Hearing aid having a liquid transmission means communicative with the cochlea and method of use thereof
OwnerSamuel Gilmaninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hearing aid (100) is provided for surgically implanting in the ear of a subject. A liquid filled tube (142) is positioned between an orifice of the cochlea and a subcutaneous amplifier (200). A microphone (122) converts sound waves outside the subject into electrical signals which are amplified by the amplifier and are converted back into amplified mechanical motion by a transducer means (124). The amplified mechanical motion is transmitted through the tube by the liquid to the cochlea bypassing the outer and middle ears. The liquid and dimensions of the tube are selected to substantially match the acoustic impedance of the cochlea at the distal end of the tube.
Claims51
An acoustical transmission means for transmission of acoustical energy to the cochlea, comprising:
- liquid conduction means for conducting acoustical energy therealong;
- and
- impedance matching means, terminating said liquid conduction means and adapted to be disposed in direct operative association with a window or aperture in the cochlea, for introducing said acoustical energy therethrough.
A hearing aid, comprising:
- electro-mechanical means for converting acoustical energy to mechanical motion characteristic thereof;
- liquid conduction means coupled to said electro-mechanical means for conducting said mechanical motion therefrom;
- and
- impedance matching means, terminating said liquid conduction means and adapted to be disposed in direct operative association with a window or aperture in the cochlea for introducing said mechanical motion therethrough.
A method for improving the hearing of a hearing impaired subject, said method comprising the steps of:
- surgically interposing a liquid transmission means from a proximal end thereof to a distal end thereof in operative association with a window or aperture in the cochlea of the subject;
- filling the liquid transmission means with liquid;
- converting acoustical energy external to the subject into mechanical motion characteristic thereof;
- and
- applying the mechanical motion to the proximal end of the liquid transmission means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.