Auditory Prosthesis Balance Substitution via Intracochlear Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with balance dysfunctions, resulting from a dysfunctional vestibular system, face challenges in maintaining balance and preventing falls, as existing medical devices lack effective solutions for sensory substitution.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that suppresses the dysfunctional vestibular system through electrical stimulation and provides substitute balance information via auditory, visual, or tactile sensory channels, utilizing a combined auditory prosthesis and sensory substitution system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to suppress the dysfunctional vestibular system, then balance information can be provided via alternative sensory channels, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auditory prosthesis device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides auditory feedback for hearing compensation while simultaneously delivering balance substitution signals through the same intracochlear electrodes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both hearing loss and balance dysfunction, reducing the need for separate devices and thereby lowering overall system complexity while maintaining reliable balance compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the balance substitution function with the existing auditory prosthesis system by injecting balance signals into the auditory nerve through the same electrode array used for hearing stimulation. This consolidation combines two therapeutic functions into one integrated device, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable balance information delivery.
2Reliability
If sensory substitution is implemented using intracochlear electrodes, then balance information can be delivered via auditory channels, but the risk of signal interference with hearing channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intracochlear electrode array is segmented into functionally distinct channels: dedicated balance substitution channels and hearing channels. The balance signals are delivered through specific electrode contacts that are spatially separated from or functionally isolated from the hearing stimulation contacts. This segmentation prevents signal interference by ensuring that balance substitution signals do not contaminate the hearing channels, thereby maintaining reliable balance delivery while preserving auditory function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cochlea are assigned different functional qualities: certain segments of the electrode array are optimized for balance signal delivery while other segments are optimized for hearing stimulation. The balance signals are localized to specific cochlear regions and electrode contacts, creating spatially distinct signal pathways. This local differentiation ensures that balance information is delivered without interfering with hearing channels, as each region serves its designated purpose with appropriate signal characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system effectively compensates for balance dysfunctions by providing perceptible auditory cues or other sensory inputs, aiding in balance recovery and fall prevention, thereby improving the recipient's stability and reducing the risk of falls.
Implementation Method 1
suppresses a dysfunctional vestibular system and provides substitute vestibular information via another sensory channel. The electrical stimulation can be provided to the otolith region, semicircular canals, vestibular nerve or another portion of the recipient's vestibular system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed technology includes technology for compensating for a balance dysfunction. A system can combine sensory substitution with balance dysfunction suppression. Dysfunctional balance information coming from a recipient's vestibular system is inhibited using stimulation. Balance information (e.g. how the recipient is positioned with respect to gravity, such as rotation along pitch and roll axes) is than passed to another sensory channel (e.g., visual, audible, or tactile sensory channels). Such a system can be implemented with a cochlear implant or another sensory prostheses having balance signals injected into the stimulation signal processing path.