Patent ID: 6636768
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An implantable microphone and cochlea stimulation system comprising:a sensor for sensing motion of middle ear components, the sensor having a first part and a second part, wherein the first part floats and is not in physical contact with the second part, wherein the first part is adapted to be affixed to a movable middle ear component, wherein the sensor is implantable within the middle ear; processing means coupled to the sensor for generating an electrical signal representative of relative motion between the first part and second part of the sensor, wherein the electrical signal comprises a microphone output signal that varies as a function of movable middle ear components; and an implantable cochlear stimulator responsive to the microphone output signal. the implantable cochlear stimulator comprising signal processing means for converting the microphone output signal to stimulus signals adapted to stimulate nerves within the inner ear. and an electrode array having a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes thereon through which the stimulus signals are applied to the nerves of the inner ear.