include a test electrode, a test stimulator and a remote programming device that employs a bi-directional radio-frequency communication link to control and program the microstimulator and the test stimulator.
35 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system for treating tinnitus using electrical stimulation comprising:
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an implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted within a recess created within a bone surrounding the middle ear; and
an electrode electrically connected to the microstimulator;
wherein the electrode is placed to stimulate the auditory system with electrical stimulation to mask or suppress the perception of tinnitus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of treating tinnitus by applying electrical stimulation comprising:
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providing a microstimulator and an electrode electrically coupled thereto;
implanting the microstimulator into a recess created within a bone surrounding the middle ear;
stimulating the auditory system with electrical stimulation applied via the electrode to mask or suppress the occurrence of tinnitus.
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9. A method for treating tinnitus comprising:
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(a) implanting a microstimulator, having a stimulation output, into a recess created within a bone surrounding the middle ear;
(b) implanting an electrode in a pre-determined location in the auditory system, which electrode is electrically connected to a stimulation output of the microstimulator; and
(c) providing stimulation through the electrode to mask or suppress the occurrence of tinnitus. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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10. (canceled)
Specification