Acoustically-evoked response recording

Abstract

Presented herein are techniques for recording an acoustically-evoked response of a recipient. In particular, an acoustic signal is detected, and at least one acoustically-evoked response of a recipient is recorded in response to detecting the acoustic signal to enable recording of the at least one acoustically-evoked response to be desirably initiated.

Description

Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1ACOUSTICALLY-EVOKED RESPONSE RECORDINGBACKGROUNDTechnical Field[ooot] The present disclosure relates generally to initiating recording of acoustically-evoked responses based on detection of an acoustic signal at one or more sound input devices.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 non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The non- transitory computer-readable medium comprises instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining an acoustic signal received via at least one microphone of an implantable component implanted in a recipient; initiating an acoustically-evoked response recording operation at the implantable component in response to obtaining the acoustic signal; andAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 recording, at the implantable component, at least one acoustically-evoked response evoked in the recipient via the acoustically-evoked response recording operation.

[0005] In another aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises: receiving an acoustic signal via at least one implantable microphone of an implantable medical device configured to be implanted in a recipient; and recording at least one electrocochleography (ECochG) response from the recipient in response to receiving the acoustic signal via the at least one implantable microphone.

[0006] In yet another aspect, an implantable medical device is provided. The implantable medical device comprises: at least one microphone configured to be implanted in a recipient, wherein the at least one microphone is configured to receive an acoustic signal; and one or more processors configured to: compare one or more attributes of the acoustic signal received by the at least one microphone to one or more reference values; and record at least one electrocochleography (ECochG) response from the recipient based on the comparison of the one or more attributes of the acoustic signal to the one or more reference values.

[0007] In a further aspect, a system is provided. The system comprises: an audio output device configured to transmit an acoustic signal; one or more processors communicatively coupled to the audio output device and configured to cause the audio output device to: transmit an initial acoustic signal configured to initiate electrocochleography (ECochG) response recording operations at an implantable medical device configured to be implanted in a recipient; and transmit a subsequent acoustic signal to evoke an ECochG response at an inner ear of the recipient.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cochlear implant system and an acoustically-evoked response monitoring system associated with the cochlear implant system, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;[ooto] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system configured to deliver acoustic signals to a recipient and record acoustically-evoked responses evoked in the recipient in response to the acoustic signals, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1[ooit] FIG. 3 is a graph of an acoustic signal used to initiate an acoustically-evoked response recording operation, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method related to recording of acoustically-evoked responses, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another method related to recording of acoustically-evoked responses, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein; and

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another method related to recording of acoustically-evoked responses, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Auditory / hearing device recipients / users suffer from different types of hearing loss (e.g., conductive and / or sensorineural) and / or different degree s / severity of hearing loss. However, it is now common for many recipients to retain some residual natural hearing ability (residual hearing) after receiving the hearing device. That is, hearing device recipients often retain at least some of their natural ability to hear sounds without the aid of their hearing prosthesis. For example, cochlear implants can now be implanted in a manner that preserves at least some of the recipient’s cochlear hair cells and the natural cochlear function, particularly in the lower frequency regions of the cochlea.

[0016] Presented herein are techniques for delivering acoustic signals to a recipient having some natural function (e.g., some cochlear hair cells) and autonomously recording resulting acoustically-evoked responses (acoustically-evoked response signals), such as electrocochleography (ECochG or ECoG) signals, evoked in / from the recipient. More specifically, in accordance with embodiments presented herein, the acoustically-evoked response recording can be initiated in response to detection of an acoustic signal at one or more sound input devices / sound sensors of a medical device (e.g., an acoustic signal configured to evoke an acoustically-evoked response or another acoustic signal). In certain embodiments, the acoustic signal is detected via / at one or more implantable sound sensors (e.g., one or more implantable microphones).

[0017] As used herein, the acoustically-evoked response (acoustically-evoked signal) can include an ECochG signal that has one or a plurality of different characteristics, such as stimulus related electrical potentials (e.g., a set of ECochG responses) that include a cochlear microphonic (CM), a cochlear summating potential (SP), and an auditory nerve neurophonic (ANN)Zauditory nerve Action Potential (AP), in which these parameters are measured / recordedAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 independently or in various combinations in response to delivery of acoustic signals that include an acoustic stimulus to the inner ear. In general, ECochG signal recording may be completed during acoustic presentation, such as within a short time period (e.g., a few milliseconds (ms)) after the initiating delivery of the acoustic stimuli.

[0018] As noted, presented herein are techniques for recording acoustically-evoked responses based on (in response to) detection of an acoustic signal at one or sound sensors (e.g., microphones) of a medical device. In particular, an acoustic signal is detected at one or sound input devices / sound sensors, and an acoustically-evoked response recording (e.g., ECochG recording) operation is automatically initiated in response to detection of the acoustic signal (e.g., the detection of the acoustic signal by the one or more sound sensors triggers the operations to record the acoustically-evoked responses). During the acoustically-evoked response recording operation, electrical signals evoked in / from the recipient (e.g., as a result of the acoustic signal or additional acoustic signals delivered to the recipient) are recorded. By initiating the acoustically-evoked response recording operation in response to detection of the acoustic signal, acoustically-evoked responses can be recorded desirably (e.g., in overlap with when acoustic signals are being delivered to the recipient to evoke the acoustically-evoked responses) without having to perform an additional or dedicated coordination / synchronization operation (e.g., in real-time, dynamically) to establish desirable timing of the acoustically- evoked response recording operation. Thus, the acoustically-evoked response operation can be more easily and readily implemented. Indeed, the acoustically-evoked response recording operation can be performed autonomously to simplify implementation.

[0019] Although the present disclosure is primarily directed to recording acoustically-evoked ECochG signals evoked in / from the recipient, it should be noted that any suitable neural response / signal associated with acoustically responsive phenomena can be recorded using the techniques discussed herein. Examples of other electrically measured diagnostics evoked from acoustic stimulus include auditory brainstem response (ABR), cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs), auditory steady-state response (ASSR), stapedial reflex, among others. Thus, as used herein, an “acoustically-evoked response” may encompass any of a combination of different electrical signals that are acoustically evoked in / from a recipient in an automatic and involuntary manner.

[0020] There are a number of different types of devices in / with which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Merely for ease of description, the techniques presented herein are primarily described with reference to a specific device in the form of aAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 cochlear implant system. However, it is to be appreciated that the techniques presented herein may 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 acts on an acoustical perception of an individual, including to improve perception of sound signals, to reduce perception of sound signals, etc. In particular, a hearing device can deliver sound signals to a user in any form, including in the form of acoustical stimulation, mechanical stimulation, electrical stimulation, etc., and / or can operate to suppress all or some sound signals. 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.), 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), a hearing protection device, etc. In other examples, the techniques presented herein can be implemented by, or used in conjunction with, various other implantable medical devices and the descriptions herein related to hearing devices is merely illustrative.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example cochlear implant system 102 with which aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented, along with an acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180. In this example, the cochlearimplant system 102 comprises an external component 104 that is configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the body of the recipient, and an intemal / implantable component 112 that is configured to be implanted in or worn on the head of the recipient. The external component 104 comprises a sound processing unit 106, while the implantable component 112 includes an internal coil 114, a stimulator unit 142 and an elongate stimulating assembly (electrode array) 116 implanted in the recipient’s cochlea. The implantable component 112 is sometimes referred to as a “cochlear implant.”

