Patent ID: 7120500
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: A61N,H02J,H04R,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a speech processor for a cochlear prosthesis, said processor being powered by a DC power source and including monitoring means for measuring the output voltage of said power source, said processor being arranged to implement speech processing strategies and stimulation strategies, and to permit one or more of the speech processing strategy, the stimulation strategy, and stimulation rate to be changed, said processor further includes control means responsive to said monitoring means, said method comprising: measuring the output voltage of said power source; reducing power demands of said device when said measured output voltage falls below a first predetermined voltage level, by control means, comprising, altering one or more of the speech processing strategy, stimulation strategy and stimulation rate implemented by said processor; and shutting down the processor when said measured output voltage falls below a second predetermined voltage level, wherein said second level is lower than said first level.