Design of micro-power semi-implantable hearing-aid with hydraulic amplification methodology and simultaneous resonance bandwidth control technique

Abstract

The study presented here targets the development of a low power hearing aid that helps an individual, with conductive type of deafness, to hear naturally, clearly and intelligibly. It uses a piezoelectric actuator that helps in direct oscillation of the stapes with the arrival of sound wave resulting in sound demonstration much superior to that of conventional hearing aid. The hydraulic amplification of the piezoelectric device generates sufficient stapes displacement and an ICP sensor detects corresponding sound pressure level. Additionally, in order to avoid the unwanted interference of the incoming sound frequency with the vibrating frequency of the piezoelectric element, the later is kept within acceptable limits by resonant frequency bandwidth control technique. Owing to its micro power consumption, the proposed design undoubtedly has the potential to replace the battery powered conventional hearing aids, thereby diminishing the recurring losses and making the system cost-effective.