[0022] As noted, the external component 104 includes a sound processing unit 106, which comprises one or more input devices 113 that are configured to receive input signals (e.g., sound or data signals). In the example of FIG. 1, the one or more input devices 113 include one or more sound input devices 118 (e.g., microphones, audio input ports, telecoils, etc.), one or more auxiliary input devices 119 (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 wirelessAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 transmitter / receiver (transceiver) 120. However, it is to be appreciated that one or more input devices 113 can include additional types of input devices and / or less input devices (e.g., one or more auxiliary input devices 119 could be omitted).

[0023] The sound processing unit 106 also comprises one type of a closely-coupled transmitter / receiver (transceiver) 122, referred to as or radio-frequency (RF) interface transceiver 122, a power source 123, and a processing module 124. The processing module 124 comprises one or more processors 125 and a memory 126 that includes sound processing logic. In accordance with certain aspects presented herein, the processor(s) 125 execute instructions stored on the memory 126 to instruct the RF interface transceiver 122 to communicate with the implantable component 112 (e.g., to receive ECochG signal data from the implantable component 112 via the external coil 108), and / or the processor(s) 125 execute instructions stored on the memory 126 to instruct the wireless transceiver 120 to communicate with the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 (e.g., to forward acoustically-evoked response data to the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180). In some embodiments, the sound processing unit 106 includes one or more input devices 113, including one or more sound input devices 118 and / or one or more auxiliary input devices 119, which can receive data (e.g., sound data) used to operate the sound processing unit 106, such as to communicate with the implantable component 112 and / or with the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180.

[0024] In the examples of FIG. 1, the sound processing unit 106 can be an off-the-ear (OTE) sound processing units (i.e., component having a generally cylindrical shape and which is configured to be magnetically coupled to the recipient’s head), etc. However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by sound processing units having other arrangements, such as by a behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processing unit configured to be attached to and worn adjacent to the recipient’s ear, including a mini or micro-BTE unit, an in-the-canal unit that is configured to be located in the recipient’s ear canal, a body-worn sound processing unit, etc.

[0025] Although the cochlear implant 102 includes the external sound processing unit 106 and the implantable component 112, as described below, the implantable component 112 can operate independently from the sound processing unit 106, for at least a period, to stimulate the user. For example, the implantable component 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 theAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 user. The implantable component 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 implantable component 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 implantable component 112 captures sound signals itself via one or more implantable sound sensors 155 and then uses those sound signals as the basis for delivering stimulation signals to the user. Further details regarding operation of the implantable component 112 in the external hearing mode are provided below, followed by details regarding operation of the implantable component 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 implantable component 112 could also operate in alternative modes.

[0026] 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 (tissue) 115 of the recipient. The implant body 134 generally comprises a hermetically-sealed housing 138 in which RF interface circuitry 140, at least one rechargeable battery 143, an implantable sound processing module 158, and the stimulator unit 142 are disposed. One or more implantable sound sensors 155 can be disposed, in, one, or electrically connected to the implant body 134. 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. 1).

[0027] As noted, stimulating assembly 116 is configured to be at least partially implanted in the recipient’s cochlea. Stimulating assembly 116 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced intra-cochlear electrical stimulating contacts (electrodes) 144 that collectively form a contact or electrode array 146 for delivery of electrical stimulation (current) to the recipient’s cochlea.

[0028] 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. 1). Lead region 136 includes a plurality of conductors (wires) that electrically couple the electrodes 144 to the stimulator unit 142.

[0029] As noted, the cochlear implant 102 includes the external coil 108 and the implantable coil 114. The coils 108 and 114 are typically wire antenna coils each comprised of multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire. Generally, aAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 magnet is fixed relative to each of the external coil 108 and the implantable coil 114. The magnets fixed relative to the external coil 108 and the implantable coil 114 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, as well as possibly power, to the implantable component 112 via a closely-coupled wireless link formed between the external coil 108 with the implantable coil 114. In certain examples, the closely-coupled wireless link is a radio frequency (RF) link. However, various other types of energy transfer, such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive, and inductive transfer, may be used to transfer the power and / or data from an external component to an implantable component and, as such, FIG. 1 illustrates only one example arrangement.

[0030] As noted above, sound processing unit 106 includes the processing module 124. In an external hearing mode, the processing module 124 is configured to convert received input signals (received at one or more of the input devices 113) into output signals 145 for use in stimulating a first ear of a recipient (i.e., the processing module 124 is configured to perform sound processing on input signals received at the sound processing unit 106). Stated differently, in the external sound processing mode, the one or more processors 125 are configured to execute sound processing logic stored, for example, in memory 126 to convert the received input signals into output signals 145 that represent electrical stimulation for delivery to the recipient.

[0031] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the output signals 145 are provided to the RF interface transceiver 122, which transcutaneously transfers the output signals 145 (e.g., in an encoded manner) to the implantable component 112 via external coil 108 and implantable coil 114. That is, the output signals 145 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 signals 145 to generate electrical stimulation signals (e.g., current signals) for delivery to the recipient’s cochlea via one or more stimulating contacts 144. In this way, cochlear implant 102 electrically stimulates the recipient’s auditory nerve cells, bypassing absent or defective hair cells that normally transduce acoustic vibrations into neural activity, in a manner that causes the recipient to perceive one or more components of the received sound signals.

[0032] Additionally, the electrodes 144 are configured to record acoustically-evoked responses, such as ECochG signals, from the cochlea, and the RF interface circuitry 140 is configured to direct the recorded acoustically-evoked responses to the sound processing unit 106 (or directly to and to the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180. However,Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 in certain embodiments, the acoustically-evoked responses are recorded using an external component, such as an electrode positioned external to the recipient (e.g., on the scalp of the recipient) and / or another suitable recording device.

[0033] As detailed above, in the external hearing mode, the implantable component 112 receives processed sound signals from the sound processing unit 106. However, in the invisible hearing mode, the implantable component 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. 1, an example embodiment of the implantable component 112 can include one or more implantable sound sensors 155, and an implantable sound processing module 158. 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 may comprise any one or more of: Non-Volatile Memory (NVM), Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM), read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical / tangible memory storage devices. The one or more processors are, for example, microprocessors or microcontrollers that execute instructions for the sound processing logic stored in memory device.

[0034] In the invisible hearing mode, one or more implantable sound sensors 155 are configured to detect / capture input sound signals (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 into output control signals 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 the implantable sound processing module 158 are configured to execute sound processing logic in memory to convert the received input sound signals into output control signals that are 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, thereby bypassing the absent or defective hair cells that normally transduce acoustic vibrations into neural activity.

[0035] 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 102 could operate differently in different embodiments. For example, in one alternativeAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 implementation of the external hearing mode, the one or more implantable sound sensors 155 could use signals captured by the sound input devices 118 and the one or more implantable sound sensors 155 in generating stimulation signals for delivery to the user. 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) can be performed by a processor within the implantable component 112.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the external component 104 could be temporarily or permanently replaced by a dedicated charging device that is configured to only or primarily provide power / charging signals (power) to the implantable component 112. As used herein, the term “charging device” or “charger” is to be construed as any device that is configured to transfer power to an implantable component, regardless of the other capabilities of the device. For example, as used herein, a “charging device” or “charger” could be a sound processing unit that transfers both processed data and power to an implantable component, or dedicated device that transfers only or primarily power to an implantable component, etc.

[0037] It is to be appreciated that the arrangement of cochlear implant system 102, as shown in FIG. 1, is merely illustrative and that the cochlear implant system 102 could have different arrangements. For example, in certain embodiments, the implantable component 112 could include a wireless transceiver that is similar to the wireless transceivers 120.

