US Patent 7819795 - Nanoparticle hearing aid

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7819795.html

This patent from NanoBioMagnetics(R) teaches using ferromagnetic nanoparticles in a device for improving hearing. Claim 1 reads:

1. A system for affecting a function of a mammal, the system comprising:

a single-domain nanoparticle, the nanoparticle being constructed to affix in a mammal ear, the ear comprising a cell, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a biocompatible covering having a binding moiety of a cell adhesion molecule adapted to bind the nanoparticle to the cell; and

a transmitter assembly adapted to be supported on the mammal, wherein the transmitter assembly transmits a magnetic field that causes a movement of the nanoparticle;

wherein the movement of the nanoparticle affects the function of the mammal.