Patent Publication Number: US-2012041515-A1

Title: Wireless remote device for a hearing prosthesis

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to an implantable medical device, and more particularly, to a hearing prosthesis comprising a component for wirelessly transmitting received sound. 
     2. Related Art 
     Medical devices having one or more implantable components, generally referred to as implantable medical devices, have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to patients over recent decades. In particular, implantable medical devices such as hearing prostheses, pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, organ assist or replacement devices, and other partially- or completely-implanted medical devices have been successful in performing life saving and/or lifestyle enhancement functions for a number of years. 
     A variety of implantable medical devices have been developed to deliver controlled electrical stimulation to a region of a patient&#39;s body. One such device which provides hearing sensation to individuals with sensorineural hearing loss is the implantable hearing prostheses. Exemplary implantable hearing prostheses include, for example, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants (ABIs), and middle ear implants. 
     For individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, there is typically damage to or an absence of hair cells within the cochlea which convert sound into nerve impulses which are perceived as sound by the brain. Unfortunately, such individuals are unable to derive suitable benefit from acoustic hearing aids, and hence look to rely upon cochlear implants to provide them with the ability to perceive sound. 
     Cochlear implants use electrical stimulation of auditory nerve cells to bypass absent or defective hair cells that normally transduce acoustic vibrations into neural activity. Such devices generally use an array of electrode contacts implanted into the scala tympani of the cochlea to deliver stimulation that differentially activates auditory neurons that normally encode differential frequencies of sound. As used herein the term cochlear implant includes hearing prostheses that deliver electrical stimulation in combination with other types of stimulation, such as acoustic or mechanical stimulation. 
     Auditory brain implants are used to treat a smaller number of recipients with bilateral degeneration of the auditory nerve. For such recipients, the auditory brain implants provides stimulation of the cochlear nucleus in the brainstem. Auditory brain implants similarly use a plurality of electrode contacts to provide stimulation to the recipient. 
     Hearing prostheses typically use an external component to process received sound and generate corresponding stimulation data specifying the stimulation to be applied to the recipient by the implanted component. This external component is typically large in size. In adults this external component is often a behind-the-ear (BTE) device that includes a microphone for receiving the sound. In children, however, the external component may be too large to fit behind the child&#39;s ear. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a hearing prosthesis comprising an implantable component configured to deliver stimulation to a recipient of the hearing prosthesis system, a first smaller component, a second larger component, and a first coil system. The first smaller external component comprises at least one sound input element configured to be located on, near, or in a recipient&#39;s ear and configured to receive sound and generate an electronic signal based on the received sound; and a first wireless interface configured to wirelessly transmit the electronic signal. The second larger external component comprises a second wireless interface configured to receive the transmitted electronic signal; a processor configured to process the received electronic signal and generate corresponding stimulation data that specifies stimulation; a coil interface configured to transfer the stimulation data; a power supply; and a user interface. The first coil system comprises a first coil, a cable and a connector, wherein the connector is detachably connectable to the coil interface of the second external component, wherein the cable is configured to enable the second external component to be positioned, when the cable connects the second external component and the first coil, at a location remote from the first external component, and wherein the first coil is configured to transcutaneously transfer the stimulation data to the implantable component. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving sound at a first external component; generating an electronic signal based on the received sound; wirelessly transmitting the electronic signal from the first external component to a second external component, where the first external component has a smaller size than the second external component and is located on, near, or in a recipient&#39;s ear; transferring data corresponding to the received sound to an internal component transcutaneouly over a wireless link; and applying stimulation to a recipient in accordance with the transmitted data. 
     In yet another embodiment, there is provided a hearing prosthesis system comprising: means for receiving sound at a first external component; means for generating an electronic signal based on the received sound; means for wirelessly transmitting the electronic signal from the first external component to a second external component, where the first external component has a smaller size than the second external component and is configured to be located on, near or in a recipient&#39;s ear; means for transferring data corresponding to the received sound to an internal component transcutaneouly over a wireless link; means for detachably connecting the second external component to a cable configured to connecting the second external component and the means for transferring, wherein the cable is configured to enable the second external component to be positioned, when the cable connects the second external component and the means for transferring, at a location remote from the first external component; means for transcutaneously receiving the stimulation data; and means for applying stimulation to a recipient in accordance with the stimulation data. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary cochlear implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an exemplary cochlear implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of the cochlear implant of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cochlear implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment in which the first external component comprises a primary coil interface similar to the primary coil interface of the second external component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment in which a second external component and a first external component both communicate wirelessly with an internal component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cochlear implant comprising first and second external components and an internal component, where the first external component supports part of the weight of the cable connected to the second external component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  provides a simplified flow chart for receiving sound and providing corresponding stimulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cochlear implant, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a hearing prosthesis configured to apply stimulation in accordance with received sound. As will be discussed in more detail below, in an embodiment, a wireless microphone component that wirelessly transmits electronic signals representing the received sound to a relatively larger sound processor component. In embodiments, the wireless microphone component may be configured as, for example, an in the ear device (ITE), an in the canal (ITC) device, a completely in canal (CIC) device, a mini-Behind the Ear (BTE) device, or a micro-BTE device. 