[0038] Returning to the example of FIG. 1, the cochlear implant system 102 operates with an acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180. The acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 could be implemented by an suitable computing system, environment, or configuration including, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld devices, laptop devices, desktop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics (e.g., smart phones), remote control units, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, tablets, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. The acoustically- evoked response monitoring system 180 and the cochlear implant system 102 (e.g., a sound processing unit 106 and / or the implantable component 112) communicate via a wireless communication link, such as a short-range communication (e.g., a Bluetooth link, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) link, a proprietary link, etc.), and / or via a wired connection.

[0039] In certain examples, the sound processing unit 106 is also used for communication between the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 and the implantableAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 component 112. Therefore, during a surgical procedure, the sound processing unit 106 could be replaced by any other device that is able to communicate with the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 and the implantable component 112. In certain embodiments, the sound processing unit 106 could be a so-called “surgical processor” having less capabilities (e.g., no sound processing logic, etc.). In various embodiments, the communication between the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 and the sound processing unit 106, or another device operating in place of the sound processing unit 106, could be established via a wireless or wired connection.

[0040] As noted, although FIG. 1 illustrates the sound processing unit 106 as being separate from the implantable component 112, in some embodiments, the functions described above with reference to sound processing unit 106 could alternatively be implemented implantable component 112 (e.g., in the case of a totally implantable cochlear implant system). Thus, the implantable component 112 is configured to receive data (e.g., via the one or more sound sensors 155) to generate electrical stimulation signals for delivery to the recipient. In such embodiments, the implantable component 112 is configured to communicate directly (e.g., via a wireless connection) with the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180. In additional or alternative embodiments, the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 is implemented as a part of the sound processing unit 106 and / or the implantable component 112 instead of as its own separate device.

[0041] In any case, the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 includes a user interface 181, one or more processors 182, anetwork interface (e.g., wireless module) 183, and a memory device (memory) 184 storing acoustically-evoked response monitoring logic 185. The acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 can also include other components, such as a system bus, component interfaces, a graphics system, a power source (e.g., a battery), among other components. The memory device 184 may include any one or more of: Non- Volatile Memory (NVM), Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM), read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical / tangible memory storage devices. The memory 184 can store, among other things, instructions executable by the processors 182 to implement applications or cause performance of operations described herein, as well as other data. The one or more processors 182 are, for example, microprocessors, microcontrollers, or any other firmware elements, partially or fully implemented with digital logic gates in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), partially or fully inAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 software, etc. configured to execute instructions associated with the acoustically-evoked response monitoring logic 185.

[0042] The network interface 183 enables communication with the external component 104 and / or the cochlear implant 112. For example, the network interface 183 can include a wireless module that is similar to wireless transceiver 120 for wireless communication with the external component 104 (or cochlear implant 112, if enabled with a wireless module). Additionally or alternatively, the network interface 183 can provide wired network access. The network interface 183 can support one or more of a variety of communication technologies and protocols, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, near-field communication, and RF, among others. The network interface 183 can include one or more antennas and associated components configured for wireless communication according to one or more wireless communication technologies and protocols.

[0043] The user interface 181 includes, for example, one or more input devices over which the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 receives input from a user and / or one or more output devices by which the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 is able to provide output to a user. The one or more input devices can include physically-actuatable user-interface elements (e.g., buttons, switches, or dials), touch screens, keyboards, mice, pens, and voice input devices, among others input devices configured to receive a user input. The one or more output devices can include displays, speakers, and printers, among other output devices for presentation of feedback (e.g., visual, audible, or tactile information) to the recipient, a clinician, an audiologist, and / or other user.

[0044] It is to be appreciated that the arrangement for the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 shown in FIG. 1 is merely illustrative and that aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented at a number of different types of systems / devices including any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to perform the functions described herein. For example, the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 can be a personal computer (e.g., a desktop or laptop computer), a hand-held device (e.g., a tablet computer), a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), a surgical system, and / or any other electronic device having the capabilities to perform the associated operations described elsewhere herein.

[0045] In accordance with embodiments presented herein, the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 is configured to record electrical signals from a recording site, such asAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 while the stimulating assembly 116 is inserted into the recipient’s cochlea. More specifically, the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 is configured to use the electrodes 144 of the electrode array 146 to capture acoustically-evoked responses from the recipient (e.g., from the cochlea, auditory brainstem, etc.).

[0046] In a normal or fully functional ear, an acoustic pressure or sound wave (i.e., a sound signal) is collected by the outer ear and channeled into and through the ear canal. Disposed across the distal end of ear cannel is a tympanic membrane that vibrates in response to a sound wave. This vibration is coupled to the oval window through three bones of middle ear. The middle ear bones serve to filter and amplify sound wave, causing the oval window to articulate, or vibrate, in response to vibration of tympanic membrane. This vibration sets up waves of fluid motion of a perilymph within the cochlea to activate the cochlea hair cells. Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be generated and transferred through the recipient’s spiral ganglion cells and auditory nerve to the brain where the nerve impulses are perceived as sound.

[0047] As noted above, it is common for hearing device recipients to retain at least part of their normal hearing functionality (i.e., retain at least some residual hearing). Therefore, the cochlea of a hearing device recipient can be acoustically stimulated upon delivery of a sound signal to the recipient’s outer ear. In accordance with embodiments presented herein, this residual hearing function is leveraged by the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 to record acoustically-evoked responses from the cochlea of the recipient. For example, acoustic stimuli are delivered to the recipient’s cochlea, and the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 records (via the cochlear implant system 102) one or more acoustically- evoked response evoked in / from the recipient in response to the acoustic stimulus. As used herein, acoustic stimuli refer to any type of stimulation that is delivered in a manner so as to set up waves of fluid motion of the perilymph within the cochlea that, in turn, activates the hair cells inside of the cochlea. As such, acoustic stimuli for performance of an acoustically-evoked response recording in accordance with embodiments presented herein may be delivered via a recipient’s normal hearing functionality, via an acoustic transducer, via a mechanical transducer, a combination thereof, etc. Although the present disclosure primarily discusses recording acoustically-evoked responses from a recipient of an implantable device, acoustically-evoked responses can be recorded for any other suitable implementations. For example, acoustically-evoked responses can be recorded for a recipient during a surgical procedure (e.g., prior to the implantable device being implanted in the recipient) and / or for aAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 recipient that is to receive an external hearing device (e.g., by using promontory electrodes that are external to the recipient to record acoustically-evoked responses).

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which an acoustic transducer 189 delivers an acoustic stimulus 187 to the cochlea of the recipient. The acoustic transducer 189 can take any of a number of different forms. For example, the acoustic transducer 189 could be an in-the- ear (ITE) device (e.g., earbud) that is positioned within an ear canal of the recipient (e.g., as a separate component from the external component 104 and from the cochlear implant 112). Alternatively, the acoustic transducer 189 could be a stand-alone component that is in wired or wireless connection to, for example, the sound processing unit 106. In one example, the acoustic transducer 189 is a component of a hearing aid. In further embodiments, the acoustic transducer 189 can be an independent, dedicated audio emitter, such as a computer speaker, a Bluetooth speaker, a soundbar, and so forth.

[0049] FIG. 1 also illustrates that the cochlear implant 112 includes a recording module 188 that is configured to record acoustically-evoked responses induced in the cochlea by the acoustic stimulus 187. The recording module 188 can include, for example, sense amplifiers configured to digitally record acoustically-evoked response presented on an input line connected to one or more of the electrodes 144. Data recorded by the sense amplifiers can, in certain embodiments, be stored in a buffer. In some embodiments, the recording module 188 can repeatedly and continually record acoustically-evoked responses, such as at a higher rate, because the recording module 188 is a part of the cochlear implant 112, rather than a separate component communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant through a communication link.

