Auditory prosthesis with automated voice muting using the stapedius muscle reflex
First Claim
1. An auditory prosthesis system for assisting a patient having hearing organs including a functioning stapedius muscle, said system comprising:
- a sound input receiving sounds and generating corresponding sound signals representative of said sounds;
an output circuit applying output signals to said patient causing said patient to experience corresponding hearing sensations;
a stapedius reflex monitor that detects a state of said stapedius muscle and generates a corresponding stapedius signal, said stapedius signal being indicative of one of sound intensities subjectively perceived by said patient and a prospective speech episode during which the patient utters sounds; and
a signal adjusting circuit that adjusts said sound signals in accordance with said stapedius signal to generate said output signals said signal adjusting circuit including an amplifier having a gain and receiving said sound signals, said amplifier being adapted to generate corresponding amplified signals, said output signals corresponding to said amplified signals, and an automatic gain control circuit that adjust said gain dynamically in accordance with said stapedius signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An auditory prosthesis includes a sound sensor that senses both ambient sounds and sounds uttered by the patient. The prosthesis includes a monitor that senses a physiological parameter indicative of the intensity of the sounds as perceived by the patient and/or the onset of a prospective speech episode during which the patient utters sounds. For example, the monitor may detect the activity of the stapedius muscle. This muscle contracts in the presence of subjectively perceived high level sounds or just prior to and during a speech episode. This parameter is used dynamically by the prosthesis to process the received sounds, for example, by changing the amplification level of these sounds dependent on the activity.
55 Citations
26 Claims
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1. An auditory prosthesis system for assisting a patient having hearing organs including a functioning stapedius muscle, said system comprising:
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a sound input receiving sounds and generating corresponding sound signals representative of said sounds;
an output circuit applying output signals to said patient causing said patient to experience corresponding hearing sensations;
a stapedius reflex monitor that detects a state of said stapedius muscle and generates a corresponding stapedius signal, said stapedius signal being indicative of one of sound intensities subjectively perceived by said patient and a prospective speech episode during which the patient utters sounds; and
a signal adjusting circuit that adjusts said sound signals in accordance with said stapedius signal to generate said output signals said signal adjusting circuit including an amplifier having a gain and receiving said sound signals, said amplifier being adapted to generate corresponding amplified signals, said output signals corresponding to said amplified signals, and an automatic gain control circuit that adjust said gain dynamically in accordance with said stapedius signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An implantable cochlear system for implantation into a patient, said system comprising:
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a sound receiver receiving ambient sounds and sounds generated by said patient;
a processor that processes said sounds to generate stimulation signals;
an output electrode that delivers said stimulation signals to an auditory nerve; and
a stapedius reflex monitor that monitors a state of the stapedius muscle of said patient to identify an onset of a prospective speech episode during which sounds are uttered by the patient and generating a corresponding stapedius signal;
wherein said processor includes an amplifier with a variable gain, said gain being modified in response to said stapedius signal. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An auditory prosthesis designed to aid a person with a hearing impairment and having an intact stapedius reflex, said auditory prosthesis comprising:
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a sound receiver adapted to receive sounds and to generate corresponding electrical signals;
a monitor adapted to detect said stapedius reflex as an indication of at least one of a subjective perception of the intensity of ambient sounds by the patient and a prospective speech episode during which the patient utters sounds, and to generate an indication signal when said physiological parameter is detected;
a signal processor adapted to process said electrical signals in a first mode in the absence of said indication signal and a different mode in the presence of said indication signal to generate output signals. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A hearing aid for stimulating a patient'"'"'s hearing organs, comprising;
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a sound receiver receiving sounds and converting them into electrical signals;
an amplifier with a gain amplifying said electrical signals to generate amplified signals;
an output element that applies said amplified signals to the patient'"'"'s hearing organs;
a stapedius reflex monitor that monitors the stapedius reflex of the patent; and
a gain control circuit coupled to said stapedius reflex monitor controlling said gain to set said amplifier to one of a normal gain and a different gain dependent on a stapedius reflex monitor output. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification