Monitor for auditory prosthesis

Abstract

The invention provides detection and indication of proper operation of a transmitter of an auditory prosthesis. During proper operation, the transmitter transmits electromagnetic signals to an implanted receiver. Electromagnetic emissions of the transmitter are detected, and an indicator such as a LED is provided on the transmitter of the prosthesis which indicates whether or not electromagnetic emissions of the transmitter have been detected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of an auditory prosthesis, and in particular for monitoring the operation of a transmitter of an auditory prosthesis. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Cochlear implant systems have been developed in order to deliver electrical stimulation directly to the auditory nerve. Such a stimulation bypasses hair cells of the cochlea, which may be damaged or missing in persons who are profoundly deaf, and allows the brain to perceive a sensation resembling the natural hearing sensation normally delivered to the auditory nerve. U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,930, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, provides a description of one type of cochlear implant system. [0003] Cochlear implant systems typically comprise two components, firstly an external component commonly referred to as a processor unit, and secondly an implanted component commonly referred to as a stimulator / receiver unit. The...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Provides a convenient and reliable visual indication of the transmitter's and upstream components' operation, reducing the time required to verify multiple implants and minimizing electromagnetic interference, thus facilitating efficient monitoring and fault detection.

Problems solved by technology

For instance, where the system is used on a person who has been profoundly deaf since birth, the implant recipient is often unable to provide an accurate indication of whether the implant is operating correctly.

Further, where the implant recipient is an infant, the infant is unable to provide any subjective indication of unsatisfactory or faulty operation.

Previous systems have monitored battery strength in the external processor unit, however such monitors fail to indicate malfunctions which may arise in the microphone, speech processor, transmitter coil, or implanted stimulator / receiver unit.

However this arrangement necessitates individually checking each and every implant, which can be a particularly time consuming process where multiple implant recipients are present, and further complicates the already demanding task of teaching or nursing infants.

Further, with recent efforts to minimise electromagnetic interference caused by the RF link of such an implant, the performance of such “wands” may become less reliable, as minimal leakage fields may exist for the wand to detect.

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