Patent ID: 12233270

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technologies described herein can be used with implanted medical devices, such as auditory prostheses (e.g., cochlear implants), that provide medical functions (e.g., providing pain management functionality or therapeutic electrical stimulation, such as deep brain stimulation). One variety of implanted devices depends on an external component to provide certain functionality. For example, the recipient of the implanted device can wear an external component that provides power and/or data (e.g., a signal representative of sound) to the implanted portion that allow the implanted device to function. In particular, the implanted device can lack a battery and can instead depend on an external power source providing continuous power for the implanted device to function. Although the external power source can continuously provide power, characteristics of the provided power need not be constant and may fluctuate. Additionally, where the implanted device is an auditory prosthesis such as a cochlear implant, the implanted device can lack its own sound input device (e.g., a microphone). It is sometimes desirable or necessary to remove the external component. For example, it is common for a recipient of an auditory prosthesis to remove an external portion of the prosthesis when going to sleep. Doing so can result in loss of function of the implanted portion of the prosthesis, which can make it impossible for recipient to hear ambient sound. This can be undesirable and can result in the recipient being unable to hear an alarm clock, a fire alarm, a knock at the door, a child crying and other important sounds. Loss of function would also prevent the implanted portion from responding to signals representative of streamed content (e.g., music streamed from a phone) or providing other functionality, such as providing tinnitus suppression noise.

The external component that provides power and/or data can be worn by a recipient of an auditory prosthesis. Advantageously, while a wearable external device is worn by a recipient, the external device is typically in very close proximity and tightly aligned with an implanted component. The wearable external device can be configured to operate in these conditions. By contrast, there are challenges in substituting a worn external device with an external device that is not configured to be worn. For example, an unworn device can generally be further away and less tightly aligned with the implanted component. This can create difficulties where the implanted device depends on an external device for power and data (e.g., where the implanted device lacks its own battery and microphone), and the external device can need to continuously and consistently provide power and data in order to allow for continuous and consistent functionality of the implanted device.

Technologies disclosed herein can be used to provide power and data to an implantable device in situations where a recipient is not wearing an external device. The technologies can overcome one or more challenges associated therewith. In an example, disclosed technologies can provide a source of power and/or data for an implanted medical device via a system that includes a pillow or other headrest. In such examples, some or all of the components of the external system are disposed in relation to the headrest. Disclosed technologies can be configured to continuously provide power and data to an implantable medical device over a period of time (e.g., substantially the entire period of time where the recipient is resting their head on the pillow). Characteristics of the continuously provided power need not be constant. For example, the power may fluctuate because the efficiency of the link between the implant and the pillow may vary as the recipient's head moves, causing the proximity of the coils to vary. The power to the implanted electronics can be smoothed for example using tank capacitors. It is common for recipients of an implanted medical device to remove their external devices while sleeping and during that time pillows are often placed in close proximity to the implanted prosthesis. In particular, auditory implants are typically disposed in close proximity to a recipients' ears and people typically place their head on a pillow such that one or both ears are close to the pillow. Thus, it can be beneficial to incorporate a pillow into a system for providing functionality of a worn external device while a recipient of an implantable device is sleeping. For a recipient of bilateral auditory implants, it may be sufficient for night time use for only one of the two devices to function. For instance, a first device being closest to the pillow may receive sufficient power and/or data to function while a second device that is further away from the pillow may receive insufficient power and/or data to function.

Pillows and other headrests are typically significantly larger than wearable external medical devices. This allows for the components of the disclosed system to have a larger size, which can help alleviate some drawbacks caused by the system not being worn. For example, the pillow can have a relatively larger area than a typical, wearable external device. The larger area allows the pillow to have comparatively more space in which to depose a coil (or other components) for transferring power and/or data to the implanted device. For example, the area enclosed by a pillow or headrest coil can be several times larger than the corresponding area for an implant coil. A larger size coil can allow for the pillow to transmit signals over a greater distance, should the medical device not be ideally positioned relative to the pillow. By incorporating one or more aspects of an external device in relation to a pillow, functionality of the implanted device can be maintained when a recipient removes a worn external device to rest on the pillow.

