초록 ▼

Chronic auditory stimulation is achieved by establishing an electric field at the base of the cochlea whereby full speech patterns are imparted to a patient. Penetration of the cochlea is not required thereby reducing the risks in installing the implanted electrodes. In a preferred embodiment the el

Chronic auditory stimulation is achieved by establishing an electric field at the base of the cochlea whereby full speech patterns are imparted to a patient. Penetration of the cochlea is not required thereby reducing the risks in installing the implanted electrodes. In a preferred embodiment the electrodes are disc shaped with the ground electrode being larger than the active electrode. The active electrode is preferably placed in the round window at the base of the cochlea or on the promontory. The ground electrode is placed 2-10 mm from the active electrode to thereby confine the electric field. The interconnections to the electrodes are tissue compatible insulation covered wires thereby minimizing stimulation of cutaneous nerve fibers.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of chronic auditory stimulation of the cochlea for imparting speech patterns comprising the steps of placing an active electrode and a ground electrode outside of and near the base of a cochlea of a patient, and energizing said electrodes with an electrical signal having a frequency band wh

A method of chronic auditory stimulation of the cochlea for imparting speech patterns comprising the steps of placing an active electrode and a ground electrode outside of and near the base of a cochlea of a patient, and energizing said electrodes with an electrical signal having a frequency band which is sufficient to define a speech pattern thereby establishing an electric field between said active electrode and said ground electrode.