JPS62277955A - Implantable electromagnetic entotympanic bone conductive hearing aid - Google Patents

Implantable electromagnetic entotympanic bone conductive hearing aid

Info

Publication number
JPS62277955A
JPS62277955A JP11495086A JP11495086A JPS62277955A JP S62277955 A JPS62277955 A JP S62277955A JP 11495086 A JP11495086 A JP 11495086A JP 11495086 A JP11495086 A JP 11495086A JP S62277955 A JPS62277955 A JP S62277955A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
vibration generating
generating means
middle ear
user
hearing aid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP11495086A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JPH0763494B2 (en
Inventor
ジャック ブイ.ディー.ハフ
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bristol Myers Co
Original Assignee
Bristol Myers Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bristol Myers Co filed Critical Bristol Myers Co
Priority to JP11495086A priority Critical patent/JPH0763494B2/en
Publication of JPS62277955A publication Critical patent/JPS62277955A/en
Publication of JPH0763494B2 publication Critical patent/JPH0763494B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Abstract

(57)【要約】本公報は電子出願前の出願データであるた
め要約のデータは記録されません。
(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 3、発明の詳細な説明 〔産業上の利用分野〕 本発明は損なった聴覚を補う装置に関し、更に特定すれ
ば移植することのできる電磁気利用の中耳骨伝導補聴器
に関し、この補聴器は内耳を刺激し、補聴器装着者の中
耳内にある連鎖小骨を介して伝導する振動によって音を
>y2pさせる装置である。
[Detailed Description of the Invention] 3. Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a device to compensate for hearing loss, and more particularly to an implantable middle ear bone conduction hearing aid using electromagnetism. , this hearing aid is a device that stimulates the inner ear and produces sound >y2p by means of vibrations conducted through the chain ossicles in the middle ear of the hearing aid wearer.

〔従来の技術と問題点〕[Conventional technology and problems]

音波が鼓膜を打つことによって振動を発生させたとき、
人は通常、音を認識する。これらの振動は中耳内にある
連鎖小骨を介して内耳の鍋中に伝達され、この結果電気
インパルスを発生し、この電気インパルスは聴覚神経、
即ち鍋中神経を介して脳に伝達される。たとえもし中耳
の音の伝導機構が完全に作動していても、内耳が損傷し
ていれば聴覚損失は起こり得る。
When sound waves hit the eardrum and generate vibrations,
Humans normally recognize sounds. These vibrations are transmitted through the chain of ossicles in the middle ear into the pot of the inner ear, resulting in electrical impulses that are transmitted to the auditory nerve,
That is, it is transmitted to the brain via the nerves in the pot. Hearing loss can occur if the inner ear is damaged even if the middle ear's sound conduction mechanism is fully functional.

通常の補聴器は「空気伝導型」のものであり、内耳の損
傷(神経感覚の麻痺)による難聴及び、或いは中耳の音
の伝導機構の軽い故障による難聴を克服するために用い
られる。このような空気伝導型補聴器は、単に進入者を
増幅し、外耳道に配置したスピーカーを経由してこの増
幅音信吾を送出するように作用する。この増幅された音
はただ単に耳の音伝導機構を“酷使する”だけである。
Conventional hearing aids are of the "air conduction type" and are used to overcome hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear (neural sensory paralysis) or due to minor failures in the sound conduction mechanism of the middle ear. Such air conduction hearing aids simply act to amplify the intruder and transmit this amplified sound signal via a speaker placed in the ear canal. This amplified sound simply "works" the ear's sound transmission mechanism.

空気伝導補聴器は外耳道内にその構成要素を有していな
ければならず、しかもこの補聴器は中耳の鼓膜と連鎖小
骨とがかなり正常であることを要するので、聴覚を損な
った人々の中にはこの空気伝導型補聴器を使用しても何
ら利点を引き出すことのできない場合がある。
Because air conduction hearing aids must have their components within the ear canal, and because they require that the tympanic membrane and chain ossicles in the middle ear be fairly intact, some people with hearing loss may There are cases where no benefit can be derived from using this air conduction hearing aid.

空気伝導型補聴器では恩恵の受けられない人でも「骨伝
導型」補聴器を使用すれば、利便性の得られるケースも
ある。骨伝導型補聴器は、音信号を機械的な振動性刺激
物に変換することにより作動する。このタイプの補聴器
で従来から市販人手可能な補聴器の振動部は通常耳の背
後に幾分圧力を加えて皮膚に取り付けて来た。この振動
体はその振動を皮膚と柔らかい組織を介して頭蓋骨の骨
構造体に伝達する。この頭蓋骨の振動により禍牛が刺激
され、音が認識される。このような市販入手可能な骨伝
導補聴器は幾つかの制約のために大へん普及することに
はなっていない。まず第1の制約はこの補聴器はかさば
り、そして振動体を頭蓋骨に圧着させるためにヘッドハ
ンドや特殊なメガネフレームに装着しなければならない
ことである。加えて、振動が頭蓋骨を覆っている皮膚と
柔らかい組織を介して伝達されなければならないので、
このタイプの補聴器は音の忠実度と効率とが貧弱なこと
である。
Even people who cannot benefit from air conduction hearing aids may benefit from bone conduction hearing aids. Bone conduction hearing aids work by converting a sound signal into a mechanical vibratory stimulus. In conventional hearing aids of this type, the vibrating part of commercially available manual hearing aids has usually been attached to the skin behind the ear by applying some pressure. This vibrating body transmits its vibrations through the skin and soft tissue to the bony structures of the skull. This vibration of the skull stimulates Magushi, which allows it to recognize sound. Such commercially available bone conduction hearing aids have not become very popular due to several limitations. The first limitation is that this hearing aid is bulky and must be attached to a head hand or special eyeglass frame in order to press the vibrating body against the skull. In addition, since the vibrations must be transmitted through the skin and soft tissues covering the skull,
This type of hearing aid has poor sound fidelity and efficiency.

内耳を刺激するための骨伝導装置を改良する各種提案が
なされている。そのような提案の1つが米国特許第3,
290,081号に開示されており、この中で無線受信
機が皮膚の下に埋め込まれており、皮下において側頭部
の骨と結合している振動発生手段を具備している。送信
機はマイクロホンによって受信される音に呼応してそれ
が発生させる変調信号を埋め込まれた無線受信機が受信
可能な範囲内であれば、使用者の身体上で離れた位置に
配備してもよい。この変調信号は無線受信機に受信され
、この信号に呼応して振動体が振動して側頭骨に振動を
起こさせ、引き続いて該側頭骨は内耳を刺激して音を認
識させる。この埋め込まれた無線受信機は極めて複雑で
あり、動力源を含む多数の電子部品を含んでおり、これ
らは故障し易く、埋め込み物の特質により大きな困難を
引き起こす他の潜在的問題を有している。
Various proposals have been made to improve bone conduction devices for stimulating the inner ear. One such proposal is U.S. Pat.
No. 290,081, in which a radio receiver is implanted under the skin and includes vibration generating means subcutaneously connected to the temporal bone. The transmitter may be placed at a remote location on the user's body as long as the embedded radio receiver can receive the modulated signal it generates in response to the sound received by the microphone. good. This modulated signal is received by a radio receiver, and in response to this signal, the vibrating body vibrates to cause vibrations in the temporal bone, which subsequently stimulates the inner ear to perceive sound. This implanted radio receiver is extremely complex and contains numerous electronic components, including the power source, which are prone to failure and have other potential problems that cause greater difficulties due to the nature of the implant. There is.

