Hearing assistance device sensing otovibratory or otoacoustic emissions evoked by middle ear vibrations
US6342035B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R25/606
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) or partial middle ear implantable (PMEI) hearing assistance system provides a transient middle ear mechanical vibration stimulus, and senses emissions from the cochlea. The sensed cochlear emissions include mechanical vibrations (“otovibratory emissions”) and sound pressure waves (“otoacoustic emissions”). Based on the sensed emissions, diagnostic information is provided to the physician at an external programmer, allowing easier positioning and coupling of an electrical-to-mechanical output transducer. Diagnosis of auditory system or hearing assistance system malfunctions is effectively implemented using the data communicated from the implantable hearing assistance device. Signal processing parameters are adjusted based on the sensed cochlear emissions for improved hearing assistance. Otovibratory emission sensing is likely more sensitive than otoacoustic emissions, providing improved audiometric screening data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.