Techniques for providing stimulation for tinnitus treatment

Abstract

A system includes an acoustic stimulator configured to provide an acoustic signal to an ear of a recipient. The system also includes a measurement sensor configured to measure a potential generated in response to the acoustic signal from an ear of the recipient. The system also includes a tinnitus therapy stimulator configured to generate a stimulus to an ear of the recipient based on the potential measured by the measurement sensor to provide tinnitus therapy to the recipient.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 393,215 filed on July 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Medical devices have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients over the last several decades. Medical devices may include internal or implantable components / devices, external or wearable components / devices, or combinations thereof (e.g., devices having external components that communicate with implantable components). Medical devices, such as traditional hearing aids, partially or fully implantable hearing prostheses (e.g., bone conduction devices, mechanical stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.), pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, and other medical devices, have been successful over the years in performing life-saving and / or lifestyle-improving functions and / or recipient monitoring.

[0004] Over the years, the types of medical devices and the range of functions performed by them have increased. For example, many medical devices, sometimes referred to as "implantable medical devices," now typically include one or more instruments, devices, sensors, processors, controllers, or other functional mechanical or electrical components that are permanently or temporarily implanted in a recipient's body. These functional devices are typically used to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat, or manage disease / injury or its symptoms, or to study, replace, or modify anatomical structures or physiological processes. Many of these functional devices utilize power and / or data received from an external device that is part of or operates in conjunction with the implantable component. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect disclosed herein, a method is provided, the method comprising measuring potential energy induced from a recipient in response to an acoustic signal provided to an ear of the recipient. The method further comprises providing stimulation generated based on the potential energy to the ear of the recipient to treat tinnitus of the recipient.

[0006] In another aspect disclosed herein, a system is provided, the system comprising a measurement sensor configured to sense an electrical potential generated in response to an acoustic signal from an ear of a recipient. The system further comprises a tinnitus therapy stimulator configured to generate stimulation to the ear of the recipient based on the electrical potential sensed by the measurement sensor to provide tinnitus therapy to the recipient.

[0007] In yet another aspect disclosed herein, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including computer-readable instructions stored thereon for causing a computer to perform the following operations: performing electrocochlear morphology measurements from an ear of a recipient in response to acoustic stimulation provided to the ear; and generating a signal for application to the ear to treat tinnitus of the recipient based on the electrocochlear morphology measurements.

[0008] In yet another aspect disclosed herein, a method provides a treatment for tinnitus to a recipient. The method includes recording an electrical potential generated in an ear of the recipient in response to a sound stimulus using electrocochleography. The method also includes providing an electrical stimulus generated based on the electrical potential to the ear of the recipient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A Depicted is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cochlear implant that may be configured to implement aspects of the technology presented herein, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1B Depicted is a method for treating Figure 1A Block diagram of a system for tinnitus in cochlear implant recipients.

[0011] Figure 2A A diagram of a system for treating tinnitus in a recipient is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2B A flow chart illustrating an example of operations that may be performed to treat tinnitus in an ear of a recipient is depicted.

[0013] Figure 3 Describes the display that can be used in Figure 2B A table of examples of acoustic frequencies and electrodes in operation to provide tinnitus therapy to a recipient.

[0014] Figure 4 An example of a suitable computing system is shown with which one or more disclosed embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Tinnitus is the perception of noise or "ringing" in the ear. Tinnitus is a common artifact of hearing loss, but it can also be a symptom of other underlying conditions, such as ear damage, circulatory system disorders, etc. Tinnitus may be caused, for example, by abnormal hair cells in the cochlea of ​​the ear generating erroneous signals. Although the effects of tinnitus can vary from mild to severe, almost a quarter of people with tinnitus describe their tinnitus as disabling or almost disabling. Tinnitus is an auditory phantom perception that can be perceived as having various characteristics (e.g., pure tone; narrowband noise; polyphonic) and is experienced unilaterally, bilaterally, or in the head. In some cases, the perception of tinnitus is intermittent or variable in magnitude.

[0016] Masking has been used to treat tinnitus, with either acoustic or electrical stimulation. Masking can include adding an audible or inaudible masking stimulus (e.g., a signal) corresponding to a sound (e.g., white noise; music; patterned sound; low-level sound; sound customized based on the characteristics of the recipient's tinnitus) intended to mask or cover up the phantom sound (e.g., ringing; whistling) caused by the tinnitus. The added sound level can be close to the perceived loudness of the phantom sound, softer than it, or louder than it. Although the tinnitus may be partially or completely masked by the added audible or inaudible sound, so that the recipient's perception of the phantom sound is reduced, masking does not reduce or eliminate the tinnitus itself. In addition, some people may find the fitting procedure for the tinnitus device to be uncomfortable, especially requiring the individual to have prolonged conscious attention to the tinnitus while adjusting the device.

[0017] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, systems and methods for performing the following are provided: delivering an acoustic signal to an ear of a recipient suffering from tinnitus, measuring one or more potential energies induced in response to the acoustic signal from the recipient, and providing stimulation generated based on the one or more potential energies to the ear of the recipient to treat the tinnitus of the recipient. The potential energy can be measured, for example, by performing an electrocochlear gram (ECochG) measurement from the ear of the recipient using a measurement sensor after providing the acoustic signal to the ear. A tinnitus treatment stimulator (such as one or more electrodes) can, for example, deliver electrical stimulation to the ear based on the measured potential energy to mask the tinnitus of the recipient, or in some cases reverse the pathophysiology of tinnitus. Alternatively, the stimulation provided to the ear of the recipient to treat tinnitus can be acoustic (or combined electro-acoustic) stimulation. The acoustic stimulation can be provided to the ear of the recipient, for example, using an internal or external hearing aid device, to provide tinnitus treatment.