他の改良提案は、ヨーロッパで行なわれて最近発行きれ
た論文に記載されたある実験研究に関係しており、この
研究では皮下の側頭骨に直接に埋め込まれた骨ネジとそ
れに直接連結された端子とを具備した直接骨伝導補聴器
が埋め込まれたものである。この端子は皮膚を通り外に
延設されている。変調信号に呼応して振動をおこす振動
体はこの端子に結合されており、振動はこの端子により
骨ネジに伝達され、それから頭蓋骨の側頭骨に伝達され
、内耳を刺激し、音の認識を行うものである。この装置
は明確な不利を有しており、かぶれの可能性があり、ま
た美的、心理学的及び心地良さの見地からして皮膚を通
して永久的に延設されるセラミック要素が望ましくない
という不便性を有している。
Another proposed improvement relates to an experimental study conducted in Europe and described in a recently published paper that involved bone screws implanted directly into the temporal bone subcutaneously and connected directly to it. A direct bone conduction hearing aid with terminals is implanted. This terminal extends out through the skin. A vibrating body that vibrates in response to the modulated signal is coupled to this terminal, which transmits the vibrations to the bone screw and then to the temporal bone of the skull, stimulating the inner ear and producing sound perception. It is something. This device has distinct disadvantages, including the possibility of irritation and the inconvenience that ceramic elements extending permanently through the skin are undesirable from aesthetic, psychological and comfort points of view. have.

上述の今までに提案された骨伝導型補聴器に関する問題
点を解決するために共願の1984年11月23日出願
の米国出願第674,176号に開示されているような
改良がなされている。それでは信号伝達装置が見えない
ように、即ち不快な外部装置を有せず配設された直接骨
伝導型補聴器を提案している。この骨伝導型補聴器は音
波をアナログ電磁気信号に変換する音波処理機構と、こ
の電磁気信号を送信し、聴覚を損なった人の頭皮上に配
設される出力送信機と、第1磁気手段とを具備している
。更には本装置は聴力を損なった人の皮下の頭蓋骨に堅
固に締結される振動発生機構と、第2磁気手段とを具備
している。この第2磁気手段は第1磁気手段と協働して
前記送信機を聴覚を撰なった人の頭皮上に保持し、前記
音波処理手段の前記送信機からの電磁気信号を受信し、
このような電磁気信号に呼応して頭蓋骨を振動させる。
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems with the bone conduction hearing aids proposed so far, improvements have been made as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Application No. 674,176, filed on November 23, 1984. . A direct bone conduction hearing aid is then proposed in which the signal transmission device is arranged so that it is invisible, ie without any unpleasant external devices. This bone conduction hearing aid includes a sound wave processing mechanism that converts sound waves into analog electromagnetic signals, an output transmitter that transmits the electromagnetic signals and is placed on the scalp of a person with hearing loss, and a first magnetic means. Equipped with Furthermore, the device includes a vibration generating mechanism that is firmly fastened to the subcutaneous skull of a hearing impaired person, and a second magnetic means. the second magnetic means cooperates with the first magnetic means to hold the transmitter on the scalp of the hearing person and receives an electromagnetic signal from the transmitter of the sonic processing means;
The skull vibrates in response to these electromagnetic signals.

この装置を用いると、アナログ電磁気信号に呼応して皮
下において振動が発生し、頭蓋骨を介して内耳を刺激し
、聴覚を損なった人に音を認識させることができる。
Using this device, vibrations are generated under the skin in response to analog electromagnetic signals, stimulating the inner ear through the skull and allowing people with hearing loss to perceive sound.

上述の共願の特許出願における改良は、多くの場合に満
足のいく作動を行ったけれども、中耳の小骨を直接振動
させることはより望ましく、聴覚をY員なった人により
確かに音を認識させ得る場合が有ろうd 案されており、聴覚信号を電気信号に変換する音波変換
器手段と、この電気信号を受けて内耳の連鎖小骨のあぶ
み骨の機械的な動きに変換する電磁変換器手段とを利用
している。この特許による装置は、内耳の連鎖小骨のあ
ぶみ骨に永久的に装着されている磁石と、使用者の側頭
骨に埋め込まれ、皮膚を介して延長し皮膚の外側で音波
処理手段に付着されるように設けられている電磁コイル
とを具備している。電磁変換器は電気信号を受信し、変
換器から使用者の中耳へ延設され、咳中耳の連鎖小骨の
あぶみ骨に堅固に締結された磁石に付着されている電極
を経由して伝達する。
Although the improvements in the above-mentioned co-pending patent application worked satisfactorily in many cases, direct vibration of the ossicles in the middle ear is more desirable and allows for sound to be more reliably perceived by people with limited hearing. It has been proposed that a sound wave transducer means converts an auditory signal into an electrical signal, and an electromagnetic transducer that receives this electrical signal and converts it into mechanical movement of the stapes of the chain ossicles of the inner ear. We use equipment and means. The patented device consists of a magnet that is permanently attached to the stapes of the chain ossicles of the inner ear, and a magnet that is implanted in the user's temporal bone and extends through the skin and is attached to a sonication means on the outside of the skin. It is equipped with an electromagnetic coil provided so as to The electromagnetic transducer receives an electrical signal that extends from the transducer to the user's middle ear via electrodes that are attached to a magnet that is firmly fastened to the stapes of the chain ossicles of the cough middle ear. introduce.

この米国特許第3,870,832号の装置は骨伝導に
よって直接に使用者の内耳の連鎖小骨を刺激するもので
あるが、次のような多くの不便さと制約とを有している
。まず1つはこの補聴器は使用者の耳の背後の柔らかい
組織と皮膚を通して延設する経皮要素を必要とするから
、常に開口している皮膚からかぶれが生じたり、細菌が
侵入したりする。
Although the device of U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,832 stimulates the chain ossicles of the user's inner ear directly by bone conduction, it has many inconveniences and limitations as follows. First, the hearing aid requires a transdermal element that extends through the soft tissue and skin behind the user's ear, which can lead to irritation and the introduction of bacteria through the constantly open skin.

これは美容上、心理学上及び快適性の観点からも受は入
れ難い。2つ目はこの特許による装置は使用者の中耳に
直接に延設される電極を利用しており、故に外科的植設
術が大変難しく、電極の破砕、絶縁漏れ及び電流漏れの
可能性が強くなる。3つ目は、この装置は中耳の連鎖小
骨のあぶみ骨の頭部に取着される振動発生機構だけを提
供するものとなっている。多くの場合に、器官下側の突
起が大きすぎるために振動発生機構をあぶみ骨の頭部に
付着することが困難なことがある。
This is unacceptable from the viewpoints of beauty, psychology, and comfort. Second, the patented device utilizes electrodes that extend directly into the user's middle ear, making surgical implantation extremely difficult and subject to potential for electrode fracture, insulation leakage, and electrical current leakage. Become stronger. Third, this device only provides a vibration-generating mechanism that is attached to the head of the stapes of the chain ossicles of the middle ear. In many cases, it may be difficult to attach the vibration generating mechanism to the head of the stapes bone because the protrusion on the underside of the organ is too large.

また、表面の隆起があぶみ骨に突き当たり実用にならな
い場合もある。結局、振動発生手段を連鎖小骨のあぶみ
骨の頭部へ付着させることでは内耳へ望みどおりの刺激
を与えて聴覚を損なった人に正しく音を認識させない場
合が多く生ずるであろう。
In addition, the ridges on the surface may hit the stapes, making it impractical. After all, by attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes of the chain ossicles, there will be many cases in which the desired stimulation is given to the inner ear and a person with hearing loss will not be able to correctly perceive sound.

依って、本発明は斯る問題点の解決を図るべく、骨伝導
型補聴器にまつわる従来の欠陥と問題を解決する埋め込
み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器を提供し、中耳に入る
電極がなく聴覚を損なった使用者の病理学上の変化に符
号する可変性もないが、快適さの増した美観のよいこと
を特徴とした装置を提供せんとするものである。
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides an implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid which solves the conventional deficiencies and problems associated with bone conduction hearing aids, and which eliminates the need for electrodes to enter the middle ear. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which is characterized by increased comfort and good aesthetics, without the variability corresponding to pathological changes in the hearing-impaired user.

〔問題点を解決するための手段と作用〕本発明は、上述
した発明目的に鑑みて、以下の諸機構を具備した補聴器
を提供するものである。
[Means and operations for solving the problems] In view of the above-mentioned objects of the invention, the present invention provides a hearing aid equipped with the following mechanisms.

