Implantable middle-ear hearing assist system using piezoelectric transducer film
US5899847A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 4, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36038
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus transduces between mechanical and electrical signals within a middle ear to improve hearing. An electromechanical transducer film, preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is carried by a mount secured to the middle ear. The film is constrained by the mount, or by the mount and an auditory element. The invention includes substantially straight, bow-shaped, hoop-shaped, and bi-element transducer film embodiments. The film transduces between mechanical vibrations of an auditory element, such as the malleus or stapes, and electrical signals for use with an electronics unit of a partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.