A Search for the Electrophonic Phenomena in the Microwatt Power Domain
Abstract
The physiological sensation of hearing can be stimulated by an alternating current applied to the head using small electrodes. The major disadvantages of systems of this type have been the large magnitude of driving voltage required, approx. 100 to 4000 volts, and the magnitude of power dissipated in the head, approx. 1 watt. The objectives of the paper were to investigate the basic phenomena and to attempt to find a low power method for production. Previous successful experiments were reproduced during the basic investigation phase. Selected combinations of signal types and electrodes were then tested. An extremely low power mode of operation was found and documented. Threshold values for a single tone were found to be in the order of 10 microampere at 10 microwatt making an extremely small low cost hearing aid a possible application.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0744911
Entities
People
- Patrick W. Johnson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School