Speech transmission using ultrasonic actuation of piezo elements for cochlear implants

In this study, a method of direct audio transmission on to the cochlea has been proposed for people with dysfunctional outer and or middle ear. Here, the speech signal has been modulated by ultrasound such that it may be transmitted directly on to the cochlea where it is received and regenerated to its original form. The cycle basically comprises three stages the first being generation of the modulated ultrasound, reception of the attenuated signal and regeneration of the speech signal using small piezoelectric crystals. The proposed methodology may be utilized to device miniaturized, cheap and efficient hearing implant for ocular patients in India.