     The sound processor component processes the received signals and generates corresponding stimulation data. This stimulation data specifies the stimulation to be applied by the hearing prosthesis. In embodiments, the sound processor component may be, for example, a wireless remote control device or an adult size BTE. The sound processor component may be detachably connected to a coil for transmitting the stimulation data and power via magnetic induction to an internal component. The internal component is configured to receive the stimulation data and power from the sound processor component and apply stimulation to the recipient in accordance with the received stimulation data. 
     Use of an embodiment, such as noted above, may be beneficial in implementations in which the hearing prosthesis is fitted to a child. In such implementations, that sound processor component may be too large to fit in, on, or near the ear of the child. The sound processor component may thus be placed away from the ear of the child, such as, for example, in a pouch on the shoulder or back of the child. If a microphone included in the sound processor component is used this may result in spatial issues for the child due to sound arriving from behind the child sounding as though it is arriving from the side of the child. In embodiments, a small wireless microphone component, such as noted above, may be positioned in, on, or near child&#39;s error. The sound received by this wireless microphone component may be converted to an electronic signal and wirelessly transmitted to the sound processor component, which generates the stimulation data. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described herein primarily in connection with one type of implantable hearing prosthesis, namely a cochlear prosthesis (commonly referred to as cochlear prosthetic devices, cochlear implants, cochlear devices, and the like; simply “cochlea implants” herein.) Cochlear implants deliver electrical stimulation to the cochlea of a recipient. It should, however, be understood that the techniques described herein are also applicable to other types of hearing prosthesis, such as, auditory brain stimulators, also sometimes referred to as an auditory brainstem implant (ABI), and electro-mechanical stimulation implants (e.g., direct acoustic cochlear stimulators (DACS) and transcutaneous BAHA (T-BAHA) implants). 
     As used herein, cochlear implants also include hearing prostheses that deliver electrical stimulation in combination with other types of stimulation, such as acoustic or mechanical stimulation (sometimes referred to as mixed-mode devices). It would be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in any cochlear implant or other hearing prosthesis now known or later developed, including auditory brain stimulators, or implantable hearing prostheses that mechanically stimulate components of the recipient&#39;s middle or inner ear. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented, for example, in a hearing prosthesis that provides mechanical stimulation to the middle ear and/or inner ear of a recipient. 
       FIG. 1A  is perspective view of a cochlear implant, referred to as cochlear implant  100  implanted in a recipient.  FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of cochlear implant  100 . The recipient has an outer ear  101 , a middle ear  105  and an inner ear  107 . Components of outer ear  101 , middle ear  105  and inner ear  107  are described below, followed by a description of cochlear implant  100 . 
     In a fully functional ear, outer ear  101  comprises an auricle  110  and an ear canal  102 . An acoustic pressure or sound wave  103  is collected by auricle  110  and channeled into and through ear canal  102 . Disposed across the distal end of ear cannel  102  is a tympanic membrane  104  which vibrates in response to sound wave  103 . This vibration is coupled to oval window or fenestra ovalis  112  through three bones of middle ear  105 , collectively referred to as the ossicles  106  and comprising the malleus  108 , the incus  109  and the stapes  111 . Bones  108 ,  109  and  111  of middle ear  105  serve to filter and amplify sound wave  103 , causing oval window  112  to articulate, or vibrate in response to vibration of tympanic membrane  104 . This vibration sets up waves of fluid motion of the perilymph (not shown) within cochlea  140 . Such fluid motion, in turn, activates tiny hair cells (not shown) inside of cochlea  140 . Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be generated and transferred through the spiral ganglion cells (not shown) and auditory nerve  114  to the brain (also not shown) where they are perceived as sound. 
     Cochlear implant  100  comprises a first external component  170 , a second external component  150 A, a primary coil  130 , and an internal component  144 . In the illustrated embodiment, first external component  170  is a small wireless microphone component. For ease of explanation, first external component  170  will hereinafter be referred to a wireless microphone component  170  and second external component  150 A referred to as a sound processor component  150 A. 
     In embodiments, wireless microphone component  170  may be configured for implantation in the ear canal  102  of the recipient (e.g., the ear canal of a child). Or, for example, wireless microphone component  170  may be configured for attaching to a pram (also referred to as a stroller), a hat, clothing, or other object. In the presently discussed embodiment, wireless microphone component  170  is configured to have a smaller size than that of second external component  150 A. 