With reference to an example implantable auditory prosthesis, the prosthesis can depend on an external device for both power and data. Disclosed technologies can be configured to overcome challenges associated therewith. For example, an external pillow system can include data gathering functionality (e.g., via a sound input device, such a microphone), data processing functionality (e.g., a sound processor), data transmission functionality, and/or power transmission functionality (e.g., via interleaving power and data signals sent by a coil disposed within pillow). Disclosed technologies can be useful even where the implantable auditory prosthesis is not entirely dependent on an external device for power and/or data. For example, the implantable auditory prosthesis may include a battery but disclosed technologies may nonetheless provide operational power (e.g., obviating the need for the battery to provide power and drain itself) and/or charging power to the implantable auditory prosthesis. For instance, the implantable component may be configured to use an external power source when one is present. As another example, disclosed technologies may provide data to the implantable auditory prosthesis even where the implantable auditory prosthesis is already receiving data from another source (e.g., an implanted or external sound input device). The data (e.g., data indicative of sound) may be mixed together and used by the implanted prosthesis.

Reference may be made herein to pillows or other headrests for concision, but disclosed technologies can be can be used in conjunction with a variety of articles. Headrests can include, for example, pillows, cushions, pads, head supports, and mattresses, among others. Such articles may be covered (e.g., with a pillow case) or uncovered. Additionally, the disclosed external system components can be used with any of a variety of systems in accordance with embodiments of the technology. For example, in many embodiments, the technology is used in conjunction with a conventional cochlear implant system.FIG.1depicts an example cochlear implant system that can benefit from use with technology disclosed herein.

FIG.1illustrates an example cochlear implant system110that includes an implantable component144typically having an internal receiver/transceiver unit132, a stimulator unit120, and an elongate lead118. The internal receiver/transceiver unit132permits the cochlear implant system110to receive signals from and/or transmit signals to an external device150. The external device150can be a button sound processor worn on the head that includes a receiver/transceiver coil130and sound processing components. Alternatively, the external device150can be just a transmitter/transceiver coil in communication with a behind-the-ear device that includes the sound processing components and microphone. Examples of pillow sound processor technology disclosed herein can function as the external device150.

The implantable component144includes an internal coil136, and preferably, a magnet (not shown) fixed relative to the internal coil136. The magnet can be embedded in a pliable silicone or other biocompatible encapsulant, along with the internal coil136. Signals sent generally correspond to external sound113. The internal receiver/transceiver unit132and the stimulator unit120are hermetically sealed within a biocompatible housing, sometimes collectively referred to as a stimulator/receiver unit. Included magnets (not shown) can facilitate the operational alignment of an external coil130and the internal coil136, enabling the internal coil136to receive power and stimulation data from the external coil130. The external coil130is contained within an external portion. The elongate lead118has a proximal end connected to the stimulator unit120, and a distal end146implanted in a cochlea140of the recipient. The elongate lead118extends from stimulator unit120to the cochlea140through a mastoid bone119of the recipient.

In certain examples, the external coil130transmits electrical signals (e.g., power and stimulation data) to the internal coil136via a radio frequency (RF) link. The internal coil136is typically a wire antenna coil having multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire. The electrical insulation of the internal coil136can be provided by a flexible silicone molding. Various types of energy transfer, such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive and inductive transfer, can be used to transfer the power and/or data from external device to cochlear implant. While the above description has described internal and external coils being formed from insulated wire, in many cases, the internal and/or external coils can be implemented via electrically conductive traces.

FIG.2is a functional block diagram of a cochlear implant200that can benefit from the use of a pillow system in accordance with certain examples of the technology described herein. The cochlear implant200includes an implantable component201(e.g., implantable component144ofFIG.1) configured to be implanted beneath a recipient's skin or other tissue249, and an external device240(e.g., the external device150ofFIG.1).

The external device240can be configured as a wearable external device, such that the external device240is worn by a recipient in close proximity to the implantable component, which can enable the implantable component201to receive power and stimulation data from the external device240. As described inFIG.1, magnets can be used to facilitate an operational alignment of the external device240with the implantable component201. With the external device240and implantable component201in close proximity, the transfer of power and data can be accomplished through the use of near-field electromagnetic radiation, and the components of the external device240can be configured for use with near-field electromagnetic radiation.

Implantable component201can include a transceiver unit208, electronics module213, and an electrode assembly254(which can include an array of electrode contacts disposed on lead118ofFIG.1). The transceiver unit208is configured to transcutaneously receive power and/or data from external device240. As used herein, transceiver unit208refers to any collection of one or more implanted components which form part of a transcutaneous energy transfer system. Further, transceiver unit208can include or be coupled to one or more components that receive and/or transmit data or power. For example, the illustrated example includes a coil209for a magnetic inductive arrangement coupled to the transceiver unit208. Other arrangements are also possible, including an antenna for an alternative RF system, capacitive plates, or any other suitable arrangement. In an example, the data modulates the RF carrier or signal containing power. The transcutaneous communication link established by the transceiver unit208can use time interleaving of power and data on a single RF channel or band to transmit the power and data to the implantable component201. In some examples, the processor244is configured to cause the transceiver unit246to interleave power and data signals, such as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2009/0216296 to Meskens, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes including for its description of techniques and devices for interleaving power and data. In this manner, the data signal is modulated with the power single, and a single coil can be used to transmit power and data to the implanted component201. Various types of energy transfer, such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive and inductive transfer, can be used to transfer the power and/or data from the external device240to the implantable component201.

Aspects of the implantable component201require a source of power to provide functionality, such as receive signals, process data, or deliver electrical stimulation. The source of power that directly powers the operation of the aspects of the implantable component201can be described as operational power. There are two primary ways that the implantable component201can receive operational power: a power source internal to the implantable component201(e.g., a battery) or a power source external to the implantable component. However, other approaches or combinations of approaches are possible. For example, the implantable component may have a battery but nonetheless receive operational power from the external component (e.g., to preserve internal battery life when the battery is sufficiently charged).

The internal power source can be a power storage element (not pictured). The power storage element can be configured for the long-term storage of power, and can include, for example, one or more rechargeable batteries. Power can be received from an external source, such as the external device240, and stored in the power storage element for long-term use (e.g., charge a battery of the power storage element). The power storage element can then provide power to the other components of the implantable component201over time as needed for operation without needing an external power source. In this manner, the power from the external source may be considered charging power rather than operational power because the power from the external power source is for charging the battery (which in turn provides operational power) rather than for directly powering aspects of the implantable component201that require power to operate. The power storage element can be a long-term power storage element configured to be a primary power source for the implantable component201.

In many examples, the implantable component201receives operational power from the external device240and the implantable component201does not include an internal power source (e.g., a battery). In other words, the implantable component201is powered solely by the external device240, which provides enough power to the implantable component201to allow the implantable component to operate (e.g., receive data signals and take an action in response). The operational power can directly power functionality of the device rather than charging a power storage element of the external device implantable component201. In these examples, the implantable component201can include incidental components that can store a charge (e.g., capacitors) or small amounts of power, such as a small battery for keeping volatile memory powered or powering a clock (e.g., motherboard CMOS batteries). But such incidental components would not have enough power on their own to allow the implantable component to provide primary functionality of the implantable component201(e.g., receiving data signals and taking an action in response thereto, such as providing stimulation) and therefore cannot be said to provide operational power even if they are integral to the operation of the implantable component201.

As shown, electronics module213includes a stimulator unit214(e.g., which can correspond to stimulator120ofFIG.1). Electronics module213can also include one or more other components used to generate or control delivery of electrical stimulation signals215to the recipient. As described above with respect toFIG.1, a lead (e.g., elongate lead118ofFIG.1) can be inserted into the recipient's cochlea. The lead can include an electrode assembly254configured to deliver electrical stimulation signals215generated by the stimulator unit214to the cochlea.