[0018] Certain embodiments disclosed herein include objective techniques for providing guidance to clinicians on how to optimize stimulation parameters for a recipient's ear to treat tinnitus. Objective testing can also minimize the need for subjective testing, which is often associated with time consuming and other unnecessary requirements. Treatment of tinnitus can be achieved, for example, using stimulation that represents environmental sounds, meaningless tinnitus-specific stimulation, or a combination of both. When stimulation is provided at one or more specific locations inside the recipient's ear (e.g., in the cochlea or auditory nerve), the stimulation can improve the effectiveness of tinnitus treatment.

[0019] The eligibility of a recipient for tinnitus treatment can be tested, for example, using electrocochlear morphology (ECochG). As used herein, electrocochlear morphology (ECochG) refers to a technique for recording the electrical potential generated in the recipient's ear and / or auditory nerve in response to acoustic stimulation. ECochG can also be used to diagnose tinnitus originating from the recipient's ear. Tinnitus originating from the recipient's cochlea can be, for example, most sensitive to extra-cochlear or intra-cochlear stimulation treatment. ECochG measurements can be performed on the recipient to assess the recipient's local neural health and reveal the best position for tinnitus treatment. ECochG measurements can be analyzed to individually identify different potentials and combinations of different potentials (i.e., induced responses), which can indicate the recipient's tinnitus characteristics. Since ECochG provides an objective measurement that does not require the recipient's participation and can be obtained in a relatively short amount of time, ECochG measurements can be used to assess tinnitus characteristics in a clinic.

[0020] ECochG measurements can be recorded, for example, inside the inner ear of the recipient (i.e., inside the cochlea) or outside the inner ear of the recipient (e.g., the auditory nerve or elsewhere). The location of the recipient's ECochG measurement can be selected, for example, based on the recipient's medical condition. For example, in the case of a cochlear implant recipient inside the cochlea, the measurement can be recorded inside the inner ear. Similarly, in the case of a cochlear implant recipient outside the cochlea or in the case where other implantable medical devices are located near the ear, the measurement can be recorded outside the inner ear. Such other implantable medical devices can include vestibular stimulators, middle ear implants, auditory brainstem implants, etc. ECochG measurements can provide insights (i.e., prognostic value) into the effectiveness of electrical and / or acoustic stimulation for tinnitus treatment. ECochG measurements can also be used to determine the best stimulation parameters for tinnitus treatment, such as stimulating the recipient's ear to provide (multiple) positions for the treatment of tinnitus (e.g., outside the cochlea or at various positions within the cochlea). Testing for these stimulation parameters is subjectively a time-consuming, demanding, and difficult process. ECochG may be used, for example, to identify which electrode in an electrode array (eg, in a cochlear implant having an electrode array) is closest to a measured tinnitus frequency that may be targeted as a potential stimulation frequency or location for tinnitus treatment.

[0021] Certain embodiments disclosed herein can provide personalized tinnitus treatment for a recipient by providing stimulation generated by ear-based electrocochlear tracing (ECochG) measurements (or other possible measurements) to the recipient's ear. ECochG can be used to help quickly and objectively determine the optimal position and other parameters for treating the recipient's tinnitus without the recipient's active participation. ECochG can be used to predict the effectiveness of electrical or acoustic stimulation within the cochlea to suppress the effects of tinnitus. ECochG can also be used to evaluate the likelihood of effectively suppressing tinnitus using extra-cochlear electrical stimulation when the optimal position for stimulation can be reached using stimulation from outside the cochlea.

[0022] Electrocochlear recording (ECochG) testing is a clinical technique that can, for example, be used to assess the residual hearing of a recipient suffering from partial hearing loss. Electrocochlear recording testing can, for example, involve delivering acoustic stimulation to the recipient's ear, and then using electrodes in the ear canal, cochlea, or tympanic membrane to record one or more responses of the ear (e.g., from residual functional hair cells) to the acoustic stimulation. ECochG testing can be performed in a clinical setting, typically using equipment and techniques implemented by trained audiologists or clinicians. In particular, during the ECochG testing procedure, the clinician plays a predetermined click or tone to the recipient, while (e.g., using electrodes in or near the recipient's middle ear or inner ear) performing electrocochlear recording.

[0023] For ease of description only, the techniques presented herein are described herein primarily with reference to an illustrative medical device (i.e., a cochlear implant). However, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein may also be used with a variety of other medical devices that may benefit from the teachings herein for use in other medical devices while providing a wide range of therapeutic benefits to a recipient, patient, or other user. For example, any technique described herein for one type of hearing device (e.g., a cochlear implant) corresponds to the disclosure of another embodiment for using such teachings with another hearing device, including a bone conduction device (transcutaneous, active transdermal, and / or passive transdermal), a middle ear hearing prosthesis, a direct acoustic stimulator, an acoustically amplified hearing aid, a consumer hearing device, and also using these with other electrically stimulating hearing prostheses (e.g., an auditory brain stimulator), etc.

[0024] Figure 1A 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cochlear implant 100 configured to implement various aspects of the technology presented herein. Cochlear implant 100 includes an external component 102 and an internal / implantable component 104. External component 102 is attached directly or indirectly to the body of the recipient and generally includes an external coil 106, and a magnet ( Figure 1A The external component 102 further includes a sound processing unit 112. Figure 1A In the example of , the sound processing unit 112 is a behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processing unit that is configured to be attached to the pinna 110 of the recipient's ear and worn behind the recipient's pinna. However, it should be appreciated that the sound processing unit 112 can have other arrangements, such as an off-the-ear (OTE) processing unit (e.g., a component having a generally cylindrical shape and configured to be magnetically coupled to the recipient's head), a mini or micro BTE unit, an in-ear canal unit configured to be located in the recipient's ear canal, a body-worn sound processing unit, etc.

[0025] exist Figure 1A In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, implantable component 104 includes an implant body (main module) 114, a lead region 116, and an intracochlear stimulation assembly 118, all configured to be implanted beneath the skin / tissue of a recipient. Implant body 114 includes an internal / implantable coil 122.

[0026] The stimulation assembly 118 is configured to be at least partially implanted in the recipient's cochlea 137. The stimulation assembly 118 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced intracochlear electrical stimulation contacts (electrodes) 126 that collectively form a contact or electrode array 128 for delivering electrical stimulation (electrical current) to the recipient's cochlea 137. The stimulation assembly 118 extends through an opening (e.g., cochleostomy, round window, etc.) in the recipient's cochlea and has a proximal end connected to a stimulator unit via a lead region 116 and an airtight feedthrough. The lead region 116 includes a plurality of conductors (wires) that electrically couple the electrodes 126 to the stimulator unit.

[0027] Figure 1B For use in treating according to an embodiment Figure 1A Diagram of a system for tinnitus in a recipient of a cochlear implant 100 . Figure 1B The system includes Figure 1A Cochlear implant 100. Figure 1B The system also includes a receiver device 150 and / or an acoustic component 160. The acoustic component 160 is a sound generating device that generates one or more acoustic signals. The acoustic component 160 can be, for example, an acoustic component in an electrocochlear recording (ECochG) system. The acoustic component 160 can send one or more acoustic signals to the ear canal of the recipient via an acoustic tube. The acoustic component 160 can be, for example, connected to a sound processor 133 in the sound processing unit 112 and controlled by the sound processor or by a computing system ( Figure 1B Receiver 150 is another type of sound generating device that is positioned outside the recipient's ear (such as a speaker or audio amplifier) ​​or is to be placed in the recipient's ear (such as a hearing aid). Receiver 150 is used to generate one or more acoustic signals that are provided to the recipient's ear. In some embodiments, Figure 1B The system may include only one of the acoustic component 160 or the receiver 150 . Figure 1B The system can be used to treat tinnitus in a recipient, as described below with respect to Figure 2A-2B More detailed disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A Additional details of the cochlear implant 100. Figure 1BIn the example of , the external component 102 also includes one or more input elements / devices 113 for receiving input signals at the sound processing unit 112. In this example, the one or more input devices 113 include a sound input device 108 configured to capture / receive input signals (e.g., a microphone positioned by the recipient's pinna 110, a telecoil, etc.), one or more auxiliary input devices 109 (e.g., an audio port such as a direct audio input (DAI), a data port such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a cable port, etc.), and a wireless transmitter / receiver (transceiver) 111, each located in, on, or near the sound processing unit 112.

[0029] exist Figure 1B In an embodiment of the present invention, the sound processing unit 112 also includes, for example, at least one power supply 107, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 121, and a processing module 125. The processing module 125 includes a number of components, including an environment classifier 131, a sound processor 133, and an individualized own voice detector 134. Each of the environment classifier 131, the sound processor 133, and the individualized own voice detector 134 can be formed by one or more processors (e.g., one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more processing cores, etc.), firmware, software, etc. arranged to perform the operations described herein. That is, the environment classifier 131, the sound processor 133, and the individualized own voice detector 134 can each be implemented as a firmware element, partially or completely implemented with digital logic gates in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), partially or completely implemented with software, etc. The acoustic component 160 is connected to the sound processor 133.

[0030] As about Figure 1AAs noted, the cochlear implant 100 includes an external coil 106 and an implantable coil 122. The implantable coil 122 is part of the implant body 114 that is implanted beneath the skin / tissue 105 of the recipient. The coils 106 and 122 are typically wire antenna coils that each include multiple turns of electrically insulated single or multiple strands of wire. Generally, a magnet is fixed relative to each of the external coil 106 and the implantable coil 122. The magnets fixed relative to the external coil 106 and the implantable coil 122 facilitate operational alignment of the external coil with the implantable coil 122. This operational alignment of the coils 106 and 122 enables the external component 102 to transmit data and possibly power to the implantable component 104 via a tightly coupled wireless link formed between the external coil 106 and the implantable coil 122. In some instances, the tightly coupled wireless link is a radio frequency (RF) link. However, various other types of energy transfer (such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive, and inductive transfer) may be used to transfer power and / or data from an external component to an implantable component, and thereby, Figure 1B Only one exemplary arrangement is shown.

[0031] As noted above, Figure 1B The sound processing unit 112 includes a processing module 125. The processing module 125 is configured to convert an input audio signal into a stimulation control signal 136 for stimulating a first ear of a recipient (i.e., the processing module 125 is configured to perform sound processing on the input audio signal received at the sound processing unit 112). In other words, the sound processor 133 (e.g., one or more processing elements implementing firmware, software, etc.) is configured to convert the captured input audio signal into a stimulation control signal 136 representing electrical stimulation for delivery to the recipient. The input audio signal that is processed and converted into the stimulation control signal 136 may be an audio signal received via the sound input device 108, a signal received via the auxiliary input device 109, and / or a signal received via the wireless transceiver 111.

[0032] exist Figure 1BIn an embodiment of the present invention, the stimulation control signal 136 is provided to the RF transceiver 121, which transmits the stimulation control signal 136 (e.g., in an encoded manner) transcutaneously to the implantable component 104 via the external coil 106 and the implantable coil 122. The stimulation control signal 136 is received at the RF interface circuit system 124 via the implantable coil 122 and provided to the stimulator unit 120 in the housing 115. The stimulator unit 120 is configured to utilize the stimulation control signal 136 to generate an electrical stimulation signal (e.g., a current signal) for delivery to the recipient's cochlea via the lead 116 and one or more stimulation contacts 126 in the electrode array 128. In this manner, the cochlear implant 100 electrically stimulates the recipient's auditory nerve cells in a manner that causes the recipient to perceive one or more components of the input audio signal, bypassing the missing or defective hair cells that normally convert acoustic vibrations into neural activity.

[0033] Figure 2A is a diagram of a system 200 for treating tinnitus in a recipient, according to an embodiment. Figure 2A The system 200 includes an acoustic stimulator 211, a measurement controller 212, a measurement sensor 213, a stimulation controller 214, and a tinnitus treatment stimulator 215. The acoustic stimulator 211 is a device that generates an acoustic signal for delivery to an ear 216 of a recipient experiencing tinnitus. The acoustic stimulator 211 may be, for example, Figure 1B 1 or the acoustic component 160 shown in the figure. The measurement sensor 213 measures one or more potential energies induced from the ear 216 of the recipient in response to the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic stimulator 211. The measurement sensor 213 can measure the potential energy by performing an electrocochlear gram (ECochG) measurement from the ear 216 of the recipient, for example, after providing the acoustic signal to the ear 216. The measurement sensor 213 is controlled by a measurement controller 212. The measurement controller 212 can receive a signal from the measurement sensor 213 indicating the potential energy measured from the ear 216 of the recipient. The potential energy measured from the ear 216 is processed by the measurement controller 212 (or another system) and used to generate stimulation for the ear 216 of the recipient. The tinnitus treatment stimulator 215 provides stimulation generated by the measurement controller 212 based on the one or more potential energies measured by the measurement sensor 213 to the ear 216 of the recipient to treat the tinnitus of the recipient. The tinnitus treatment stimulator 215 is controlled by a stimulation controller 214. The stimulation controller 214 may provide control signals to the tinnitus treatment stimulator 215, which are used to control the stimulation provided by the tinnitus treatment stimulator 215 to the recipient's ear 216 to treat the tinnitus. Figure 2B Additional details of the operation of the components of system 200 are described.

[0034] Figure 2BA flow chart illustrating an example of operations that may be performed to treat tinnitus in an ear of a recipient is depicted. In operation 201, an acoustic signal (i.e., acoustic stimulation) is applied to an ear of the recipient. The acoustic signal may be provided in operation 201 by Figure 2A The acoustic stimulator 211 is provided, and the acoustic stimulator may be, for example Figure 1B 150 or acoustic component 160 shown in . In some embodiments, in operation 201, one or more acoustic stimulators 211 (such as receiver 150 or acoustic component 160) can provide multiple acoustic signals to the ears of the recipient. As an example that is not intended to be limiting, acoustic stimulator 211 can be part of a hearing aid located in the ear of the recipient or outside the recipient. Acoustic stimulator 211 can be an acoustic device (such as a speaker or an audio amplifier) ​​that is used to generate one or more acoustic signals in operation 201 to stimulate the ears of the recipient.

[0035] If the acoustic stimulator 211 is the acoustic component 160 in operation 201, the acoustic component 160 generates one or more acoustic signals. The acoustic component 160 can be, for example, an acoustic component in an electrocochlear recording (ECochG) system. In this example, the acoustic component 160 sends the one or more acoustic signals to the ear canal of the recipient via the acoustic tube in operation 201. The acoustic component 160 can be controlled, for example, by a computing system.

[0036] Alternatively, Figure 1A-1B The cochlear implant 100, including the external component 102 and the portion of the internal component 104, such as the stimulation contact 126, can deliver one or more acoustic signals from the environment to the ear of the recipient in operation 201. One or more microphones in the sound processor 133 in the processing module 125 sense the one or more acoustic signals and send the one or more acoustic signals to the sound processor 133. The sound processor 133 converts the one or more acoustic signals into a stimulation control signal 136 for stimulating the ear of the recipient by performing sound processing on the one or more acoustic signals. The stimulation control signal 136 is provided to the RF transceiver 121, which transmits the stimulation control signal 136 (e.g., in an encoded manner) to the implantable component 104 via the external coil 106 and the implantable coil 122. The RF interface circuit system 124 receives the stimulation control signal 136 via the implantable coil 122 and provides the stimulation control signal 136 to the stimulator unit 120. The stimulator unit 120 is configured to utilize the stimulation control signal 136 to generate an electrical stimulation signal (eg, a current signal) for delivery to the cochlea of ​​a recipient using one or more stimulation contacts 126 (eg, electrodes).

[0037] In operation 202, potential energy induced in response to the acoustic signal generated in operation 201 is measured from the ear of the recipient. The potential energy measured from the ear in operation 202 may be, for example, an electrical potential, such as a voltage or a current. Operation 202 may be performed, for example, by Figure 2A The measurement sensor 213 may measure potential energy from inside the recipient's ear (e.g., from hair cells in the cochlea or from the auditory nerve) or from outside the recipient's ear in operation 202. Operation 202 may be performed, for example, as an electrocochlear gram (ECochG) measurement that uses the measurement sensor 213 to measure the potential generated from inside or outside the recipient's ear in response to the acoustic signal generated in operation 201. The measurement sensor 213 may measure two or more potential energies (e.g., electrical potentials) from the recipient's ear in operation 202. The potential energy may be isolated from the ECochG measurement, for example, using a processing circuit system (e.g., in the measurement controller 212).

[0038] As an example that is not intended to be limiting, the measurement sensor 213 may include one or more electrodes that measure potential energy from the ear of the recipient. The electrode can be used, for example, to implement ECochG measurement. In these embodiments, the electrode in the measurement sensor 213 of operation 202 can be, for example, an invasive electrode (such as an electrode in a transtympanic membrane (TT) needle) or a non-invasive electrode (such as an extratympanic membrane (ET) electrode). Invasive electrodes generally generate a clearer and more robust electrical response (for example, with a larger amplitude) to acoustic signals because the invasive electrodes are close to the voltage generator in the ear of the recipient. The TT needle can be placed, for example, on the promontory wall and round window of the middle ear. Non-invasive electrodes have the advantage of not causing pain or discomfort to the recipient. The use of non-invasive electrodes does not require sedation, anesthesia or medical supervision of the recipient. However, non-invasive electrodes generally generate a smaller response to the magnitude of the acoustic signal.

[0039] As another example, the measurement sensor 213 used in operation 202 may include the Figure 1A-1BOne or more of the stimulation contacts 126 (e.g., electrodes) of the cochlear implant 100 or any other type of ear implant may be used to measure electrical potentials in the cochlea (e.g., from hair cells) of the recipient induced in response to the acoustic signal(s) generated in operation 201. The electrical potentials measured by the stimulation contacts 126 are delivered as one or more signals via the lead region 116 to the RF interface circuit system 124 or other receiving circuit system within the housing 115. The signals indicating the measured electrical potentials are then transmitted from the receiving circuit system in the housing 115 to the implantable coil 122. The implantable coil 122 then transmits the signals indicating the measured electrical potentials to the RF transceiver 121 via the external coil 106 by wire and / or wirelessly. The RF transceiver 121 then transmits the signals indicating the electrical potentials measured from the ear to the processing module 125 for processing and analysis or externally. The measurement controller 212 may include the sound processing unit 112, or may be a separate device in this embodiment.

[0040] The clinician or computer system can then determine the optimal stimulation parameters to be applied to the recipient's ear to treat the tinnitus based on the potential energy measured in operation 202. For example, the clinician or computer system can determine the optimal stimulation parameters to be applied to the recipient's ear based on the electrocochleographic (ECochG) measurement of the recipient's ear performed in operation 202. The potential energy measured by the measurement sensor 213 in operation 202 can be used to determine the optimal stimulation parameters, such as the location of the cause of the tinnitus, the location of the potential tinnitus treatment, and the parameters of the stimulation to be applied to the recipient. The potential energy measured by the measurement sensor 213 in operation 202 can also be used to determine the potential effectiveness of the stimulation for the tinnitus treatment. The potential energy can be analyzed individually and in different combinations to determine the location of the tinnitus and / or the location of the potential tinnitus treatment. The location of the cause of the tinnitus and / or the location of the potential tinnitus treatment can, for example, correspond to one or more stimulation contacts inside or outside the recipient's ear, such as the various electrodes discussed above.

[0041] In operation 203, stimulation based on the potential energy measured in operation 202 is provided to the recipient's ear to treat the recipient's tinnitus. Operation 203 may be performed, for example, by Figure 2AThe tinnitus treatment stimulator 215 of the embodiment of the present invention is performed. If the measurement sensor 213 measures the electrical potential in an electrocochlear gram (ECochG) measurement in operation 202, the stimulation can be provided to the ear of the recipient in operation 203 to treat the tinnitus of the recipient based on the ECochG measurement. The advantage of using the ECochG measurement is that ECochG can help locate the optimal and individualized location for applying the electrical stimulation to improve the perception of the tinnitus. In addition, the use of an objective metric (such as ECochG) when programming the stimulation controller 214 and / or the tinnitus treatment device 215 can advantageously minimize the programming time and / or the recipient's distress that may be caused by the recipient focusing on their tinnitus during programming.

[0042] Tinnitus treatment stimulator 215 may, for example, provide a masking stimulus to the recipient's ear in operation 203 that masks or reduces the phantom sound (e.g., ringing or whistling) caused by tinnitus. The masking stimulus may, for example, include white noise, music, patterned sound, low-level sound, calm sound, or sound customized based on the characteristics of the recipient's tinnitus determined using the potential energy measured in operation 202. The masking stimulus may, for example, include a tone different from the frequency of the tinnitus to train the recipient's brain not to focus on the tinnitus. As an alternative or supplement to providing a masking stimulus, a stimulus that reverses the pathophysiology of the phantom sound that causes tinnitus may be provided to the recipient's ear in operation 203. The sound level added by the stimulus in operation 203 may be close to the perceived loudness of the phantom sound, louder than it, or quieter than it.

[0043] The potential energy measured in operation 202 may be used to determine parameters of the stimulation applied to the recipient's ear in operation 203. For example, the potential energy measured by measurement sensor 213 in operation 202 may be used to determine the shape and / or size of one or more waveforms comprising the stimulation applied to the recipient's ear in operation 203. As a specific example, the potential energy measured in operation 202 may be used to determine the amplitude of the stimulation, the pulse rate of the stimulation, the frequency of the stimulation, the duty cycle of the stimulation, or other characteristics of the stimulation applied in operation 203.

[0044] The stimulation provided to the recipient's ear in operation 203 may be, for example, electrical stimulation (e.g., a current or voltage signal), acoustic stimulation (i.e., one or more sound signals), or a combined electrical-acoustic stimulation for providing tinnitus therapy to the recipient. If the tinnitus therapy stimulator 215 generates acoustic stimulation in operation 203, the tinnitus therapy stimulator 215 may be, for example, an acoustic device, such as a speaker, an acoustic actuator, or an audio amplifier in a hearing aid device or another type of device. If the tinnitus therapy stimulator 215 generates electrical stimulation in operation 203, the tinnitus therapy stimulator 215 may, for example, include one or more electrodes that provide stimulation to the recipient's ear. The electrodes in the tinnitus therapy stimulator 215 may be invasive electrodes or non-invasive electrodes, such as ET electrodes.

[0045] In an embodiment, the tinnitus treatment stimulator 215 in operation 203 may include a Figure 1A-1B In one embodiment, the processing module 125 may convert the input stimulus generated based on the potential energy measured in operation 202 into a stimulus control signal 136. The input stimulus may be received (or generated internally) from the acoustic component 160, the sound input device 108, the auxiliary input device 109, and / or the wireless transceiver 111 at the sound processing unit 112 and then provided to the processing module 125. The stimulus control signal 136 is provided to the RF transceiver 121. The RF transceiver 121 transmits the stimulus control signal 136 to the implantable component 104 via the external coil 106 and the implantable coil 122. The stimulus control signal 136 is provided to the RF interface circuit system 124 via the implantable coil 122. Then, the stimulus control signal 136 is provided to the stimulator unit 120. The stimulator unit 120 utilizes the stimulation control signal 136 to generate an electrical stimulation signal (e.g., a current signal) for delivery to the recipient's cochlea via one or more stimulation contacts 126 (e.g., electrodes). The electrical stimulation signal delivered to the recipient's cochlea in this embodiment may, for example, include the same stimulation signals as described above with respect to Figure 1A-1B The described input audio signal is superimposed with the input stimulus (provided in operation 203).

