Optically coupled cochlear actuator systems and methods
First Claim
1. A device to transmit a sound to a user having a middle ear and a cochlea comprising a cochlear fluid, the device comprising:
- an input assembly configured to receive a sound input; and
an output assembly comprising a support and a transducer,wherein the support is configured to extend over and to cover a fenestration in the cochlear bone tissue, andwherein the transducer is configured to be positioned at or over the support and over the fenestration to vibrate the support and in turn to vibrate the cochlear fluid to transmit the sound to the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A transducer is configured to couple to the cochlear fluid so as to transmit sound with low amounts of energy, such that feed back to a microphone positioned in the ear canal is inhibited substantially. The cochlear fluid coupled hearing device can allow a user to determine from which side a sound originates with vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited. The transducer may be coupled to the cochlear fluid with a thin membrane disposed between the transducer and the cochlear fluid, for example with a fenestration in the cochlea. In some embodiments, a support coupled to the transducer directly contacts the fluid of the cochlea so as to couple the transducer to the cochlear fluid.
330 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A device to transmit a sound to a user having a middle ear and a cochlea comprising a cochlear fluid, the device comprising:
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an input assembly configured to receive a sound input; and an output assembly comprising a support and a transducer, wherein the support is configured to extend over and to cover a fenestration in the cochlear bone tissue, and wherein the transducer is configured to be positioned at or over the support and over the fenestration to vibrate the support and in turn to vibrate the cochlear fluid to transmit the sound to the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of transmitting a sound to a user having a middle ear and a cochlea comprising a cochlear fluid, the method comprising:
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making a channel or fenestration in a cochlea bone; positioning a support over the fenestration; and positioning a transducer at or over the support to vibrate the support and in turn vibrate the cochlear fluid to transmit the sound to the user in response to a sound input. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. A device for implantation in a middle ear of a user, the middle ear having a stapes, the device comprising:
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a housing configured to extend over and to cover a fenestration in the cochlear bone tissue, the housing comprising a support; a transducer configured to vibrate the stapes, the transducer being contained at least partially within the housing and configured to be positioned at or over the support and over the fenestration to vibrate the support and in turn vibrate the cochlear fluid to transmit sound to the user; and an expandable structure disposed on a portion of the housing, the expandable structure and the housing sized for placement at least partially between crura of the stapes to couple the transducer to the stapes. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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Specification