In the example system200depicted inFIG.2, the external device240includes a sound input unit242, a sound processor244, a transceiver unit246, a coil247, and a power source248. The sound input unit242is a unit configured to receive sound input. The sound input unit242can be configured as a microphone (e.g., arranged to output audio data that is representative of a surrounding sound environment), an electrical input (e.g., a receiver for a frequency modulation (FM) hearing system), and/or another component for receiving sound input. The sound input unit242can be or include a mixer for mixing multiple sound inputs together.

The processor244is a processor configured to control one or more aspects of the system200, including converting sound signals received from sound input unit242into data signals and causing the transceiver unit246to transmit power and/or data signals. The transceiver unit246can be configured to send or receive power and/or data251. For example, the transceiver unit246can include circuit components that send power and data (e.g., inductively) via the coil247. The data signals from the sound processor244can be transmitted, using the transceiver unit246, to the implantable component201for use in providing stimulation or other medical functionality.

The transceiver unit246can include one or more antennas or coils for transmitting the power or data signal, such as coil247. The coil247can be a wire antenna coil having of multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand wire. The electrical insulation of the coil247can be provided by a flexible silicone molding. Various types of energy transfer, such as infrared (IR), radiofrequency (RF), electromagnetic, capacitive and inductive transfer, can be used to transfer the power and/or data from external device240to implantable component201.

FIG.3illustrates an example pillow system300for providing external device functionality for an implantable component. The system300can include components similar to external device240ofFIG.2, which includes components for sending power and/or data signals to an implantable device. The system300includes a pillow or headrest302. The pillow302is an article on which a person can rest, such as while sleeping. The pillow302can include one or more aspects to provide or increase comfort, such as being made from a soft material. Disposed within the pillow302can be padding material, such as foam. The pillow302can be partially or fully enclosed by a pillow cover304, which can be a removable covering for the pillow302. The cover304can increase the comfort of the user by, for example, including padding that inhibits the ability of the user to feel the coil247or another component when resting on the pillow302.

The system300can include components that provide functionality for an implantable component of a medical device. The components can be disposed within or coupled to the pillow302. These components include a sound input unit242, a processor244, a transceiver unit246, a coil247, and a power source248. The components can be configured to be used with the pillow302. As illustrated, the components are disposed within the pillow302or the cover304overlaying the pillow, but they need not be. One or more of the components can be disposed outside of the pillow302and connected to the other components via a wired or wireless connection. For example, a sound input unit242such as a microphone can be disposed in a stand on a bedside table and communicatively coupled to the remaining components within the pillow. In further examples, components can be disposed even more remotely from the pillow302(e.g., placed in another room) but can nonetheless function as part of the system300.

In an example, the system300is configured to be used while a recipient of an implantable component is resting on the pillow302and, in particular, while resting his or her head on the pillow302. Compared to a wearable external device, the system300need not be worn by a recipient, and this difference can change how the system300is configured. For instance, a coil of a wearable external device is often disposed in close proximity at a known orientation to an implanted device. In such a configuration, the wearable external device would likely be configured to transmit data or power using near-field electromagnetic radiation. By contrast, the coil247(or other transmitter) of the system300would be no closer than the coil of a wearable external device, and in most cases would likely be disposed sufficiently far away as to provide power and data over some other type of transmission scheme, such as, far field electromagnetic radiation. The pillow system300, and in particular the coil247, can be configured to provide data and power using far field electromagnetic radiation. In some examples, near or far field may be used depending on a proximity detector. For instance, when a first proximity (e.g., a sufficiently short distance) to an implanted device is detected, near field electromagnetic radiation is used. When a second proximity (e.g., a sufficient far away distance) to an implanted device is detected, far field electromagnetic radiation is used.

