Cochlear implant package

Abstract

An implant package for a cochlear implant, including stimulator electronics contained within a protective housing ( 2 ) and being coupled to an electrode array ( 9 ) for insertion into the cochlea of a patient, and being further coupled to a receiving and/or transmitting coil ( 8 ) enclosed within a protective casing, said protective housing being dimensioned and shaped to be capable of location within the mastoid cavity (C) of the patient nearer to the entry point of the electrode array to the cochlea, said further coupling being contained in a flexible connection between the protective housing ( 2 ) and the protective casing ( 8 ).

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . An implant package for a hearing implant, said implant package comprising: 
 a protective housing containing stimulator electronics;    at least one electrode adapted for insertion into an inner ear and in operable communication with said stimulator electronics;    a receiving and/or transmitting coil enclosed in a protective casing; and    wherein a flexible connection is provided between and directly attached to said protective housing and said protective casing.    
   
   
       10 . The implant package of  claim 9 , wherein said flexible connection facilitates optimal positioning of said receiving and/or transmitting coil, depending on anatomy and age of a patient.  
   
   
       11 . The implant package of  claim 9 , wherein said flexible connection between said protective housing and said protective casing is such as to allow change in head shape as the patient grows.  
   
   
       12 . The implant package of  claim 9 , wherein said flexible connection is made from a material having memory so that the coupling retains its shape after installation into the mastoid cavity.  
   
   
       13 . The implant package of  claim 9 , wherein the protective housing is electrically coupled to said at least one electrode.  
   
   
       14 . The implant package of  claim 9 , wherein the protective housing is electrically coupled to the receiving and/or transmitting coil.  
   
   
       15 . The implant package of  claim 9 , wherein the implant package is a receiver-stimulator package for a cochlear implant and said at least one electrode is adapted for insertion into the inner ear.  
   
   
       16 . The implant package of  claim 15 , wherein said protective housing is nearer to an entry point of said at least one electrode into said cochlea than said protective casing.