音波処理手段は音波をアナログ電磁気信号に変換するた
めに提供され、出力送信機を具備し使用者の頭皮上に配
設されて電磁気信号を経皮的に送信する。信号送受信手
段は使用者の中耳の外側の皮下の骨に埋め込まれて音波
処理手段の送信機から経皮の電磁気信号を受信し、該電
磁気信号を皮下的に使用者の中耳に送信する。振動発生
手段は中耳の連鎖小骨のどの小骨にも植え込むことがで
き、前記信号送受信手段から皮下の電磁気信号を受信し
、この電磁気信号に呼応して中耳の連鎖小骨を振動させ
て内耳を刺激し、聴覚を損なった使用者に音を認識させ
る。
Sonic processing means are provided for converting sound waves into analog electromagnetic signals, and include an output transmitter and are disposed on the user's scalp to transcutaneously transmit the electromagnetic signals. The signal transmitting/receiving means is implanted in the subcutaneous bone outside the middle ear of the user, receives transcutaneous electromagnetic signals from the transmitter of the sonic processing means, and transmits the electromagnetic signals subcutaneously to the middle ear of the user. . The vibration generating means can be implanted in any of the chain ossicles of the middle ear, receives a subcutaneous electromagnetic signal from the signal transmitting/receiving means, vibrates the chain ossicles of the middle ear in response to the electromagnetic signal, and vibrates the chain ossicles of the middle ear to stimulate the inner ear. Stimulates and allows users with hearing loss to recognize sounds.

好ましくは、本発明に依ると、上述の電磁気送受信手段
は音波処理手段送信機からの経皮の電磁気信号を受信す
る電磁気信号受信手段を具備し、そして、使用者の側頭
骨の乳様突起領域に皮下的に取り付ける手段と、電気信
号を皮下において送信する電磁気信号受信手段と一端に
おいて結合された電極と、該電極の他端に結合された電
磁気信号送信手段とを具備しており、この電磁気信号送
信手段は使用者の中耳のすぐ外側の側頭部に埋め込まれ
、皮下的に電磁気信号を使用者の中耳に送信する。
Preferably, according to the invention, the electromagnetic transmitting and receiving means comprises electromagnetic signal receiving means for receiving transcutaneous electromagnetic signals from the sonic processing means transmitter, and the electromagnetic transmitting and receiving means comprises electromagnetic signal receiving means for receiving transcutaneous electromagnetic signals from the sonic processing means transmitter, and an electrode coupled at one end to an electromagnetic signal receiving means for subcutaneously transmitting an electrical signal; and an electromagnetic signal transmitting means coupled to the other end of the electrode. The signal transmitting means is implanted in the temporal region of the user's middle ear, just outside the user's middle ear, and subcutaneously transmits electromagnetic signals to the user's middle ear.

更に好ましくは、本発明に依ると、音波処理手段の送信
機と信号送受信手段とは磁気手段を具備し、互いに協働
して使用者の皮膚を経て延設することなく、皮膚を介し
て耳の背後の表皮位装置に音波処理手段を保持する。
More preferably, according to the invention, the transmitter of the sonic processing means and the signal transmitting/receiving means are provided with magnetic means, and cooperate with each other to transmit signals to the ear through the user's skin without extending through the user's skin. Hold the sonication means in the transcutaneous apparatus behind the.

以下本発明を添付口面に示す実施例に基づいて更に詳細
に説明する。
Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

〔実施例〕〔Example〕

植え込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器10は第1図か
ら第3図に聴覚を損なった使用者に取り付けられたその
全容が図示されている。人の全耳道及び他の解剖学的領
域のうち本発明に関係する領域について第3図に適宜に
名称を付して図示しである。
An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid 10 is shown fully installed in a user with hearing loss in FIGS. 1-3. Of all the human auditory canals and other anatomical regions, regions relevant to the present invention are illustrated in FIG. 3 with appropriate names.

補聴器10は、まず音波処理器11を具備し、音波をア
ナログ電磁気信号に変換する。第1図に図示しているよ
うに、この音波処理手段11はボケントに入れたり、使
用者の衣服に装着して運ぶのに適したケース12と、該
ケース12に適切な導線14により結合され、使用者の
頭部表皮に取り付けられる出力送信機13とを具備し、
該送信機13は@磁気信号を経皮的に送信するためには
、好ましくは耳の背後に配設するのがよい。もし必要な
らば、2つ目の送信機13を導線14によってケース1
2に結合し他方の耳の後ろに配置して使用者の両耳の背
後に送信機を供与することができる。更には、送信機1
3を含んだ全音波処理手段11を後耳ケース12′ (
第2図)内に収容することが可能である。
The hearing aid 10 first includes a sonic processor 11 that converts sound waves into analog electromagnetic signals. As shown in FIG. 1, this sonic treatment means 11 is connected to a case 12 suitable for carrying in a suitcase or on the clothes of a user, and to the case 12 by a suitable conductor 14. , an output transmitter 13 attached to the epidermis of the user's head,
The transmitter 13 is preferably placed behind the ear in order to transcutaneously transmit magnetic signals. If necessary, a second transmitter 13 can be connected to case 1 by conductor 14.
2 and placed behind the other ear to provide a transmitter behind both ears of the user. Furthermore, transmitter 1
The entire sonic wave processing means 11 including 3 is installed in the rear ear case 12' (
(Fig. 2).

音波処理手段11は1例として第4図に図示したような
電子回路を備えたものでよい。この回路は音波を電気信
号に変換する高感度マイクロホン15を具備し、該電気
信号は処理され、マイクロホン15により受信された音
波の振幅に比例した振幅を有する電磁場を発生させる出
力送信機13に送られる。マイクロホン15は突き当た
る音波に呼応して振動する振動板、或いは膜(図示せず
)を具備している。それからマイクロホン15からの電
気信号はプリアンプ20によって増幅される。
The sonic processing means 11 may be equipped with an electronic circuit as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The circuit comprises a sensitive microphone 15 that converts sound waves into electrical signals, which are processed and sent to an output transmitter 13 that generates an electromagnetic field with an amplitude proportional to the amplitude of the sound waves received by the microphone 15. It will be done. The microphone 15 includes a diaphragm or a membrane (not shown) that vibrates in response to the sound waves that strike it. The electrical signal from microphone 15 is then amplified by preamplifier 20.

次にこの増幅信号はプリアンプ20からアンプ21へ信
号をそのまま、或いは減衰させて供給する音量コントロ
ール22を介して出力アンプ21に送信される。出力ア
ンプ21は信号を増幅して出力送信機13を駆動させる
。この出力送信機13はコア25のまわりに巻きつけた
誘導コイル24を具備している。
Next, this amplified signal is transmitted to the output amplifier 21 via the volume control 22 which supplies the signal from the preamplifier 20 to the amplifier 21 either as is or after it has been attenuated. The output amplifier 21 amplifies the signal and drives the output transmitter 13. This output transmitter 13 comprises an induction coil 24 wrapped around a core 25.

更に補聴器10は信号送受信器30を具備しており、該
信号送受信器30は使用者の中耳の外側の側頭部(第3
図)に埋め込まれており、音波処理器11の送信機13
からの経皮の電石仔気信号を受信し、使用者の中耳に皮
下的に電磁気信号を送信する。
Furthermore, the hearing aid 10 is equipped with a signal transmitter/receiver 30, and the signal transmitter/receiver 30 is connected to the outer temporal region (third
The transmitter 13 of the sonicator 11 is embedded in the
It receives transcutaneous electromagnetic energy signals from the user's middle ear and transmits electromagnetic signals subcutaneously to the user's middle ear.

この信号送受信器30は電磁気信号受信手段31を具備
し、該受信手段31は好ましくはコア33のまわりに巻
かれた誘導コイル32の形をしており、音波処理器の送
信機13からの経皮の電磁気信号を受信する。電極34
はその一端を信号受信手段31に結合されており、更に
特定すると誘導コイル32に結合されており、誘導コイ
ル32とコア33とによって受信された電磁気信号に呼
応して皮下的に電気信号を搬送する。更に信号送受信器
30は電磁気信号送信手段36を具備しており、該送信
手段36は好ましくはコア38のまわりに巻かれた誘導
コイル37の形をしており、電極34によって搬送され
た電気信号を受信し、これに呼応して皮下的に電磁気信
号を使用者の中耳に送信する。
The signal transmitter/receiver 30 comprises electromagnetic signal receiving means 31, preferably in the form of an induction coil 32 wound around a core 33, which is connected to the transmitter 13 of the sonicator. Receives electromagnetic signals from the skin. Electrode 34
is coupled at one end to a signal receiving means 31, and more particularly to an induction coil 32, for subcutaneously transmitting electrical signals in response to electromagnetic signals received by the induction coil 32 and the core 33. do. The signal transmitter/receiver 30 further comprises electromagnetic signal transmitting means 36, preferably in the form of an induction coil 37 wound around a core 38, which transmits the electrical signals carried by the electrodes 34. and in response, sends an electromagnetic signal subcutaneously to the user's middle ear.

