Patent ID: 6214046
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: A61N,H04R

Abstract:
A method of assisting hearing, comprising:receiving a mechanical sound vibration from a middle ear region of a first ear into an electromechanical input transducer disposed within the middle ear region of the first ear, wherein the input transducer produces an input electrical signal in response to the mechanical sound vibration;communicating the input electrical signal from the input transducer to a subcranially, subcutaneously-implanted electronics unit having a volume exceeding approximately 10 cubic centimeters, and producing from the electronics unit an output electrical signal in response to the input electrical signal;communicating the output electrical signal from the electronics unit to an output stimulator disposed within the middle ear region of the first ear; anddelivering an output stimulus from the output stimulator to the middle ear region or an inner ear of the first ear in response to the output electrical signal.