Noise reduction filter calibration for an implantable device

Abstract

A method for calibrating an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system includes capturing an externally-generated body noise reference signal with at least one sound sensor and at least one vibration sensor, operating the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the externally-generated body noise reference signal, monitoring the operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to identify a convergence point, and setting one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point.

Description

NOISE REDUCTION FIE TER CALIBRATION FOR AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICEBACKGROUNDTechnical field[oooi] The present disclosure relates generally to calibrating a noise reduction filter for an implantable device.Related Art

[0002] Medical devices have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients over recent decades. Medical devices can include internal or implantable components / devices, external or wearable components / devices, or combinations thereof (e.g., a device having an external component communicating with an implantable component). 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 in performing lifesaving and / or lifestyle enhancement functions and / or recipient monitoring for a number of years.

[0003] The types of medical devices and the ranges of functions performed thereby have increased over the years. For example, many medical devices, sometimes referred to as “implantable medical devices,” now often include one or more instruments, apparatus, sensors, processors, controllers or other functional mechanical or electrical components that are permanently or temporarily implanted in a recipient. These functional devices are typically used to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat, or manage a disease / injury or symptom thereof, or to investigate, replace or modify the anatomy or a physiological process. Many of these functional devices utilize power and / or data received from external devices that are part of, or operate in conjunction with, implantable components.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a method is provided. The first method comprises: calibrating an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system includes capturing an externally-generated body noise reference signal with at least one sound sensor and at least one vibration sensor; operating the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the externally- generated body noise reference signal; monitoring the operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to identify a convergence point; and setting one or moreparameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point

[0005] In another aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises: receiving, with an implantable vibration sensor and an implantable sound sensor, an uncontrolled body noise calibration signal; and determining one or more parameters of an adaptive body noise cancellation filter based on the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal.

[0006] In another aspect, an implantable device system is provided. The implantable device system comprises: a sensor array; an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system configured to: receive an externally-generated body noise reference signal with the sensor array; process the externally-generated body noise reference signal until a convergence point is identified; and establish one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point.

[0007] In another aspect, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions are provided. The instructions, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving a reference sound signal and a reference body noise vibration signal; iteratively adjusting one or more coefficient weights of an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system of an implantable device system to remove the reference body noise vibration signal from the reference sound signal until a convergence point is identified; and setting one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system as corresponding one or more coefficient weights of the convergence point.

[0008] In another aspect, a system is provided. The system comprises: at least one vibration sensor and at least one sound sensor each configured to capture an externally-generated body noise reference signal; one or more processors configured to: operate an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system using the externally-generated body noise reference signal, monitor the operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to identify a convergence point, and set one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a cochlear implant system with which aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented;[ooii] FIG. IB is a side view of a recipient wearing a sound processing unit of the cochlear implant system of FIG. 1A;

[0012] FIG. 1C is a schematic view of components of the cochlear implant system of FIG. 1 A;

[0013] FIG. ID is a block diagram of the cochlear implant system of FIG. 1A;

[0014] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating an implantable device system with which aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented;

[0015] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating the implantable device system of FIG. 2A;

[0016] FIG. 3A is a flowchart of a method for calibrating an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system in accordance with techniques presented herein;

[0017] FIG. 3B is a flowchart of another method for calibrating an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system in accordance with techniques presented herein;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for operating an implantable device system in accordance with techniques presented herein; and

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for operating an implantable device system in accordance with techniques presented herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Presented herein are techniques for calibrating a noise reduction and / or cancellation fdter for an implantable device. For example, during operation, an implantable device is configured to receive sound signals for further processing. However, the sound signal can include noise, such as noise generated by the body of a recipient of the implantable device, and the noise is not desirable for processing. Therefore, it is desirable to remove noise from the sound signal. As described further below, the techniques presented herein use an externally- generated body noise signal or another uncontrolled body noise signal during the calibration process of an implantable noise reduction system.

[0021] There are a number of different types of devices in / with which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Merely for ease of description, the techniques presented herein are primarily described with reference to a specific device in the form of a cochlear implant system. However, it is to be appreciated that the techniques presented herein can also be partially or fully implemented by any of a number of different types of devices, including consumer electronic device (e.g., mobile phones), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches), hearing devices, implantable medical devices, consumer electronic devices, etc. As used herein, the term “hearing device” is to be broadly construed as any device that delivers sound signals to a user in any form, including in the form of acoustical stimulation, mechanical stimulation, electrical stimulation, etc. As such, a hearing device can be a device for use by a hearing-impaired person (e.g., hearing aids, middle ear auditory prostheses, bone conduction devices, direct acoustic stimulators, electro-acoustic hearing prostheses, auditory brainstem stimulators, bimodal hearing prostheses, bilateral hearing prostheses, dedicated tinnitus therapy devices, tinnitus therapy device systems, combinations or variations thereof, etc.) or a device for use by a person with normal hearing (e.g., consumer devices that provide audio streaming, consumer headphones, earphones and other listening devices). In other examples, the techniques presented herein can be implemented by, or used in conjunction with, various implantable medical devices, such as vestibular devices (e.g., vestibular implants), visual devices (i.e., bionic eyes), sensors, pacemakers, drug delivery systems, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, catheters, seizure devices (e.g., devices for monitoring and / or treating epileptic events), sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices, etc.

[0022] FIGs. 1A-1D illustrates an example cochlear implant system 102 with which aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented. The cochlear implant system 102 comprises an external component 104 that is configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the body of the user, and an intemal / implantable component 112 that is configured to be implanted in or worn on the head of the user. In the examples of FIGs. 1A-1D, the implantable component 112 is sometimes referred to as a “cochlear implant.” FIG. 1A illustrates the cochlear implant 112 implanted in the head 154 of a user, while FIG. IB is a schematic drawing of the external component 104 worn on the head 154 of the user. FIG. 1C is another schematic view of the cochlear implant system 102, while FIG. ID illustrates further details of the cochlear implant system 102. For ease of description, FIGs. 1A-1D will generally be described together.

[0023] In the examples of FIGs. 1A-1D, the external component 104 comprises a sound processing unit 106, an external coil 108, and generally, a magnet fixed relative to the external coil 108. The cochlear implant 112 includes an implantable coil 114, an implant body 134, and an elongate stimulating assembly 116 configured to be implanted in the user’s cochlea. In one example, the sound processing unit 106 is an off-the-ear (OTE) sound processing unit, sometimes referred to herein as an OTE component, which is configured to send data and power to the implantable component 112. In general, an OTE sound processing unit is a component having a generally cylindrically shaped housing 111 and which is configured to be magnetically coupled to the user’s head 154 (e.g., includes an integrated external magnet 150 configured to be magnetically coupled to an intemal / implantable magnet 152 in the implantable component 112). The OTE sound processing unit 106 also includes an integrated external (headpiece) coil 108 (the external coil 108) that is configured to be inductively coupled to the implantable coil 114.

