COCHLEAR IMPLANT HEARING INSTRUMENT

摘要

The invention relates to a hearing instrument for direct stimulation of the cochlea (20) of a patient, comprising an audio signal source (22) for providing audio signals, a sound processor (28) for generating auditory nerve stimulation signals from the audio signals, a stimulation assembly (18) to be implanted into the cochlea and comprising an electrode array (56) to be located in the basal part (60) of the cochlea for electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve in the basal part of the cochlea and a plurality of optical fibers (66) extending beyond the electrode array into the apical part (68) of the cochlea for optical stimulation of the auditory nerve in the apical part of the cochlea, and a driver unit (40) for providing the stimulation assembly, according to the auditory nerve stimulation signals from the sound processor, with electric stimulation signals for the electrode array and with stimulation light from at least one light source (72) for the optical fibers.