第3図に見られるように、信号受信手段31は使用者の
皮下の頭蓋骨に固定されており、好ましくは骨ネジ40
によって側頭骨の乳様突起領域に固定される。電極34
は外科手術により使用者の側頭骨を通って乳様突起領域
から中耳近くの位置まで延設して埋め込まれている。電
磁気信号送信手段36は使用者の中耳の直く外部の側頭
骨に埋め込まれている。電極34と信号送信手段36と
は使用者の側頭骨に外科的に通過穴をあけて埋め込み、
生物適合性物質を詰め込む。該生物適合性物質は側頭骨
の成長を許し、電極34と信号送信手段36とに当接し
て取り囲み、同じその場所に固定する。信号受信手段3
1の誘導コイル32とコア31とは生物適合性があり、
組織耐容性の物質で包み込むことが可能であり、更に骨
ヱジ40はチタンのような組織耐容性物質にて作るべき
である。
As seen in FIG. 3, the signal receiving means 31 is fixed to the user's subcutaneous skull, preferably using a bone screw 40.
It is anchored in the mastoid area of the temporal bone by. Electrode 34
is surgically implanted extending through the user's temporal bone from the mastoid area to a location near the middle ear. The electromagnetic signal transmitting means 36 is implanted in the temporal bone just external to the user's middle ear. The electrode 34 and the signal transmitting means 36 are surgically implanted in the user's temporal bone by making a passage hole therein.
Fill with biocompatible materials. The biocompatible material allows the temporal bone to grow and abuts and surrounds the electrode 34 and the signal transmitting means 36, fixing them in the same location. Signal receiving means 3
The induction coil 32 and core 31 of 1 are biocompatible,
It can be wrapped in a tissue-tolerant material, and furthermore, the bone 40 should be made of a tissue-tolerant material, such as titanium.

音波処理器11の送信機13と信号送受信器30の信号
受信手段31とは両方とも中に磁気手段を含んでおり、
好ましくは中に永久磁石を含むか、或いは誘導コイル2
4と32とが夫々まわりに巻かれているコア25と33
とを永久磁石で形成することである。これらの磁気手段
は互いに協働して音波処理器11の送信器13を皮膚を
通して結合することな(、好ましくは耳の背後の使用者
の皮下の頭蓋骨に保持する。永久磁石はサマリアーコバ
ルト型のようなものが好ましいが、これらの磁気手段は
別の各種形態をとってもよい。例えば、これらの磁気手
段の少なくとも1つが上述のような永久磁石を含んだ磁
石を具備し、一方、他方の磁気手段は強石荘性体のよう
な磁気に吸い寄せられる物質を具備することが可能であ
る。磁気手段が互いに協働して音波処理器11の送信機
13を聴覚の損なった使用者の頭部表皮に保持する限り
では、他の組み合わせも可能である。
The transmitter 13 of the sonicator 11 and the signal receiving means 31 of the signal transceiver 30 both include magnetic means therein;
Preferably contains a permanent magnet or an induction coil 2
4 and 32 are wound around cores 25 and 33, respectively.
and is made of permanent magnets. These magnetic means cooperate with each other to hold the transmitter 13 of the sonicator 11 in the user's subcutaneous skull, preferably behind the ear, without coupling through the skin. The permanent magnets are of the Samaritan cobalt type. Although preferred, these magnetic means may take various other forms, for example at least one of these magnetic means comprises a magnet including a permanent magnet as described above, while the magnetic means of the other The means may comprise a magnetically attracted substance, such as a magnetic material. Other combinations are possible as long as they are retained in the epidermis.

また、骨ネジ40は信号受信手段31を使用者の頭蓋骨
に固定するのに好んで用いられるが、接着剤や埋め込ま
れた支柱のような他の締結手段も用いることができる。
Also, while bone screws 40 are preferably used to secure the signal receiving means 31 to the user's skull, other fastening means such as adhesives or implanted posts may also be used.

更には、信号送受信器30の信号受信手段31を聴覚を
[員なった使用者の側頭骨の乳様突起領域に間足し使用
者の耳の背後に音波処理手段11の送信機13を配置す
ることが好まれるが、使用者の頭蓋骨の他の位置でも可
能である。
Furthermore, the signal receiving means 31 of the signal transmitter/receiver 30 is placed in the mastoid region of the temporal bone of the user who has lost his hearing, and the transmitter 13 of the sound wave processing means 11 is placed behind the user's ear. Although this is preferred, other locations on the user's skull are possible.

本発明による補聴器10は以上の他に振動発生WS30
を具備し、使用者の中耳内の連鎖小骨のいずれにも植え
込むことが可能であり、また信号送受信器30の信号送
信手段36から皮下の電磁気信号を受信する磁気手段を
具備し、この電磁気信号乙こ呼応して連鎖小骨、或いは
その一部を振動させ、内耳の正常な機能を刺激して聴覚
をF員なった使用者に音を認識させる。
In addition to the above, the hearing aid 10 according to the present invention includes a vibration generating device WS30.
, which can be implanted in any of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear, and includes magnetic means for receiving subcutaneous electromagnetic signals from the signal transmitting means 36 of the signal transmitter/receiver 30 . In response to the signal, the chain ossicles, or a part thereof, are vibrated, stimulating the normal function of the inner ear, and allowing the user, who has developed hearing, to recognize sound.

この振動発生器50は好ましくは希土類磁石粒子を含ま
せた生物適合物質からなるセラミック磁気性義肢である
。振動発生器50は第6図に図示されているような各種
の望ましい形であってよ(、解剖学的変形に基づいて使
用者の各種連鎖小骨や小骨間に締結する手段をその形状
の中に有し、これらのうちい(つかを第7図から第13
図に図示している。振動発生器50は使用者の中耳へ延
設しているどの電極にも結合されてはいなく、こうして
電極のリーク、短絡及び破砕の危険を避けでおり、更に
電極に付着させられている間に外科的に振動発生器50
を植え込むという大変に離しい仕事を取り除いている。
The vibration generator 50 is preferably a ceramic magnetic prosthesis made of biocompatible material containing rare earth magnetic particles. The vibration generator 50 may have any desired shape as shown in FIG. 7 to 13.
Illustrated in the figure. The vibration generator 50 is not coupled to any electrodes extending into the user's middle ear, thus avoiding the risk of electrode leakage, shorting and fracture, and furthermore, while attached to the electrodes, Surgical vibration generator 50
This eliminates the extremely tedious task of inculcating.

この振動発生器50を聴力を損なった人の中耳の連鎖小
骨に植え込むいくつかの代替変形を第7図から第13図
に図示しており、以下に説明する。
Several alternative variations for implanting this vibration generator 50 into the chain ossicles of the middle ear of a hearing impaired person are illustrated in FIGS. 7-13 and described below.

然しなからこれら以外の配設方法も可能である。However, other arrangement methods are also possible.

第7図を参照すると、恐らくこのタイプが考え得る最も
普通の適用例であろう。この通用例では、振動発生手段
50は使用者の中耳の連鎖小骨のあぶみ骨の頭部上とき
ぬた骨の長い突起の下に配設されている。この適用例は
使用者の中耳の正常な連鎖小骨に振動を生ずる挿入体か
或いは義肢を提供している。
Referring to FIG. 7, this type is probably the most common application possible. In this usage, the vibration generating means 50 are arranged above the head of the stapes of the chain ossicles of the user's middle ear and below the long process of the incus. This application provides an insert or prosthesis that produces vibrations in the normal chain ossicles of the user's middle ear.