[0050] As an example, the RF interfaces 122, 140 cooperate to provide acoustically-evoked responses data (e.g., the captured signals, data associated with the captured responses, such as recording position and / or time information) to the sound processing unit 106, where the acoustically-evoked response data is then provided to the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180. The acoustically-evoked response data is generally represented in FIG. 1 by arrows 190. The processors 182 then process the acoustically-evoked response data to generate an output signal (e.g., control signal for a surgical robot, to generate a visual or audible output, etc.). In additional or alternative embodiments, the acoustically-evoked response monitoring system 180 receives acoustically-evoked response data (e.g., processed responses, unprocessed responses, etc.) directly from the implantable component 112 (e.g., in a totally implantable cochlear implant system 102), such as via a wireless communication link (e.g., via a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) communication, such as Bluetooth; magnetic induction).Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1

[0051] As noted, operation to record acoustically-evoked responses can be initiated in response to detection of an acoustic signal. As an example, operation of the acoustic transducer 189 is controlled independently from operation of the recording module 188 (e.g., the acoustic transducer 189 and the recording module 188 do not communicate with one another outside of the acoustic tone(s) to initiate an acoustically-evoked response recording operation, such as an ECochG signal recording operation, with acoustic signal delivery). In such implementations, it remains desirable to record acoustically-evoked responses while acoustic signals are delivered to the recipient. For instance, initiating acoustically-evoked response recording operations in response to detecting an acoustic signal can enable acoustically-evoked responses to be recorded in this manner and without having to implement an additional operation dedicated to dynamically coordinate acoustically-evoked response recording and acoustic signal delivery in real-time.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system 200 configured to deliver acoustic signals to a recipient and record resulting acoustically-evoked responses evoked in / by a recipient 201. The system 200 includes a cochlear implant system 202 (e.g., a totally implantable cochlear implant system that does not include an external component, such as an external sound processor) implanted in the recipient 201. The cochlear implant system 202 includes a processor 204, which performs acoustically-evoked response recording functions (e.g., as described above) via electrodes 244 and stores recorded acoustically-evoked responses (e.g., in a buffer), and one or more implantable sound sensors 255 (e.g., one or more implantable microphones) communicatively coupled to the processor 204.

[0053] The system 200 also includes an acoustic transducer 289 (e.g., a speaker). The acoustic transducer 289 is configured to output an acoustic stimulus 287 for delivery to the recipient 201. In some embodiments, the system 200 includes a computing device 207 (e.g., a laptop computer, a tablet) that is external to the cochlear implant system 102 and is configured to control operation of the acoustic transducer 289, such as to initiate operation to deliver the acoustic stimulus 287 to the recipient 201. For example, the computing device 207 is communicatively coupled to the acoustic transducer 289 via a wired or wireless communication link 210 (e.g., a Bluetooth link, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) link, a proprietary link). Additionally or alternatively, the acoustic transducer 289 is configured to initiate operation to deliver the acoustic stimulus 287 to the recipient 201 in response to a user input, such as an interaction between a user (e.g., a clinician) and the acoustic transducer 289 or a device (e.g., the computing device 207, a mobile device) communicatively coupled to the acousticAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 transducer 289. The recipient 201 receives the acoustic stimulus 287, which evokes an acoustically-evoked response (e.g., an ECochG response) 208 from the recipient. It is desirable for the processor 204 to record the evoked acoustically-evoked response 208.

[0054] However, operation of the acoustic transducer 289 to deliver the acoustic stimulus 287 and operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically-evoked responses are not actively coordinated with one another (e.g., outside from the use of the acoustic tone to initiate acoustically-evoked response recording, as described elsewhere herein). As an example, the computing device 207 is not communicatively coupled to the processor 204 of the cochlear implant system 202 or the computing device 207 is communicatively coupled to the processor 204 via a communication link 212 that is separate and unrelated to the communication link 210. Additionally or alternatively, the acoustic transducer 289 and the cochlear implant system 202 are not communicatively coupled to one another (e.g., via a sound processor that controls both the acoustic transducer and the cochlear implant system 202). In either case, correspondence between timing of the operation of the acoustic transducer 289 to deliver the acoustic stimulus 287 to evoke the acoustically-evoked response 208 and timing of the operation of the processor 204 to record the evoked acoustically-evoked response 208 is not directly established (e.g., there is no control signal other than the acoustic stimulus 287). For instance, operation of the acoustic transducer 289 and of the processor 204 can be separately initiated (e.g., a control signal used to initiate operation of the acoustic transducer 289 to deliver the acoustic stimulus 287 does not directly initiate operation of the processor 204 to record the acoustically-evoked responses).

[0055] Such an arrangement in which recording operation of the processor 204 is separate from operation of the acoustic transducer 289 can enable the cochlear implant system 202 and the acoustic transducer 289 to be more easily implemented. As an example, separate components (e.g., components that do not use the same software and / or that do not communicate with one another) can be used to deliver the acoustic stimulus 287 and to record the acoustically-evoked responses, respectively. As another example, the cochlear implant system 202 can be readily implanted in the recipient 201 without having to modify a control scheme of the cochlear implant system 202 (e.g., to communicate with the acoustic transducer 289 and / or with the computing device 207 or otherwise to coordinate operation with the acoustic transducer 289). As a further example, the cochlear implant system 202 and / or the acoustic transducer 289 can be isolated from the computing device 207 (e.g., by isolating the recipient 201 using protective shielding, such as drapes) without deteriorating the communication links 210, 212.Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1

[0056] For this reason, to enable the processor 204 to record the acoustically-evoked response 208, operation of the acoustic transducer 289 indirectly initiates operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically-evoked responses. In particular, the acoustic stimulus 287 delivered by the acoustic transducer 289 initiates operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically- evoked responses. That is, the one or more implantable sound sensors 255 receive the acoustic stimulus 287 (e.g., concurrent to the recipient 201 receiving the acoustic stimulus 287) and transmit a signal to the processor 204 in response to indicate receipt of the acoustic stimulus 287.

[0057] The signal sent from the one or more implantable sound sensors 255 causes the processor 204 to initiate / begin recording acoustically-evoked responses. Therefore, the processor 204 is able to record the acoustically-evoked response 208 evoked in response to the acoustic stimulus 287. In this manner, the acoustic stimulus 287 evokes the acoustically-evoked response 208 from the recipient 201 and initiates operation of the processor 204 to record the evoked acoustically-evoked response 208. Thus, even though operation of the acoustic transducer 289 and operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically-evoked responses are separately initiated and are therefore not in direct (e.g., real-time, dynamic) coordination with one another, the processor 204 is able to record acoustically-evoked responses while the acoustic transducer 289 delivers the acoustic stimulus 287 to evoke the acoustically-evoked response 208. Consequently, the processor 204 is able to record the acoustically-evoked response 208 evoked by the acoustic stimulus 287 delivered during operation of the acoustic transducer 289. Indeed, operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically-evoked responses can be readily initiated after the computing device 207 communicates with the acoustic transducer 289 (e.g., and without the computing device 207 also having to communicate with the processor 204). Accordingly, an ease of initiating operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically-evoked responses is improved, such as without having to maintain the communication link 212 between the computing device 207 and the processor 204.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cochlear implant system 202 is configured to transition between an acoustically-evoked response recording mode and a non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode (e.g., from the acoustically-evoked response recording mode to the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode, from the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode to the acoustically-evoked response recording mode). In the acoustically- evoked response recording mode, the processor 204 is configured to record acoustically- evoked responses. In the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode, recording ofAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 acoustically-evoked responses by the processor 204 is suspended. By way of example, the cochlear implant system 202 is initially in the non-acoustically-evoked response mode while being implanted in the recipient. The cochlear implant system 202 then transitions from the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode to the acoustically-evoked response recording mode in response to detecting the acoustic stimulus 287. In certain embodiments, the cochlear implant system 202 is also configured to transition between an inactive non- acoustically-evoked response mode and an active non-acoustically-evoked response mode. In the inactive non-acoustically-evoked response mode, the cochlear implant system 202 is not configured to transition from the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode to the acoustically-evoked response recording mode, in response to detecting the acoustic stimulus 287 or otherwise. That is, even upon receipt of the acoustic stimulus 287, the cochlear implant system 202 will not begin recording acoustically-evoked responses while in the inactive non- acoustically-evoked response mode. For example, the cochlear implant system 202 is configured to operate in the inactive non-acoustically-evoked response mode to avoid unintentional initiation of acoustically-evoked response recording (e.g., prior to implantation of the cochlear implant system 202 in the recipient). In the active non-acoustically-evoked response mode, the cochlear implant system 202 is configured to transition from the non- acoustically-evoked response mode to the acoustically-evoked response mode in response to detecting the acoustic stimulus 287. In an example embodiment, the cochlear implant system 202 is configured to transition from the inactive non-acoustically-evoked response mode to the active non-acoustically-evoked response mode (and vice versa) in response to receipt of a control signal (e.g., from the computing device 207 configured to initiate operation to deliver the acoustic stimulus 287; from a computing device different from the computing device 207) and / or from a user input (e.g., an interaction between a user, such as a clinician).

