Titanium alloy artificial cochlea
By using titanium alloy materials and advanced signal processing technology, the speech and noise processing of cochlear implants is optimized, and the existing equipment is solved inadequate sound quality, adaptability and safety, achieving a more stable and accurate auditory experience and higher biocompatibility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510384163.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-11
AI Technical Summary
The existing cochlear implant equipment has shortcomings in sound quality, adaptability, discomfort and safety of external equipment, especially in noisy environments, difficult to distinguish voice from noise, external equipment is prone to damage, and the risk of surgery is high.
The cochlear implant made of titanium alloy material combines speech processors, total control systems and simulation systems, including speech enhancement algorithms, noise suppression algorithms, neural signal processing and virtual simulation platforms, optimizes signal processing through deep learning and machine learning to provide personalized regulation and stable electrical stimulation.
Improves the durability and safety of the equipment, provides a more stable, precise and natural auditory experience, reduces damage to the external environment, enhances biocompatibility, reduces the risk of postoperative complications, and improves sound quality and patient fitness.
Smart Images
Figure CN120285444A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cochlear implants, and particularly to a titanium alloy cochlear implant. Background Art
[0002] A cochlear implant is an electronic device used to treat severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. For patients who cannot regain hearing through traditional hearing aids, cochlear implants offer the possibility of regaining sound perception. A cochlear implant system generally includes an external microphone, a processor, a battery, a transmitter, and a built-in receiver and electrode array. Its basic principle is to convert external sound signals into electrical signals, and then directly stimulate the auditory nerve in the cochlea through the electrode array, bypassing the damaged hair cells, so as to activate the auditory nerve and generate auditory perception.
[0003] Although cochlear implants can restore basic hearing perception, their sound quality is far from comparable to natural hearing. Cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve in the cochlea while bypassing the damaged hair cells in the cochlea. Therefore, the clarity and sound quality of the sound tend to be "mechanized" or "electronic". Many patients report that the sounds produced by cochlear implants lack natural sound quality, especially in complex speech recognition and music appreciation, and the sound quality is significantly unsatisfactory.
[0004] In a noisy environment, the performance of cochlear implants is relatively limited. Although modern cochlear implants already have certain noise filtering technologies, in an environment with multiple sound sources coexisting, the system is still difficult to effectively distinguish speech from background noise. For example, in environments such as restaurants and streets, patients often have difficulty clearly hearing conversations, especially when the noise level is high, this difficulty is particularly prominent.
[0005] The adaptation to cochlear implants usually requires a relatively long time process. After the initial implantation of a cochlear implant, patients need to undergo a period of rehabilitation training to get used to the sound signals transmitted by the new device. During this process, some patients may experience auditory fatigue, sound distortion, or pitch disorder. For some patients, especially older adults, the adaptation process to cochlear implants may be more difficult.
[0006] Although the design of cochlear implants is becoming increasingly refined, most devices still require external worn processors, microphones, and batteries. These external components may cause discomfort or trouble to users, especially problems such as weight and unaesthetic appearance that may occur during wearing. In addition, the waterproofness and durability of external devices are still challenges during use, and frequent device replacement and maintenance also affect the user experience of patients.
[0007] Although the success rate of cochlear implant surgery is relatively high, as an invasive surgery, there are still certain risks of complications. Problems such as infection, bleeding, or cochlear damage that may occur during the surgery, as well as the occurrence of device failures after the surgery, will affect the patient's recovery process. Some patients may experience discomfort symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and tinnitus after the surgery, and in extremely rare cases, the cochlear implant device may not effectively restore hearing. Although cochlear implant technology can help patients of different ages restore hearing to a certain extent, in some cases, older patients may not achieve the ideal effect. Especially in adult patients, cochlear implants usually cannot restore complete language comprehension ability because their auditory systems have changed significantly and the time of hearing loss is relatively long, resulting in weakened language processing ability of the brain. No solutions have been proposed for related technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0008] In view of the problems in the related art, the present invention provides a titanium alloy cochlear implant to overcome the above technical problems existing in the existing related art. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the durability and safety of the device, which has excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, can effectively extend the service life of the device, reduce damage caused by the external environment, the titanium alloy has a relatively mild reaction to the human body and is not likely to cause allergic or rejection reactions, ensuring comfort and safety after implantation. This enables the titanium alloy cochlear implant to provide more stable and reliable performance during long-term wearing and improve the overall user experience of patients.
