MIDDLE EAR MAGNET IMPLANT, ATTACHMENT DEVICE AND METHOD, AND TEST INSTRUMENT AND METHOD

摘要

An attachment device for a middle ear implant includes a first loop (28) adapted to mount over structure in a middle ear. A second loop (30) is connected to the first loop, and adapted to mount over an object for use in the middle ear. A method of testing for a magnet in the middle ear of a patient includes inserting a coil (38) at least into an outer ear canal of the patient adjacent the middle ear having the magnet (24); selectively aiming the coil relative to the middle ear, driving the coil with an alternating current signal at each selected aiming; obtaining at least one indication in response to driving the coil with an alternating current signal at each selected aiming; and determining a functional or positional characteristic of the magnet from the obtained indication. This method can be implemented with a plurality of coils (38a)-(38d).