Optical waveguide vibration sensor for use in hearing aid

An apparatus for enhancing hearing in a human or veterinary patient, said apparatus comprising:

• a light source for emitting light signals;
• a light detector for receiving light signals emitted from the optical source and converting the received light signals to electrical signals;
• an array of optical waveguide resonators positioned between the light source and the light detector, each resonator being positioned to receive sound and each resonator having a different resonant frequency such that each resonator will modulate the intensity of the light passing between the optical source and the light detector in relation to the sound received by the resonator;
• a housing encasing at least one of the light source, the light detector and the array of optical waveguide resonators, the housing being configured to be worn on or in the body of the patient wherein the housing is configured to isolate ambient vibrations from airborne sound.

A method of detecting vibrations and converting the vibrations into electrical signals, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of optical waveguide resonators, each having a different resonant frequency and being surrounded by a housing configured to isolate ambient vibrations from airborne vibrations;
• causing the optical waveguide resonators to receive an incoming vibration wave;
• directing light through the resonators, such that the light is modulated by vibration of at least one of the resonators;
• receiving the modulated light;
• and
• converting the modulated light into electrical signals.

A method for treating hearing loss or impairment in a human or veterinary patient, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a hearing enhancement device including
• a light source for emitting light signals;
• a light detector for receiving light signals emitted from the optical source and converting the received light signals to electrical signals;
• and
• an array of optical waveguide resonators positioned between the light source and the light detector, each resonator being positioned to receive sounds and each resonator having a different resonant frequency such that each resonator will modulate the intensity of the light passing between the optical source and the light detector in response to the sounds received by the resonator;
• and
• providing an interface between the hearing enhancement device and the inner ear of the patient.