[0059] After recording the acoustically-evoked response 208 (or multiple acoustically-evoked responses 208), the cochlear implant system 202 transitions from the acoustically-evoked response recording mode to the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode. For instance, the cochlear implant system 202 transitions from the acoustically-evoked response recording mode to the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode after a threshold period of time of operation in the acoustically-evoked response recording mode has elapsed and / or after a threshold quantity of acoustically-evoked responses 208 have been recorded. In certain embodiments, the cochlear implant system 202 provides a notification (e.g., by communicating with the computing device 207) to indicate the acoustically-evoked responseAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1208 has been successfully recorded and that the cochlear implant system 202 has transitioned to the acoustically-evoked response recording mode.

[0060] Additionally, in some implementations, the cochlear implant system 202 is configured to initiate the acoustically-evoked response recording operation at a predetermined period of time after detecting the acoustic stimulus 287. For example, there is generally some latency between delivery of the acoustic stimulus 287 by the acoustic transducer 289 and evoking of the acoustically-evoked response 208 by the recipient 201 (e.g., due to a delay caused by atime of travel of the acoustic stimulus 287 from the acoustic transducer 289 to the recipient 201 and / or by an amount of time for anatomical structure of the recipient 201 to generate the acoustically-evoked response 208 in response to the acoustic stimulus 287). Initiating the acoustically-evoked response recording operation to accommodate such a latency can avoid an operation that attempts to record an acoustically-evoked response while no acoustically-evoked response 208 is being evoked (e.g., prior to the recipient 201 evoking the acoustically-evoked response 208). To this end, the cochlear implant system 202 includes or otherwise utilizes a first clock 214 used to monitor an elapse of time, such as a time elapsed since the acoustic stimulus 287 has been detected / received by the one or more implantable sound sensors 255 and / or otherwise obtained by the processor 204.

[0061] Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the same acoustic stimulus 287 is used to evoke the acoustically-evoked response 208 from the recipient 201 and to initiate operation of the processor 204 to record the acoustically-evoked response 208, in some embodiments, different acoustic signals can be used. For example, the acoustic transducer 289 is configured to output an initial acoustic signal (trigger signal) that, upon detection thereof, is configured to initiate operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically-evoked responses (e.g., the initial acoustic signal is not intended to evoke the acoustically-evoked response 208 from the recipient 201), and the acoustic transducer 289 is then configured to output a subsequent acoustic signal to evoke the acoustically-evoked response 208 from the recipient 201. Indeed, the initial acoustic signal can have substantially different attributes from those of the subsequent acoustic signal such that the initial acoustic signal avoids evoking an acoustically-evoked response from the recipient 201 and / or such that the subsequent acoustic signal better evokes an acoustically- evoked response from the recipient 201.

[0062] By way of example, the initial acoustic signal can be a high intensity transient sound (e.g., a sound that has a very abrupt change from low amplitude to high amplitude, in other words a very steep slope and an overall short duration), whereas the subsequent acoustic signalAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 can include a relatively consistent tone and / or a tone that changes more slowly from low amplitude to high amplitude and that continues for an extended duration of time. The subsequent acoustic signal can additionally or alternatively also include a high intensity transient sound that has properties that are sufficiently different from those of the initial acoustic signal. In either of such embodiments, there can be an amount (e.g., predetermined amount) of time that elapses between when the acoustic transducer 289 outputs the initial acoustic signal and when the acoustic transducer 289 outputs the subsequent acoustic signal. In other words, the acoustic transducer 289 outputs the initial acoustic signal, then after the amount of time has elapsed since outputting the initial acoustic signal, the acoustic transducer 289 outputs the subsequent acoustic signal. To this end, the acoustic transducer 289 includes or otherwise utilizes a second clock 216 to monitor an elapse of time, such as an amount of time elapsed since the acoustic transducer 289 output the initial acoustic signal. In certain examples, the first clock 214 and the second clock 216 are synchronized (e.g., to monitor corresponding passings of time) to coordinate the cochlear implant system 202 and the acoustic transducer 289 to operate in conjunction with one another to record acoustically-evoked responses desirably as they are evoked via acoustic stimuli. In some embodiments, the first clock 214 and the second clock 216 can utilize precise timing (e.g., based on accurate time bases, such as crystals) to provide sufficient synchronization that enables the acoustically- evoked responses to be recorded desirably as they are evoked, such as without having to also analyze characteristics of acoustic signals to verify that acoustically-evoked responses are being desirably evoked.

[0063] As an example, in certain embodiments, the acoustic transducer 289 is configured to deliver additional acoustic signals (e.g., tones that are not intended to evoke acoustically- evoked responses) between the initial acoustic signal that indicates the acoustically-evoked response recording operation of the processor 204 is to be initiated and the subsequent acoustic signal that evokes the acoustically-evoked response 208 from the recipient 201. In other words, the subsequent acoustic signal may not immediately follow the initial acoustic signal. However, with implementation of a predetermined time delay between receipt of the initial acoustic signal and the operation to record acoustically-evoked responses, the processor 204 can avoid undesirably recording any responses (e.g., non-target acoustically-evoked responses) that may have been evoked by the additional acoustic signals. Therefore, by avoiding initiation of the acoustically-evoked response recording operation until the predetermined period of time afterAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 detecting the initial acoustic signal has elapsed, evoked responses (e.g., a target acoustically- evoked response 208) can be better recorded.

[0064] For this reason, the cochlear implant system 202 is also configured to initiate the acoustically-evoked response recording operation a period of time (e.g., predetermined period of time) after detecting the initial acoustic signal to accommodate the threshold amount of time between output of the initial acoustic signal and output of the subsequent acoustic signal. That is, the one or more implantable sound sensors 255 initially receive the initial acoustic signal output by the acoustic transducer 289, but operation of the processor 204 to record acoustically- evoked responses does not initiate until the period of time has elapsed, at which the acoustically-evoked response 208 is more likely to have been evoked in response to the subsequent acoustic signal output by the acoustic transducer 289. For instance, the predetermined period of time is slightly greater than the threshold amount of time to additionally accommodate latency associated with the recipient 201 evoking the acoustically- evoked response 208 after receiving the subsequent acoustic signal. Therefore, the cochlear implant system 202 can more closely initiate acoustically-evoked response recording operations when the acoustically-evoked response 208 is expected to be evoked in response to an acoustic stimulus output (e.g., the acoustic stimulus 287) by the acoustic transducer 289, thereby improving operation to record the acoustically-evoked response 208 (e.g., by avoiding acoustically-evoked response operations when no acoustically-evoked response 208 is being evoked).

