A Fully Differential Piezoelectric Microphone and Amplifier System for Cochlear Implants and Other Hearing Devices

A piezoelectric sensor and amplifier for use with an auditory aid device are disclosed. The piezoelectric sensor includes a top sensor and a bottom sensor disposed on opposite surfaces of a flex printed circuit board. The top and bottom sensors are made of a piezoelectric material, such as PVDF. Further, the piezoelectric sensor is adapted to be implanted into a subject's ear, where the piezoelectric sensor is cantilevered with the free, or distal end, touching the umbo. The proximal end is held in place by a support that is aflixed to the ear. Additionally, the piezoelectric sensor is shaped so that the width of the distal end is less than the width at the proximal end. Further, the piezoelectric sensor generates differential signals, which are then amplified using a differential amplifier circuit.