[0024] It is to be appreciated that the OTE sound processing unit 106 is merely illustrative of the external devices that could operate with implantable component 112. For example, in alternative examples, the external component 104 can comprise a behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processing unit configured to be attached to, and worn adjacent to, the recipient’s ear. In general, a BTE sound processing unit comprises a housing that is shaped to be worn on the outer ear of the user and is connected to the separate external coil assembly via a cable, where the external coil assembly is configured to be magnetically and inductively coupled to the implantable coil 114. It is also to be appreciated that alternative external components could be located in the user’s ear canal, worn on the body, etc.

[0025] Although the cochlear implant system 102 includes the sound processing unit 106 and the cochlear implant 112, as described below, the cochlear implant 112 can operate independently from the sound processing unit 106, for at least a period, to stimulate the user. For example, the cochlear implant 112 can operate in a first general mode, sometimes referred to as an “external hearing mode,” in which the sound processing unit 106 captures sound signals which are then used as the basis for delivering stimulation signals to the user. The cochlear implant 112 can also operate in a second general mode, sometimes referred as an “invisible hearing” mode, in which the sound processing unit 106 is unable to provide sound signals to the cochlear implant 112 (e.g., the sound processing unit 106 is not present, the sound processing unit 106 is powered-off, the sound processing unit 106 is malfunctioning, etc.). As such, in the invisible hearing mode, the cochlear implant 112 captures sound signals itself viaimplantable sound sensors and then uses those sound signals as the basis for delivering stimulation signals to the user. Further details regarding operation of the cochlear implant 112 in the external hearing mode are provided below, followed by details regarding operation of the cochlear implant 112 in the invisible hearing mode. It is to be appreciated that reference to the external hearing mode and the invisible hearing mode is merely illustrative and that the cochlear implant 112 could also operate in alternative modes.

[0026] In FIGs. 1A and 1C, the cochlear implant system 102 is shown with an external device 110, configured to implement aspects of the techniques presented. The external device 110 is a computing device, such as a personal computer (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet), a mobile phone (e.g,, smartphone), remote control unit, etc. The external device 110 and the cochlear implant system 102 (e.g., sound processing unit 106 or the cochlear implant 112) wirelessly communicate via a bi-directional communication link 126. The bi-directional communication link 126 can comprise, for example, a short-range communication, such as Bluetooth link, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) link, a proprietary link, etc.

[0027] Returning to the example of FIGs. 1A-1D, the sound processing unit 106 of the external component 104 also comprises one or more input devices configured to capture and / or receive input signals (e.g., sound or data signals) at the sound processing unit 106. The one or more input devices include, for example, one or more sound input devices 118 (e.g., one or more external microphones, audio input ports, telecoils, etc.), one or more auxiliary input devices 128 (e.g., audio ports, such as a Direct Audio Input (DAI), data ports, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, cable port, etc.), and a short-range wireless transmitter / receiver (wireless transceiver) 120 (e.g., for communication with the external device 110), each located in, on or near the sound processing unit 106. However, it is to be appreciated that one or more input devices can include additional types of input devices and / or less input devices (e.g., the short- range wireless transceiver 120 and / or one or more auxiliary input devices 128 could be omitted).

[0028] The sound processing unit 106 also comprises the external coil 108, a charging coil 130, a closely-coupled radio frequency transmitter / receiver (RF transceiver) 122, at least one rechargeable battery 132, and an external sound processing module 124. The external sound processing module 124 can be configured to perform a number of operations which are represented in FIG. ID by a sound processor 133. The sound processor 133 can be formed by one or more processors (e.g., one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more uC cores, etc.), firmware, software, etc. arranged to perform operations described herein. That is,the sound processor 133 can each be implemented as firmware elements, partially or fully implemented with digital logic gates in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), partially or fully in software, etc. Although FIG. ID illustrates a sound processor 133 as being implemented / perfbrmed at the external sound processing module 124, it is to be appreciated that these elements (e.g., functional operations) could also or alternatively be implemented / performed as part of the implantable sound processing module 158, as part of the external device 110, etc.

[0029] Returning to the example of FIGs. 1A-1D, the implantable component 112 comprises an implant body (main module) 134, a lead region 136, and the intra-cochlear stimulating assembly 116, all configured to be implanted under the skin (tissue) 115 of the user. The implant body 134 generally comprises a hermetically-sealed housing 138 that includes, in certain examples, at least one power source 125 (e.g., one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, etc.), RF interface circuitry 140, and a stimulator unit 142. The implant body 134 also includes the intemal / implantable coil 114 that is generally external to the housing 138, but which is connected to the RF interface circuitry 140 via a hermetic feedthrough (not shown in FIG. ID).

[0030] As noted, stimulating assembly 116 is configured to be at least partially implanted in the user’s cochlea. Stimulating assembly 116 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced intra-cochlear electrical stimulating contacts (electrodes) 144 that collectively form a contact array (electrode array) 146 for delivery of electrical stimulation (current) to the recipient’s cochlea. Stimulating assembly 116 extends through an opening in the recipient’s cochlea (e.g., cochleostomy, the round window, etc.) and has a proximal end connected to stimulator unit 142 via lead region 136 and a hermetic feedthrough (not shown in FIG. ID). Lead region 136 includes a plurality of conductors (wires) that electrically couple the electrodes 144 to the stimulator unit 142. The implantable component 112 also includes an electrode outside of the cochlea, sometimes referred to as the extra-cochlear electrode (ECE) 139.

[0031] As noted, the cochlear implant system 102 includes the external coil 108 and the implantable coil 114. The external magnet 150 is fixed relative to the external coil 108 and the intemal / implantable magnet 152 is fixed relative to the implantable coil 114. The external magnet 150 and the intemal / implantable magnet 152 fixed relative to the external coil 108 and the intemal / implantable coil 114, respectively, facilitate the operational alignment of the external coil 108 with the implantable coil 114. This operational alignment of the coils enables the external component 104 to transmit data and power to the implantable component 112 viaa closely-coupled wireless link 148 formed between the external coil 108 with the implantable coil 114. In certain examples, the closely-coupled wireless link 148 is a radio frequency (RF) link. However, various other types of energy transfer, such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive and inductive transfer, can be used to transfer the power and / or data from an external component to an implantable component and, as such, FIG. ID illustrates only one example arrangement.

[0032] As noted above, sound processing unit 106 includes the external sound processing module 124. The external sound processing module 124 is configured to process the received input audio signals (received at one or more of the input devices, such as sound input devices 118 and / or auxiliary input devices 128), and convert the received input audio signals into output control signals for use in stimulating a first ear of a recipient or user (i.e., the external sound processing module 124 is configured to perform sound processing on input signals received at the sound processing unit 106). Stated differently, the one or more processors (e.g., processing element(s) implementing firmware, software, etc.) in the external sound processing module 124 are configured to execute sound processing logic in memory to convert the received input audio signals into output control signals (stimulation signals) that represent electrical stimulation for delivery to the recipient.

