Implantable auditory system components and system
First Claim
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1. A method for reducing conductive and/or sensorineural hearing deficiency in a human subject comprising the steps of:
- implanting a microactuator into a fenestration that pierces a promontory or a stapes footplate which respectively separate a middle ear from an inner ear of the human subject, the microactuator including a flexible diaphragm that contacts fluid present within the inner ear of the human subject, and that vibrates responsive to application of an electrical signal to the microactuator; and
conveying an electrical signal to the microactuator which excites vibrations in the flexible diaphragm thereof, said flexible diaphragm vibrations stimulating the fluid of the inner ear of the human subject whereby the human subject perceives said flexible diaphragm vibrations as sound.
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Abstract
Auditory system components and system adapted for implantation into a human subject for reducing conductive and/or sensorineural hearing deficiency in the subject. An electrically excitable microactuator is implantable either into a fenestration formed through a promontory or a stapes footplate which respectively separate a middle ear from an inner ear of the human subject. The auditory system also includes an implantable processor for supplying an electrical signal to the microactuator, and an implantable microsensor for transmitting an electrical signal responsive to impingement of sound on the microsensor.
176 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method for reducing conductive and/or sensorineural hearing deficiency in a human subject comprising the steps of:
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implanting a microactuator into a fenestration that pierces a promontory or a stapes footplate which respectively separate a middle ear from an inner ear of the human subject, the microactuator including a flexible diaphragm that contacts fluid present within the inner ear of the human subject, and that vibrates responsive to application of an electrical signal to the microactuator; and conveying an electrical signal to the microactuator which excites vibrations in the flexible diaphragm thereof, said flexible diaphragm vibrations stimulating the fluid of the inner ear of the human subject whereby the human subject perceives said flexible diaphragm vibrations as sound. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification