Cochlear stimulation system employing behind-the-ear speech processor

Abstract

A cochlear stimulation system includes (1) an implantable cochlear stimulator (ICS); (2) a behind-the-ear (BTE) wearable speech processor, including: coils for inductively coupling with the ICS, a first microphone, an LED indicator, and an FM receiver; (3) a remote control unit (RCU), including an FM transmitter, mode/control switches, a second microphone, an input jack for interfacing with external audio equipment, and a status indicator; and (4) an external programmer, including one or more ports for coupling the external programmer with a personal computer. The external programmer is used to program the ICS through the BTE processor to operate in a desired manner, and to perform tests on the ICS. Once the ICS is initially programmed, the user controls the sounds he or she 'hears' with the ICS through the RCU, which RCU (when turned ON) is electronically coupled to the BTE processor through an FM (or other wireless) link. Through the RCU, the user may control, e.g., the operating mode, volume, sensitivity, and microphone location of the BTE speech processor. With the RCU microphone turned ON, the RCU may be given to, or placed near, a teacher, performer or other person located remotely from the ICS user, thereby allowing the user to 'hear' such remote person (through the FM link) just as though the person were standing next to the user. Other electronic devices, e.g., tape or CD players, may similarly be coupled directly to the user by connecting their audio outputs to the input jack of the RCU.