[0033] As noted, FIG. ID illustrates an embodiment in which the external sound processing module 124 in the sound processing unit 106 generates the output control signals. In an alternative embodiment, the sound processing unit 106 can send less processed information (e.g., audio data) to the implantable component 112 and the sound processing operations (e.g., conversion of input sounds to output control signals 156) can be performed by a processor within the implantable component 112.

[0034] In FIG. ID, according to an example embodiment, output control signals (stimulation signals) are provided to the RF transceiver 122, which transcutaneously transfers the output control signals (e.g., in an encoded manner) to the implantable component 112 via external coil 108 and implantable coil 114. That is, the output control signals (stimulation signals) are received at the RF interface circuitry 140 via implantable coil 114 and provided to the stimulator unit 142. The stimulator unit 142 is configured to utilize the output control signals to generate electrical stimulation signals (e.g., current signals) for delivery to the user’s cochlea via one or more of the stimulating contacts (electrodes) 144. In this way, cochlear implant system 102 electrically stimulates the user’s auditory nerve cells, bypassing absent or defective hair cells that normally transduce acoustic vibrations into neural activity, in a manner thatcauses the recipient to perceive one or more components of the input audio signals (the received sound signals).

[0035] As detailed above, in the external hearing mode the cochlear implant 112 receives processed sound signals from the sound processing unit 106. However, in the invisible hearing mode, the cochlear implant 112 is configured to capture and process sound signals for use in electrically stimulating the user’s auditory nerve cells. In particular, as shown in FIG. ID, an example embodiment of the cochlear implant 112 can include a plurality of implantable sound sensors 165(1), 165(2) that collectively form a sensor array 160, and an implantable sound processing module 158. Similar to the external sound processing module 124, the implantable sound processing module 158 can comprise, for example, one or more processors and a memory device (memory) that includes sound processing logic. The memory device can comprise any one or more of: Non-Volatile Memory (NVM), Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM), read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), Electronically- Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory EEPROM, magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, solid state storage, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical / tangible memory storage devices. By way of example, and not limitation, the memory can include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media or combinations thereof. The one or more processors are, for example, microprocessors or microcontrollers (e.g., hardware or software processors, such as a DSP) that execute instructions for the sound processing logic stored in memory device.

[0036] In the invisible hearing mode, the implantable sound sensors 165(1), 165(2) of the sensor array 160 are configured to detect / capture input sound signals 166 (e.g., acoustic sound signals, vibrations, etc.), which are provided to the implantable sound processing module 158. The implantable sound processing module 158 is configured to convert received input sound signals 166 (received at one or more of the implantable sound sensors 165(1), 165(2)) into output control signals 156 for use in stimulating the first ear of a recipient or user (i.e., the implantable sound processing module 158 is configured to perform sound processing operations). Stated differently, the one or more processors (e.g., processing element(s) implementing firmware, software, etc.) in implantable sound processing module 158 are configured to execute sound processing logic in memory to convert the received input sound signals 166 into output control signals 156 that are provided to the stimulator unit 142. The stimulator unit 142 is configured to utilize the output control signals 156 to generate electricalstimulation signals (e.g., current signals) for delivery to the user’s cochlea, thereby bypassing the absent or defective hair cells that normally transduce acoustic vibrations into neural activity.

[0037] It is to be appreciated that the above description of the so-called external hearing mode and the so-called invisible hearing mode are merely illustrative and that the cochlear implant system 102 could operate differently in different embodiments. For example, in one alternative implementation of the external hearing mode, the cochlear implant 112 could use signals captured by the sound input devices 118 and the implantable sound sensors 165(1), 165(2) of sensor array 160 in generating stimulation signals for delivery to the user.

[0038] According to the techniques of the present disclosure, external sound processing module 124 can also include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 170. The inertial measurement unit 170 is configured to measure the inertia of the user's head, that is, motion of the user's head. As such, inertial measurement unit 170 comprises one or more sensors 175 each configured to sense one or more of rectilinear or rotatory motion in the same or different axes. Examples of sensors 175 that can be used as part of inertial measurement unit 170 include accelerometers, gyroscopes, inclinometers, compasses, and the like. Such sensors can be implemented in, for example, micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) or with other technology suitable for the particular application. For hearing devices that include an implantable sound processing module, such as implantable sound processing module 158, that may or may not include an IMU, such as IMU 180, the techniques presented herein can be implemented without an external processor. Accordingly, a hearing device that includes an implant body 134 and lacks an external component 104 can be configured to implement the techniques presented herein.

[0039] As noted, it is beneficial to remove noise from a sound signal, such as the sound signals 166 (FIG. ID). For example, during operation of a cochlear implant system, external sound (e.g., speech) is detected along with noise generated by the body of a recipient, commonly referred to as “body noise.” Therefore, sound signals can include a mixture of both external sounds and body noises However, it generally is undesirable to include the body noises in the output signals that are used to deliver a hearing percept to the recipient. For instance, the body noise can distort the external sounds that are of interest to the recipient. Accordingly, devices include implantable body noise cancellation / reduction systems configured to substantially reduce or remove body noise from sound signals to enable the recipient to perceive sound (e.g., external sound without distortions caused by body noises) more desirably. Presented hereinare techniques to calibrate an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system using, for example, an “externally-generated body noise reference signal” or an “uncontrolled body noise calibration signal.”

[0040] FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating an implantable device system 202, such as a cochlear implant system, operating with an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. As described further below, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 has a “calibration mode” and a “run-time” mode. FIG. 2A primarily illustrates the “run-time” mode of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300, while FIG. 2B primarily illustrates the “calibration mode,” in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein.

[0041] The implantable device system 202 includes a sensor array 260, which includes a first sensor 265A (e.g., a microphone, a sound sensor) and a second sensor 265B (e.g., an accelerometer, a vibration sensor). The first sensor 265 A is more sensitive to, and therefore primarily configured to, capture external sound, whereas the second sensor 265B is more sensitive to, and therefore primarily configured, to capture vibrations. For instance, the sensor array 260 is implanted in a recipient (e.g., embedded in a skull), and the first sensor 265A can capture external sound generated from a sound source outside of the body of the recipient, such as from an external environment and / or from another person, and the external sounds are of interest for processing for perception by the recipient. The second sensor 265B can capture body vibrations (body noises) of the recipient, which can be conducted through the body of the recipient and to the sensor array 260. As such, the sensors 265 are primarily configured to capture different signals. Although the present disclosure discusses operations of the sensor array 260 implanted in the recipient, the techniques described herein can be applied to a sensor array at any suitable location, such as on an external body part (e.g., the scalp) of the recipient.