[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A titanium alloy cochlear implant, including a housing, the housing includes a ring, a reinforcing block is arranged inside the ring, a pillar is arranged at the center of the top of the reinforcing block, the top of the pillar is connected to a housing through a frustum, a speech processor, a total control system and a simulation system are arranged inside the housing, the speech processor includes a speech enhancement algorithm module, a noise suppression algorithm module, a signal optimization module and a total signal acquisition module, the total control system includes a nerve signal acquisition module, a nerve signal processing unit, an intelligent control module, a personalized adjustment module and a sound signal conversion module, the nerve signal processing unit includes a signal amplifier, a filter and a signal processor, and the simulation system includes a virtual simulation platform, a personalized hearing data input module, a simulation electrical stimulation simulation module, a debugging plan automatic optimization module, a real-time feedback and adjustment module and a patient experience simulation module.
[0010] Preferably, the ring, the reinforcing block, the pillar, the frustum and the housing are of an integrated structure, and the ring, the reinforcing block, the pillar, the frustum and the housing are all made of titanium alloy material.
[0011] Preferably, a microphone, a wireless transmission module and a stimulation motor array are arranged on the housing.
[0012] Preferably, the voice enhancement algorithm module extracts and enhances voice signals based on a deep learning model. The noise suppression algorithm module uses adaptive filtering technology to suppress background noise in real time. The signal optimization module optimizes the processed voice signals to ensure signal clarity and naturalness. The total signal acquisition module receives environmental sound signals, including voice signals and background noise, through a microphone array.
[0013] Preferably, the neural signal acquisition module includes a signal sensor, which acquires the electrophysiological signals of the cochlear nerve in real time.
[0014] Preferably, the neural signal processing unit is used to extract and analyze important features in neural signals. The intelligent control module dynamically adjusts the intensity, frequency, and mode of cochlear implant electrical stimulation based on the processed neural signals using machine learning algorithms. The personalized adjustment module performs personalized adjustment through an external interface. The sound signal conversion module collects external sounds through a sound receiving device and converts them into electrical signals.
[0015] Preferably, the virtual simulation platform constructs a virtual model of the patient's cochlea through three-dimensional modeling technology based on the patient's cochlear anatomical data and personalized hearing data. The personalized hearing data input module collects the patient's personalized hearing data through hearing assessment and cochlear nerve response tests of the patient. The simulated electrical stimulation simulation module simulates the cochlear response under different electrical stimulation modes and optimizes the stimulation signals according to the personalized hearing data. The debugging scheme automatic optimization module is based on the simulation results, and the system continuously optimizes the debugging scheme through machine learning algorithms and automatically provides the most suitable parameter settings. The real-time feedback and adjustment module is connected to the virtual simulation platform. The real-time feedback and adjustment module provides real-time feedback on the adjustment effects of various parameters during the debugging process. Doctors and patients can adjust the simulation model according to the feedback and finely adjust the settings of the cochlear implant device. The patient experience simulation module simulates the auditory effects in different environments.
[0016] Preferably, the simulation system further includes a cochlear implant device debugging interface, and the debugging parameters optimized by the virtual simulation are directly transmitted to the cochlear implant device through the interface.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0018] (1) The present invention relates to a titanium alloy cochlear implant, which improves the durability and safety of the device, has excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, can effectively extend the service life of the device, reduce damage caused by the external environment, and has a relatively mild reaction to the human body, making it not easy to cause allergic or rejection reactions, ensuring the comfort and safety after implantation. This enables the titanium alloy cochlear implant to provide more stable and reliable performance during long-term wearing, improving the overall user experience of patients.
[0019] (2) The present invention relates to a titanium alloy cochlear implant. Through the optimization of its speech processor, total control system, and simulation system, it can provide a more stable, accurate, and natural auditory experience in various environments, has higher processing capabilities and precision, better protects internal electronic components, reduces external interference, and at the same time provides clearer and more accurate audio signal processing. Coupled with its efficient signal transmission ability, patients can receive processed sound information more quickly, improving the reaction speed and accuracy of hearing. Using advanced digital signal processing technology, it converts the sound signals in the external environment into a form suitable for the cochlea to receive, ensuring the long-term stability and efficiency of the system, thereby improving the sound quality and the adaptability of patients. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the housing of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic system structural diagram of the present invention.