The coil or antenna of the transceiver unit246can be sized or shaped to transmit or receive signals across a typical distance to an implanted device (e.g., implantable component201) across various orientations of a recipient's head while resting on the pillow302. For example, while typical external components for implantable medical devices are fixed (e.g., via a magnet) in a particular orientation in close proximity to the medical device, a recipient resting on the pillow302can be in a wider variety of orientations or configurations in relation to the coil247. To overcome challenges associated with transmitting across this distance, the coil can be larger or otherwise configured to transmit across the wider variety of orientations than a typical, worn external device. In some examples, the coil or antenna can be integrated with a cover304of the pillow302. This can allow the coil247to be closer to the recipient using the pillow302than if disposed inside the pillow302. For example, the coil247can be sewn into, disposed within, attached to, coupled to, or otherwise integrated with the pillow cover304. In some examples, the coil247can be positioned between the pillow302and the cover304. In some examples there may be multiple coils distributed across the pillow surface with a system to select and use the coil with the best coupling to the implant.

The sound input unit242can be as described in toFIG.2and be configured for use as part of a pillow system. In some examples, the sound input unit242can be disposed within the pillow302. In these examples, the sound input unit242can be configured to be resistant to being muffled by the material of the pillow302or the recipient's head. This can involve adjusting the frequency response of the sound input unit242. In some examples, the sound input unit242is disposed outside of the pillow to alleviate the sound input being muffled or picking up unwanted noise from the recipient.

The processor244can be as described in relation toFIG.2and be configured for use as a part of a pillow sound processor. In examples where the processor244is disposed within the pillow302, associated structures to dissipate heat from the processor244can be desirable. In an example, the processor244can be configured to be especially low-power to reduce the amount of heat generated by the processor244or can be especially tolerant of high temperatures. The processor can include a large heat sink or a heat dissipation configuration suited for the purpose. In some examples, the heat sink can be integrated into one or more of the comfort features of the pillow302, such as the filling of the pillow302. Where the pillow302includes a spring, the spring can also act as a heat sink. The transceiver unit246can be as described in relation toFIG.2and be configured for use as part of a pillow sound processor. As with the processor244, the transceiver unit246can be disposed within or coupled to the pillow302. These heat dissipation strategies can also be applied to other elements such as the coil.

The power source248can be as described in relation toFIG.2and be configured for use as part of a pillow system. The power source248can be a power storage unit (e.g., a battery) or be components for directly receiving power from an external source, such as a wall electrical outlet. In some examples, components of the system300can be powered or charged wirelessly, such as via a charging pad disposed proximate the pillow302.

FIG.4illustrates an example system400including an implantable component201and a pillow system410. The pillow system410includes a sound input unit242, a processor244, a transceiver unit246, a coil247, and a power source248.

As shown, a recipient's head is resting on the pillow302, which disposes the implantable component201proximate the coil247. In this configuration, the coil247is able to transmit power and/or data to the implantable component. As illustrated, the recipient is not wearing a wearable external device (e.g., external device150ofFIG.1). In this manner, the only power used by the implantable component201is from the coil247, which makes the coil247the sole power source for the implantable component.

In the illustrated configuration, the sound input unit242is external to the pillow302. This can facilitate placement of the sound input unit242in a location where it is better able to obtain sound input than within the pillow, where it can be muffled. In some examples, the sound input unit242can include an attachment feature (not shown) to facilitate coupling the sound input unit242to a particular location, such as a headboard or a wall. The sound input unit can be coupled to the processor244over a wired connection412, though other configurations are also possible. For example, the sound input unit242can be coupled to the pillow sound processor410using a wireless connection.

As illustrated, the power source248is also external to the pillow302and coupled to the processor244through a wired connection414. Though, again, the connection can also be made wirelessly. For example, there can be a wireless power transfer configuration, such that the power source245can transfer power to the components within the pillow302wirelessly, such as via a power coil disposed proximate the pillow302and a compatible power coil within the pillow and coupled to the processor244or a battery disposed within the pillow302.

Where one or more of the connections412,414are wired, they can connect to their respective end points (e.g., the sound input unit242, power source248, and housing416) via a readily-detachable coupling, so if a recipient becomes tangled in the connections412,414, the connections become detached from their respective endpoints. Such a configuration can increase the recipient acceptance of the system410.

