Fixation element for an implantable microphone

US5999632A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Implex Aktiengesellschaft Hearing Technology · DE

Inventors

• Hans Leysieffer · Taufkirchen, DE
• Joachim Baumann · Borgo San Lazzaro, DE
• Rolf Lehner · Jeffery Road, DE
• Gerd Muller · Falkensee, DE
• Gabriele Reischl · Hersbruck, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 16, 1998
• Grant date: Dec 7, 1999
• Expiry date: Jun 16, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04R25/606
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fixation element secures to a patient's ear an implantable microphone having a cylindrical housing part with an acoustic inlet membrane after insertion into a hole which crosses a rear bony wall of the patient's auditory canal. The fixation element has a cylindrical sleeve part which surrounds the cylindrical housing part of the microphone and which has projecting, elastic flange parts which can be placed against the side of the wall of the auditory canal which faces the skin of the auditory canal. In use, the elastic flange parts are held in a bent position against an elastic restoring force of the flange parts, before implantation, by applying a holder to the flange parts which allows insertion of the flanges through the hole of the wall of the auditory canal. After the microphone assembly has been inserted through the hole, the holder (which can be, for example, thread or a cap) is removed allowing the elastic flange parts to spring into a position in which they project essentially radially away from the cylindrical sleeve part between the wall of the auditory canal which faces skin of the auditory canal and the skin of the auditory canal.