[0042] During operation of the implantable device system 202, the first sensor 265A can also capture body noise provided by the body of the recipient. The body noise can mix with and distort the external sound that is of interest for perception by the recipient. The implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 is configured to filter signals captured by the sensor array 260 to reduce, remove, or cancel body noise.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2A, during the run-time mode, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 is configured to receive and process an input sound signal 302 and / or an input vibration signal 304 respective captured by the sensors 265 to provide a processed signal306 used for enabling the recipient to perceive sound. For example, the input sound signal 302 includes external sound that is of interest for perception by the recipient. However, the input sound signal 302 can also include body noise, and the input vibration signal 304 is representative of the body noise portion of the input sound signal 302. The implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 operates in the run-time mode to fdter the input vibration signal 304 from the input sound signal 302 to provide a processed signal 306 that includes reduced amounts of body noise (e.g., primarily includes external sound) for perception by the recipient.

[0044] By way of example, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 is a part of a sound processing module 308 (e.g., the implantable sound processing module 158 of the cochlear implant 112 or another non-transitory computer-readable medium), such as implemented in a memory 310 and / or in a processor 312 of the sound processing module 308. As such, the processed signal 306 output by the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 can be provided to a stimulator unit (e.g., the stimulator unit 142) to generate electrical stimulation signals for delivery to the cochlea of the recipient, other suitable output sound signals for enabling the recipient to perceive sound, or any other suitable processed signals. By removing the input vibration signal 304 from the input sound signal 302, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 improves the integrity of the processed signal 306 to improve the sound perceived by the recipient.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2A, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 includes a fdter sub-system 318 configured to process the input sound signal 302 and / or the input vibration signal 304. In general, the filter sub-system 318 utilizes an algorithm with different parameters, such as coefficient weights of an algorithm (e.g., gain changes, phase changes, filter coefficients), to process the input sound signal 302 and / or the input vibration signal 304. For instance, coefficient weights are applied, such as in a particular frequency range (e.g., audible range), such that the input sound signal 302 and the input vibration signal 304 have substantially equal magnitude and / or phase.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 2A, the filter sub-system 318 includes a fixed prefilter 322 and an adaptive filter 324. The fixed prefilter 322 includes fixed parameters used to initially process the input vibration signal 304 and / or the input sound signal 302 (e.g., during a preprocessing stage) to provide a preliminarily processed signal 326. The adaptive filter 324 includes adjustable parameters used for further processing of the preliminarily processed signal 326 (e.g., during a main processing stage) to provide the processed signal 306. That is, thefixed prefilter 322 and the adaptive filter 324 sequentially process the input vibration signal 304 and / or the input sound signal 302 to provide the processed signal 306.

[0047] As further discussed herein, the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 are established during the calibration mode, and the fixed parameters are maintained during the run-time mode. In other words, the fixed parameters are unchanged during the run-time mode after being set as a result of the calibration mode. However, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 is adaptive (e.g., in the frequency domain, the time domain) in that the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 can be changed during the run-time mode to improve processing of the input vibration signal 304 and / or of the input sound signal 302.

[0048] For example, the adjustable parameters can be iteratively adjusted to improve the processed signals 306 provided via processing of the input vibration signals 304 and / or of the input sound signals 302. For instance, during a first iteration of the run-time mode (e.g., performed immediately after completion of the calibration mode), a first input sound signal 302 and a first input vibration signal 304 are received. The fixed prefilter 322 uses the fixed parameters to process the first input vibration signal 304 and / or the first input sound signal 302 to provide a first preliminarily processed signal 326 to the adaptive filter 324. In some embodiments, the adaptive filter 324 uses predetermined, preset, or default parameters during the first iteration to process the first preliminarily processed signal 326. As an example, the adaptive filter 324 functions as a pass-through filter that does not further process the first preliminarily processed signal 326 (e.g., each coefficient weight of the adaptive filter 324 is one). In other words, the adaptive filter 324 outputs the first preliminarily processed signal 326 as received from the fixed prefilter 322. The first preliminarily processed signal 326 is then removed from the first input sound signal 302 to provide a first processed signal 306. The first processed signal 306 is then output by the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 to enable the recipient to perceive sound (e.g., the external sound of interest in the input sound signal 302), such as via electrical stimulation signals or other output sound signals.

[0049] The first processed signal 306 is also compared to the first input vibration signal 304 at an adaptation algorithm 320 to determine a difference (e.g., an absolute value of a difference) between the first processed signal 306 and the first input vibration signal 304. In particular, because the input sound signals 302 captured by the first sensor 265 A potentially include some noise captured by the second sensor 265B, the first input sound signal 302 can include at least some similarities as the first input vibration signal 304. Therefore, the difference between the first processed signal 306 and the first input vibration signal 304 indicates an amount of thefirst input vibration signal 304 removed from the first input sound signal 302 to provide a desirable sound signal. Based on the difference between the first processed signal 306 and the first input vibration signal 304, the adaptation algorithm 320 adjusts the adjustable parameters (e.g., from the predetermined parameters used during the first iteration) of the adaptive filter 324 so that a subsequent processed signal 306 includes less of a corresponding input vibration signal 304. The adaptive filter 324 subsequently uses the adjustable parameters adjusted by the adaptation algorithm 320 to process a subsequent input sound signal 302 and / or a subsequent input vibration signal 304 to remove more of the subsequent input vibration signal 304 from the subsequent input sound signal 302.

[0050] For instance, during a second iteration of the run-time mode occurring immediately after the first iteration, a second input sound signal 302 and a second input vibration signal 304 are received. The fixed prefilter 322 uses the fixed parameters (e.g., the same fixed parameters used to process the first input sound signal 302 and / or the first input vibration signal 304) to process the second input sound signal 302 and / or the second input vibration signal 304 to provide a second preliminarily processed signal 326 to the adaptive filter 324. The adaptive filter 324 then uses the adjustable parameters established by the adaptation algorithm 320 to further process the second preliminarily processed signal 326. The further processed signal is then removed from the second input sound signal 302 to provide a second processed signal 306. The changing of the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 causes more of the second input vibration signal 304 to be removed from the second input sound signal 302 as compared to removal of the first input vibration signal 304 from the first input sound signal 302. That is, a difference between the second processed signal 306 and the input vibration signal 304 may be greater than a difference between the first processed signal 306 and the first input vibration signal 304. As such, the second processed signal 306 may be improved (e.g., include more of or better integrity of a desirable sound signal) as compared to the first processed signal 306.

[0051] The second processed signal 306 can also be compared to the input vibration signal 304 at the adaptation algorithm 320, and the adaptation algorithm 320 further changes the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 in response for the adaptive filter 324 to process a subsequent input sound signal 302 and / or a subsequent input vibration signal 304. In this manner, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 are iteratively adjusted for each received input sound signal 302 and / or input vibration signal 304 to improve the processed signal 306 being output. In some embodiments, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter324 are changed continuously during operation of the implantable device system 202 in the run-time mode. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive fdter 324 are maintained at a certain point during operation of the implantable device system 202 in the run-time mode. For example, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive fdter 324 remain unchanged after a threshold quantity of iterations of changing the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 has been reached, after a change in the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 is below a threshold change, and / or after a duration of time of operation of the implantable device system 202 in the run-time mode.

[0052] The fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 can help improve operation of the implantable device system 202 in the run-time mode. For example, because the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 help perform some initial processing during the run-time mode to remove at least some of the input vibration signal 304 from the input sound signal 302, the run-time mode can immediately operate (e.g., after completion of the calibration mode) to provide a processed signal 306 with improved integrity, such as in comparison with an embodiment that does not include the fixed prefilter 322 and therefore may not immediately remove a significant amount of an input vibration signal from an input sound signal. Additionally or alternatively, a more desirable processed signal 306 can be quickly provided during the run-time mode, such as with fewer iterations of changing the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324. Thus, the fixed prefilter 322 improves operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 to provide the processed signal 306.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 can be reset, such as by restarting the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 (e.g., turning off and turning on the implantable device system 202). However, the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 remain stored and are not affected by restarting of the implantable device system 202. Thus, upon restarting of the implantable device system 202, the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 can be re-used to initially process an input sound signal 302 and / or an input vibration signal 304 to update / establish the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 without having to operate the implantable device system 202 in the calibration mode again (e.g., to re-establish the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322). As such, the fixed prefilter 322 helps improve efficiency of operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 upon restarting of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300. In additional or alternative embodiments, the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 can be reset, such as via a user input to prepare operation of the implantabledevice system 202 in another calibration mode to update the fixed parameters (e.g., to adjust to changing body parameters of the recipient).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2B, during the calibration mode, the first sensor 265A is configured to capture a reference sound signal 330, the second sensor 265B is configured to capture a reference vibration signal 332, and the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 is configured to use the reference sound signal 330 and the reference vibration signal 332 to establish the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322. The reference vibration signal 332 is representative of body noise, but the reference sound signal 330 also includes some body noise (e.g., includes some commonality with the reference vibration signal 332). The implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 can, for example, operate in the calibration mode during fitting of the implantable device system 202 in the recipient to establish the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322.

[0055] In some embodiments, the reference vibration signal 332 captured by the second sensor 265B is provided by an uncontrolled vibration source 314. The uncontrolled vibration source 314 can include any source that is not configured to output the reference vibration signal 332 having predetermined, specific, or designated properties or characteristics. That is, the properties of the reference vibration signal 332 provided by the uncontrolled vibration source 314 are generally uncontrolled and unknown before being captured by the second sensor 265B. For example, the uncontrolled vibration source 314 can be initiated by the recipient or another user, such as an action performed by the recipient or other user. These actions include, for example, a coughing action, a scratching action, a teeth brushing action, a deep / heavy breathing action, a speaking action, a chewing or biting action, a walking action, and so forth. The properties of the resulting reference vibration signal 332 can differ based on the specific action being performed and / or based on a parameter of the recipient (e.g., a force used to perform the action, a dimension or parameter related to a body part).

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the reference vibration signal 332 could be provided by an external controlled vibration source 316, which is configured to output the reference vibration signal 332 having a predetermined, specific, or designated properties or characteristics. In other words, the properties of the reference vibration signal 332 output by the controlled vibration source 316 are controlled and therefore known before receipt. By way of example, the external controlled vibration source 316 includes an external vibrator, such as a Cochlear™ BAHA® Softband, worn by the recipient (e.g., at the head of the recipient), a bone conduction earphone, or another suitable vibration generator (e.g., a transducer, aconductor) configured to transmit the reference vibration signal 332 that is representative of (e.g., has similar properties as) body noise generated by the recipient.

[0057] In either case, the filter sub-system 318 (e.g., the adaptive filter 324) is used to process the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 to provide a processed signal 334 during the calibration mode. In the calibration mode, the processed signal 334 is compared to the reference vibration signal 332 to determine whether the reference vibration signal 332 is sufficiently removed from the reference sound signal 330, such as based on a difference (e.g., an absolute value of a difference) between the processed signal 334 and the reference vibration signal 332. The parameters of the adaptive filter 324 are iteratively changed during the calibration mode and used to process the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 until a convergence point is reached in which the difference (absolute difference) between the processed signal 334 and the reference vibration signal 332 is above a threshold difference to indicate the processed signal 334 has a sufficiently limited amount of the reference vibration signal 332.

[0058] For example, a reference sound signal 330 and a reference vibration signal 332 are received during the calibration mode. During a first iteration of the calibration mode, the adaptive filter 324 uses predetermined, preset, or default parameters during the first iteration to process the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 to provide a first processed signal 334. The first processed signal 334 is then compared to the reference vibration signal 332 at the adaptation algorithm 320 to determine a difference between the processed signal 334 and the reference vibration signal 332 (e.g., to determine an amount of the reference vibration signal 332 removed from the reference sound signal 330). The adaptation algorithm 320 then adjusts the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 based on the difference to improve subsequent processing of the reference sound signal 330 and / or of the reference vibration signal 332. During a second iteration of the calibration mode, the adaptive filter 324 uses the adjusted parameters established by the adaptation algorithm 320 to process the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 (e.g., the same reference sound signal 330 and / or the same reference vibration signal 332) to provide a second processed signal 334. The use of the adjusted parameters in the second iteration may remove more of the reference vibration signal 332 from the reference sound signal 330 as compared to usage of the predetermined parameters in the first iteration. Thus, the difference between the second processed signal 334 and the reference vibration signal 332 in the second iteration is greater than the difference between the processed signal 334 and the reference vibration signal332 in the first iteration. The adaptation algorithm 320 adjusts the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 again to further remove the reference vibration signal 332 from the reference sound signal 330 in subsequent iterations. Therefore, the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 are iteratively adjusted until the parameters process the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 to provide the processed signal 334 that has a sufficiently limited amount of the reference vibration signal 332 at the convergence point.

[0059] In additional or alternative embodiments, the convergence point is identified based on another determination, such as a determination that a change in the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 is below a threshold change. For example, as the processed signal 334 improves (e.g., as a difference, such as an absolute value of the difference, between the processed signal 334 and the reference vibration signal 332 increases, as more of the reference vibration signal 332 is removed from the reference sound signal 330), smaller changes are made to the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 to process the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 to further improve the processed signal 334. Thus, a sufficiently small change in the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 can also indicate a convergence point in which the processed signal 334 has a sufficiently limited amount of the reference vibration signal 332.

[0060] After identification of the convergence point (e.g., after multiple iterations or loops in which the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 are adjusted and a resulting processed signal 334 is compared to the reference vibration signal 332), the parameters of the adaptive filter 324 at the convergence point (e.g., providing the desirable processed signal 334) are then established for the fixed prefilter 322 to use during the run-time mode. As such, in the calibration mode, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 are used to process the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 to establish the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 based on the processed signal 334, and in the run-time mode, the established fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 and the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 are used to process the input sound signal 302 and / or the input vibration signal 304 to output the processed signal 306 for enabling the recipient to perceive sound.

