Disposable audio processor for use with implanted hearing devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A disposable external audio processor for an implantable hearing device, comprising:
- a microphone, the microphone producing a electronic signal in response to ambient sounds;
a signal processing circuit coupled to said microphone, the signal processing circuit comprising essentially of a single monolithic application specific integrated circuit which is nonproprammable and specifically designed for one particular category of hearing loss selected from the group consisting of flat, sloping, and midrange deficiency;
a signal modulation circuit coupled to the signal processing circuit, the signal modulation circuit modulating the modified electronic signal;
a coil coupled to the signal modulation circuit, the coil receiving the modulated electronic signal to transmit the modulated electronic signal to the implantable hearing device; and
a battery coupled to the signal processing and modulation circuits.
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Abstract
A disposable audio processor for use with implanted hearing devices is provided. The audio processor may include a microphone, application specific integrated circuit performing both signal processing and signal modulation, a battery, and a coil. The audio processor is designed for specific types of hearing loss. Electronic signals are transmitted to an implanted receiver through the use of electromagnetic fields generated by the coil of the audio processor. The audio processor is a low power and inexpensive device that may be disposed of when it becomes inoperable. The audio processor and may include a finger tab for manipulating the device.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A disposable external audio processor for an implantable hearing device, comprising:
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a microphone, the microphone producing a electronic signal in response to ambient sounds; a signal processing circuit coupled to said microphone, the signal processing circuit comprising essentially of a single monolithic application specific integrated circuit which is nonproprammable and specifically designed for one particular category of hearing loss selected from the group consisting of flat, sloping, and midrange deficiency; a signal modulation circuit coupled to the signal processing circuit, the signal modulation circuit modulating the modified electronic signal; a coil coupled to the signal modulation circuit, the coil receiving the modulated electronic signal to transmit the modulated electronic signal to the implantable hearing device; and a battery coupled to the signal processing and modulation circuits. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system comprising a container, the container holding a plurality of disposable external audio processors each of the audio processors comprising:
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a microphone, the microphone producing a electronic signal in response to ambient sounds; a signal processing circuit coupled to said microphone, the signal processing circuit comprising essentially of a single monolithic application specific integrated circuit which is nonprogrammable and specifically designed for one particular category of hearing loss selected from the group consisting of flat, sloping, and midrange deficiency; a signal modulation circuit coupled to the signal processing circuit, the signal modulation circuit modulating the modified electronic signal; a coil coupled to the signal modulation circuit, the coil receiving the modulated electronic signal to transmit the modulated electronic signal to the implantable hearing device; and a battery coupled to the signal processing and modulation circuits. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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Specification