A method for providing information to a user, the method including: receiving an input signal from a sensing device associated with a sensory modality of the user; generating a preprocessed signal upon preprocessing the input signal with a set of preprocessing operations; extracting a set of features from the preprocessed signal; processing the set of features with a neural network system; mapping outputs of the neural network system to a device domain associated with a device including a distribution of haptic actuators in proximity to the user; and at the distribution of haptic actuators, cooperatively producing a haptic output representative of at least a portion of the input signal, thereby providing information to the user.

An apparatus for use in treating a neurological disorder of the auditory system, including a sound processing unit, an audio stimulation unit and a somatosensory stimulation unit. The audio stimulation unit includes an input for receiving the modified audio signal from the sound processing unit. The sound processing unit includes a processor operable to analyze an audio signal and generate a modified audio signal and a plurality of actuation signals therefrom representative of the audio signal. The somatosensory stimulation unit includes an array of stimulators to apply a somatosensory stimulation to a subject, and an input for receiving the plurality of actuation signals from the sound processing unit and directing individual actuation signals in a predetermined output for delivering an audio stimulation to the subject.

The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and relates to an electrophysiological test method for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) and a recording electrode used therein. According to the method of the present invention, there is no need to subcutaneously place an additional recording electrode for a patient, which simplifies preoperative preparation. Moreover, the method has advantages of a high signal-to-noise ratio, a fast response speed, a short recording time, and a large anti-interference ability, thus can effectively improve efficiency of intraoperative electrode test. The method is suitable for use in an auditory brainstem implantation surgery. Besides, the present invention enables the auditory brainstem implantation to be located more accurately, thereby expanding a scope of application.

The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and relates to an electrophysiological test method for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) and a recording electrode used therein. According to the method of the present invention, there is no need to subcutaneously place an additional recording electrode for a patient, which simplifies preoperative preparation. Moreover, the method has advantages of a high signal-to-noise ratio, a fast response speed, a short recording time, and a large anti-interference ability, thus can effectively improve efficiency of intraoperative electrode test. The method is suitable for use in an auditory brainstem implantation surgery. Besides, the present invention enables the auditory brainstem implantation to be located more accurately, thereby expanding a scope of application.

Apparatus and methods for bone conduction detection are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to output a first vibration signal associated with a first bone structure of a user, a second sensor to output a second vibration signal associated with a second bone structure of the user, memory, and at least one processor to execute instructions to determine a sound associated with at least one of the first vibration signal or the second vibration signal originated external to the user; determine a direction from which the sound originated relative to the user; and generate a signal to cause an output device to present an alert to the user, the alert indicative of the direction of the sound.

Apparatus and methods for bone conduction detection are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first sensor to output a first vibration signal associated with a first bone structure of a user, a second sensor to output a second vibration signal associated with a second bone structure of the user, memory, and at least one processor to execute instructions to determine a sound associated with at least one of the first vibration signal or the second vibration signal originated external to the user; determine a direction from which the sound originated relative to the user; and generate a signal to cause an output device to present an alert to the user, the alert indicative of the direction of the sound.

Exemplary light control devices and methods provide a regional variation of visual information and sampling (“V-VIS”) of an ocular field of view that improves or stabilizes vision, ameliorates a visual symptom, reduces the rate of vision loss, or reduces the progression of an ophthalmic or neurologic condition, disease, injury or disorder. The V-VIS devices and methods generate a moving aperture effect anterior to a retina that samples and delivers to the retina environmental light from an ocular field of view at a sampling rate between 50 hertz and 50 kilohertz. Certain of these V-VIS devices and methods may be combined with augmented or virtual reality, vision measurement, vision monitoring, or other therapies including, but not limited to, pharmacological, gene, retinal replacement and stem cell therapies.

Exemplary light control devices and methods provide a regional variation of visual information and sampling (“V-VIS”) of an ocular field of view that improves or stabilizes vision, ameliorates a visual symptom, reduces the rate of vision loss, or reduces the progression of an ophthalmic or neurologic condition, disease, injury or disorder. The V-VIS devices and methods generate a moving aperture effect anterior to a retina that samples and delivers to the retina environmental light from an ocular field of view at a sampling rate between 50 hertz and 50 kilohertz. Certain of these V-VIS devices and methods may be combined with augmented or virtual reality, vision measurement, vision monitoring, or other therapies including, but not limited to, pharmacological, gene, retinal replacement and stem cell therapies.

The invention relates to an irradiation device and a corresponding method for irradiating a radiation absorbing medium, as well as a hearing aid device and a laser surgery device comprising such an irradiation device. A radiation source is configured to generate one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation and to irradiate the medium with the one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation. A control unit is configured to control the radiation source such that the time course of the power or intensity of at least one pulse of the one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation exhibits a rising slope and/or a falling slope, wherein the rising slope and/or falling slope has a maximum gradient which is smaller than a predetermined gradient value, whereby a generation of optoacoustic waves in the medium in response to the rising slope or falling slope, respectively, is avoided or significantly reduced.

Embodiments are generally directed to a securable inner drug delivery plug or stopper that is configured to be inserted into, and secured (retained) within, an opening of the inner ear of an recipient. The securable inner drug delivery plug is configured to deliver drugs directly into the inner ear.