Stapedius reflex electrode and connector

A method of making a stapedius reflex electrode for use within the middle ear of a human comprising the steps of:

• (a) flattening one end of the biocompatible wire to form a flat blade, the other end remaining as a round metal wire;
• (b) electrically and mechanically attaching an insulated lead to the electrode near the point where the electrode transitions from the flat blade to the round wire;
• (c) covering the point where the lead attaches to the electrode with a blob of epoxy;
• and
• (d) forming a sharp tip at the end of the flat blade.

A method of inserting a stapedius electrode within the stapedius muscle of a human, the stapedius muscle tissue being visible within the middle ear as it exits a bony channel prior to attaching to the stapes, the stapedius electrode having a flat blade with a sharp point on one end, a round wire on the other end, and further having an electrical lead attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a slot in the stapedius muscle tissue near the point where it is visible as it exits the bony channel;
• (b) holding the electrode by its round end and inserting the sharp point of the flat blade through the slot;
• and
• (c) securing the electrode within the slot.

A method of inserting a stapedius electrode within the stapedius muscle of a human, the stapedius muscle tissue being visible within the middle ear as it exits a bony channel prior to attaching to the stapes, the stapedius electrode comprising an elongate metal electrode having an electrical lead attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming an opening in the bone surrounding the bony channel so as to expose the muscle tissue;
• (b) inserting a distal tip of the elongate metal electrode through the opening and through the bony channel in a direction towards the stapes along an inside edge of the bony channel until the distal tip of the elongate metal electrode protrudes from the body channel;
• and
• (c) bending over the protruding distal tip of the electrode against an upper edge of the bone surrounding the bony channel.

An electrode for attachment to the stapedius muscle (20), which muscle is visible as it exits a bony channel (30), of the middle car of a human, comprising:

• a biocompatible metal wire formed into a hook (10′);
• a light, coiled, insulated lead (12) attached at one end of the hook;
• a small ball (11) formed at the other end of the hook;
• the hook being insulated;
• the small ball not being insulated;
• the small ball being adapted for partial embedding within the surface of the stapedius muscle at the point where the stapedius muscle exits the bony channel.

An electrode for attachment to the stapedius muscle (20), which muscle is visible as it exits a bony channel (30) within the middle ear of a human, comprising:

• a silicone mold (13) shaped into a cuff configuration;
• a biocompatible metal contact (11) embedded within the silicone mold;
• a light, coiled, insulated lead (12) attached to the metal contact through the silicone mold;
• the silicone mold having an opening allowing it to be opened and placed around The stapedius muscle.

An electrode for attachment to The stapedius muscle (20), which muscle is visible as it exits a bony channel (30) of the middle ear of a human, comprising:

• a biocompatible metal wire formed into a hook shape (10″);
• a light, coiled, insulated lead (12) attached at one end of the hook;
• a small contact (42, 42′) formed at the other end of the hook;
• the hook being adapted for crimping around The stapedius muscle at the point where The stapedius muscle exits the bony channel.

An electrode for attachment to the stapedius muscle (20), which muscle is visible as it exits a bony channel (30) of the middle car of a human, comprising:

• a biocompatible metal wire formed into a U shape (40′);
• a light, coiled, insulated lead (12) attached to the wire near the middle of the U;
• a small ball (44) formed at each end of the U-shape;
• the U-shaped being adapted for positioning around The stapedius muscle (20) at the point where The stapedius muscle exits the bony channel.

An electrode system for sensing the stapedius reflex of a human comprising:

• a stapedius electrode having an insulated multi-strand wire lead attached hereto, the stapedius electrode being implantable so as to contact stapedius muscle tissue;
• a tube connector that connects a proximal end of the multi-strand insulated wire lead to a distal end of a wire from an implant device, the tube connector comprising:
• a conductive tube having a first end electrically attached to the distal end of the wire;
• the proximal end of the multi-strand insulated wire lead being inserted into a second end of the conductive tube, the second end of the tube being crimped over the proximal end of the multi-strand insulated wire lead so as to penetrate through insulation of the wire and make electrical contact with the multi-strands of conductive wire lead carried therein;
• and
• a silicone tube placed over the conductive tube, the ends of the silicone tube being closed to prevent leakage of body tissue or fluids inside of the silicone tube.