[0061] Because the fixed parameters established at the convergence point have already been previously used to provide a desirable processed signal 334 during the calibration mode, using the fixed parameters during the run-time mode can help provide a processed signal 306 more effectively. For instance, initially processing of the input sound signal 302 and / or the inputvibration signal 304 using the fixed parameters already removes a significant amount of the input vibration signal 304 from the input sound signal 302 even without having to use the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 to further process the input sound signal 302 and / or the input vibration signal 304. Thus, an improved processed signal 306 may be readily provided in the run-time mode immediately following completion of the calibration mode (e.g., during a period of time of the calibration mode in which the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 do not significantly remove the input vibration signal 304 from the input sound signal 302).

[0062] Additionally, in certain embodiments, a threshold vibration signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the filter sub-system 318 can be established during the calibration mode and used during operation in the run-time mode. The threshold vibration SNR is utilized to determine whether the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 of the filter sub-system 318 are to be adjusted based on an input vibration signal 304. By way of example, during the calibration mode, upon processing the reference sound signal 330 and / or the reference vibration signal 332 to provide a desirable processed signal 334 at a convergence point, the desirable processed signal 334 is compared to the reference vibration signal 332 to determine a ratio ofthe desirable processed signal 334 to the reference vibration signal 332, and such a ratio is established as the threshold vibration SNR. Because the desirable processed signal 334 does not include sufficient amounts of the reference vibration signal 332, the processed signal 334 primarily includes sounds of interest and is not considered to be noisy. As such, the ratio of the desirable processed signal 334 to the reference vibration signal 332 indicates a potential ratio indicative of an input sound signal that is not considered to be noisy. That is, a ratio of an input sound signal relative to an input vibration signal greater than the ratio of the processed signal 334 to the reference vibration signal 332 (e.g., the input sound signal includes significantly low amounts of the input vibration signal) indicates the input sound signal is not noisy, whereas a ratio of an input sound signal relative to an input vibration signal less than the ratio of the processed signal 334 to the reference vibration signal 332 (e.g., the input sound signal includes significant amounts of the input vibration signal) indicates the input sound signal is noisy. Thus, such a ratio can be used to determine a noisiness of the input sound signal.

[0063] For example, during the run-time mode, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300 compares the input sound signal 302 to the input vibration signal 304 to determine an input vibration SNR, and the input vibration SNR is compared to the threshold vibration SNR to determine a noisiness of the input sound signal 302. An input vibration SNR that isratio greater than the threshold vibration SNR indicates the intensity of the input sound signal 302 is substantially greater than that of the input vibration signal 304, which can indicate that little or no body noise has been detected and is included in the input sound signal 302 (e.g., the input sound signal 302 is not noisy). Thus, the input vibration signal 304 does not have sufficient power relative to the input sound signal 302 to prompt changing of the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 based on the input vibration signal 304 to further process the input sound signal 302 and / or the input vibration signal 304. By way of example, the fixed parameters of the fixed prefilter 322 can be used to sufficiently process the input sound signal 302 and / or the input vibration signal 304 to provide a desirable processed signal 306. For this reason, a desirable processed signal 306 can be provided without having to change the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324. For example, operation of the adaptation algorithm 320 is avoided in response to determining the input vibration SNR is higher than the threshold vibration SNR.

[0064] However, an input vibration SNR that is less than the threshold vibration SNR indicates the intensity of the input sound signal 302 is more similar to or less than that of the input vibration signal 304, thereby indicating the input sound signal 302 is noisy and includes a significant amount of body noise. As such, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 can be effectively changed based on the input vibration signal 304 to improve processing of the input sound signal 302 and / or of the input vibration signal 304. In this way, the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 are selectively changed (e.g., by the adaptation algorithm 320) based on the input vibration SNR relative to the threshold vibration SNR to filter the input sound signal 302 and / or the input vibration signal 304 during the run-time mode more suitably. For example, limiting changing of the adjustable parameters of the adaptive filter 324 can reduce consumption of computational power while still providing a desirable processed signal 306 during the run-time mode.

[0065] Each of FIGs. 3-5 illustrates a respective method for operating an implantable device system (e.g., the cochlear implant system 102, the implantable device system 202). In certain embodiments, the operations of each method are performed by a single entity, such as by the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300. In additional or alternative embodiments, operations of the methods are performed by different entities. Moreover, any of the methods can be performed differently than depicted. For example, an additional operation can be performed, and / or a depicted operation can be performed differently, performed in a different order, and / or not performed. Further still, the respective operations of the methodscan be performed in any suitable manner relative to one another, such as sequentially and / or simultaneously.

[0066] FIG. 3 A is a flowchart of a method 350 for calibrating an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system, such as the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300, of an implantable medical device, in accordance with embodiments presented herein. Method 350 begins at 352 where at least one sound sensor and at least one vibration sensor of the implantable medical device capture an externally-generated body noise reference signal. At 354, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system operates based on the externally- generated body noise reference signal. At 356, operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is monitored to identify a convergence point. At 358, one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system are set based on the convergence point. For example, the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system operates to adjust the parameter of the filter based on a comparison between the processed signal and the body noise reference signal, and such operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is monitored until a convergence point is identified based on a processed signal being substantially different from the body noise reference signal. Such parameters at the convergence point are used to established subsequent operating parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system, such as the fixed filter parameters.

[0067] FIG. 3B is a flowchart of another method 370 for calibrating an implantable adaptive body noise cancellation / reduction system, such as the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system 300, of an implantable medical device, in accordance with embodiments presented herein. Method 370 begins at 372 where an implantable vibration sensor and an implantable sound sensor receive an uncontrolled body noise calibration signal. At 374, one or more parameters of an adaptive body noise reduction filter are determined based on the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal, such as via a convergence point.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for operating an implantable device system in a calibration mode, such as during fitting of the implantable device system onto a recipient, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. At block 402, a noise floor is determined. By way of example, a quiet environment of the implantable device system is established (e.g., the recipient is instructed to not move or provide noise), and noise signals from the quiet environment are recorded. Thus, the noise floor can indicate an amount of noise in the ambient environment that can inevitably be captured (e.g., regardless of whether body noise is captured).

[0069] At block 404, an externally-generated body noise reference signal (or an uncontrolled body noise calibration signal) representative of body noise of the recipient is received. For instance, the body noise reference signal is captured as a reference sound signal by a sound sensor and / or as a reference vibration signal by a vibration sensor. In some embodiments, the recipient is instructed to perform an action that generates the body noise reference signal as an uncontrolled body noise calibration, which has properties or characteristics that are not previously known until receipt. Additionally or alternatively, the body noise reference signal is controllably generated (e.g., by a vibrator worn externally by the recipient and configured to provide predetermined properties or predetermined characteristics) as a controlled body noise calibration signal and output for receipt. In either case, the quiet environment of the implantable device system is maintained to reduce capturing signals that are not related to body noise. At block 406, a determination is made regarding whether the body noise reference signal is above the noise floor. In response to a determination that the body noise reference signal is not above the noise floor, no further action is taken based on that particular body noise reference signal. As an example, the body noise reference signal being below the noise floor indicates an insufficient amount of body noise is captured and, therefore, the body noise cannot be effectively used for processing. Instead, an additional body noise reference signal is to be received (e.g., by instructing the recipient to perform an action again) until a body noise reference signal above the noise floor is received.

