An advanced multiple channel cochlear implant.

An advanced multiple channel cochlear implant hearing prosthesis is described. Stimulation is presented through an array of 20 electrodes located in the scala tympani. Any two electrodes can be configured as a bipolar pair to conduct a symmetrical, biphasic, constant-current pulsatile stimulus. Up to three stimuli can be presented in rapid succession or effectively simultaneously. For simultaneous stimulation, a novel time-division current multiplexing technique has been developed to obviate electrode interactions that may compromise safety. The stimuli are independently controllable in current amplitude, duration, and onset time. Groups of three stimuli can be generated at a rate of typically 500 Hz. Stimulus control data and power are conveyed to the implant through a single transcutaneous inductive link. The device also incorporates a telemetry system that enables electrode voltage waveforms to be monitored externally in real time. The electronics of the implant are contained almost entirely on a custom designed integrated circuit. Preliminary results obtained with the first patient to receive the advanced implant are included.