Device for electromechanical stimulation and testing of hearing

US6506164B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Phonak AG · CH

Inventors

• Gabriele Reischl · Hersbruck, DE
• Hans Leysieffer · Taufkirchen, DE
• Gerd Muller · Falkensee, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 22, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 14, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 15, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/121
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Device for electromechanical stimulation and testing of the hearing, including an electromechanical transducer for producing mechanical vibrations, a mechanical coupling element for transmitting mechanical stimulation vibrations from the electromechanical transducer without surgery through the external auditory canal to the umbo, and thus, to the manubrium malleli of the ossicular chain, a positioning device for positioning the coupling element with reference to the umbo, and a fixing device for secure, play-free linkage of the positioning device to human body, especially the human skull. An intermediate element is provided between the positioning device and the electromechanical transducer, said intermediate element being designed and dimensioned such that the intermediate element transmits quasi-steady-state positioning adjustments from the positioning device to the transducer, but reduces transmission of at least dynamic forces from the positioning device to the coupling element at least to such an extent that the risk of middle or inner ear damage is substantially reduced.