     Because the illustrated wireless microphone component  170  is configured for placement in the recipient&#39;s ear, it is referred to as an in the ear (ITE) device. In other embodiments, the wireless microphone component  170  may be configured differently. For example, wireless microphone component  170  may be configured as a in the canal (ITC) device, a completely in canal (CIC) device, or a Behind the Ear (BTE) device. An ITE device refers to a device that partially or fully fills the outer ear of the recipient. ITE devices are often custom made for the recipient. An ITC device refers to a device that is configured to fit in the recipient&#39;s ear canal. ITC devices are typically slightly smaller than ITE devices, but larger than CIC devices. A CIC device refers to a device configured to fit deep within the ear canal of the recipient so that it is not readily visible to an observer. A BTE device is a device configured to fit behind the ear of the recipient. For example, in an embodiment, the wireless microphone component  170  may be a mini BTE or a micro BTE configured to fit behind the ear of the recipient. A mini BTE is a device similar to the a standard BTE, but with a smaller replaceable battery, such that the overall dimensions of a mini BTE are smaller than that of a standard BTE. A micro BTE is an even smaller BTE device. 
     As illustrated, wireless microphone component  170  comprises one or more sound input elements  172  (e.g., microphone(s)), a processor  174 , a power supply (e.g., a battery)  175 , a wireless interface  176 , and an antenna  178 . In operation, sound  103  is received by microphone  172 , which converts the sound to electronic signals. The electronic sounds are provided to processor  174 , which performs any appropriate processing of the received sound, such as, for example, filtering, equalization etc. Or, for example, processor  174  may include processing capabilities similar to processor  156  of the second external device  150 A, which will be discussed in more detail below. Or, in other embodiments, processor  174  need not be used and the electronic signal from microphone  172  is provided directly to wireless interface  176 . Wireless interface  176  converts the processed electronic signals to radio frequency (RF), such as for example a frequency of 2.4 GHz and transmits the electronic signal via antenna  178  to the second external component over RF link  168 . 
     Power supply  175  provides power for operations of the wireless microphone component  170 . Power supply  175  may be, for example, a rechargeable battery that is either permanently installed in wireless microphone component  170  or may be removable from second external component  170 . Or, for example, the battery may be a non-rechargeable replaceable battery. 
     As illustrated, second external component  150 A, also referred to herein as sound processor component  150 A, comprises an antenna  152 , a wireless interface  154 , a processor  156 , an external coil driver unit  158 A (referred to herein as primary coil interface  158 ), one or more controllers  160 , a display  162 , and a power source  164 . External coil interface unit  158 A is configured to detachably connect second external component  150 A to an external coil  130  (also referred to herein as primary coil  130 ) via a cable  138  comprising a connector  139  configured to detachably connect to primary coil interface  158 . 
     Primary coil  130  may contain a magnet (not shown) that may be secured directly or indirectly concentric to internal coil  136  (also referred to herein as secondary coil  136 ). External and internal coils are closely coupled enabling power and data transfers by an inductive link. Although not illustrated, in embodiments, second external component  150 A may also comprise one or more sound input elements, such as microphone  124  for detecting sound. 
     As illustrated, the RF electronic signal transmitted by wireless microphone component  170  is received by antenna  152  of second external component  150 A. Antenna  152  provides the received electronic signal  154  to wireless interface  154 , which may demodulate the received electronic signal and provide the demodulated electronic signal to processor  156 . Processor  156  processes the received electronic signal and generates stimulation data specifying the stimulation to be applied by cochlear implant  100 . This stimulation data may be encoded to generate encoded signals, sometimes referred to herein as encoded data signals, which are provided to the external coil interface unit  158 A (also referred to herein as “primary coil interface  158 A”) via a cable  138 . 
     The sound processor component  150 A may be configured for providing power and/or data to the internal component  144  of the cochlear implant  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sound processor component  150 A may be configured for use with a child. For example, the sound processor component  150 A may be configured for placement in a pouch (e.g., a pocket) included in the clothing of the child (e.g., on the back or shoulder of the child). Sound processor component  150 A may include one more fastening devices (e.g., clips) for helping retain the sound processor component  150 A in the pouch or wherever the sound processor component  150 A is to be placed. 
     The cable  138  may be a relatively long cable configured for connecting the primary coil  130  to the sound processor component  150 A when placed in a pouch located on the back or shoulder of the recipient, or for, example, near a pocket in the pants of the recipient. In embodiments described herein, cable  138  may be referred to as an extension cable, and may be, for example, 20 to 100 cm long. 
     As noted, primary coil interface  158 A may configured for detachably connecting the sound processor component  150 A to cable  138  via a connector  139 . Further, the primary coil  130  may similarly include an interface (e.g., a connector) for detachably connecting the primary coil  130  to cable  138 . The combination of the cable  138 , connector  139 , and primary coil interface  158  may be collectively referred to as a connector system. 