[0065] Further still, the computing device 207 is also configured to control the acoustically- evoked response recording operation of the processor 204 in some implementations. As an example, the computing device 207 is configured to transmit a signal to the processor 204 via the communication link 212 to cause the processor 204 to initiate the acoustically-evoked response recording operation based on a user input even though the acoustic stimulus 287 has not been detected (e.g., to override initiating the acoustically-evoked response recording operation in response to the acoustic stimulus 287). In this manner, the acoustically-evoked response recording operation of the processor 204 can be initiated regardless of whether the acoustic stimulus 287 is detected. The computing device 207 can also be configured to suspend the acoustically-evoked response recording operation, such as based on a user input. Enabling operational control of the processor 204 via the computing device 207 can provide increased flexibility of operation of the processor 204.Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1

[0066] FIG. 3 is a graph 300 illustrating an example acoustic signal 302 (e.g., output by the acoustic transducer 289) used to indicate to the cochlear implant system 202 that acoustically- evoked response recording operations are to be initiated. That is, detection of the acoustic signal 302 is configured to trigger / cause the cochlear implant system 202 to record acoustically-evoked responses. The acoustic signal 302 is graphically represents vibrations of air, which cause constant loudness of sound, over a period of time.

[0067] In the example of FIG. 3, following initiation, the acoustic signal 302 reaches a high peak amplitude 304 within a short period of time, such as less than 0.5 milliseconds (ms) (e.g., approximately 0.25 ms). Thus, in this example, the time between the high peak amplitude 304 and a low peak amplitude 306 is approximately 0.5 ms, and the acoustic signal 302 can have a frequency of 1 kHz.

[0068] It is to be appreciated that the example of FIG. 3 is merely illustrative of one high intensity transient sound that can be used in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. In other examples, the initial acoustic signal 302 can have different attributes (e.g., different duration, different peak timing, etc.).

[0069] As noted, in certain embodiments, the acoustic signal 302 is an initial acoustic signal that is used to trigger / cause the cochlear implant system 202 to record acoustically-evoked responses but not to evoke desirable acoustically-evoked responses from the recipient. For example, the acoustic signal 302 indicates that a subsequent acoustic signal will be output at a later time to evoke the desirable acoustically-evoked responses to be recorded. In such embodiments, a characteristic (e.g., frequency, duration of time, amplitude) of the acoustic signal 302 is substantially different from that of the subsequent acoustic signal used to evoke an acoustically-evoked response. For instance, as compared to the subsequent acoustic signal, the frequency of the acoustic signal 302 is substantially higher and / or the duration of the acoustic signal 302 is substantially shorter. Moreover, in such embodiments, it should be noted that there can be other acoustic signals output between the acoustic signal 302 and the subsequent acoustic signal. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the acoustic signal 302 is also configured to evoke acoustically-evoked responses from the recipient.

[0070] In either case, an attribute of the acoustic signal 302 can be a reference value that indicates acoustically-evoked response recording operations are to be initiated. That is, for example, the processor 204 can compare (e.g., in an active non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode) an attribute of a detected acoustic signal to the reference value of the acousticAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 signal 302 to determine whether acoustically-evoked response recording operations are to be initiated. As an example, the processor 204 can compare an amplitude of the detected acoustic signal to the high peak amplitude 304 of the acoustic signal 302 and initiate acoustically- evoked response recording operations in response to determining the amplitude of the detected acoustic signal exceeds the high peak amplitude 304 (or some other similar threshold) of the acoustic signal 302. As another example, the processor 204 can compare a frequency of the detected acoustic signal to a frequency of the acoustic signal 302 and initiate acoustically- evoked response recording operations in response to determining the frequency of the detected acoustic signal substantially matches the frequency of the acoustic signal 302 (e.g., a difference between the frequency of the detected acoustic signal and the frequency of the acoustic signal 302 is below a threshold). As a further example, the processor 204 can compare an overall shape of the detected acoustic signal to an overall shape of the acoustic signal 302 and initiate acoustically-evoked response recording operations in response to determining the overall shape of the detected acoustic signal substantially matches the overall shape of the acoustic signal 302 (e.g., a difference between the overall shape of the detected acoustic signal and the overall shape of the acoustic signal 302 is below a threshold).

[0071] In this manner, the processor 204 can initiate acoustically-evoked response recording operations more desirably, such as upon a more definitive indication (e.g., by the acoustic signal 302) that desirable acoustically-evoked responses are to be evoked in / from the recipient, thereby avoiding a potential acoustically-evoked response recording operation while no desirable acoustically-evoked responses are being evoked in / from the recipient. By way of example, such operation of the processor 204 based on comparison to the acoustic signal 302 can avoid initiating acoustically-evoked response recording operations in response to an environmental sound or other inadvertent acoustic signal that does not intend to indicate that desirable acoustically-evoked responses are being evoked in / from the recipient.

[0072] In certain embodiments, a calibration process is performed to program the cochlear implant system 102 to establish the acoustic signal 302 as the reference signal. By way of example, during the calibration process, data regarding the reference signal is provided to indicate when an acoustically-evoked response recording operation is to initiate. For instance, such data indicates an attribute (e.g., an amplitude, a frequency, an overall shape) of the acoustic signal 302 is indicative of initiating the acoustically-evoked response recording operation, and the attribute is used as a reference value for comparison to determine whether the acoustically-evoked response recording operation is to be initiated. Therefore, theAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 calibration process enables the acoustically-evoked response recording operation to be more selectively initiated, such as to avoid undesirably attempting to record acoustically-evoked responses when acoustic stimuli are not provided to the recipient.

[0073] In such embodiments, the acoustic signal 302 can also be used to indicate a particular location at which acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded. For example, different acoustic signals can evoke acoustically-evoked responses at different locations (e.g., different parts of the cochlea) within the recipient. Therefore, it is desirable for acoustically-evoked responses to be recorded at the particular locations within the cochlea at or adjacent to where the acoustically-evoked responses are being evoked. As an example, acoustic signals having a first frequency evoke acoustically-evoked responses at a more basilar part of the cochlea, whereas acoustic signals having a second frequency evoke acoustically-evoked responses at a more apical part of the cochlea. The acoustic signal 302 can be used to determine the target location where the acoustically-evoked responses are to be evoked and to, therefore, initiate operations to record the acoustically-evoked responses at the target location, such as via an electrode positioned at or adjacent to the target location. By way of example, an attribute (e.g., a frequency, an amplitude, an overall shape) of the acoustic signal 302 can indicate the target location. Thus, different acoustic signals 302, each having a different attribute, can indicate different locations where acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded. In this way, acoustically-evoked response recording operations can be granularly initiated based on the particular attribute of the acoustic signal 302.

