An exemplary targeted channel selection system may determine a target stimulation rate for a user of a cochlear implant system, determine a pulse width value that is representative of one or more pulse widths that are to be used for stimulation pulses applied by the cochlear implant system to the user during a stimulation session, and determine, based on the target stimulation rate and on the pulse width value, a value for N that is specific to the user. In this example, N represents a total number of analysis channels that are to be selected from M available analysis channels for presentation by the cochlear implant system to the user during a stimulation frame of the stimulation session.

Examples disclosed herein are relevant to monitoring and treating sensory conditions affecting an individual. Sensors and intelligence integrated within a sensory prosthesis (e.g., an auditory prosthesis) can automatically obtain objective data regarding the ability of one or more of an individuals senses during day-to-day activities. A treatment action can be taken based on the objective data. Further disclosed herein are techniques relating to reducing the gathering of irrelevant sensory input and automatically transmitting relevant data to a caregiver device.

The application relates to a hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, comprising a first part for being inserted in an ear canal or fully or partially implanted in the head of a user, the first part comprising at least one electrode unit, termed a PR-electrode unit, for making contact to skin or tissue of a user when mounted or implanted in an operational condition, the at least one PR-electrode unit being configured to pick up a physiological response from the user, and wherein the at least one PR-electrode unit comprises an electrically conductive material, e.g. a shape memory alloy. The first part may comprise an implanted part, e.g. in combination with an external part adapted for being located in an ear canal, wherein both parts comprise one or more PR-electrode units. The invention may e.g. be used hearing aids, headsets, ear phones, active ear protection systems, or combinations thereof, e.g. to control processing of the hearing device or to monitor a condition of the user wearing the hearing device.

The embodiment discloses an electrode array including a housing; a plurality of first contact electrodes exposed to an outside of the housing; a plurality of second contact electrodes exposed to the outside of the housing; a first wire group disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the first contact electrodes; and a second wire group disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the second contact electrodes, the plurality of first contact electrodes and the first wire group being disposed on different planes within the housing.

Electrical stimulation devices can be used to treat tinnitus. For example, tinnitus can be treated using implantable electrodes and stimulation devices for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's cochlear region. Cochlear surface electrode(s), endosteal electrode(s), subendosteal electrode(s), intraosseous electrode(s), or short intracochlear electrode(s) (or a combination thereof), connected to existing or modified cochlear implant receiver/stimulator technology, can provide a successful model for long-term treatment of tinnitus in a large number of patients. In some cases, patients can simply turn on the tinnitus implant when experiencing troublesome tinnitus and gain instant relief.

An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes a plurality of contacts and that facilitates interchangeable connectivity of a plurality of external components to the sound processor apparatus, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of contacts and that interacts with each of the external components by overloading each contact included in the plurality of contacts with a plurality of functions. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.

The invention relates to a device for the punctual stimulation of endings, located in the region of the ears, of nerves leading to brain stem nuclei, and device (1) having a battery-powered therapeutic current generator (3), which is arranged in a housing (2) to be worn in the ear region and is provided with an electronic circuit that forms a low-frequency therapeutic current, and said device also having at least one flexible line (5) proceeding from the therapeutic current generator (3) for connecting to an electrode to be positioned at a nerve ending and having a base electrode (7), which is likewise connected to the therapeutic current generator and by means of which the therapeutic circuit leading across the former electrode is closed, wherein the device (1), at least by means of an external part of said device (1), can be adapted to the shape of the body point of patient intended for the positioning of the device due to a mechanically pliable structure.

A bilateral hearing implant surgical template arrangement is described. An adjustable headpiece with left and right sides fits over the head of a surgical patient. There are left and right implant stimulator templates, each configured to conform against an underlying side of the patient's head and each connected to a corresponding left and right side of the adjustable headpiece by an adjustable connection. Each adjustable connection is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the implant stimulator template with respect to the adjustable headpiece so as to define stimulator implantation sites at symmetric locations on each side of the patient's head.

A bionic cochlea includes a fluid filled vessel having a window disposed in one of its walls and a flexible fluid filled tube in fluid communication at one end with the vessel through the window. The other end of the tube has a diaphragm in communication with the ossicles of a mammalian ear. The diaphragm flexes when exposed to an acoustic pulse to produce an acoustic pressure pulse in the fluid inside the tube and vessel. A plurality of piezoelectric nanowires is disposed within the fluid filled vessel. The nanowires vibrate in response to at least one predetermined wavelength in the acoustic pressure pulse transmitting through the fluid and produce electrical signals. Electrical wires in communication with the nanowires receive the electrical signals and pass these signals to the mammalian auditory nerve.

An implantable medical device having a hermetically-sealed biocompatible housing configured to be implanted in a recipient. The implantable medical device includes at least one trans-housing transformer configured to transfer electrical signals through the housing.