Dual path implantable hearing assistance device
US6491722B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R25/505
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dual path implantable hearing assistance system transduces sound vibrations of the malleus in one or both ears into electrical signals, processes the electrical signals to provide one or more resulting output electrical signals, and transduces the output signals into mechanical vibrations provided to the stapes in one or both ears. Communication between an electronics device and at least one ear is either wireless or through subcutaneous lead wires. The system may have two input paths and two output paths, programmable to provide the function of two separate single path systems, but capable of combining the signals such as by weighted summing. The system may have also have two input paths and one output path; or, one input path and two output paths; or, one input path and one output path, each associated with a different ear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.