[0074] Each of FIGs. 4, 5, and 6 described below illustrates a respective method associated with recording acoustically-evoked responses in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. In certain embodiments, a single entity is configured to perform the operations of each method. In additional or alternative embodiments, different entities are configured to perform different operations. It should also be noted that the methods can be performed differently than depicted. For example, an additional operation can be performed for any of the methods, and / or any of the operations for the methods can be not performed, performed differently, and / or performed in a different order. Moreover, respective operations of the different methods can be performed in any suitable manner with respect to one another, such as concurrently and / or sequentially.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 450 for recording acoustically- evoked responses (e.g., ECochG signals) by a device. At block 451, a device is prepared to detect acoustic signals for initiating acoustically-evoked response recording. As an example,Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 the device is transitioned from an inactive operating mode, during which acoustic signals do not trigger initiation of acoustically-evoked response recording (e.g., the device does not determine whether a detected acoustic signal is indicative of initiating acoustically-evoked response recording), to an active operating mode that detects acoustic signals for determining whether acoustically-evoked response recording is to be initiated. In some embodiments, the device is prepared in response to receipt of a control signal received from a separate control device. At block 452, a sound input device detects an acoustic signal and outputs an additional signal indicative of the detected acoustic signal. For instance, an acoustic transducer outputs the acoustic signal. In certain embodiments, a control device (e.g., the same control device that transmits the control signal that causes preparation of detecting acoustic signals for initiating acoustically-evoked response recording; a separate control device different from the control device that transmits the control signal that causes preparation of detecting acoustic signals for initiating acoustically-evoked response recording) outputs a control signal to cause the acoustic transducer to output the acoustic signal. In additional or alternative embodiments, a user input (e.g., an interaction with an interface of the control device or a user device, such as a mobile phone, communicatively coupled to the control device), such as from a clinician, causes the acoustic transducer to output the acoustic signal. However, it should be noted that in certain embodiments, block 451 may not be performed in that the device is configured to detect acoustic signals for determining whether acoustically-evoked response recording is to be initiated without having to receive an additional control signal or otherwise be activated with an additional operation (other than the acoustic signal, as described elsewhere herein).

[0076] At block 454, a determination is made (using the additional signal) regarding whether the acoustic signal indicates that acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded (e.g., a determination is made regarding whether the acoustic signal is an electrical response trigger signal). In some embodiments, an attribute of the acoustic signal is identified to determine whether the acoustic signal indicates that acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded. As an example, the attribute (e.g., an amplitude) is compared to a reference or threshold value indicative that acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded. As another example, the attribute includes a signal shape (e.g., a slope of a sound wave), and the acoustic signal is compared to a reference acoustic signal indicative that acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded, such as to determine a match between the shape of the acoustic signal and a reference shape of the reference acoustic signal.Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1

[0077] At block 456, in response to determining the acoustic signal indicates that acoustically- evoked responses are to be recorded, acoustically-evoked response recording is initiated. In certain examples, when the acoustic signal indicates that acoustically-evoked response recording operations should be initiated, the device can transition from a non-acoustically- evoked response recording mode to an acoustically-evoked response recording mode.

[0078] In some embodiments, the acoustic signal indicating that acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded can also be used to evoke the acoustically-evoked responses. However, in other embodiments, the acoustically-evoked responses are evoked by a different acoustic signal, such as a subsequent acoustic signal delivered after the initially detected acoustic signal. In either case, the acoustically-evoked responses can be recorded a predetermined period of time after the acoustic signal is detected, such as to accommodate for a potential latency in which the acoustically-evoked responses are evoked in response to an acoustic stimulus.

[0079] In certain examples, the acoustically-evoked responses are stored, such as in a buffer or other suitable memory to enable access and retrieval (e.g., for analysis) at a later time. In some examples, after the acoustically-evoked responses have been recorded, the acoustically- evoked response recording operation is suspended (e.g., by transitioning from the acoustically- evoked response recording mode to the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode) to avoid continually trying to record acoustically-evoked responses, such as while acoustic stimuli are not being delivered to the recipient.

[0080] In some embodiments, the acoustically-evoked responses are recorded at a particular location within the recipient (e.g., a target part of the cochlea), such as using an electrode arranged at the particular location. For instance, the acoustic signal is intended to evoke an acoustically-evoked response from the recipient at the particular location in the cochlea. To this end, the location at which acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded can be determined based on an attribute (e.g., a frequency) of the acoustic signal. Thus, different acoustic signals can cause acoustically-evoked responses to be recorded at different associated locations. In this manner, the method 450 can be performed to selectively record acoustically- evoked responses at different locations within the recipient.

[0081] At block 458, in response to determining the acoustic signal does not indicate acoustically-evoked responses are to be recorded, acoustically-evoked responses are not recorded. As an example, the detected acoustic signal can include noise (e.g., from an external environment) or another acoustic output that is not intended to indicate that acoustically-Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 evoked responses from the recipient are to be evoked. Thus, acoustically-evoked response recording operations are not initiated to avoid attempting to record acoustically-evoked responses while desirable acoustically-evoked responses are not being evoked.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 for initiating acoustically- evoked response recording operations (e.g., ECochG response recording operations), in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. More specifically, at block 502, an initial acoustic signal is transmitted to initiate an acoustically-evoked response recording operation. For instance, the initial acoustic signal includes an attribute (e.g., a high amplitude, a high frequency, a particular shape) that is specifically configured to initiate the acoustically- evoked response recording operation. In some embodiments, the initial acoustic signal is not intended to evoke a desirable acoustically-evoked response from a recipient. Moreover, in certain implementations, the initial acoustic signal is transmitted in response to receipt of a control signal and / or a user input.

[0083] At block 504, a subsequent acoustic signal is transmitted to evoke an acoustically- evoked response from the recipient. In certain examples, the subsequent acoustic signal can have a different attribute than that of the initial acoustic signal. For instance, the acoustic signal can have a shape that better evokes a desirable acoustically-evoked response from the recipient. By way of example, the amplitude of the subsequent acoustic signal can be less than that of the initial acoustic signal and / or the duration of the subsequent acoustic signal can be longer than that of the initial acoustic signal. In some embodiments, the subsequent acoustic signal is transmitted at a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the initial acoustic signal was transmitted.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 650 of a calibration mode for establishing criteria to determine when acoustically-evoked responses (e.g., ECochG signals) are to be recorded (e.g., in an active non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode). At block 652, first data representing an initial acoustic signal is received. At block 654, second data indicating the initial acoustic signal is indicative of initiating an acoustically-evoked response recording operation is received. For example, the second data indicates that an attribute (e.g., an amplitude, a frequency, an overall shape) of the initial acoustic signal is indicative of initiating the acoustically-evoked response recording operation. At block 656, a reference value used for initiating an acoustically-evoked response recording operation is established based on the initial acoustic signal, such as an attribute of the initial acoustic signal, in response to the second data. That is, the initial acoustic signal is used as basis via theAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 reference value for determining whether the acoustically-evoked response recording operation is to be initiated.

[0085] As an example, an attribute of a subsequently detected acoustic signal is compared to the established reference value to determine whether the acoustically-evoked response recording operation is to be initiated. For instance, an attribute of the subsequently detected acoustic signal is compared to the reference value, and the acoustically-evoked response recording operation is initiated based on the comparison (e.g., the attribute matches or exceeds the reference value). In this manner, the acoustically-evoked response recording operation can initiate more appropriately or selectively as result of the calibration process by utilizing the initial acoustic signal.

