Telectronics Pty. Limited

Cochlear Limited

Other

The Commonwealth of Australia

Cochlear Pty. Ltd.

Commonwealth of Australia, Dept. of Science & Technology

Electronics Pty. Ltd.

David K Money

Tony M Nygard

Paul Michael Carter

Christopher Newton Daly

Peter Scott Single

James Finlay Patrick

Tibor A Nappholz

Stephen J Swift

Michael S Hirshorn

Peter Misha Seligman

Ibrahim Ibrahim

Loraine K Holley

James Dalton

Janusz A Kuzma

Andy L Zhang

Andrew D MacLaurin

Peter A Crosby

Michael Skalsky

Helmut Christian Eder

Peter M Seligman

Petrus A Van Berkum

Padraig Joseph Hurley

Bruce R Satchwell

Ronald C Bradbury

John G Frost

Kenneth R Dickson

Jim Finlay Patrick

Chris Newton Daly

Christopher Mark Olufson

Christopher Daly

Robert J Evans

Bruce Tabor

Christopher N Daly

L Andy Zhang

A totally implantable cochlear implant system forming a single implantable unit (). The unit () has an implantable power source () that provides the power requirements of the implantable unit (). The unit () also has an on board microphone () that detects external sounds, such as speech, and outputs acoustic signals representative of the detected sounds. The unit further includes speech processor circuitry () that directly receives the acoustic signals from the microphone () and converts the signals into stimulation signals representative of the detected sounds. An electrode array () suitable for insertion of the cochlea () of an implantee receives the stimulation signals and transmits electrical stimulations to the implantee's auditory nerve ().

Cochlear implant with deactivation system

A virtual wire assembly that includes a substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate and a plurality of hermetic feedthroughs including a conductive region extending transversely through the substrate to form a conductive pathway with accessible surfaces at opposing ends thereof, wherein each conductive pathway is electrically isolated from other conductive pathways. In certain embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate is a semiconductor device, and the conductive regions each include an n-type or a p-type doped semiconductor material.

Virtual wire assembly having hermetic feedthroughs

A method and device for measuring an evoked neural response comprising a sensor () for obtaining a sensed signal representing the evoked neural response, a high gain amplifier () having a signal input () for receiving the sensed signal and having a reference input (), and means for altering or setting a reference voltage at the reference input () to prevent the amplifier () saturating with variations of the sensed signal.

Measurement of evoked neural response

A totally implantable cochlear implant system forming a single implantable unit (). The unit () has an implantable power source () that provides the power requirements of the implantable unit (). The unit () also has an on-board microphone () that detects external sounds, such as speech, and outputs acoustic signals representative of the detected sounds. The unit further includes speech processor circuitry () that directly receives the acoustic signals from the microphone () and converts the signals into stimulation signals representative of the detected sounds. An electrode array () suitable for insertion of the cochlea () of an implantee receives the stimulation signals and transmits electrical stimulations to the implantee'auditory nerve ().

Cochlear implant

A virtual wire assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate; and a plurality of hermetic feedthroughs each comprising a conductive region extending transversely through the substrate to form a conductive pathway with accessible surfaces at opposing ends thereof, wherein each conductive pathway is electrically isolated from other conductive pathways. In certain embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the substantially electrically-nonconductive substrate is a semiconductor device, and the conductive regions each are comprised of an n-type or a p-type doped semiconductor material. Also disclosed are implanted medical devices requiring electronic or other components to be retained in a hermetic enclosure, such as cochlear and other sensory or neural prosthetic devices.

An auditory prosthesis includes a sound sensor that senses both ambient sounds and sounds uttered by the patient. The prosthesis includes a monitor that senses a physiological parameter indicative of the intensity of the sounds as perceived by the patient and/or the onset of a prospective speech episode during which the patient utters sounds. For example, the monitor may detect the activity of the stapedius muscle. This muscle contracts in the presence of subjectively perceived high level sounds or just prior to and during a speech episode. This parameter is used dynamically by the prosthesis to process the received sounds, for example, by changing the amplification level of these sounds dependent on the activity.

Auditory prosthesis with automated voice muting using the stapedius muscle reflex

There is described an electrical tissue stimulating device, such as a cochlear prosthesis, which includes circuitry (,) for monitoring the build-up of undesirable residual voltages between stimulation electrodes. In the event that such a condition is sensed then an overvoltage signal is generated and transmitted to a switch controller (,). In response the switch controller controls electrode switches (,) in order to suppress stimulation of the monitored electrode(s) until the undesirable residual voltage has fallen to an acceptable level. As a result the build-up of undesirable inter-electrode voltages is reduced.

Stimulus output monitor and control circuit for electrical tissue stimulator

The output stage of a tissue stimulating apparatus, for example a cochlear implant prosthesis, operating at a low supply voltage (,) incorporates a multiplier circuit (,) for ensuring that voltage compliance is maintained in the event that high intensity stimulations are required. The multiplier circuit makes use of compliance monitoring so that multiplication is only used as required. Also described is a method for operating a tissue stimulating apparatus incorporating a multiplier circuit.

High compliance output stage for a tissue stimulator

Disclosed is an arrangement allowing for automatic calculation of stimulation parameters, for example dynamic ranges for stimulation, in an auditory prosthesis, for example a multichannel cochlear implant. The arrangement includes, in a preferred form, an electrode,for detecting activity of the stapedius muscle, and uses the electrode array,to sense neural response to stimulation, so that a maximum comfortable stimulation level and threshold level for each channel can be determined. The process may be initiated by the implantee, avoiding the requirement for external equipment and extensive audiological testing.

Apparatus and method for automatically determining stimulation parameters

A packaging system for a bioelectrical stimulating and recording electrode is provided. The system includes a semi-porous protective container in which the electrode is housed. A conductive biocompatible and bioresorbable liquid partially fills the container in order for the electrode housed therein to be coated by the liquid. While the preferred conductive liquid is glycerol, other liquids may be chosen for practicing the invention.

Coating for bioelectrical stimulation and recording electrodes

A system and method for assisting a person with a hearing disability includes an implantable microphone which senses sounds by monitoring pressure variations in the cochlear fluid. The electrical signal generated by the microphone is processed and used by a signal generator, such as cochlear implant to generate excitation signals for the patient. In this manner, external microphones, used in prior art systems, are eliminated.

Implantable microphone for cochlear implants and the like

Telemetry system and apparatus

An implanted device such as a cochlear implant system includes a housing containing stimulating pulse generating circuitry, and a plurality of electrodes external of the housing and receiving the pulses. Between the pulses, parasitic voltages may build up between the electrodes. In order to control the inrush current due to these parasitic voltages, multi-position switches are provided which selectively couple the electrodes to resistors selected to dissipate the voltages at a preselected maximum current to protect the body organs.

Cochlear implant system with soft turn on electrodes

An implanted device such as cochlear implant having electrodes is provided with a pulse generator for generating stimulating pulses. The pulses are adjusted to insure that during the idle periods between the pulses, the voltage on the electrodes is at zero or at a preselected level. In one embodiment, the pulse durations or amplitudes adjusted, In another embodiment the voltage on the electrodes is measured before and during each pulse to determine IR drops from the electrodes to a reference point, and to compensate for the same.

Feedback system to control electrode voltages in a cochlear stimulator

A protective component is provided for protecting a cochlear implant from external electrostatic discharges. The implant receives signals through a receiver coil inductively coupled to a transmitter coil. The protective component is disposed across the coil of the transmitter.

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Pennant Hills, Australia

David K Money