The processor244and the transceiver unit246are illustrated as being disposed within a same housing416. The housing416can be configured to be suitable for placement within a pillow302and can be surrounded by or include padding to increase the comfort of a recipient using the pillow302. In some examples, the housing416can include an attachment feature (not shown) to facilitate anchoring the housing416(and thus the components within the housing) in a particular region within the pillow302and to resist the housing416from shifting positions within the pillow302. The coil247is connected to the components within the housing416via a connection418.

The housing416can also be configured for placement external to the pillow. For example, a recipient's wearable sound processor can be placed in a bedside docking station that is connected to the coil247and power source248. Engagement with the docking station can automatically cause the sound processor to enter a night mode where, for example, the stimulation signal for the implant is appropriately modified (e.g., sound sensitivity is reduced) and/or the battery is recharged from the external power source248while the sound processor continues to operate. The docking station can also include an external sound source (e.g., a remote microphone) to supplement or replace the microphone in the wearable sound processor as needed.

As illustrated, the coil247is located near a location where a recipient using the pillow302rests his or her head. In some configurations, the pillow302can include an orientation feature420that encourages a recipient to rest his or her head on the pillow302in a particular orientation relative to the coil247. For example, the orientation feature420can be a concavity that encourages a recipient to rest their head in a position, such that the implantable component201is relatively closer to the coil247(e.g., and thus improving a connection therebetween). Further, the pillow302can include an orientation feature420that encourages a recipient to place the pillow302in a particular orientation. For instance, the coil247can be disposed near a top portion of the pillow and the orientation feature420can encourage (e.g., be shaped to encourage) a top-up placement of the pillow302, thus placing the coil247closer to an area where a recipient's head would rest.

FIG.5illustrates an example system500having a data unit510separate from a power unit520(e.g., not sharing any physical components with the power unit520). The data unit510is configured to send data signals512to the implantable component201, and the power unit520is configured to send power signals522to the implantable component201.

As illustrated, the data unit510includes a sound input unit242, a processor244, a transceiver unit246, and a power source248. In some examples, the data unit510can have one or more components disposed within the pillow302and be configured to send a data signal512to the implantable component201using a coil247disposed within the pillow302. In some examples, the data unit510and the power unit520can share the coil247. In other examples, the data unit510and the power unit520use separate coils disposed within the pillow302. In some examples, the transceiver unit246of the data unit510can be configured to send the data signal512using a wireless-communication protocol, such as BLUETOOTH (maintained by the BLUETOOTH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP of Kirkland, Washington). BLUETOOTH operates using radio waves having frequencies between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. In this manner, the data unit510can be able to communicate with the implantable component201across a larger distance than, for example, inductive communication. In some examples, the system500can concurrently transmit power and data to the implantable component201via distinct communication protocols. For example, the data unit510can use a far field protocol (e.g. BLUETOOTH) to communicate (e.g., transmit data) with the implantable component from a location remote from the pillow (e.g., a bedside table or headboard of a bed), and the power unit520can use a near field protocol to concurrently communicate (e.g., transmit power) with the implantable component from a location immediately adjacent the recipient's head (e.g., a coil forming part of the pillow).

While the data unit510can be a dedicated device, it can be advantageous to allow devices that a recipient uses on a regular basis to operate as the data unit510. For example, a recipient's mobile phone or a recipient's wearable external medical device (e.g., external device150) can be configured to operate as the data unit510. For example, a phone's microphone can operate as the sound input unit242, the phone's processor can be configured to operate as the processor244, and a transceiver of the phone can act as the transceiver unit246to send a data signal512over BLUETOOTH (or another wireless data protocol) to the implantable component201based on sound received by the phone's microphone. For instance, there can be an application installed on the phone that configures the phone to operate in this manner.

In another example, a recipient can remove his or her wearable device to go to bed and place the device on a nightstand, in a charging cradle, or elsewhere. While not being worn, the wearable device still includes sound input and processing functionality, though the device can be outside of a functional range for power or data transmission. In some examples, the wearable device can still function as a data transmitter and allow the power unit520to take over a power functionality that would otherwise be provided by the wearable device. In some examples, the wearable device is not configured to provide data transmission when not being worn, and an adapter (not shown) can be connected to the wearable device to nonetheless allow it to provide data. For example, the adapter can receive data transmissions from the wearable device and re-transmit the data in a form more suitable for the distance to the implantable component201.