[0086] In certain embodiments, it is desirable for a particular electrode to record acoustically- evoked response for an acoustic signal. For example, the acoustic signal indicates that acoustically-evoked responses are to be evoked in / from the recipient at a target location within the recipient. Therefore, the particular electrode positioned at the target location can better record the evoked acoustically-evoked responses. In such embodiments, the acoustic signal can cause the particular electrode to initiate the acoustically-evoked response recording operation. To this end, the second data can further indicate that the initial acoustic signal (e.g., an attribute, such as a frequency, an amplitude, and / or an overall shape of the initial acoustic signal) is indicative of the acoustically-evoked response recording operation being initiated by the particular electrode (e.g., rather than by other electrodes that are not adjacent to the target location at which acoustically-evoked responses are evoked by the acoustic signal). Thus, the reference value can be established based on the initial acoustic signal for determining whether the acoustically-evoked response recording operation is to be initiated at a suitable location within the recipient. Indeed, the method 650 can be repeated using different initial acoustic signals such that different reference values are established to initiate acoustically-evoked response recording operations at different locations within the recipient (e.g., using different electrodes).

[0087] 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 practiceAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 the processes and systems herein and / or some aspects described can be excluded without departing from the processes and systems disclosed herein.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1

[0093] It is also to be appreciated that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive and that the various embodiments may be combined with another in any of a number of different manners.

Claims

Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining an acoustic signal received via at least one microphone of an implantable component implanted in a recipient; initiating an acoustically-evoked response recording operation at the implantable component in response to obtaining the acoustic signal; and recording, at the implantable component, at least one acoustically-evoked response evoked in the recipient via the acoustically-evoked response recording operation.

2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: initiating the acoustically-evoked response recording operation at a predetermined amount of time after obtaining the acoustic signal.

3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claims 1 or 2, wherein the instructions for initiating the acoustically-evoked response recording operation comprise instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to transition the implantable component from a non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode to an acoustically-evoked response recording mode.

4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 3, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: transitioning the implantable component to the non-acoustically-evoked response recording mode after recording the at least one acoustically-evoked response of the recipient.

5. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claims 1 or 2, wherein the instructions for recording the at least one acoustically-evoked response comprise instructionsAtty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 that, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: recording a plurality of acoustically-evoked responses of the recipient via the acoustically-evoked response recording operation.

6. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claims 1 or 2, wherein the instructions for recording the at least one acoustically-evoked response comprise instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: storing a plurality of recordings in a buffer of the implantable component.

7. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claims 1 or 2, wherein the acoustic signal is a high intensity transient signal.

8. A method, comprising: receiving an acoustic signal via at least one implantable microphone of an implantable medical device configured to be implanted in a recipient; and recording at least one electrocochleography (ECochG) response from the recipient in response to receiving the acoustic signal via the at least one implantable microphone.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein recording the at least one ECochG response in response to receiving the acoustic signal via the at least one implantable microphone comprises: recording the at least one ECochG response via at least one implantable electrode of the implantable medical device.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: recording the at least one ECochG response a predetermined amount of time after receiving the acoustic signal.

11. The method of claims 8, 9, or 10, wherein recording the at least one ECochG response in response to receiving the acoustic signal via the at least one implantable microphone comprises:Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 transitioning the implantable medical device from a non-ECochG response recording mode to an ECochG response recording mode in response to receiving the acoustic signal via the at least one implantable microphone.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: transitioning the implantable medical device from the non-ECochG response recording mode to the ECochG response recording mode in response to receipt of a signal from an external device.

13. The method of claims 8, 9, or 10, wherein recording the at least one ECochG response in response to receiving the acoustic signal via the at least one implantable microphone comprises: recording a plurality of ECochG responses.

14. The method of claims 8, 9, or 10, wherein recording at least one ECochG response in response to receiving the acoustic signal via the at least one implantable microphone comprises: storing a plurality of recordings in a buffer of the implantable medical device.

15. The method of claims 8, 9, or 10, further comprising: executing a calibration process to program the implantable medical device to determine the acoustic signal indicates the at least one ECochG response is to be recorded.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein executing the calibration process comprises: detecting an initial acoustic signal; and receiving data indicative that the initial acoustic signal indicates the at least one ECochG response is to be recorded.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: comparing the acoustic signal to the initial acoustic signal; and recording the at least one ECochG response in response to determining the acoustic signal matches the initial acoustic signal.

18. The method of claims 8, 9, or 10, wherein the acoustic signal is a high intensity transient signal.Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC119. An implantable medical device, comprising: at least one microphone configured to be implanted in a recipient, wherein the at least one microphone is configured to receive an acoustic signal; and one or more processors configured to: compare one or more attributes of the acoustic signal received by the at least one microphone to one or more reference values; and record at least one electrocochleography (ECochG) response from the recipient based on the comparison of the one or more attributes of the acoustic signal to the one or more reference values.

20. The implantable medical device of claim 19, wherein to compare the one or more attributes of the acoustic signal received by the at least one microphone to the one or more reference values, the one or more processors are configured to: compare a slope of a portion of the acoustic signal with a threshold slope value.

21. The implantable medical device of claim 19, wherein to compare the one or more attributes of the acoustic signal received by the at least one microphone to the one or more reference values, the one or more processors are configured to: compare one or more peak values and timing information of the acoustic signal with one or more predetermined peak values and predetermined timing information.

22. The implantable medical device of claim 19, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: obtain first data representing an initial acoustic signal received by the at least one microphone; obtain second data indicating that the initial acoustic signal is associated with an ECochG response recording operation; and establish the one or more reference values based on the initial acoustic signal in response to receiving the second data.

23. The implantable medical device of claims 19, 20, 21, or 22, wherein the at least one microphone is configured to receive an additional acoustic signal, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to:Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC1 generate a stimulation signal based on the additional acoustic signal received by the at least one microphone; and output the stimulation signal to the recipient.

24. The implantable medical device of claims 19, 20, 21, or 22, wherein the acoustic signal is a high intensity transient signal.

25. The implantable medical device of claims 19, 20, 21, or 22, wherein the implantable medical device is configured to operate in an inactive non-ECochG response recording mode, and the one or more processors are configured to avoid comparing the one or more attributes of the acoustic signal to the one or more reference values in the inactive non-ECochG response recording mode.

26. The implantable medical device of claim 25, wherein the implantable medical device is configured to transition from the inactive non-ECochG response recording mode to an active non-ECochG response recording mode, and the one or more processors are configured to compare the one or more attributes of the acoustic signal to the one or more reference values in the active non-ECochG response recording mode.

27. The implantable medical device of claim 26, wherein the implantable medical device is configured to transition between the inactive non-ECochG response recording mode and the active non-ECochG response recording mode in response to receipt of a control signal, a user input, or both.

28. A system, comprising: an audio output device configured to transmit an acoustic signal; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the audio output device and configured to cause the audio output device to: transmit an initial acoustic signal configured to initiate electrocochleography (ECochG) response recording operations at an implantable medical device configured to be implanted in a recipient, and transmit a subsequent acoustic signal to evoke an ECochG response at an inner ear of the recipient.Atty. Docket No. 3065.0859i Client Ref. No. CID03937WOPC129. The system of claim 28, wherein the acoustic signal transmitted by the audio output device comprises a high intensity transient signal.

30. The system of claims 28 or 29, further comprising the implantable medical device, wherein the implantable medical device comprises at least one implantable microphone configured to receive the initial acoustic signal and the subsequent acoustic signal.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the implantable medical device comprises at least one processor configured to initiate the ECochG response recording operations in response to receipt of the initial acoustic signal by the at least one implantable microphone.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is configured to initiate the ECochG response recording operations a period of time after receiving the initial acoustic signal.

33. The system of claim 31, further comprising: a first clock used by the audio output device; and a second clock used by the at least one processor, wherein the first clock and the second clock are synchronized to coordinate transmission of the subsequent acoustic signal via the audio output device and initiating recording of the ECochG response via the at least one processor.

34. The system of claims 28 or 29, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the audio output device to: transmit an additional acoustic signal between the initial acoustic signal and the subsequent acoustic signal.

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