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US 8,620,444 B2Granted
Implant sensor and control
AssigneeMED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
InventorsMartin Zimmerling, Ingeborg Hochmair, Erwin Hochmair, Martin Kerber, Werner Lindenthaler, Peter Nopp, Marcus Schmidt, Hansjörg Schoesser, Clemens Zierhofer
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Abstract
An implant includes a humidity sensor for generating a signal indicative of humidity within the implant. A controller within the implant receives the signal indicative of humidity, and controls the implant based on the signal indicative of humidity.
Claims6
A method of controlling a cochlear implant, the implant including a stimulator for stimulating an array of electrodes, the method comprising:
- positioning a hydrophilic agent in the implant so as to direct moisture to a desired location within the implant;
- positioning a humidity sensor substantially adjacent the hydrophilic agent;
- generating, by the humidity sensor, a signal indicative of humidity within the implant;
- and
- controlling the implant based on the signal indicative of humidity, wherein the generating and controlling is performed within the implant, and wherein controlling includes controlling the stimulator to stimulate the electrodes so as to produce a perceived audio alert based on the signal indicative of humidity.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.