Nerve stimulation system, subsystem, headset, and earpiece
In an embodiment, a nerve stimulation system includes a headset and an earpiece which includes two or more ear-contacting elements, for example an ear canal insert, and a concha insert. Ear-contacting elements may be mounted onto an earpiece housing have projecting mounting structures, which provide mechanical and electrical connection between ear-contacting elements and housing through various materials and configurations. In an embodiment, a nerve stimulation system includes a neural stimulation subsystem including neural stimulation device control circuitry for use in combination with a personal computing device to control a neural stimulation device.
1. A electrical stimulation earpiece, comprising:
a housing;
a first mounting structure extending outwardly from the housing, the first mounting structure having an outer surface;
a first ear-contacting element mounted on the first mounting structure, the first ear-contacting element formed from a resilient material and including
a recess configured to receive the first mounting structure; and
at least one first electrode surface adapted to form an electrical contact with a skin surface of at least a portion of an ear of a subject;
a second mounting structure extending outwardly from the housing, the second mounting structure having an outer surface;
a second ear-contacting element mounted on the second mounting structure, the second ear-contacting element formed from a resilient material and including
a recess configured to receive the second mounting structure; and
at least one second electrode surface adapted to form an electrical contact with a skin surface of at least a portion of an ear of a subject;
a first electrical connector for connecting the at least one first electrode surface to a first electrical current source; and
at least one second electrical connector for connecting the at least one second electrode surface to a second electrical current source.
2. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the first ear-contacting element is an ear canal insert.
3. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 2 , wherein the first mounting structure includes a through hole for delivery of sound from a speaker located in the housing.
4. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 2 , wherein the second ear-contacting element is a concha insert.
5. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 2 , wherein the second earcontacting element includes a cavum insert or a cymba insert.
6. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 1 , including an extension carrying at least one additional neural stimulator.
7. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 6 , wherein the extension includes an adjustable linkage that provides for positioning of the at least one additional neural stimulator.
8. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the first mounting structure includes at least one projection extending outwardly from the outer surface to mechanically engage the first ear-contacting element.
9. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 8 , wherein the at least one projection includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to electrically contact a conductive portion of the first ear-contacting element in electrical communication with the at least one first electrode surface.
10. The electrical stimulation earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the first ear-contacting element and the second ear-contacting element are spaced from the housing.