Annual Report 2010/11 - Sonova

32
• Behind-The-Ear hearing instruments (BTE) (Phonak/Unitron/Sona)
• FM systems (Phonak Communications)
Middle ear implants
(Phonak Acoustic Implants)
Cochlear implants
(Advanced Bionics)
Custom In-The-Ear hearing instruments (ITE)
(Phonak/Unitron/Sona)
• Hearing protection
(Phonak Communications)
• Wireless communication systems
(Phonak Communications)
• Earphones
(Phonak Audéo PFE)
Harmony speech processor and HiRes
90K implant
Ingenia
External sound
processor
Implant
Invisible extended-wear hearing instruments (Lyric)
Data and
energy
Sound signals
Stapes
prothesis
Artificial
incus
Actuator
Ingenia consists of three main components: an external
sound processor, an implant assembly and a fixation
system. Unlike a cochlear implant, Ingenia does not
significantly enter the cochlea, so the inner-ear structure
remains intact and residual hearing is preserved.
Ingenia was designed with the aim of ensuring top performance
even at low frequencies, enabling the user to benefit
from optimal sound levels and amplification across the
entire frequency spectrum. A further advantage of Ingenia
is that the ear canal remains free and it is comfortable to
wear. The fitting software is based on the Phonak software
platform, which has been successfully used to fit millions of
hearing systems.
Phonak Acoustic Implants will leverage both Phonak’s
and Advanced Bionics’ technical expertise and network of
relationships to make Ingenia a clinical and commercial
success. The company will use Advanced Bionics’ experience
concerning regulatory aspects as well as its established
relationships with surgeons and clinics worldwide.
A cochlear implant (CI) consists of a sound processor worn
externally, with a microphone that captures sound. The
processor codes the audio signal into a data flow that is
needed for the auditory nerve, and then transmits the
data flow wirelessly to the implant below the skin. The implant
receives the data flow and power from the external device.
Electrodes located on a flexible wire stimulate the cochlea
electrically.
Active middle ear implants (AMEIs) vary both in form and
functionally. In the case of Ingenia, the external sound
processor captures the sound, filters and amplifies the audio
signal and transmits power and the signal wirelessly
through the skin. The implanted electronics then decode
the signal, and energize the actuator, which in turn reconverts
the electrical signal into mechanical vibrations of
the artificial incus. The artificial incus transfers this vibration
to the stapes prosthesis which then stimulates the oval
window.