[0070] However, in response to a determination that the body noise reference signal is above the noise floor, thereby indicating there is a sufficient amount of body noise being captured, additional processing using the body noise reference signal is performed. For example, at block 408, fixed filter parameters of an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system of the implantable device system are established based on the body noise reference signal. That is, filter parameters are established to process the reference sound signal to remove the body noise reference signal and provide a processed signal. The processed signal is compared to the body noise reference signal to determine whether the processed signal is sufficiently different from (e.g., does not include an excessive amount of) the body noise reference signal. The implantable adaptive body noise reduction system then continues to operate to adjust filter parameters until a convergence point is identified in which a desirable processed signal is sufficiently different from the body noise reference signal (e.g., a difference, such as an absolute value of the difference, between the body noise reference signal and the processed signal exceeds a threshold difference, a change of the filter parameters is below a thresholdchange). The filter parameters at the convergence point are established as the fixed filter parameters. It should be noted that any suitable quantity of body noise reference signals, such as a single body noise reference signal (e.g., a single action performed by the recipient) or multiple body noise reference signals (e.g., different actions performed by the recipient, repetition of the same action performed by the recipient) can be received for establishing the fixed filter parameters.

[0071] Moreover, at block 410, a threshold vibration SNR of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is established based on the body noise reference signal. By way of example, a ratio of the desirable processed signal to the body noise reference signal is determined and established as the threshold vibration SNR. Such a ratio indicates an intensity of a sound signal relative to an intensity of a vibration signal to suggest a potential amount of body noise being captured. That is, a ratio of a subsequently captured sound signal relative to a subsequently captured vibration signal that is below the threshold vibration SNR would indicate a relatively high amount of body noise has been captured, and the captured body noise can be processed to further adjust the filter parameters to improve filtering operations.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 450 for operating an implantable device system in a run-time mode. At block 452, an input sound signal and an input vibration signal are received. For example, the input sound signal is captured by a first sensor that is more sensitive to sound, and the input vibration signal is captured by a second sensor that is more sensitive to vibrations. The input sound signal can include a sound (e.g., from an external sound source) of interest, as well as body noise. The input vibration signal primarily includes body noise. At block 454, a ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal is determined and compared to the threshold vibration SNR established during the calibration mode to determine whether the ratio exceeds the threshold vibration SNR. Such a comparison helps determine whether the input sound signal potentially includes a substantial amount of body noise.

[0073] At block 456, in response to a determination that the ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal exceeds the threshold vibration SNR, the input sound signal is processed without adjusting filter parameters (e.g., from the fixed filter parameters established during the calibration mode). For example, the ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal exceeding the threshold vibration SNR indicates the input sound signal potentially does not include substantial amounts of body noise. Therefore, operation to filter and / or to adjust filter parameters can be blocked, but a desirable processed signal (e.g., having sufficiently low body noise) can still be provided, such as using the fixed filter parameterspreviously established during the calibration mode. For example, the desirable processed signal provided from such an input sound signal is substantially different from the input vibration signal (e.g., the desirable processed signal does not include a substantial amount of the input vibration signal that primarily includes body noise). However, at block 458, in response to a determination that the ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal is below the threshold vibration SNR, the fdter parameters are adjusted to process the input sound signal and / or the input vibration signal. That is, the ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal being below the threshold vibration SNR indicates the input sound signal potentially includes substantial amounts of body noise. Thus, the filter parameters are adjusted to remove the body noise. As an example, the filter parameters are adjusted to improve processing of the input sound signal and / or of the input vibration signal initially performed via the fixed filter parameters. In either case, the input sound signal is processed to provide a processed signal that is used to enable the recipient to perceive sound.

[0074] As should be appreciated, while particular uses of the technology have been illustrated and discussed above, the disclosed technology can be used with a variety of devices in accordance with many examples of the technology. The above discussion is not meant to suggest that the disclosed technology is only suitable for implementation within systems akin to that illustrated in the figures. In general, additional configurations can be used to practice the processes and systems herein and / or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the processes and systems disclosed herein.

[0075] This disclosure described some aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible aspects were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

[0076] As should be appreciated, the various aspects (e.g., portions, components, etc.) described with respect to the figures herein are not intended to limit the systems and processes to the particular aspects described. Accordingly, additional configurations can be used to practice the methods and systems herein and / or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0077] According to certain aspects, systems and non-transitory computer readable storage media are provided. The systems are configured with hardware configured to execute operations analogous to the methods of the present disclosure. The one or more non-transitory computer readable storage media comprise instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute operations analogous to the methods of the present disclosure.

[0078] Similarly, where steps of a process are disclosed, those steps are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and are not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps. For example, the steps can be performed in differing order, two or more steps can be performed concurrently, additional steps can be performed, and disclosed steps can be excluded without departing from the present disclosure. Further, the disclosed processes can be repeated.

[0079] Although specific aspects were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific aspects. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

[0080] It is also to be appreciated that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive and that the various embodiments can be combined with another in any of a number of different manners.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for calibrating an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system, the method comprising: capturing an externally-generated body noise reference signal with at least one sound sensor and at least one vibration sensor; operating the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the externally-generated body noise reference signal; monitoring the operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to identify a convergence point; and setting one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the externally-generated body noise reference signal is an uncontrolled vibration signal.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: instructing a recipient of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to generate the uncontrolled vibration signal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein instructing the recipient to generate the uncontrolled vibration signal comprises: instructing the recipient to perform at least one of a scratching action at the head of the recipient, a coughing action, a teeth brushing action, a deep breathing action, a speaking action, a biting action, a chewing action, or a walking action.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the externally-generated body noise reference signal is a controlled vibration signal.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: generating the controlled vibration signal with an external vibrator worn by a recipient of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system.

7. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system includes a fixed prefilter portion, and wherein setting the one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system comprises: setting the one or more parameters of the fixed prefilter portion based on the convergence point.

8. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein capturing the externally-generated body noise reference signal with the at least one sound sensor and the at least one vibration sensor provides a reference sound signal and a reference vibration signal, and wherein operating the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the externally-generated body noise reference signal comprises repeatedly adjusting coefficient weights of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to remove the reference vibration signal from the reference sound signal to provide a respective processed signal.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: comparing the respective processed signal to the reference vibration signal; and identifying the convergence point based on a difference between the respective processed signal and the reference vibration signal exceeding a threshold difference.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein setting the one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point comprises setting corresponding coefficient weights of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the corresponding coefficient weights providing the respective processed signal associated with the difference between the respective processed signal and the reference vibration signal exceeding the threshold difference.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: capturing an input signal with the at least one sound sensor and the at least one vibration sensor; operating the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to filter the input signal using the corresponding coefficient weights to provide an additional processed signal; and outputting the additional processed signal to generate an electrical stimulation signal.