[0022] In the attached drawing reference numerals: 1, circular ring; 2, strengthening block; 3, pillar; 4, frustum; 5, outer shell; 6, microphone; 7, speech processor; 8, wireless transmission module; 9, stimulation motor array; 10, speech enhancement algorithm module; 11, noise suppression algorithm module; 12, signal optimization module; 13, total signal acquisition module; 14, total control system; 15, nerve signal acquisition module; 16, nerve signal processing unit; 17, intelligent control module; 18, personalized adjustment module; 19, sound signal conversion module; 20, simulation system; 21, virtual simulation platform; 22, personalized hearing data input module; 23, simulation electrical stimulation simulation module; 24, automatic optimization module for debugging solutions; 25, real-time feedback and adjustment module; 26, patient experience simulation module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] Embodiment
[0025] Please refer to Figure 1-2As shown, the present invention proposes a technical solution for a titanium alloy cochlear implant: a titanium alloy cochlear implant, including a housing, the housing includes a ring 1, a reinforcing block 2 is arranged inside the ring 1, a pillar 3 is arranged at the center of the top of the reinforcing block 2, the top of the pillar 3 is connected to a housing 5 through a frustum 4, a voice processor 7, a total control system 14 and a simulation system 20 are arranged inside the housing, the voice processor 7 includes a voice enhancement algorithm module 10, a noise suppression algorithm module 11, a signal optimization module 12 and a total signal acquisition module 13, the total control system 14 includes a nerve signal acquisition module 15, a nerve signal processing unit 16, an intelligent control module 17, a personalized adjustment module 18 and a sound signal conversion module 19, the nerve signal processing unit 16 includes a signal amplifier, a filter and a signal processor, and the simulation system 20 includes a virtual simulation platform 21, a personalized hearing data input module 22, a simulation electrical stimulation simulation module 23, a debugging plan automatic optimization module 24, a real-time feedback and adjustment module 25 and a patient experience simulation module 26.
[0026] In this embodiment, the nerve signal processing unit 16, such as parameters of the activation frequency, duration, etc. of the nerve, by analyzing the response of the nerve, the system can evaluate the effect of the current stimulation; the intelligent control module 17 can optimize the processing of the sound signal in real time according to the nerve response of the individual patient to achieve the best auditory effect; the personalized adjustment module 18 will automatically perform real-time optimization and adjustment based on the nerve feedback to adapt to different auditory needs and environments; the electrical signal of the sound signal conversion module 19 is transmitted to the cochlear nerve according to the adjustment of the intelligent control system, and auditory perception is generated through electrical stimulation; the virtual model includes information such as the morphology, nerve distribution, and auditory pathway of the cochlea, and can accurately simulate the physiological and anatomical structure of the cochlea; by analyzing the degree of hearing loss, the system can deduce the adaptation characteristics of the patient's cochlea, and after inputting these data, the virtual simulation platform can provide customized simulation results for each patient; the simulation electrical stimulation simulation module 23 can simulate various parameters such as the intensity, frequency, and pulse width of the stimulation signal, predict the response effect of these parameters on the patient's nerve, and calculate the optimal debugging plan; the debugging plan automatic optimization module 24 can identify the influence of different stimulation modes on the nerve response of the patient's cochlea and perform real-time optimization and adjustment; doctors can adjust the parameters in real time according to the virtual simulation results and the patient's feedback to ensure the best auditory experience; such as noisy environment, quiet environment, speech understanding, etc., to help doctors understand the effect of the cochlear implant under different background noises, so as to better adjust the parameters.
[0027] Furthermore, the ring 1, the reinforcing block 2, the pillar 3, the frustum 4 and the housing 5 are of an integrated structure, and the ring 1, the reinforcing block 2, the pillar 3, the frustum 4 and the housing 5 are all made of titanium alloy material.
[0028] In this embodiment, the durability and safety of the device are improved, and its biocompatibility and comfort are enhanced. Titanium alloy has excellent biocompatibility, which means it has a high affinity for human tissues and is not likely to cause immune rejection reactions or allergic reactions. This enables the titanium alloy cochlear implant to better integrate with the patient's organism after implantation and reduces the risk of postoperative complications. Due to the material properties of titanium alloy, patients can feel more comfortable when wearing it, and adverse reactions caused by metal corrosion or discomfort are reduced during long-term use. Therefore, the use of titanium alloy material greatly improves the safety of the cochlear implant and the patient's wearing experience.
[0029] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, further, a microphone 6, a wireless transmission module 8, and a stimulation motor array 9 are provided on the housing.
[0030] In this embodiment, a multi-microphone design is adopted to receive ambient sound signals and enhance the ability to capture voice signals. The wireless transmission module 8 wirelessly transmits the processed voice signals to the voice enhancement algorithm module 10, the noise suppression algorithm module 11, and the signal optimization module 12. The stimulation motor array 9 transmits electrical signals to the auditory nerve.