[0046] In embodiments using multiple electrodes positioned at different locations (such as stimulation contacts 126 in cochlear implant 100) to deliver electrical stimulation to the recipient's ear in operation 203, stimulation may be provided by electrically stimulating one or more of the electrodes at selected locations using a selected frequency and / or a selected amplitude to treat tinnitus. An example of one of these embodiments is described herein with respect to Figure 3 To be made public. Figure 3 Describes the display that can be used in Figure 2BTable of examples of acoustic frequencies and recording electrodes in operation to provide personalized tinnitus therapy to a recipient. Figure 3 An example of 22 frequencies of acoustic stimulation ranging from 250 Hertz (Hz) to 10,000 Hz that may be provided by an acoustic stimulator 211 (such as receiver 150 or acoustic component 160) to a recipient's ear in operation 201 is shown.

[0047] exist Figure 3 In the example of operation 202, the measuring sensor 213 includes Figure 3 There are up to 22 recording electrodes identified in the table as electrodes ICE1-ICE22. Figure 3 The electrodes ICE1-ICE22 are configured to measure electrical potentials induced from the recipient's ear in response to the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic stimulator 211 in operation 201. For example, the electrodes ICE1-ICE22 are configured to measure electrical potentials induced in the recipient's ear by acoustic frequencies generated by the acoustic stimulator 211 in the range of 250-10,000 Hz. Figure 3 The X marks in indicate the center frequencies of the filter bands of the nine electrodes ICE1, ICE3, ICE5, ICE7, ICE9, ICE12, ICE14, ICE19, and ICE22 using the exemplary sound processing strategy. In the exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 The 22 electrodes ICE1-ICE22 shown in the table are intra-cochlear electrodes, such as stimulation contacts 126 in cochlear implant 100. In some embodiments, Figure 3 The electrical potential in response to acoustic frequencies measured by one, two, or all three of electrodes ICE20, ICE21, and ICE22 in the table may also be measured by one or more extra-cochlear electrodes (eg, electrodes located outside the cochlea or ear of the recipient).

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more acoustic stimulators 211 are provided by Figure 3 At different times during the ascending frequency scan, in the direction indicated by the right-pointing arrow at the bottom of Figure 3 In other embodiments, one or more acoustic stimulators 211 are provided at a frequency (or a subset of these frequencies) as shown in FIG. Figure 3 At different times during the descending frequency scan, in the direction indicated by the left-pointing arrow at the bottom of Figure 3In operation 202, one or more of electrodes ICE1-ICE22 measure the electrical potential generated in the recipient's ear (e.g., in the cochlea or the recipient's auditory nerve) in response to the acoustic frequencies generated in operation 201. The electrodes ICE1-ICE22 may be, for example, scanned in ascending order of frequency from ICE1 to ICE22 (e.g., by Figure 3 ) or by scanning the electrodes in descending order of frequency from ICE22 to ICE1 (as indicated by the downward pointing arrow in Figure 3 The electrodes ICE1-ICE22 can measure the potential, for example, using ECochG measurement.

[0049] By using Figure 3 , several potentials may be measured to find (multiple) deviation positions or frequencies that cause tinnitus in the recipient's ear. Electrodes ICE1-ICE22 that sense potentials indicating (multiple) deviation positions or frequencies may be selected to provide electrical stimulation to the recipient's ear in operation 203 to treat the recipient's tinnitus. These techniques may be used to provide personalized testing to find optimal stimulation parameters (e.g., position, stimulation frequency, or stimulation amplitude) for intra-cochlear and / or extra-cochlear electrical or acoustic stimulation to treat tinnitus. For example, if no potential or amplified potential or an abnormal ratio between different potentials is measured by one or more of the electrodes ICE1-ICE22 in operation 202, these electrodes (e.g., having a frequency range) may be selected for electrical stimulation in operation 203 to treat the recipient's tinnitus. Potential measurement and tinnitus treatment may advantageously be provided without the recipient's participation.

[0050] In an embodiment, Figure 2A The components shown in may be part of an onboard system worn by the recipient and / or implanted in the recipient. Figure 2A The stimulation controller 214 shown in FIG. 2 may include a program that generates a control signal indicating stimulation for tinnitus treatment to be provided by the tinnitus treatment stimulator 215 in operation 203. The onboard system may be reconfigured so that the recipient can initiate the ECochG test function in the onboard system, and the program in the stimulation controller 214 that generates the control signal for tinnitus stimulation may be automatically updated according to the latest ECochG test results.

[0051] Figure 4An example of a suitable computing system 400 is shown that can be used to implement one or more of the disclosed examples. For example, the computing system 400 can be used to determine optimal stimulation parameters to be applied to the recipient's ear in operation 203 to treat tinnitus based on the potential energy measured by the measurement sensor 213 in operation 202. Computing systems, environments, or configurations that may be suitable for use with the examples described herein include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld devices, laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones), network computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, tablet computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like. The computing system 400 can be a single virtual or physical device operating in a networked environment through a communication link to one or more remote devices. The remote device can be a hearing prosthesis (e.g., a Figure 1A-1B hearing prosthesis), personal computer, server, router, network personal computer, peer device or other public network node.

[0052] The computing system 400 includes at least one processing unit 402 and memory 404. The processing unit 402 includes one or more hardware or software processors (e.g., central processing units) that can obtain and execute instructions. The processing unit 402 can communicate with other components of the computing system 400 and control the execution of the other components. The memory 404 is one or more software-based or hardware-based computer-readable storage media that is operable to store information that can be accessed by the processing unit 402.

[0053] In addition to storing other data, memory 404 can store instructions that can be executed by processing unit 402 to implement applications or enable operations described herein to be performed. Memory 404 can be volatile memory (e.g., random access memory or RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory or ROM), or a combination thereof. Memory 404 can include temporary memory or non-temporary memory. Memory 404 can also include one or more removable or non-removable storage devices. In an example, memory 404 can include non-temporary computer-readable media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, optical disk storage device, magnetic storage device, solid-state storage device, or any other storage medium that can be used to store information for later access. In an example, memory 404 contains a modulated data signal (e.g., a signal whose one or more characteristics are set or changed in a manner to encode information in the signal), such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium. By way of example, and not limitation, memory 404 may include wired media (eg, a wired network or direct-wired connection), and wireless media (eg, acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media), or a combination thereof.

