Method and apparatus for audio input to implantable hearing aids
US6620094B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/67
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interface system for semi-implantable and fully implantable hearing aid devices that provides direct delivery of audio input from external wireline and wireless sources to the speech processor of the hearing aid. The speech processor of the hearing aid processes the audio inputs to produce a processed signal for a transducer portion of the hearing aid that is implanted in a hearing impaired individual. In a semi-implantable hearing aid, the interface system could be included in the external portion of the hearing aid or be included in an audio input device that replaces the external portion of the hearing aid when sound from a wireless or wireline source is desired. In a fully implantable hearing aid, an audio input device including the interface system is provided for use when sound from a wireless or wireline source is desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.