     Primary coil interface  158 A may further comprise the coil drivers for driving primary coil  130  in transcutaneously transmitting data via magnetic induction. Or, for example, in another embodiment, the coil drivers for driving coil  130  may be included in the or near the primary coil  130 . For example, the primary coil  130  may be included in a printed circuit board (PCB) coated in a plastic housing. In an embodiment, the PCB may also comprise the coil drivers for driving primary coil  130 . Such an embodiment may be useful in embodiments where the cable  138  length is long. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the sound processor component  150 A is configured as a remote control unit for controlling certain operation of cochlear implant  100  and/or receiving data regarding the operations (e.g., the stimulation rate, battery life, etc.) of the cochlear implant  100 . As illustrated, sound processor component  150 A further includes one or more controllers  160  and a display  162 , collectively referred to as user interface  161 . Controller(s)  160  may be any type of controller enabling a person(s) (e.g., the recipient, parent, or clinician) to interface with the sound processor component  150 , such as, for example, to adjust one or more parameters of the sound processor component  150 , retrieve data from the sound processor component  150 , etc. Controller(s)  160  may include, for example, one or more dials, buttons, touchpad(s), keyboard(s). Display  162  may be any type of display, such as an LED or LCD display for displaying information regarding the cochlear implant  100  (e.g., parameters, logged data, etc.). 
     As will be discussed in more detail below, in other embodiments, the sound processor component  150  may have different configurations. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the sound processor component  150 B may be configured as a behind the ear (BTE) device. In one embodiment, the external component  150 B may configured as the BTE device for an adult. In embodiments, in which the cochlear implant  100  is fit to a child and the sound processor component  150 B is a BTE, the BTE may initially be placed in a pocket, such as discussed above. Then, when the child grows large enough for the BTE to fit behind the child&#39;s ear, the wireless microphone component  170  is no longer used; and the BTE  150 B is used to both receive the sound (via a microphone included in the BTE) and generate the stimulation data. If the microphone of the BTE  150 B is used for receiving sound  103  when the BTE  150 B is placed in a pouch for a child, the sound picked up by this microphone will be the sound arriving at the back of the child, and not the sound arriving at the ear of the child. This may cause spatial perception problems for the child. As such, a small wireless microphone component (i.e., first external component  170 ), such as discussed above, may be located in or near the child&#39;s ear in order to improve the spatial perception of sound by the child. 
     As illustrated, BTE  150 B comprises a fastening device  163  that may configured to connect the BTE  150 B to the recipient&#39;s clothing. In an embodiment, fastening device  163  may be, for example, a clip. BTE  150 B may comprise the same or similar components to the above discussed wireless remote control unit  150 A of  FIG. 1A . For example, BTE  150 B may comprise a primary coil interface  158 B such a primary coil interface  158 B. Similarly, BTE  150 B may comprise a user interface  161  that the recipient may use to adjust one or more parameters (e.g., volume) for the cochlear implant. As noted, user interface  161  may comprise one or more controllers  160  and/or a display  162 . Hereinafter, sound processor component  150 A and  150 B will be referred to simply as sound processor component  150  for ease of explanation of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     Sound processor component  150  may also comprise a power supply  164 , such as a battery. This battery may be, for example a rechargeable battery that is either permanently installed in sound processor component  150  or may be removable from sound processor component  150 . Or, for example, the battery may be a non-rechargeable replaceable battery. 
     The internal component  144 , which may be temporarily or permanently implanted in the recipient, comprises an internal coil  136  (also referred to herein as secondary coil  136 ), an implant unit  134 , and a stimulating lead assembly  118 . As illustrated, implant unit  144  comprises a stimulator unit  120  and a secondary coil interface  132  (also referred to as secondary coil interface  132 ). 
     Secondary coil interface  132  is connected to the secondary coil  136 . Secondary coil  136  may include a magnet (also not shown) fixed in the middle of secondary coil  136 . The secondary coil interface  132  and stimulator unit  120  are hermetically sealed within a biocompatible housing, sometimes collectively referred to as a stimulator/receiver unit. The internal coil receives power and stimulation data from primary coil  130 . 
     Stimulating lead assembly  118 , as illustrated, has a proximal end connected to stimulator unit  120 , and a distal end implanted in cochlea  140 . Stimulating lead assembly  118  extends from stimulator unit  120  to cochlea  140  through mastoid bone  119 . In some embodiments stimulating lead assembly  118  may be implanted at least in basal region  116 , and sometimes further. For example, stimulating lead assembly  118  may extend towards apical end of cochlea  140 , referred to as cochlea apex  147 . In certain circumstances, stimulating lead assembly  118  may be inserted into cochlea  140  via a cochleostomy  122 . In other circumstances, a cochleostomy may be formed through round window  121 , oval window  112 , the promontory  123  or through an apical turn  135  of cochlea  140 . 
     Stimulating lead assembly  118  comprises a longitudinally aligned and distally extending array  146  of electrode contacts  148 , sometimes referred to as array of electrode contacts  146  herein. Although array of electrode contacts  146  may be disposed on stimulating lead assembly  118 , in most practical applications, array of electrode contacts  146  is integrated into stimulating lead assembly  118 . As such, array of electrode contacts  146  is referred to herein as being disposed in stimulating lead assembly  118 . Stimulator unit  120  generates stimulation signals which are applied by electrode contacts  148  to cochlea  140 , thereby stimulating auditory nerve  114 . Because, in cochlear implant  100 , stimulating lead assembly  118  provides stimulation, stimulating lead assembly  118  is sometimes referred to as a stimulating lead assembly. 