次に第8図を参照すると、振動発生手段50が岬角と鼓
膜の恵側のつち骨柄の中央面との間に固定されており、
音波が使用者の鼓膜に作用した時につち骨柄の本来の動
きに重ねて連鎖小骨に本来の振動を与える場合を図示し
ている。
Next, referring to FIG. 8, a vibration generating means 50 is fixed between the promontory angle and the central surface of the malleus manubrium on the favorable side of the tympanic membrane,
The figure shows a case in which when sound waves act on the user's eardrum, the original vibrations are applied to the chain ossicles in addition to the original movement of the manubrium of the malleus.

更に次に第9図を参照すると、振動発生手段50があぶ
み骨底ときぬた骨の長い突起との間に固定されており、
あぶみ骨の上部構造が人の病気や障害或いはその他によ
って失われた場合に義肢としての作用をする場合を図示
している。
Still referring now to FIG. 9, a vibration generating means 50 is secured between the base of the stirrup and the long process of the incus;
The figure illustrates the case where the superstructure of the stapes is lost due to a person's disease, disability, or otherwise, and it functions as a prosthetic limb.

次に第10図によると、振動発生手段50がつち骨柄と
あぶみ骨底との間に固定され、あぶみ骨の上部構造が損
傷を受け、かつきぬた骨が取り付け用としてはもはや利
用できない場合に連鎖小骨の上部全体を迂回して固定し
た場合を図示している。
Next, according to FIG. 10, the vibration generating means 50 is fixed between the manubrium of the malleus and the base of the stapes, and the upper structure of the stapes is damaged, so that the malleus is no longer available for attachment. The figure shows a case where the entire upper part of the chain ossicles is bypassed and fixed when this is not possible.

第11図では振動発生手段50はきぬた骨の長い突起に
固定されているが、この固定は解剖学的手法にて可能で
あり、他の方法では不可能である。
In FIG. 11, the vibration generating means 50 is fixed to a long protrusion of the incus bone, but this fixation is possible by an anatomical method and not by other methods.

第12図では振動発生手段50はあぶみ骨の頭部とつち
骨柄との間に固定されており、使用者の鼓膜から内耳に
到る橋渡しに欠を員を、生じた連鎖小骨の損傷と共に用
いる。この使用法はきぬた骨の長い突起の壊死が生じ、
鼓膜から内耳に到る橋渡しに欠損を生じた場合に使用さ
れるであろう。
In FIG. 12, the vibration generating means 50 is fixed between the head of the stapes and the manubrium of the malleus, causing damage to the chain ossicles that is missing in the bridge from the user's eardrum to the inner ear. Used with. This usage results in necrosis of the long process of the incus bone,
It would be used when there is a defect in the bridge from the eardrum to the inner ear.

第13図は振動発生手段50が第12図の適用例の場合
と類似の状況下であぶみ骨の頭部に取り付けられ、しか
しつち骨柄には取り付けられておらず、鼓膜から内耳へ
の連鎖小骨の橋渡しに隙間があるか、或いは分離されて
いる場合にただあぶみ骨だけを振動させる場合を図示し
ている。
FIG. 13 shows that the vibration generating means 50 is attached to the head of the stapes under similar circumstances to the application example of FIG. The figure shows a case where only the stapes is vibrated when there is a gap between the chain ossicles or when they are separated.

以上の図面と説明において本発明の典形的な好ましい実
施例を開示し、特定の状態を採用しているが、これらは
一般的な説明のために用いてあり発明を限定するもので
はない。
Although the drawings and description disclose typical preferred embodiments of the invention and employ specific aspects, they are used for general illustration and not as a limitation.

〔発明の効果〕〔Effect of the invention〕

以上の説明から明らかなように本発明によれば聴覚の損
なわれた使用者の病状の種類に応した可変性を提供し、
快適性と美観を増し、かつ使用者の中耳に入ってくる電
極を含んだ従来技術の問題を解決する埋め込み可能な電
磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器を提供することができる。
As is clear from the above description, the present invention provides variability according to the type of medical condition of a user with impaired hearing,
An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid can be provided that increases comfort and aesthetics and solves the problems of prior art techniques involving electrodes that enter the user's middle ear.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief explanation of the drawing]

第1図は第1形態の音波処理器を有した本発明による補
聴器を使用した人の外耳、中耳及び内耳との相対位置関
係を図示し、聴覚を損なった使用者の顔面を部分的に解
剖した斜視図、第2図は第2形態の音波処理器を有した
本発明による補5Wを使用した人の頭を後方から見た斜
視図、第3図は本発明による補聴器を装備した使用者の
耳道を通して解ell L/た拡大図、第4図は本発明
による補聴器の回路図、第5図は使用者の中耳の外側に
埋処悟玲   為 め込まれる本発明による補聴器の電E* d a受(兆
略示断面図、第6図は使用者の中耳にある連鎖小骨のど
の小骨にも移植可能な本発明による補聴器の振動発生器
の各種形態を一緒にした斜視図、第7図から第13図は
使用者の中耳にある連鎖小骨の各種位置に振動発生器を
取り付けた耳道の部分図。 10・・・補聴器、       11・・・音波処理
器、12・・・ケース、       13・・・送信
機、14・・・導線、        15・・・マイ
クロホン、20・・・プリアンプ、     21・・
・出力アンプ、22・・・音量コントロール、  24
・・・誘導コイル、25・・・コア、       3
0・・・信号送受信器、31・・・信号受信器、   
  32・・・誘導コイル、33・・・コア、    
   34・・・電極、36・・・電磁気信号送信手段
、37・・・誘導コイル、38・・・コア、     
 −40・・・骨ふジ、50・・・振動発生器。 以下余e 手続補正書(方式) 昭和61年8月73日 特許庁長官 黒 1)明 雄 殿 1、事件の表示 昭和61年特許願第114950号 2、 発明の名称 埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器3、補正をする
者 事件との関係   特許出願人 名称 ブリストルーマイアーズカンパニー4、代理人 住所 〒105東京都港区虎ノ門−丁目8番10号6、
補正の対象 (1)願書の「出願人の代表者」の欄 (2)委任状 (3)図 面 7、補正の内容 (1)(2’)  別紙の通り (3)   図面の浄書(内容に変更なし)8、添附書
類の目録 (1)訂正願書    1通 (2)委任状及び訳文        各1通(3)浄
書図面    1通
FIG. 1 illustrates the relative positional relationship between the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear of a person using a hearing aid according to the present invention having a first type of sonic processor, and partially shows the face of a hearing-impaired user. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a person's head seen from behind using a hearing aid according to the invention with a second form of sonicator; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a human head equipped with a hearing aid according to the invention; 4 is a circuit diagram of a hearing aid according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a hearing aid according to the present invention implanted outside the user's middle ear. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing various forms of the vibration generator of the hearing aid according to the present invention, which can be implanted into any of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear. Figures 7 to 13 are partial views of the auditory canal in which vibration generators are attached to various positions of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear. 10... Hearing aid, 11... Sonic processor, 12 ...Case, 13...Transmitter, 14...Conductor, 15...Microphone, 20...Preamplifier, 21...
・Output amplifier, 22...Volume control, 24
...Induction coil, 25...Core, 3
0... Signal transmitter/receiver, 31... Signal receiver,
32... Induction coil, 33... Core,
34... Electrode, 36... Electromagnetic signal transmitting means, 37... Induction coil, 38... Core,
-40... bone fuji, 50... vibration generator. Procedural amendment (method) August 73, 1985 Commissioner of the Patent Office Kuro 1) Akio Yu 1, Indication of the case 1985 Patent Application No. 114950 2, Title of the invention Implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone Conduction Hearing Aid 3, Relationship with the Corrector Case Patent applicant name: Bristol-Myers Company 4, agent address: 8-10-6 Toranomon-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105, Japan
Subject of amendment (1) Field of “Representative of applicant” in application form (2) Power of attorney (3) Drawing 7, contents of amendment (1) (2') As attached (3) Engraving of drawing (contents) 8. List of attached documents (1) 1 copy of the application for correction (2) 1 copy each of power of attorney and translation (3) 1 copy of engraving drawings

