Implant Sensor and Control

Abstract

An implant includes a humidity sensor for generating a signal indicative of humidity within the implant. A controller within the implant receives the signal indicative of humidity, and controls the implant based on the signal indicative of humidity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implant comprising:
 a self-test module for generating a signal indicative of a condition within the implant;   a controller within the implant for receiving and controlling the implant based on the signal; and   a battery, wherein the controller discharges the battery based on the signal.   
     
     
         2 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the signal is indicative of at least one of humidity, temperature, and a concentration of one or more gases. 
     
     
         3 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the implant is a cochlear implant, and wherein the implant includes a stimulator for stimulating an array of electrodes. 
     
     
         4 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the controller inhibits output of the stimulator based on the signal. 
     
     
         5 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the stimulator to stimulate the electrodes so as to produce a perceived alert based on the signal. 
     
     
         6 . The implant according to  claim 5 , wherein the alert is produced for a predetermined duration upon turning on of the implant. 
     
     
         7 . The implant according to  claim 5 , wherein the controller provides an externally audible alert. 
     
     
         8 . The implant according to  claim 1 , wherein the controller turns power off based on the signal.