     In cochlear implant  100 , primary coil  130  transfers electrical signals (that is, power and stimulation data) to the internal or secondary coil  136  via an inductive coupled radio frequency (RF) link. Secondary coil  136  is typically made of multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire. The electrical insulation of secondary coil  136  is provided by a biocompatible wire insulator and a flexible silicone molding (not shown). In use, secondary coil  136  may be positioned in a recess of the temporal bone adjacent auricle  110  of the recipient. 
     In operation sound  103  is received by microphone  172  of wireless microphone component  170 . The sound is processed (if applicable) and wireless transmitted via antenna  178  to the sound processor component  150 . As noted above, this wireless transmission may be over an electromagnetic radio link (e.g., 2.4 GHz). The transmitted sound is received by antenna  152  and provided to processor  156 , which generates data specifying the stimulation to be applied to the recipient. This stimulation data is combined with power from battery  164  and provided to primary coil  130 , which transmits the power and data to internal component  144  via a magnetic induction link. The power and data is received by secondary coil  136  and provided to implant unit  134 . Implant unit  134  uses the power to power the operations of the implant unit and provide stimulation to the recipient via stimulating lead assembly  118 . Implant unit  134  processes the received data to generate the stimulation signals for application of the stimulation. 
     The above cochlear implant  100  comprising a sound processor component  150 , a wireless microphone component  170 , and internal component  144  may be configured, for example, as a wireless body area network. For example, as noted above, each of these components may wirelessly communicate with one or more other components of the system  100 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cochlear implant, in accordance with an embodiment. The embodiment may be identical to the above discussed embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the exception that implant unit  334  of cochlear implant  300  comprises a power supply  325 . Power supply  325  may be, for example, a rechargeable battery for providing power for the operations of implant unit  334 . 
     As illustrated, first external component  370  comprises a microphone  372 , a processor  374 , a battery  375 , a wireless interface  376 , and an antenna  378 . For ease of explanation, first external component  370  will be hereinafter referred to as wireless microphone component  370 . Each of these components may be the same or similar to the similarly named components discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     As shown, second external component  350  (also referred to herein as sound processor component  350 ) comprises an antenna  352 , a wireless interface  354 , a processor  356 , a primary coil interface  358 , a processor  356 , a user interface  361 , and a power supply  364 . Each of these components may be the same or similar to the similarly named components discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     In operation, sound processor component  350  may provide power and data to internal component  344 . Implant unit  334  may use the received power to charge battery  325 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the power and data may be transmitted via magnetic induction (MI) from primary coil  330  to secondary coil  336 . Various mechanisms may be used for transmission of the power and data to the internal component  344 . For example, in an embodiment, the power and data may be provided simultaneously. Or, for example, a time division multiplexing scheme may be employed, such as, power being transmitted during one time slot and data transmitted during a different time slot. 
     Or, for example, the internal component  344  may direct when the sound processor component  350  is to transmit data. As an example, in an embodiment, the implant unit may include circuitry for monitoring the power level of the battery  325 . If the power of the battery  325  is below a threshold level, the implant unit  344  may send an indication to the sound processor component  350  to transmit power to the internal component  344 . If, however, the power level is above the threshold, the implant unit  344  may instruct the sound processor component  350  to not transmit power. 
     Or, in yet another embodiment, the sound processor component  350  may assess whether the data to be transmitted to the internal component  344  includes useful information (e.g., speech, music, etc.) or not (e.g., noise). If the data includes useful information, the sound processor component  350  may transmit data (but not power) via primary coil  330 . While, if the data is deemed to not include useful information, the sound processor component  350  may transmit power (but not data) via primary coil  330 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment in which the first external component comprises a primary coil interface similar to the primary coil interface of the second external component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This sound processor component  450  (also referred to herein as wireless remote component  450 ) of  FIG. 4  may be, for example, identical or similar to the sound processor component  350  of  FIG. 1A ,  1 B, or  3 . In the illustrated embodiment, sound processor component  450  will be referred to as wireless remote component  450  and may function in a similar manner to the wireless remote component  150 A illustrated in  FIG. 1A . For example, wireless remote component  450  may be configured to provide power to the internal component  444  when the primary coil interface  458  of the wireless remote component  450  is connected to primary coil  430  via cable  438 . In this manner, wireless remote component  450  may be able to charge battery  425  of implant unit  434 . 
     As illustrated, first external component  470  comprises a microphone  472 , processor  474 , wireless interface  476 , and an antenna  478 . For ease of explanation, the first external component  470  will be hereinafter referred to as mini-BTE component  470 . Each of these components may be the same or similar to the similarly named components of  FIG. 1A ,  1 B,  2  and/or  3 . 