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】 1、聴力を損なった使用者の中耳に電極を入れないで、
しかも病気症状の状態に応じた可変性を有した埋め込み
可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器であって、音波を電磁気
信号に変換し、かつ該電磁気信号を経皮的に送信するよ
う使用者の頭部表皮上に配置される出力送信機を有した
音波処理手段と、該音波処理手段の送信機から送信され
る経皮の電磁気信号を受信し、かつ電磁気信号を使用者
の中耳へ経皮的に送信する使用者の中耳の外側の皮下位
置の骨に埋め込まれる信号送受信手段と、該信号送受信
手段から送信される皮下の電磁気信号を受信し、該電磁
気信号に呼応して連鎖小骨を振動させて内耳を刺激し、
聴覚を損なった使用者に音の認識をさせる中耳の連鎖小
骨に植え込まれる振動発生手段とを具備した埋め込み可
能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 2、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に渡しきぬた骨
の長い突起の下にかぶせて該振動発生手段を固定する固
定手段を具備し、使用者の連鎖小骨に振動挿入体を供与
する特許請求の範囲第1項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁
中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 3、前記振動発生手段が岬角と鼓膜の下のつち骨柄の中
央面との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備
し、音波が使用者の鼓膜に作用した時につち骨柄の本来
の動きに重ねて連鎖小骨に本来の振動を与える特許請求
の範囲第1項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型
補聴器。 4、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨底ときぬた骨の長い突
起との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備し
、使用者があぶみ骨の上部構造を失っている場合に義肢
としての作用をする特許請求の範囲第1項に記載の埋め
込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 5、前記振動発生手段がつち骨柄とあぶみ骨底との間に
核振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備し、あぶみ骨
の上部構造が損傷を受け、かつきぬた骨がもはや取り付
け用としては利用できない場合に連鎖小骨の上部全体を
迂回する特許請求の範囲第1項に記載の埋め込み可能な
電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 6、前記振動発生手段が使用者のきぬた骨の長い突起に
該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備する特許請求
の範囲第1項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型
補聴器。 7、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部とつち骨柄との
間に該振動発生手段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備し
、使用者の鼓膜から内耳に到る橋渡しに欠損を生じた連
鎖小骨の損傷と共に用いる特許請求の範囲第1項に記載
の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 8、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に該振動発生手
段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備し、使用者の中耳に
ある連鎖小骨の骨の橋に隙間がある場合にあぶみ骨を直
接に振動させる特許請求の範囲第1項に記載の埋め込み
可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 9、前記振動発生手段が永久磁石をつくる希土類磁石粒
子を含ませた生物適合物質から成る特許請求の範囲第1
項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 10、聴力を損なった使用者の中耳に電極を入れないで
、しかも病気症状の状態に応じた可変性を有した埋め込
み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器であって、音波を電磁
気信号に変換し、かつ該電磁気信号を経皮的に送信する
よう少なくとも使用者の片方の耳の背後の皮膚上に配置
される出力送信機を有した音波処理手段と、 該音波処理手段の送信機から送信される経皮の電磁気信
号を受信すると共に使用者の側頭骨の乳様突起領域に皮
下的に取り付けられるように取り付け手段を備えた電磁
気信号受信手段、前記電磁気信号受信手段に一端が結合
され電気信号を皮下的に送信する電極、該電極の他端に
結合し、使用者の中耳の外側の側頭骨に埋め込まれる電
磁気信号送信手段を有し、皮下的に埋め込まれる信号送
受信手段と、 該信号送受信手段から送信される皮下の電磁気信号を受
信し、かつ該電磁気信号に呼応して連鎖小骨を振動させ
て内耳を刺激し、聴覚を損なった使用者に音の認識をさ
せる磁気手段を備え、使用者の中耳の連鎖小骨における
何れの小骨にも植設できるように形成された振動発生手
段とを具備した埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器
。 11、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に渡しきぬた
骨の長い突起の下にかぶせて該振動発生手段を固定する
固定手段を具備し、使用者の連鎖小骨に振動挿入体を供
与する特許請求の範囲第10項に記載の埋め込み可能な
電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 12、前記振動発生手段が岬角と鼓膜の下のつち骨柄の
中央面との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具
備し、音波が使用者の鼓膜に作用した時につち骨柄の本
来の動きに重ねて連鎖小骨に本来の振動を与える特許請
求の範囲第10項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝
導型補聴器。 13、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨底ときぬた骨の長い
突起との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備
し、使用者があぶみ骨の上部構造を失っている場合に義
肢としての作用をする特許請求の範囲第10項に記載の
埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 14、前記振動発生手段がつち骨柄とあぶみ骨底との間
に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備し、あぶみ
骨の上部構造が損傷を受け、かつきぬた骨がもはや取り
付け用としては利用できない場合に連鎖小骨の上部全体
を迂回する特許請求の範囲第10項に記載の埋め込み可
能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 15、前記振動発生手段が使用者のきぬた骨の長い突起
に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備する特許請
求の範囲第10項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝
導型補聴器。 16、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部とつち骨柄と
の間に該振動発生手段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備
し、使用者の鼓膜から内耳に到る橋渡しに欠損を生じた
連鎖小骨の損傷と共に用いる特許請求の範囲第10項に
記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 17、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に該振動発生
手段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備し、使用者の中耳
にある連鎖小骨の骨の橋に隙間がある場合にあぶみ骨を
直接に振動させる特許請求の範囲第10項に記載の埋め
込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 18、前記振動発生手段が永久磁石をつくる希土類磁石
粒子を含ませた生物適合物質から成る特許請求の範囲第
10項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器
。 19、快適性と美観とを増し、聴力を損なった使用者の
中耳に電極を入れないで、しかも病気症状の状態に応じ
た可変性を有した埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴
器であって、音波を電磁気信号に変換し、かつ該電磁気
信号を経皮的に送信するよう少なくとも使用者の片方の
耳の背後の皮膚上に配置される出力送信機及び該送信機
内に磁気手段を有し音波を電磁気信号に変換する音波処
理手段と、 該音波処理手段の送信機から送信される経皮の電磁気信
号を受信しかつ電磁気信号を皮下的に使用者の中耳に送
信すると共に使用者の側頭骨の乳様突起領域に皮下的に
少なくともその一部分を固定する骨ネジ及び前記音波処
理手段の送信機の前記磁気手段と協働して前記音波処理
手段の送信機を使用者の皮膚に穴をあけて連結すること
なく耳の背後の頭皮上に保持するように上記一部分の中
に設けられている磁気手段を備えた使用者の中耳の外側
の側頭骨に埋め込まれる信号送受信手段と、該信号送受
信手段から送信される皮下の電磁気信号を受信し、該電
磁気信号に呼応して連鎖小骨を振動させて内耳を刺激し
、聴覚を損なった使用者に音の認識をさせる中耳の連鎖
小骨に植え込まれる振動発生手段とを具備した埋め込み
可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 20、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に渡しきぬた
骨の長い突起の下にかぶせて該振動発生手段を固定する
固定手段を具備し、使用者の連鎖小骨に振動挿入体を供
与する特許請求の範囲第19項に記載の埋め込み可能な
電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 21、前記振動発生手段が岬角と鼓膜の下のつち骨柄の
中央面との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具
備し、音波が使用者の鼓膜に作用した時につち骨柄の本
来の動きに重ねて連鎖小骨に本来の振動を与える特許請
求の範囲第19項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝
導型補聴器。 22、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨底ときぬた骨の長い
突起との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備
し、使用者があぶみ骨の上部構造を失っている場合に義
肢としての作用をする特許請求の範囲第19項に記載の
埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 23、前記振動発生手段がつち骨柄とあぶみ骨底との間
に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備し、あぶみ
骨の上部構造が損傷を受け、かつきぬた骨がもはや取り
付け用としては利用できない場合に連鎖小骨の上部全体
を迂回する特許請求の範囲第19項に記載の埋め込み可
能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 24、前記振動発生手段が使用者のきぬた骨の長い突起
に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備する特許請
求の範囲第19項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝
導型補聴器。 25、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部とつち骨柄と
の間に該振動発生手段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備
し、使用者の鼓膜から内耳に到る橋渡しに欠損を生じた
連鎖小骨の損傷と共に用いる特許請求の範囲第19項に
記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 26、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に該振動発生
手段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備し、使用者の中耳
にある連鎖小骨の骨の橋に隙間がある場合にあぶみ骨を
直接に振動させる特許請求の範囲第19項に記載の埋め
込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 27、前記振動発生手段が永久磁石をつくる希土類磁石
粒子を含ませた生物適合物質から成る特許請求の範囲第
19項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器
。 28、前記全ての磁気手段が永久磁石から成る特許請求
の範囲第19項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導
型補聴器。 29、快適性と美観とを増し、聴力を損なった使用者の
中耳に電極を入れないで、しかも病気症状の状態に応じ
た可変性を有した埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴
器であって、音波を電磁気信号に変換し、かつ該電磁気
信号を経皮的に送信するよう少なくとも使用者の片方の
耳の背後の皮膚上に配置される出力送信機及び該送信機
内に磁気手段を有し、音波を電磁気信号に変換する音波
処理手段と、 該音波処理手段の送信機から送信される経皮の電磁気信
号を受信すると共に少なくともその一部分を使用者の側
頭骨の乳様突起領域に皮下に固定する骨ネジ並びに前記
音波処理手段の送信機の前記磁気手段と協働して前記音
波処理手段の送信機を使用者の皮膚に穴をあけて連結す
ることなく耳の背後の頭皮上に保持する磁気手段を備え
た電磁気信号受信手段、前記電磁気信号受信手段に一端
を結合し電気信号を皮下的に送信する電極、該電極の他
端と接続し、使用者の中耳のすぐ外側の側頭骨に埋め込
まれ、電気信号を皮下的に使用者の中耳に送信する電磁
気信号送信手段を備えた信号送受信手段と、 該信号送受信手段から送信される皮下の電磁気信号を受
信し、該電磁気信号に呼応して連鎖小骨を振動させて内
耳の正常な機能を刺激し、聴覚を損なった使用者に音の
認識をさせる磁気手段を有し、使用者の中耳の連鎖小骨
に植設される振動発生手段とを具備した埋め込み可能な
電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 30、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に渡しきぬた
骨の長い突起の下にかぶせて該振動発生手段を固定する
固定手段を具備し、使用者の連鎖小骨に振動挿入体を供
与する特許請求の範囲第29項に記載の埋め込み可能な
電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 31、前記振動発生手段が岬角と鼓膜の下のつち骨柄の
中央面との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具
備し、音波が使用者の鼓膜に作用した時につち骨柄の本
来の動きに重ねて連鎖小骨に本来の振動を与える特許請
求の範囲第29項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝
導型補聴器。 32、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨底ときぬた骨の長い
突起との間に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備
し、使用者があぶみ骨の上部構造を失っている場合に義
肢としての作用をする特許請求の範囲第29項に記載の
埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 33、前記振動発生手段がつち骨柄とあぶみ骨底との間
に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備し、あぶみ
骨の上部構造が損傷を受け、かつきぬた骨がもはや取り
付け用としては利用できない場合に連鎖小骨の上部全体
を迂回する特許請求の範囲第29項に記載の埋め込み可
能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 34、前記振動発生手段が使用者のきぬた骨の長い突起
に該振動発生手段を固定する固定手段を具備する特許請
求の範囲第29項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝
導型補聴器。 35、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部とつち骨柄と
の間に該振動発生手段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備
し、使用者の鼓膜から内耳に到る橋渡しに欠損を生じた
連鎖小骨の損傷と共に用いる特許請求の範囲第29項に
記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 36、前記振動発生手段があぶみ骨の頭部に該振動発生
手段を取り付ける取り付け手段を具備し、使用者の中耳
にある連鎖小骨の骨の橋に隙間がある場合にあぶみ骨を
直接に振動させる特許請求の範囲第29項に記載の埋め
込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器。 37、前記振動発生手段が永久磁石をつくる希土類磁石
粒子を含ませた生物適合物質から成る特許請求の範囲第
29項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導型補聴器
。 38、前記全ての磁気手段が永久磁石から成る特許請求
の範囲第29項に記載の埋め込み可能な電磁中耳骨伝導
型補聴器。
[Claims] 1. Without inserting electrodes into the middle ear of users with hearing loss,
In addition, it is an implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid that is variable depending on the state of disease symptoms, converts sound waves into electromagnetic signals, and transmits the electromagnetic signals transcutaneously. A sonic processing means having an output transmitter disposed on the epidermis of the head, receiving a transcutaneous electromagnetic signal transmitted from the transmitter of the sonic processing means, and transmitting the electromagnetic signal to the user's middle ear. A signal transmitting/receiving means implanted in the bone at a subcutaneous position outside the user's middle ear, which transmits the signal through the skin; and a subcutaneous electromagnetic signal transmitted from the signal transmitting/receiving means; vibrates to stimulate the inner ear,
An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid comprising vibration generating means implanted in the chain ossicles of the middle ear to enable a hearing impaired user to perceive sound. 2. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means by placing it over the head of the stapes and under the long protrusion of the incus bone, so as to provide a vibration insert to the chain ossicles of the user. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 1. 3. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the promontory angle and the central surface of the malleus manubrium below the eardrum, and when the sound wave acts on the eardrum of the user, the vibration generating means The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 1, which imparts original vibration to the chain ossicles in addition to the original movement. 4. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the bottom of the stapes and a long protrusion of the incus bone, and when the user has lost the upper structure of the stapes; An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 1, which acts as a prosthetic limb. 5. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the nuclear vibration generating means between the manubrium of the malleus and the base of the stapes, so that the upper structure of the stapes is damaged and the malleus is no longer attached. 2. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid as claimed in claim 1, which bypasses the entire upper part of the chain ossicles when it is not available for use. 6. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the vibration generating means comprises fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means to a long protrusion of the user's incus bone. 7. A chain ossicle in which the vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means between the head of the stapes and the manubrium of the malleus, and a defect has occurred in the bridge from the eardrum to the inner ear of the user. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 1 for use with injuries to the ear. 8. The vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes, and when there is a gap in the bony bridge of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear, the vibration generating means is provided with a mounting means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the hearing aid is made to vibrate. 9. Claim 1 in which the vibration generating means is made of a biocompatible material containing rare earth magnet particles forming a permanent magnet.
Implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aids as described in Section. 10. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid that does not require the insertion of electrodes into the middle ear of a user with hearing loss, and is variable according to the state of disease symptoms, and converts sound waves into electromagnetic signals. a sonic processing means having an output transmitter placed on the skin behind at least one ear of the user to transcutaneously transmit the electromagnetic signal; and from the transmitter of the sonic processing means. an electromagnetic signal receiving means, the electromagnetic signal receiving means having an attachment means for receiving the transmitted transcutaneous electromagnetic signal and being attached subcutaneously to the mastoid region of the temporal bone of the user; one end coupled to the electromagnetic signal receiving means; an electrode for subcutaneously transmitting an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal transmitting means coupled to the other end of the electrode and implanted in the temporal bone outside the middle ear of a user, and a subcutaneously implanted signal transmitting and receiving means; Magnetic means receives a subcutaneous electromagnetic signal transmitted from the signal transmitting/receiving means, vibrates the chain ossicles in response to the electromagnetic signal, stimulates the inner ear, and allows a hearing-impaired user to recognize sound. 1. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid comprising: a vibration generating means configured to be implanted in any of the ossicles in the chain of the middle ear of a user. 11. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means by placing it over the head of the stapes and under the long protrusion of the incus bone, so as to provide a vibration insert to the chain ossicles of the user. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 10. 12. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the promontory angle and the central surface of the malleus manubrium below the eardrum, and when the sound wave acts on the user's eardrum, the vibration generating means 11. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 10, which imparts original vibration to the chain ossicles in addition to the original movement. 13. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the base of the stapes bone and a long protrusion of the incus bone, and when the user has lost the upper structure of the stapes bone, An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 10, which acts as a prosthetic limb. 14. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the manubrium of the malleus and the base of the stapes, so that the upper structure of the stapes is damaged and the malleus is no longer attached. 11. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid as claimed in claim 10, which bypasses the entire upper part of the chain ossicles when it is not available for use. 15. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 10, wherein the vibration generating means comprises fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means to a long protrusion of the user's incus bone. 16. A chain ossicle in which the vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means between the head of the stapes and the manubrium of the malleus, and a defect has occurred in the bridge from the eardrum to the inner ear of the user. 11. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 10 for use with injuries to the ear. 17. The vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes, and when there is a gap in the bridge of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear, the vibration generating means is provided with a mounting means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes. 11. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 10, wherein the hearing aid is made to vibrate. 18. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 10, wherein the vibration generating means is comprised of a biocompatible material containing rare earth magnetic particles forming a permanent magnet. 19. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid that increases comfort and aesthetics, does not require the insertion of electrodes into the middle ear of users with hearing loss, and is variable depending on the state of the disease symptoms. an output transmitter placed on the skin behind at least one ear of the user and magnetic means within the transmitter for converting sound waves into electromagnetic signals and transcutaneously transmitting the electromagnetic signals; a sonic processing means for converting sound waves into electromagnetic signals; and a transdermal electromagnetic signal transmitted from a transmitter of the sonic processing means, and used to subcutaneously transmit the electromagnetic signal to the user's middle ear. a bone screw subcutaneously fixing at least a portion thereof to the mastoid region of the temporal bone of the user; a signal transmitting and receiving means implanted in the temporal bone outside the middle ear of the user, comprising magnetic means provided within said portion so as to be held on the scalp behind the ear without being connected to the middle ear; and a middle ear that receives a subcutaneous electromagnetic signal transmitted from the signal transmitting/receiving means, vibrates the chain ossicles in response to the electromagnetic signal, stimulates the inner ear, and allows the hearing-impaired user to recognize sound. an implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid comprising vibration generating means implanted in the chain ossicles of the implantable middle ear bone conduction hearing aid. 20. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means by placing it over the head of the stapes and under the long protrusion of the incus bone, so as to provide a vibration insert to the chain ossicles of the user. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19. 21. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the promontory angle and the central surface of the malleus manubrium below the eardrum, and when the sound wave acts on the user's eardrum, the vibration generating means 20. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19, which imparts original vibration to the chain ossicles in addition to the original movement. 22. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the base of the stapes and a long protrusion of the incus bone, and when the user has lost the upper structure of the stapes; An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19, which acts as a prosthetic limb. 23. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the manubrium of the malleus and the base of the stapes, and the upper structure of the stapes is damaged and the malleus is no longer attached. 20. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid as claimed in claim 19, which bypasses the entire upper part of the chain ossicles when it is not available for use. 24. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19, wherein the vibration generating means comprises fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means to a long protrusion of the user's incus bone. 25. A chain ossicle in which the vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means between the head of the stapes and the manubrium of the malleus, and a defect has occurred in the bridge from the eardrum to the inner ear of the user. 20. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19 for use with injuries to the ear. 26. The vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes, and when there is a gap in the bony bridge of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear, the vibration generating means is provided with a mounting means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes. 20. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19, wherein the hearing aid is made to vibrate. 27. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19, wherein the vibration generating means comprises a biocompatible material containing rare earth magnetic particles forming a permanent magnet. 28. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 19, wherein all said magnetic means comprise permanent magnets. 29. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid that increases comfort and aesthetics, does not require the insertion of electrodes into the middle ear of users with hearing loss, and is variable depending on the state of the disease symptoms. an output transmitter placed on the skin behind at least one ear of the user and magnetic means within the transmitter for converting sound waves into electromagnetic signals and transcutaneously transmitting the electromagnetic signals; a sonic processing means for converting sound waves into electromagnetic signals; and receiving the transcutaneous electromagnetic signal transmitted from the transmitter of the sonic processing means and transmitting at least a portion of the transcutaneous electromagnetic signal to the mastoid region of the temporal bone of the user. In cooperation with a bone screw for subcutaneous fixation and the magnetic means of the transmitter of the sonic processing means, the transmitter of the sonic processing means is fixed on the scalp behind the ear without making a hole in the skin of the user. an electromagnetic signal receiving means comprising magnetic means held in the electromagnetic signal receiving means, an electrode coupled at one end to the electromagnetic signal receiving means and transmitting an electrical signal subcutaneously, and connected to the other end of the electrode, just outside the user's middle ear; a signal transmitting/receiving means that is implanted in the temporal bone of the user and includes an electromagnetic signal transmitting means for subcutaneously transmitting an electrical signal to the user's middle ear; It has a magnetic means that vibrates the chain ossicles in response to electromagnetic signals to stimulate the normal functioning of the inner ear, allowing users with hearing loss to recognize sound, and is implanted in the chain ossicles of the user's middle ear. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid comprising a vibration generating means. 30. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means by placing it over the head of the stapes and under the long protrusion of the incus bone, so as to provide a vibration insert to the chain ossicles of the user. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29. 31. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the promontory angle and the central surface of the malleus manubrium below the eardrum, and when the sound wave acts on the user's eardrum, the vibration generating means The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction type hearing aid according to claim 29, which imparts original vibrations to the chain ossicles in addition to the original movements. 32. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the base of the stapes bone and a long protrusion of the incus bone, and when the user has lost the upper structure of the stapes bone, An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29, which acts as a prosthetic limb. 33. The vibration generating means is provided with a fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means between the manubrium of the malleus and the base of the stapes, and the upper structure of the stapes is damaged and the malleus is no longer attached. 30. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29, which bypasses the entire upper part of the chain ossicles when it is not available for use. 34. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29, wherein the vibration generating means comprises fixing means for fixing the vibration generating means to a long protrusion of the user's incus bone. 35. A chain ossicle in which the vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means between the head of the stapes and the manubrium of the malleus, and a defect has occurred in the bridge from the eardrum to the inner ear of the user. 30. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29 for use with injuries to the ear. 36. The vibration generating means is provided with an attachment means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes, and when there is a gap in the bony bridge of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear, the vibration generating means is provided with a mounting means for attaching the vibration generating means to the head of the stapes, and when there is a gap in the bony bridge of the chain ossicles in the user's middle ear, the stapes is directly attached to the head of the stapes. 30. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29, wherein the hearing aid is made to vibrate. 37. The implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29, wherein the vibration generating means comprises a biocompatible material containing rare earth magnetic particles forming a permanent magnet. 38. An implantable electromagnetic middle ear bone conduction hearing aid according to claim 29, wherein all said magnetic means comprise permanent magnets.
JP11495086A 1986-05-21 1986-05-21 Implantable electromagnetic middle ear conduction type hearing aid Expired - Fee Related JPH0763494B2 (en)

