Patent ID: 6540662
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: A61F,H04R

Abstract:
A partially implantable apparatus for improving the hearing of a hearing impaired subject without causing feedback through the ossicular chain of the subject, comprising:an artificial sensing transducer for sensing air conducted signals external to the middle ear, the transducer configured and arranged for disposition subdermally along and in contact with the external auditory canal; input and output transducer means adapted for cranial location for mediating mechanical and electrical signals having controlled amplification characteristics, the input and output transducer means having electromechanical linkage means for operatively communicatively coupling the artificial sensing transducer to the inner ear of the subject to transmit signals therebetween without feedback of mechanical sound energy from the inner ear to the artificial sensing transducer through the ossicular chain and the external auditory canal; and means for maintaining the malleus of the middle ear in a fixed position to prevent transmission of sound energy along the ossicular chain.