Flextensional output actuators for surgically implantable hearing aids
US6629922B1 · kind B1 · utility
153Cited by
27References
61Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R25/606
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This relates to devices and methods for improving hearing, particularly in the field of hearing aids. The described output actuator is a component of a class of hearing devices known as surgically implantable hearing aids. This relates to both fully implanted and partially implanted hearing aids. More particularly, methods and devices disclosed herein provide an actuator for directly driving the inner-ear fluid, or the middle-ear bones referred to as the ossicular chain, resulting in the sensation of hearing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.