Patent ID: 8568291
Filing Date: 2013-10-29
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. A method of providing sound perception in a hearing impaired patient, the method comprising: receiving an externally generated electrical audio stimulation signal in a receiver unit located under the skin of an implanted patient, the receiver unit including an attachment magnet for holding a corresponding external transmitter unit in place on the skin over the receiver unit; delivering the electrical audio stimulation signal from the receiver unit to an implanted bone conduction transducer having a planar bone engagement surface mounted to a temporal bone surface of the patient, wherein the bone conduction transducer is separate from and adjacent to the receiver unit so that the external transmitter unit is not directly over the bone conduction transducer; transforming the electrical audio stimulation signal into a corresponding mechanical stimulation signal without directly vibrating the external transmitter device and coupled to the temporal bone by the bone engagement surface for delivery by bone conduction through the temporal bone to the cochlear fluid of the patient for perception as sound.