Patent attributes
The present invention generally relates to assistive hearing devices. In one aspect, an apparatus for use in amplifying certain frequencies and canceling other frequencies is provided. The apparatus is insertable at least partially through a tympanic membrane of a user. The apparatus includes an actuator for stimulating an eardrum. The apparatus further includes an acoustic sensor for measuring a level of acoustic energy transmitted to an ear canal and/or the ear drum of the user. Additionally, the apparatus includes an electronics package for controlling the actuator and the acoustic sensor, wherein the electronics package is configured to transmit amplified selected sound waves while canceling out other sound waves having a particular frequency or frequencies. In another aspect, an apparatus for use in measuring a parameter in a body is provided. In a further aspect, a method of selectively transmitting sound waves having a predetermined frequency or frequencies is provided.