In some examples, the data unit510can be located in another room from the pillow302to provide remote-listening functionality. In this manner, the data unit510can act as a baby monitor. In some examples, there can be multiple different sound input units242, which can be placed in different locations and have their output mixed together.

The power unit520can be used to provide power to the implantable component201via coil247disposed in the pillow302. As illustrated, the processor244and the power source248of power unit520are not disposed within the pillow302. Instead, only the coil247and a connection between the processor244and the coil247are disposed within the pillow. Arranging the components in this way can increase the comfort of the pillow302by reducing the amount of components disposed therein.

The processors244and the power sources248of the data unit510and the power unit520can be configured to suit the respective needs of the units. For example, the processor244of the data unit510may be configured to cause the data signal512to be provided and the processor244of the power unit520may be configured to cause the power signal522to be provided by the coil. In a further example, the power unit520may require more power to provide its functionality than the data unit510does. And the respective power sources248may be configured accordingly. For example, the power source248of the power unit520may be a relatively large battery or a direct current converter/regulator that uses mains power. The power source248of the data unit510may be, for example, a relatively smaller battery, such as a battery that may be found in an external sound processor. In some examples, the power source248of the data unit510may nonetheless be connected to mains power for convenience or other reasons.

In some examples, the system500can include a hub that is physically separate from the pillow302and includes the data unit510and the power unit520. For example, the data unit510and the power unit520can be combined in a same area or disposed in a same housing. The physically-separate hub can be remote from the pillow302but nonetheless electrically connected to, for example, the coil247via a wired or wireless connection. The hub can include a power supply for a wireless data transmitter (e.g., data unit510) and a power supply for a wireless power transmitter (e.g., power unit520). In some examples, the power supplies can be the same (e.g., a single power source supplies power for both) or separate.

FIG.6illustrates an example process600for using technology disclosed herein with system500used as an example. The process600can begin with operation602, which involves activing the system to provide power or data functionality to an implantable component. For example, a recipient can manually activate the system500by turning on the components or otherwise causing them to function. In another example, one or both of the data unit510and power unit520can use their processors244, transceiver unit246, and/or coil247to automatically interrogate whether there is an implantable component201capable of or needing to receive power or data. Following operation602, the flow of the process600can move to operation604.

Operation604involves, responsive to determining that power or data is needed, providing power to the implantable component. For example, the power unit520can transfer power to the implantable component201using the coil247. In this manner, the power unit520can directly power the implantable component201using the power signal. Following operation604, the flow can move to operation606.

Operation606involves generating a data signal. In the example of system500, the data unit510can obtain output from the sound input unit242and generate the data signal512based thereon using the processor244. With the data signal generated, the flow can move to operation608.

Operation608involves transmitting the data signal to the implantable component. For example, the processor244can cause a transmitter of the transceiver unit246to provide the data signal512to the implantable component201. For example, the data signal512can include data encoded and transmitted as part of a BLUETOOTH signal using radio waves having frequencies between 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz; 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz; or other far field communication protocols and frequencies.

As should be appreciated, while particular uses of the technology have been illustrated and discussed above, the disclosed technology can be used with a variety of devices in accordance with many examples of the technology. The above discussion is not meant to suggest that the disclosed technology is only suitable for implementation within systems akin to that illustrated in and described with respect toFIGS.1and2. In general, additional configurations can be used to practice the methods and systems herein and/or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

This disclosure described some aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible aspects were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

As should be appreciated, the various aspects (e.g., portions, components, etc.) described with respect to the figures herein are not intended to limit the systems and methods to the particular aspects described. Accordingly, additional configurations can be used to practice the methods and systems herein and/or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

Similarly, where steps of a process are disclosed, those steps are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and are not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps. For example, the steps can be performed in differing order, two or more steps can be performed concurrently, additional steps can be performed, and disclosed steps can be excluded without departing from the present disclosure.

Although specific aspects were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific aspects. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.