Computer assisted optimization of an electromagnetic transducer design for implantable hearing aids.

A simple, contactless electromagnetic transducer design for implantable hearing aids is investigated. It consists of a coil and a permanent magnet, both of which are intended for implantation in the middle ear. The transducer is modeled and optimized using computer simulations, followed by experimental verification. It is shown that the proposed transducer design can, because of its size and geometry, allow implantation through the external auditory canal, and provide a sufficiently high acoustic output corresponding to approximately 120 dB sound pressure level. It can be optimized to be tolerant of radial displacements between coil and magnet of up to 1 mm.