     Mini-BTE component  470  also comprises a primary coil interface  477  in the illustrated embodiment. Primary coil interface  477  may be configured for detachably connecting the wireless microphone component  471  to primary coil  430  via cable  438 . For example, cable  438  and primary coil interface  477  may each be configured with a matching connector  439  to connect mini-BTE component  470  to cable  438 . 
     When primary coil interface  477  is connected to cable  438 , mini-BTE component  470  may adjust the processing functions performed by processor  474 . For example, when primary coil interface  477  is connected to cable  438 , processor  474  may process the sound received from microphone  472  to generate data specifying stimulation signals for application of stimulation via stimulating lead assembly  418 . This data may be encoded and provided to primary coil  430  for transmission to internal component  444 . In an embodiment, processor  474  may process the sound in the same or a similar manner as processor  156  of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
     When mini-BTE component  470  is connected to primary coil  430 , wireless remote component  450  may function as a wireless remote that a recipient may use to adjust the parameters used by processor  474  in processing the received sound, or, for example, to obtain information from mini-BTE component  470 , such as, for example, information regarding the power level of battery  425  of internal component  444  or battery  435  of mini-BTE component  470 . When operating as a wireless remote, wireless remote component  450  may wirelessly communicate with mini-BTE component  470  via antennas  452  and  478  in a similar manner as was described above for transmitting wirelessly transmitting sound data over link  168  of  FIG. 1 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the wireless remote component  450  may be connected to the primary coil  430  in order to charge battery  425  of internal component  444 . That is, wireless remote component  450  may provide power and data to internal component  444 . Once the battery  425  of the implant unit  434  is charged, the smaller mini-BTE component  470  may be connected to primary coil  430  to provide data (but not power) to internal component  444 . When the mini-BTE component  470  is connected to the primary coil interface  430 , the internal component  444  may rely on battery  425  for power. 
     In such an embodiment, the larger wireless remote component  450  may be connected to primary coil  430  to charge battery  425  while the recipient is asleep or expected to be sedentary (e.g., sitting in a chair). Then, the smaller mini-BTE component  470  may be connected to primary coil  430  to process sound and generate stimulation data when the recipient expects to be more active (e.g., when the recipient is awake, playing sports, going for a walk, etc.). In this manner, the recipient may use the larger wireless remote component  450  during periods of rest and use the smaller mini-BTE component  470  during periods of activity. 
     In yet another embodiment, the first and first external components may wirelessly communicate with the internal component using a multiplexing scheme.  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment in which a second external component  550  and a first external component  570  wirelessly communicate with an internal component  544 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of explanation, the first external component  570  will be hereinafter referred to as wireless microphone component  570  and second external component  550  referred to as sound processor component  550 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the sound processor component  570  may comprise the same or similar components as the sound processor component  150  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Similarly, the wireless microphone component  550  may comprise the same or similar components as the wireless microphone component  170  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Further, as noted above, the wireless microphone component  570  may have smaller size than that of the sound processor component  550 . For example, the wireless microphone component  570  may be configured as an ITE, ITC, CIC, or mini-BTE, or micro-BTE device. The sound processor component  550  may be configured, for example, as a wireless remote control or a standard BTE device. 
     In the illustrated cochlear implant  500 , the first and wireless microphone components  550  and  570 , respectively, may wirelessly communicate via communication links  582  and  584 , respectively, with the internal component  544  using a multiplexing scheme, such as time division or frequency division multiplexing. For example, in a time division multiplexing scheme, the time domain is divided into fixed length recurrent time slots, one for each communication link  582  and  584 , respectively. In a frequency division multiplexing scheme, each communication link  582  and  584  is assigned a different frequency. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each communication link may be assigned an RF frequency (e.g., approximately 2.4 GHz) for electromagnetic transmission of information. 
