Event Detection In An Implantable Auditory Prosthesis

Abstract

Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the physical state of a stimulating assembly to, for example, detect the occurrence of an adverse event. More specifically, an elongate stimulating assembly comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced contacts is at least partially implanted into a recipient. Electrical measurements are performed at one or more of the plurality of contacts and the electrical measurements are evaluated relative to one another to determine the physical state of the stimulating assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 044,595 entitled “Event Detection in an Implantable Auditory Prosthesis,” filed Sep. 2, 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUNDField of the InventionRelated Art[0002]Hearing loss, which may be due to many different causes, is generally of two types, conductive and / or sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss occurs when the normal mechanical pathways of the outer and / or middle ear are impeded, for example, by damage to the ossicular chain or ear canal. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear, or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.[0003]Individuals who suffer from conductive hearing loss typically have some form of residual hearing because the hair cells in the cochlea are undamaged. As such, individuals suffering from conductive hearing loss typically receive an auditory prosthesi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention relates to a system for monitoring an implantable stimulating assembly, which includes a plurality of contacts. The system measures variations in electrical measurements between the contacts to determine the physical state of the assembly. This allows for more efficient and effective control of the assembly's stimulation. The invention also provides a computer-readable storage device with software and a cochlear implant system with an implantable stimulating assembly, an implantable stimulator unit, and a processor for monitoring the assembly. Overall, the invention enhances the accuracy and reliability of stimulating assemblies used in medical devices.

Problems solved by technology

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the normal mechanical pathways of the outer and / or middle ear are impeded, for example, by damage to the ossicular chain or ear canal.

In many people who are profoundly deaf, however, the reason for their deafness is sensorineural hearing loss.

Those suffering from some forms of sensorineural hearing loss are unable to derive suitable benefit from auditory prostheses that generate mechanical motion of the cochlea fluid.

Images