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02137200U (en) * 1989-04-18 1990-11-15
JP2004531277A (en) * 2001-08-14 2004-10-14 フォーナック アーゲー Transdermal connection device, use of the device, and transdermal connection method
US7676372B1 (en) 1999-02-16 2010-03-09 Yugen Kaisha Gm&M Prosthetic hearing device that transforms a detected speech into a speech of a speech form assistive in understanding the semantic meaning in the detected speech
WO2010035812A1 (en) * 2008-09-25 2010-04-01 国立大学法人電気通信大学 Embedded audiphone
JP2010526575A (en) * 2007-05-11 2010-08-05 センティエント メディカル リミテッド Middle ear implant

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02137200U (en) * 1989-04-18 1990-11-15
US7676372B1 (en) 1999-02-16 2010-03-09 Yugen Kaisha Gm&M Prosthetic hearing device that transforms a detected speech into a speech of a speech form assistive in understanding the semantic meaning in the detected speech
JP2004531277A (en) * 2001-08-14 2004-10-14 フォーナック アーゲー Transdermal connection device, use of the device, and transdermal connection method
JP2010526575A (en) * 2007-05-11 2010-08-05 センティエント メディカル リミテッド Middle ear implant
US9686623B2 (en) 2007-05-11 2017-06-20 Sentient Medical Limited Middle ear implant
WO2010035812A1 (en) * 2008-09-25 2010-04-01 国立大学法人電気通信大学 Embedded audiphone
JP2010075394A (en) * 2008-09-25 2010-04-08 Univ Of Electro-Communications Implantable bone-conduction hearing aid
US8520867B2 (en) 2008-09-25 2013-08-27 The University Of Electro-Communications Embedded audiphone

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