[0054] In the example shown, system 400 also includes a network adapter 406, one or more input devices 408, and one or more output devices 410. System 400 may include other components such as a system bus, component interfaces, a graphics system, a power source (eg, a battery), and other components.

[0055] The network adapter 406 is a component of the computing system 400 that provides network access to the network 412. The network adapter 406 may provide wired or wireless network access and may support one or more of a variety of communication technologies and protocols, such as Ethernet, cellular, Bluetooth, near field communication, and RF (radio frequency), etc. The network adapter 406 may include one or more antennas and associated components configured to communicate wirelessly according to one or more wireless communication technologies and protocols.

[0056] One or more input devices 408 are devices through which computing system 400 receives input from a user. One or more input devices 408 may include physically actuatable user interface elements (e.g., buttons, switches, or dials), touch screens, keyboards, mice, pens, and voice input devices, among other input devices.

[0057] One or more output devices 410 are devices through which computing system 400 can provide output to a user. Output devices 410 may include displays, speakers, and printers, among other output devices.

[0058] Additional examples are now described. Example 1 is a method comprising: measuring potential energy induced from a recipient in response to an acoustic signal provided to an ear of the recipient; and providing stimulation generated based on the potential energy to the ear of the recipient to treat tinnitus of the recipient.

[0059] In Example 2, the method of Example 1 may also include, wherein measuring the potential energy from the recipient includes measuring an electric potential from the recipient using at least one electrode.

[0060] In Example 3, the method of any one of Examples 1-2 may further include, wherein measuring the potential energy from the recipient includes performing electrocochlear recording using a measurement sensor to measure the potential energy induced from the recipient in response to the acoustic signal.

[0061] In Example 4, the method of any one of Examples 1-3 may further include, wherein providing the stimulation to the ear of the recipient to treat the tinnitus includes providing electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient using an electrode.

[0062] In Example 5, the method of any one of Examples 1-4 may further include, wherein providing the stimulation to the ear of the recipient to treat the tinnitus includes providing acoustic stimulation to the ear of the recipient using an acoustic device.

[0063] In Example 6, the method of any one of Examples 1-5 further includes: determining a location at which the stimulation is provided and a frequency of the stimulation based on the potential energy measured from the recipient.

[0064] In Example 7, the method of Example 6 may further include, wherein providing the stimulation to the ear of the recipient to treat the tinnitus includes providing the stimulation at the location determined based on the potential energy measured from the recipient and at the determined frequency.

[0065] Example 8 is a system comprising: a measurement sensor configured to sense an electrical potential generated in response to an acoustic signal from an ear of a recipient; and a tinnitus therapy stimulator configured to provide stimulation based on the electrical potential sensed by the measurement sensor to the ear of the recipient to provide tinnitus therapy to the recipient.

[0066] In Example 9, the system of Example 8 further includes: an acoustic stimulator configured to provide the acoustic signal to the ear of the recipient.

[0067] In Example 10, the system of Example 9 may further include, wherein the acoustic stimulator comprises an acoustic component in an electrocochlear recording system, the acoustic component configured to generate the acoustic signal.

[0068] In Example 11, the system of any of Examples 8-10 may further include, wherein the tinnitus therapeutic stimulator is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient at a location determined based on the electrical potential sensed by the measurement sensor or at a frequency determined based on the electrical potential sensed by the measurement sensor.

[0069] In Example 12, the system of any of Examples 8-11 may further include, wherein the measurement sensor is configured to measure the electrical potential during electrocochlear recording.

[0070] In Example 13, the system of any of Examples 8-12 may further include, wherein at least one of the measurement sensor or the tinnitus treatment stimulator includes at least one electrode.

[0071] In Example 14, the system of Example 13 may further include, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient as at least one electrical signal having a waveform characteristic selected based on the electrical potential.

[0072] In Example 15, the system of Example 14 may further include, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient as the at least one electrical signal having a frequency selected based on the electrical potential.

[0073] In Example 16, the system of any of Examples 8-15 may further include, wherein the tinnitus therapeutic stimulator includes an electrode array positioned at different locations relative to the recipient, and wherein the tinnitus therapeutic stimulator is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient as at least one electrical signal provided to one or more of the electrodes selected based on the electrical potential.

[0074] In Example 17, the system of any one of Examples 8-16 may further include a measurement controller that processes a signal received from the measurement sensor, and wherein the tinnitus treatment stimulator is controlled by the stimulation controller.

[0075] Example 18 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions stored thereon for causing a computer to perform the following operations: performing electrocochlear morphology measurements from an ear of a recipient in response to acoustic stimulation provided to the ear; and generating a signal for application to the ear to treat tinnitus of the recipient based on the electrocochlear morphology measurements.

[0076] In Example 19, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Example 18 may also include, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: provide the acoustic stimulus to the ear of the recipient.

[0077] In Example 20, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of Examples 18-19 may also include, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: generate the signal for application to the ear based on the electrocochlear recording measurement indicating at least one abnormal electrical potential measured from the ear of the recipient.

[0078] In Example 21, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of Examples 18-20 may also include, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: generate a signal having multiple frequencies for application to the ear of the recipient based on the electrocochlear recording measurement to treat the recipient's tinnitus.

[0079] In Example 22, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of Examples 18-21 may also include, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: generate signals for application to multiple locations in the ear of the recipient based on the electrocochlear mapping measurements to treat the recipient's tinnitus.

[0080] Example 23 is a method for providing treatment for tinnitus to a recipient, wherein the method comprises: recording an electrical potential generated in an ear of the recipient in response to sound stimulation; and providing electrical stimulation generated based on the electrical potential to the ear of the recipient.

[0081] In Example 24, the method of Example 23 further includes: generating the sound stimulus in the ear of the recipient.

[0082] In Example 25, the method of any one of Examples 23-24 may further include, wherein recording the electrical potential generated in the ear of the recipient includes: recording the electrical potential generated in the ear of the recipient in response to multiple acoustic frequencies in the sound stimulus.