     As noted, the wireless microphone component  570  may function in a similar manner to wireless microphone component  170  ( FIG. 1 ) or  470  ( FIG. 4 ). For example, sound may be received by microphone  572  and converted to electronic signals that are provided to an optional processor  574 . The signal may then be provided to a wireless interface  576  that wireless transmits the signal via antenna  578  to internal component  544  in accordance with the multiplexing scheme employed by system  500 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the sound processor component  550  may function as a wireless remote control. For example, a recipient may use the controller(s)  560  and display  562  of sound processor component  550  to adjust parameter(s) and/or obtain information regarding the cochlear implant  500 . For example, as shown, sound processor component  550  may wirelessly communicate with the internal component  544  via communication link  582 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless microphone component  570  and sound processor component  550 , respectively, are configured for electromagnetic wireless communications with the internal component  544 . When these devices are wireless communicating with the internal component  544  via communications links  582  and  584 , the internal component  544  may rely on its battery  525  for providing power for the internal component  544 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the internal battery  525  of the internal component  544  may be recharged by connecting a primary coil to the primary coil interface  558  of the sound processor component  550 . Then, when connected the primary coil may be placed within the proximity of the secondary coil  536  (e.g., by aligning the primary and secondary coils as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 ). In such a configuration, the wireless microphone component and sound processor component may function in a similar manner as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     For example, when the primary and secondary coils are aligned, the processor  556  of the sound processor component  550  may detect this alignment and wireless transmit and indication of this connection via antenna  552 . This indication may be received by the internal component  544  (via antenna  531 ) and the wireless microphone component  570  (via antenna  578 ). In response, internal component  544  may cease using receiving sound data via antenna  531  and instead may use the secondary coil  536  for receiving power and data from sound processor component  550 . Further, in response to this indication, wireless microphone component  570  may begin wirelessly transmitting the sound data to sound processor component  550  via antennas  578  and  552 . Thus, after connecting the sound processor component  550  and internal component  544  via a primary coil and secondary coil  536 , the cochlear implant  500  may function similar to cochlear implant  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Although the above embodiment of  FIG. 5  was discussed with reference to electromagnetic transmissions between the wireless microphone component  570 , the sound processor component  550  and the internal component  544 , it should be noted that in other embodiments, these wireless communications may be via magnetic induction and the antennas  578  and  552  may be coils or other devices for data transfer via magnetic induction. In such an embodiment, internal component  544  may not include a separate antenna  531 , but instead use secondary coil  536  for receipt of the power and data information. Similarly, in such an embodiment, the wireless microphone component  570  and sound processor component  550  may communicate with the internal component  544  for data transfer using a multiplexing scheme. Then, when sound processor component  550  transmits power to internal component  544  for charging battery  525 , the sound processor component  550  may transmit and indication that is received by the wireless microphone component  570 . In response, wireless microphone component  570  transmits the sound data to sound processor component  550 , which combines the sound data with the power data transmitted to the internal component  544 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cochlear implant comprising first and second external components and an internal component, where the wireless microphone component supports part of the weight of the cable connected to the second external component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For ease of explanation, the first external component  670  will be hereinafter referred to as wireless microphone component  670  and second external component  650  referred to as sound processor component  650 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless microphone component  670  may be the same or similar to the above-discussed wireless microphone components of  FIGS. 1-5 . In this example, the wireless microphone component is configured as a micro BTE that may fit behind the ear of the recipient. However, in other embodiments, the wireless microphone component  670  may have different configurations, such as, for example, a mini BTE with retain mechanism. 
     As shown, the wireless microphone component  670  is connected to a cable  637  connected to the sound processor component  650  and a cable  638  connected to the primary coil  630 . Each of these cables  630  and  638  may be detachably connected to an interface  677  of the wireless microphone component  670 . 
     In use, the wireless microphone component  670  may be attached (or positioned in) to a portion of the recipient (e.g., behind the ear) or the recipient&#39;s clothing such that the wireless microphone component  670  may support at least a portion of the weight of cables  637  and  638 . For example, if the primary coil  630  is connected directly to the sound processor component  550  and located far from the primary coil  630 , the length of the cable connecting the primary coil  630  and sound processor component  650  may be large, such as, for example, in an embodiment in which the sound processor component  650  is a wireless remote for a child that is configured to be placed in a pocket in the clothing on the back of the child. In such a situation, the primary coil  630  may need to support the majority of the weight of the cable. This may result in the primary coil  630  more readily becoming detached from the recipient or to lose alignment with the implanted secondary coil of the internal component  644 . 
     Using an embodiment such as illustrated in  FIG. 6  allows the wireless microphone component  670  to reduce the length of cable connected from the primary coil  630  and to support at least part of the weight of this cable  638 . This may result in the primary coil  630  being less likely to lose alignment with the implanted secondary coil. 
     In operation, sound  603  may be received by the microphone of the wireless microphone component  670 . This sound may be transmitted to the sound processor component  650  via cable  637 . The sound processor component  650  may then process the sound and generate stimulation data specifying the stimulation to be applied to the recipient. The sound processor component  650  may then forward this stimulation data and/or power to the wireless microphone component  670  via cable  638 . Via the wireless microphone component  670  the stimulation data and/or power is passed to the primary coil  630  via cable  638 . The primary coil  630  then transfers the data and/or power to the internal component  644  via magnetic induction transcutaneously. 
     In an embodiment, in which the internal component  644  comprises a rechargeable battery, the sound processor component  650  may be disconnected form the wireless microphone component  670  (that is cable  637  may be disconnected from interface  677 ) and the internal component  644  may rely on its internal battery for power. Further, in such an embodiment, the wireless microphone component  670  may include a processor configured to process the sound received by the microphone  672  and generate the stimulation data for application of stimulation. 
     Further, in an embodiment, the primary coil  630  may be disconnected from the wireless microphone component  670  (i.e., cable  638  disconnected from interface  677 ). Once disconnected, the second internal component  650  may wirelessly transmit stimulation data to the internal component  644 . For example, wireless microphone component  670  may include an RF wireless interface and antenna for wireless sending stimulation data to the internal component  644 . 
