Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of nerves

Details Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of nerves Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of nerves

1984-01-20

1985-04-16

Coven, Edward M.

Surgery

Truss

Pad

128 1R, A61N 136

Patent

active

045109362

ABSTRACT:
Apparatus primarily for stimulating the auditory nerve in the vicinity of the cochlea of deaf persons to give a sensation indicative of the pitch of speech is described. The stimulus which is in the form of an alternating current of varying period dependent on the pitch of speech is applied to an electrode positioned in the vicinity of the cochlea. The current is non-zero for most of the duration of most stimulation periods and in order to elicit a stable auditory sensation d.c. baseline fluctuation is prevented by the use of a controlled current generator. The period of speech sounds is found using a specially devised circuit and a voltage related to the frequency of such sounds is determined by a period-to-voltage converter and a reciprocal circuit, this voltage being supplied as a control signal for the current generator. An alternative microcomputer version is also described. In order to give an indication of the presence of voiceless sounds, a detector capable of distinguishing between voiced and voiceless sounds is also included together with a noise source which is coupled to the stimulation electrode when the detector indicates the presence of voiceless sounds.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3841305 (1974-10-01), Hallgren
patent: 4419995 (1983-12-01), Hochmain et al.
patent: 4428377 (1984-01-01), Zollner et al.
Rosen et al., "Voice Pitch as an Aid to Lip Reading" Nature, vol. 291, 5-14-81, pp. 150-152.
Gruenz et al., "Extraction and Portrayal of Pitch of Speech Sounds", Jrnl. Acoustical Soc. of Am., 1949, pp. 487-495.
Fourcin et al., "Speech Perception with Promontory Stimulation", New York Acad. of Science, 4/14-16/82.
Forster, "Theoretical Design . . . Neural Prosthesis Applications", J. Biomed. Eng., vol. 3, Apr., 1981, pp. 107-120.
Gheewala et al., "CMOS . . . Stimulator for the Deaf" IEEE Jrnl. of Solid State Cir., vol. SC-10, No. 6, pp. 472-479, Dec. 1975.
Dillier et al., "Computer Controlled Test System . . . ", Scand. Audiol. Suppl. II, 1980, pp. 163-170.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of nerves does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of nerves, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of nerves will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1450065