Variable sensitivity control for a cochlear implant
US7522960B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R25/356
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides an amplifier for providing adaptive operation of an auditory prosthesis. The amplifier receives an input signal and produces an output signal, and comprises a gain control. Estimates of the current noise floor value of the input signal are obtained, and in response to a change in the current estimated noise floor value, the gain control alters the amount of gain applied to the input signal. Further, in response to the change in the current estimated noise floor value, the gain control alters a gain compression ratio of the amplifier across the dynamic range of the amplifier. The present invention allows for adaptive operation of the amplifier responsive to varying noise floor levels, while maintaining desired gain characteristics of the amplifier across a range of input signal levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.