Method and apparatus for reduced feedback in implantable hearing assistance systems

A partially implantable apparatus for improving the hearing of a sensorineural hearing impaired subject without causing feedback through the ossicular chain of the subject, comprising:

• an artificial sensing transducer for sensing air conducted signals external to the middle ear;
• input and output transducer means adapted for cranial location for mediating mechanical and electrical signals having controlled amplification characteristics, the input and output transducer means having electromechanical linkage means for operatively communicatively coupling the artificial sensing transducer to the inner ear of the subject to transmit signals therebetween without feedback of mechanical sound energy from the inner ear to the artificial sensing transducer through the ossicular chain and the external auditory canal.

A method for assisting hearing for a sensorineurally hearing impaired person comprising:

• receiving sound vibrations impinging on a person's body habitus with an electromechanical device disposed at a body habitus sound reception site and converting the sound vibration with the electromechanical device to an amplified electrical signal;
• delivering the amplified electrical signal to the inner ear with transducer means operatively coupled between the electromechanical device and the inner ear;
• maintaining a portion of the ossicular chain in a fixed position to maintain a mechanical feedback barrier preventing transmission of sound energy along the ossicular chain to minimize sound energy feedback between the inner ear and the sound reception site during the receiving and delivering steps.