[0083] In Example 26, the method of any one of Examples 23-25 ​​may further include, wherein providing the electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient includes: providing a masking stimulation to the ear that masks a phantom sound caused by the tinnitus.

[0084] In Example 27, the method of any of Examples 23-26 may further include, wherein providing the electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient includes: providing an electrical signal having a frequency range selected based on the electrical potential to the ear.

[0085] In Example 28, the method of any one of Examples 23-27 may further include, wherein recording the electrical potential generated in the ear of the recipient includes: recording the electrical potential generated in the ear of the recipient using electrocochlear recording.

[0086] In Example 29, the method of any of Examples 23-28 may further include, wherein providing the electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient includes: reversing the pathophysiology causing the tinnitus.

[0087] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, any embodiment or any feature disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more other embodiments and / or other features disclosed herein. Any embodiment or any feature disclosed herein may be expressly excluded from use with any one or more other embodiments and / or other features disclosed herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated. It is to be noted that any method detailed herein also corresponds to the disclosure of an apparatus and / or system configured to perform one or more or all of the method actions associated with the apparatus and / or system as detailed herein. It is also to be noted that any disclosure of an apparatus and / or system detailed herein corresponds to a method of manufacturing and / or using the apparatus and / or system, including a method of using the apparatus according to the functionality detailed herein.

[0088] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for illustrative purposes. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the examples disclosed herein. In some cases, features of the present disclosure may be used without corresponding use of other features as stated. Many modifications, substitutions, and variations are feasible according to the above teachings without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method comprising: measuring, from a recipient, potential energy induced in response to an acoustic signal provided to an ear of said recipient; as well as Stimulation generated based on the potential energy is provided to the ear of the recipient to treat the recipient's tinnitus.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the potential energy from the recipient comprises measuring an electric potential from the recipient using at least one electrode.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein measuring the potential energy from the recipient comprises performing electrocochlear recording using a measurement sensor to measure the potential energy induced from the recipient in response to the acoustic signal.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein providing the stimulation to the ear of the recipient to treat the tinnitus comprises providing electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient using electrodes.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein providing the stimulation to the ear of the recipient to treat the tinnitus comprises providing acoustic stimulation to the ear of the recipient using an acoustic device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The location where the stimulation is provided and the frequency of the stimulation are determined based on the potential energy measured from the recipient.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein providing the stimulation to the ear of the recipient to treat the tinnitus comprises providing the stimulation at the location determined based on the potential energy measured from the recipient and at the determined frequency.

8. A system comprising: a measurement sensor configured to measure an electrical potential generated in response to the acoustic signal from an ear of a recipient; as well as A tinnitus therapy stimulator is configured to provide stimulation to the ear of the recipient based on the electrical potential measured by the measurement sensor to provide tinnitus therapy to the recipient.

9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising: An acoustic stimulator is configured to provide the acoustic signal to the ear of the recipient.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the acoustic stimulator comprises an acoustic component in an electrocochlear recording system, the acoustic component configured to generate the acoustic signal.

11. The system according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the tinnitus therapeutic stimulator is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient at a location determined based on the electrical potential measured by the measurement sensor or at a frequency determined based on the electrical potential measured by the measurement sensor.

12. The system according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the measurement sensor is configured to measure the electrical potential during electrocochlear recording.

13. The system according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein at least one of the measurement sensor or the tinnitus treatment stimulator comprises at least one electrode.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient as at least one electrical signal having a waveform characteristic selected based on the electrical potential.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient as the at least one electrical signal having a frequency selected based on the electrical potential.

16. The system of any one of claims 8-15, wherein the tinnitus therapeutic stimulator comprises an array of electrodes positioned at different locations relative to the recipient, and wherein the tinnitus therapeutic stimulator is configured to provide the stimulation to the ear of the recipient as at least one electrical signal provided to one or more of the electrodes selected based on the electrical potential.

17. The system according to any one of claims 8-16, wherein a measurement controller processes signals received from the measurement sensor, and wherein the tinnitus treatment stimulator is controlled by a stimulation controller.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions stored thereon for causing a computer to: performing electrocochleograph measurements from an ear of a recipient in response to acoustic stimulation provided to the ear; and A signal is generated based on the electrocochleograph measurement for application to the ear to treat tinnitus in the recipient.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: The acoustic stimulus is provided to the ear of the recipient.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 18-19, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: The signal for application to the ear is generated based on the electrocochleograph measurement indicative of at least one abnormal electrical potential measured from the ear of the recipient.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 18-20, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: A signal having a plurality of frequencies is generated based on the electrocochleograph measurements for application to the ear of the recipient to treat tinnitus of the recipient.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 18-21, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computer to: Signals are generated based on the electrocochleograph measurements for application to a plurality of locations in the ear of the recipient to treat the recipient's tinnitus.

23. A method for providing treatment for tinnitus to a recipient, wherein the method comprises: recording an electrical potential generated in an ear of the recipient in response to the sound stimulus; as well as Electrical stimulation based on the electrical potential generation is provided to the ear of the recipient.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: The acoustic stimulus is generated in the ear of the recipient.

25. The method of any one of claims 23-24, wherein recording the electrical potential generated in the ear of the recipient comprises: Electrical potentials generated in the ear of the recipient in response to a plurality of acoustic frequencies in the sound stimulus are recorded.

26. The method of any one of claims 23-25, wherein providing the electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient comprises: A masking stimulus is provided to the ear that masks the phantom sound caused by the tinnitus.

27. The method of any one of claims 23-26, wherein providing the electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient comprises: An electrical signal having a frequency range selected based on the electrical potential is provided to the ear.

28. The method of any one of claims 23-27, wherein recording the electrical potential generated in the ear of the recipient comprises: The electrical potential generated in the ear of the recipient is recorded using electrocochlear recording.

29. The method of any one of claims 23-28, wherein providing the electrical stimulation to the ear of the recipient comprises: Reversing the pathophysiology that causes the tinnitus.

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