     Or, for example, wireless microphone component  670  may comprise an internal primary coil that it may use to wireless transmit the stimulation data to the secondary coil of the internal component  644 . Because the wireless microphone component transmits the stimulation data via magnetic induction in this example, it may be beneficial to ensure the wireless microphone component  670  is within a specified distance (e.g., less than 10 cm) of the secondary coil of the internal component  644 . 
     As shown, sound processor component  650  further comprises an auxiliary input  612  that may be used to connect the sound processor component  650  to another device, such as an MP 3  player, cell-phone, or other device configured to provide audio signal(s). When a device is connected to the auxiliary input  612 , the sound processor component  650  may generate stimulation data in accordance with the audio signal(s) received via the auxiliary input  612 . In operation, the sound processor component  650  may be configured to only process the audio signal(s) receive via the auxiliary input  612  when a device is connected to the auxiliary input  612 . Or, for example, the sound processor component  650  may generate stimulation data for both signals received from the wireless microphone component  670  and via the auxiliary input  612 . Further, the sound processor component  650  may include or more controller(s) that a user may use to adjust what stimulation data is generated. That is, a user may use the controller(s) to select whether signals from the auxiliary input  612 , from the wireless microphone component  670 , or both, are processed in generating the stimulation. Further, if both are processed, the controller(s) may enable the recipient to adjust one or more parameters regarding how they are processed, such, as the individual gain applied to each signal. 
       FIG. 7  provides a simplified flow chart for receiving sound and providing corresponding stimulation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  will be discussed with reference to the above-discussed  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     At block  702 , sound  103  is received by microphone  172  of wireless microphone component  170  and converted to an electronic signal. At block  704 , the electronic signal is optionally processed by processor  174  and wirelessly transmitted by wireless interface  176  via antenna  178 . The sound processor component  150  then receives the transmitted signal via antenna  152  and wireless interface  154  at block  706 . Processor  156  then processes the received signal to generate stimulation data at block  708 . Primary coil interface  158  of the sound processor component  150  then transcutaneously transmits, at block  710 , the stimulation data along with power via primary coil  130 . Secondary coil interface  132  of the internal component  144  then receives the power and stimulation data via secondary coil  136  and provides the stimulation data to stimulator unit  120 , which applies corresponding stimulation to the recipient via stimulating lead assembly  118 , at block  712 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cochlear implant, in accordance with an embodiment. The embodiment may be identical to the above discussed embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the exception that implant unit  834  of cochlear implant  800  comprises a processor  833  that may, for example, perform the same or similar functionality to that of processor  856  of the sound processor component  850 . 
     As illustrated, wireless microphone component  870  comprises a microphone  872 , a processor  874 , a battery  875 , a wireless interface  876 , and an antenna  878 . Each of these components may be the same or similar to the similarly named components discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Further, as shown, second external component  850  (also referred to herein as sound processor component  850 ) comprises an antenna  852 , a wireless interface  854 , a processor  856 , a primary coil interface  858 , a processor  856 , a user interface  861 , and a power supply  864 . Each of these components may be the same or similar to the similarly named components discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     In such an example, when primary coil interface  858  is connected to primary coil  830 , processor  856  of sound processor component  850  may provide minimal processing of sound from wireless microphone component  870 . Rather, sound processor component  850  may provide the electronic signals representative of the received sound to the internal component  844 . 
     Internal component  844  may then receive these electronic signals and provide the received signals to processor  833 , which generates the stimulation data. As noted above, the stimulation data specifying the stimulation to be applied to recipient. Other than the operation of processor  833 , the components of internal component  844  may function in a similar manner to the similarly named components discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     When sound processor component  850  is not connected to the primary coil, wireless microphone  870  may wirelessly transmit electronic signals corresponding to received sound to internal component  844 . In such an embodiment, antenna  878  may be, for example, an antenna for RF transmission or a coil for transmission via magnetic induction. 
     If wireless component  870  transmits the signals via magnetic induction, internal component  844  may receive and provide these signals to processor  833  via secondary coil  836  and secondary coil interface  832 . If, however, wireless microphone component  870  transmits the signals via RF, internal component may include an RF antenna and RF interface, such as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5 , that provides the received signals to processor  833 . 
     In use, sound processor component  850  may be used to provide power and/or data (e.g., electronic signals representative of sound) to internal component  844  for recharging battery  825 , such as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 3 . When battery  825  is charged, the smaller microphone component  870  may provide electronic signals representative of received sound to internal component  844 . Because processor  833  of internal component  844  may generate the stimulation data for the cochlear implant  800  for the received sound, wireless microphone  870  may be a small simple device that, for example, does not include processor  874 . 
     Embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to several aspects of the present invention. It would be appreciated that embodiments described in the context of one aspect may be used in other aspects without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Although the present invention has been fully described in conjunction with several embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart there from.