Microphone optimized for implant use
US7204799B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36038
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable microphone for use with an implantable hearing instrument that has a reduced vibration sensitivity in comparison with its acoustic sensitivity. The microphone utilizes a plurality of small diaphragms as opposed to a single large diaphragm in order to reduce vibration sensitivity caused by mass loading of the diaphragms by overlying skin and tissue. The acoustic outputs of the plurality of small diaphragms are summed (e.g., acoustically or electronically), which allows the microphone to maintain adequate acoustic sensitivity for hearing augmentation purposes while having a reduced vibration sensitivity. In one aspect, the plurality of diaphragms is formed from a single membrane and a multi-apertured support structure in contact with the membrane. Each aperture in combination with the membrane defines a single diaphragm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.