Inventors:
Jerome R. Clifford - Albuquerque NM
Karl L. Horn - Albuquerque NM
International Classification:
A61F 218
Abstract:
Apparatus for, and a method of, facilitating the hearing of audio information by an individual are provided for the inner ear of the individual. The apparatus includes a prosthesis having a head portion and a body portion. The head portion may be provided with a flattened configuration shaped to confirm to a particular one of the malleus and the incus. The body portion of the prosthesis extends transversely from the head portion into the fluid in the inner ear. The prosthesis may be made from a suitable material such as a metal or a plastic having properties of transmitting sound from the middle ear to the inner ear. A heat shrinkable sleeve envelopes the head portion of the prosthesis and the particular one of the malleus and the incus. The sleeve may be shrunk as by heat to provide a pressed fit with the head portion of the prosthesis and the particular one of the malleus and the incus. The heat may be produced as by a laser.