12. A method, comprising:receiving, with an implantable vibration sensor and an implantable sound sensor, an uncontrolled body noise calibration signal; and determining one or more parameters of an adaptive body noise cancellation filter based on the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: iteratively adjusting coefficient weights of the adaptive body noise cancellation filter to process the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal and provide a respective processed signal; comparing the respective processed signal to the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal; determining a difference between the respective processed signal and the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal exceeds a threshold difference; and determining corresponding coefficient weights that provide the respective processed signal associated with the difference between the respective processed signal and the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal exceeding the threshold difference as the one or more parameters of the adaptive body noise cancellation filter.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: capturing, with the implantable vibration sensor and the implantable sound sensor, an input signal; operating the adaptive body noise cancellation filter using the corresponding coefficient weights to process the input signal and provide an additional processed signal; and outputting the additional processed signal to generate an output signal for enabling a recipient of the implantable vibration sensor and the implantable sound sensor to perceive sound.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the adaptive body noise cancellation filter comprises a fixed prefilter and an adjustable filter, wherein the one or more parameters of the adaptive body noise cancellation filter are of the fixed prefilter, wherein capturing the input signal comprises capturing an input sound signal and capturing an input vibration signal, and wherein the method further comprises: comparing the additional processed signal to the input vibration signal;adjusting one or more additional parameters of the adjustable fdter based on a difference between the additional processed signal and the input vibration signal; and maintaining the one or more parameters of the fixed prefilter during adjustment of the one or more additional parameters of the adjustable filter.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: capturing, with the implantable vibration sensor and the implantable sound sensor, an additional input sound signal and an additional input vibration signal; operating the adaptive body noise cancellation filter using the one or more parameters of the fixed prefilter to process the input signal and provide a preliminarily processed signal; operating the adaptive body noise cancellation filter using the one or more additional parameters of the adjustable filter adjusted to process the preliminarily processed signal to provide a subsequent processed signal; and outputting the subsequent processed signal to generate an additional output signal for enabling the recipient of the implantable vibration sensor and the implantable sound sensor to perceive sound.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining a ratio of the respective processed signal to the input vibration signal as a vibration signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in response to determining the difference between the respective processed signal and the uncontrolled body noise calibration signal exceeds the threshold difference; determining a ratio of the input sound signal relative to the input vibration signal; determining the ratio of the input sound signal relative to the input vibration signal is less than the vibration SNR; and adjusting the one or more additional parameters of the adjustable filter based on the difference between the additional processed signal and the input vibration signal in response to determining the ratio of the input sound signal relative to the input vibration signal is less than the vibration SNR.

18. An implantable device system, comprising: a sensor array; and an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system configured to:receive an externally-generated body noise reference signal with the sensor array; process the externally-generated body noise reference signal until a convergence point is identified; and establish one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point.

19. The implantable device system of claim 18, wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is configured to: receive an input signal with the sensor array; process the input signal using the one or more parameters to provide a processed signal; and output the processed signal.

20. The implantable device system of claim 19, wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system comprises an adaptation algorithm, and wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is configured to: receive the input signal as an input sound signal and an input vibration signal; compare the processed signal to the input vibration signal via the adaptation algorithm; and adjust one or more additional parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on a difference between the processed signal and the input vibration signal.

21. The implantable device system of claim 20, wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is configured to receive the externally-generated body noise reference signal as an externally-generated sound signal and an externally-generated vibration signal with the sensor array and iteratively process the externally-generated body noise reference signal to remove the externally-generated vibration signal from the externally-generated sound signal.

22. The implantable device system of claim 21, wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is configured to establish the one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system by:processing the externally-generated body noise reference signal during each iteration to provide a respective processed signal; comparing each respective additional processed signal to the input vibration signal; adjusting the one or more parameters in response to each determination that a difference between the respective additional processed signal and the externally-generated vibration signal is above a threshold difference; and establishing the one or more parameters in response to a determination that the one or more parameters provide a corresponding respective processed signal associated with a difference between the corresponding respective processed signal and the externally-generated vibration signal being above the threshold difference.

23. The implantable device system of claim 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22, wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system comprises a fixed prefilter and an adjustable filter, and wherein the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system is configured to: store, at the fixed prefilter, the one or more parameters established based on the convergence point as one or more fixed parameters; receive an input signal with the sensor array; process the input signal using the one or more fixed parameters; process the input signal using one or more adjustable parameters of the adjustable filter; adjust the one or more adjustable parameters of the adjustable filter based on processing of the input signal; and maintaining, at the fixed prefilter, the one or more fixed parameters.

24. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving a reference sound signal and a reference body noise vibration signal; iteratively adjusting one or more coefficient weights of an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system of an implantable device system to remove the reference body noise vibration signal from the reference sound signal until a convergence point is identified; and setting one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system as corresponding one or more coefficient weights of the convergence point.

25. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 24, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving an input sound signal and an input vibration signal; processing the input sound signal based on the one or more parameters to remove the input vibration signal from the input sound signal and provide a processed signal; and outputting the processed signal.

26. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 25, wherein the one or more parameters comprises one or more fixed parameters, and wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: processing the input sound signal based on the one or more fixed parameters and based on one or more adjustable parameters to provide the processed signal; adjusting the one or more adjustable parameters based on a difference between the processed signal and the input vibration signal; and maintaining the one or more fixed parameters.

27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: determining a vibration signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) based on the reference body noise vibration signal; determining a ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal; adjusting the one or more adjustable parameters based on the difference between the processed signal and the input vibration signal in response to determining the ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal is below the vibration SNR; and blocking adjustment of the one or more adjustable parameters based on the difference between the processed signal and the input vibration signal in response to determining the ratio of the input sound signal to the input vibration signal exceeds the vibration SNR.

28. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 27, wherein iteratively adjusting the one or more coefficient weights of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system of the implantable device system provides an initially processed signal at theconvergence point, and wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: determining a ratio of the initially processed signal to the reference body noise vibration signal; and establishing the ratio of the initially processed signal to the reference body noise vibration signal as the vibration SNR to determine the vibration SNR based on the reference body noise vibration signal.

29. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: determining a noise floor; comparing the reference body noise vibration signal to the noise floor; iteratively adjusting the one or more coefficient weights of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system of the implantable device system to remove the reference body noise vibration signal from the reference sound signal until the convergence point is identified in response to determining the reference body noise vibration signal is greater than the noise floor; and blocking iterative adjustment of the one or more coefficient weights of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system of the implantable device system to remove the reference body noise vibration signal from the reference sound signal until the convergence point is identified in response to determining the reference body noise vibration signal is less than the noise floor.

30. A system, comprising: at least one vibration sensor and at least one sound sensor each configured to capture an externally-generated body noise reference signal; one or more processors configured to: operate an implantable adaptive body noise reduction system using the externally-generated body noise reference signal, monitor the operation of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system to identify a convergence point, and set one or more parameters of the implantable adaptive body noise reduction system based on the convergence point.

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