[0031] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, further, the voice enhancement algorithm module 10 extracts and enhances voice signals based on a deep learning model. The noise suppression algorithm module 11 uses adaptive filtering technology to suppress background noise in real time. The signal optimization module 12 optimizes the processed voice signals to ensure signal clarity and naturalness. The total signal acquisition module 13 receives ambient sound signals, including voice signals and background noise, through the microphone 6 array.
[0032] In this embodiment, ambient sound signals, including voice signals and background noise, are received through the microphone 6 array. The voice enhancement algorithm is used to extract voice signals, and feature extraction and signal reconstruction are performed based on a deep learning model. Adaptive filtering technology is adopted to analyze the background noise spectrum in real time, generate a noise suppression filter, and reduce noise interference. The processed voice signals are optimized, including dynamic range compression and frequency equalization, to ensure signal clarity and naturalness. The optimized voice signals are sent to the voice enhancement algorithm module 10, the noise suppression algorithm module 11, and the signal optimization module 12 through the wireless transmission module 8 to stimulate the auditory nerve.
[0033] Further, the nerve signal acquisition module 15 includes signal sensors that continuously acquire the electrophysiological signals of the cochlear nerve.
[0034] In this embodiment, these signals can reflect the nerve's response to external sound stimuli and provide feedback to the system.
[0035] Please refer toFigure 2 As shown, further, the neural signal processing unit 16 is used to extract and analyze important features in neural signals. The intelligent control module 17, based on the processed neural signals, controls the system to dynamically adjust the intensity, frequency, and mode of cochlear implant electrical stimulation using machine learning algorithms. The personalized adjustment module 18 performs personalized adjustment through an external interface. The sound signal conversion module 19 collects external sounds through a sound receiving device and converts them into electrical signals.
[0036] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, further, the virtual simulation platform 21 constructs a virtual model of the patient's cochlea through three-dimensional modeling technology based on the patient's cochlear anatomical data and personalized hearing data; the personalized hearing data input module 22 collects the patient's personalized hearing data through hearing assessment and cochlear nerve response testing of the patient; the simulated electrical stimulation simulation module 23 simulates the cochlear response under different electrical stimulation modes and optimizes the stimulation signal according to the personalized hearing data; the debugging scheme automatic optimization module 24, based on the simulation results, the system continuously optimizes the debugging scheme through machine learning algorithms and automatically provides the most suitable parameter settings; the real-time feedback and adjustment module 25 is connected to the virtual simulation platform 21, and the real-time feedback and adjustment module 25 provides real-time feedback on the adjustment effects of various parameters during the debugging process. Doctors and patients can adjust the simulation model according to the feedback to finely adjust the settings of the cochlear implant device; the patient experience simulation module 26 simulates the auditory effects in different environments.
[0037] Further, the simulation system 20 also includes a cochlear implant device debugging interface, and the debugging parameters optimized by the virtual simulation are directly transmitted to the cochlear implant device.
[0038] In this embodiment, it is ensured that the debugging results are consistent with the simulation effects.
[0039] The present invention improves the durability and safety of the device, has excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, can effectively extend the service life of the device, reduce damage caused by the external environment. Titanium alloy has a relatively mild reaction to the human body and is not easily prone to allergic or rejection reactions, ensuring comfort and safety after implantation. This enables the titanium alloy cochlear implant to provide more stable and reliable performance during long-term wear and improves the overall user experience of patients; enhances the biocompatibility and comfort of the device. Titanium alloy has excellent biocompatibility, which means it has a high affinity with human tissues and is not easily prone to immune rejection reactions or allergic reactions. This enables the titanium alloy cochlear implant to better combine with the patient's organism after implantation and reduce the risk of postoperative complications. Due to the material characteristics of titanium alloy, patients can feel more comfortable when wearing it, and adverse reactions caused by metal corrosion or discomfort are reduced during long-term use. Therefore, the use of titanium alloy material greatly improves the safety of the cochlear implant and the wearing experience of patients;
[0040] Through the optimization of its voice processor, total control system and simulation system, it can provide a more stable, accurate and natural auditory experience in various environments, with higher processing capabilities and precision, better protection of internal electronic components, reduction of external interference, and the provision of clearer and more accurate audio signal processing. Coupled with its efficient signal transmission ability, patients can receive processed sound information more quickly, improving the reaction speed and accuracy of hearing. Using advanced digital signal processing technology, the sound signals of the external environment are converted into a form suitable for the cochlea to receive, ensuring the long-term stability and efficiency of the system, thereby improving the sound quality and patient adaptability.
