At least partially implantable system for rehabilitation of hearing disorder

US6565503B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cochlear Limited · AU

Inventors

• Hans Leysieffer · Taufkirchen, DE
• Hans-Peter Zenner · Tübingen, DE
• Joachim Baumann · Borgo San Lazzaro, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2001
• Grant date: May 20, 2003
• Expiry date: Apr 13, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/0541
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An at least partially implantable system for rehabilitation of a hearing disorder with at least one acoustic sensor (microphone) for picking up an acoustic sensor signal and converting the acoustic sensor signal into corresponding electrical signals, an electronic signal processing unit for audio signal processing and amplification, an electrical power supply unit which supplies individual components of the system with energy, and an output-side actuator stimulation arrangement, the actuator stimulation arrangement has a dual intracochlear arrangement in combination with a stimulator arrangement with at least one stimulator element for at least indirect mechanical stimulation of a damaged inner ear and one electrically acting stimulation electrode arrangement with at least one cochlear implant electrode for electrical stimulation of the inner ear.