[0041] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "coaxial", "bottom", "one end", "top", "middle", "the other end", "upper", "one side", "top", "inner", "front", "center", "both ends", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.
[0042] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms such as "installation", "setting", "connection", "fixation", "swivel connection", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. Unless otherwise clearly defined, for those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0043] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, for those of ordinary skill in the art, it can be understood that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A titanium alloy cochlear implant, characterized in that, It includes a housing, the housing includes a ring (1), a reinforcing block (2) is arranged inside the ring (1), a pillar (3) is arranged at the center of the top of the reinforcing block (2), the top of the pillar (3) is connected to a housing (5) through a frustum (4), a voice processor (7), a total control system (14) and a simulation system (20) are arranged inside the housing, the voice processor (7) includes a voice enhancement algorithm module (10), a noise suppression algorithm module (11), a signal optimization module (12) and a total signal acquisition module (13), the total control system (14) includes a nerve signal acquisition module (15), a nerve signal processing unit (16), an intelligent control module (17), a personalized adjustment module (18) and a sound signal conversion module (19), the nerve signal processing unit (16) includes a signal amplifier, a filter and a signal processor, and the simulation system (20) includes a virtual simulation platform (21), a personalized hearing data input module (22), a simulation electrical stimulation simulation module (23), a debugging scheme automatic optimization module (24), a real-time feedback and adjustment module (25) and a patient experience simulation module (26).
2. The titanium alloy cochlear implant according to claim 1, wherein: The ring (1), the reinforcing block (2), the pillar (3), the frustum (4) and the housing (5) are of an integrated structure, and the ring (1), the reinforcing block (2), the pillar (3), the frustum (4) and the housing (5) are all made of titanium alloy material.
3. The titanium alloy cochlear implant according to claim 1, wherein: A microphone (6), a wireless transmission module (8) and a stimulation motor array (9) are arranged on the housing.
4. The titanium alloy cochlear implant according to claim 3, wherein: The voice enhancement algorithm module (10) extracts and enhances voice signals based on a deep learning model, the noise suppression algorithm module (11) uses adaptive filtering technology to suppress background noise in real time, the signal optimization module (12) optimizes the processed voice signals to ensure signal clarity and naturalness, and the total signal acquisition module (13) receives environmental sound signals through a microphone (6) array, including voice signals and background noise.
5. The titanium alloy cochlear implant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nerve signal acquisition module (15) includes signal sensors, and the signal sensors collect the electrophysiological signals of the cochlear nerve in real time.
6. The cochlear implant made of titanium alloy according to claim 1, wherein: The nerve signal processing unit (16) is used to extract and analyze important features in nerve signals. The intelligent control module (17) dynamically adjusts the intensity, frequency and mode of cochlear implant electrical stimulation based on the processed nerve signals using machine learning algorithms. The personalized adjustment module (18) performs personalized adjustment through an external interface. The sound signal conversion module (19) collects external sounds through a sound receiving device and converts them into electrical signals.
7. A titanium alloy cochlear implant according to claim 1, characterized in that: The virtual simulation platform (21) constructs a virtual model of the patient's cochlea based on the patient's cochlear anatomical data and personalized hearing data through three-dimensional modeling technology; the personalized hearing data input module (22) collects the patient's personalized hearing data through the hearing assessment of the patient and the test of cochlear nerve response; the simulated electrical stimulation simulation module (23) simulates the cochlear response under different electrical stimulation modes and optimizes the stimulation signal according to the personalized hearing data; the debugging scheme automatic optimization module (24) is based on the simulation results, and the system continuously optimizes the debugging scheme through machine learning algorithms and automatically provides the most suitable parameter settings; the real-time feedback and adjustment module (25) is connected to the virtual simulation platform (21), and the real-time feedback and adjustment module (25) provides real-time feedback on the adjustment effects of various parameters during the debugging process. Doctors and patients can adjust the simulation model according to the feedback and finely adjust the settings of the cochlear implant device; the patient experience simulation module (26) simulates the auditory effects in different environments.
8. The cochlear implant made of titanium alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The simulation system (20) further includes a cochlear implant device debugging interface, and the debugging parameters optimized by virtual simulation are directly transmitted to the cochlear implant device through the cochlear implant device debugging interface.