Auditory Prosthesis Self-Programming for Immediate Post-Implant Hearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auditory prostheses, particularly for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, require significant time and clinical intervention for fitting and optimization of signal processing data sets, delaying the recipient's ability to fully utilize the device.
Innovation Solution
Implementing autonomous programming capabilities in auditory prostheses that allow for self-programming based on the device's status, enabling the generation or optimization of signal processing data sets immediately after implantation, potentially using neural response telemetry measurements, and utilizing internal or external power sources for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional auditory prostheses are implanted, then the recipient receives auditory assistance, but significant time and clinical intervention are required for fitting and optimization, delaying full device functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The auditory prosthesis performs autonomous programming by itself after implantation, using its own processor to generate and optimize signal processing data sets without requiring external clinical intervention. The device monitors its own status and automatically initiates programming sequences, enabling it to become fully functional much faster than conventional devices that require multiple clinical visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis performs preliminary programming actions immediately after implantation during the surgical procedure itself. The processor generates initial signal processing data sets and operational parameters before the patient leaves the operating room, preparing the device for immediate use rather than waiting for subsequent clinical fittings.
2Loss of time
If autonomous programming is implemented, then programming time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor in the auditory prosthesis is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the implantable audio signal processor and the autonomous programming system. The same processor that handles audio signal processing also executes programming routines, monitors device status, and generates optimization data sets, eliminating the need for separate programming hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the implanted components and the external world. It communicates with external programming devices through telemetry, receives status information, and autonomously makes programming decisions based on pre-programmed algorithms, simplifying the interaction between the complex internal device and external clinical equipment.
3Ease of operation
If the sound processor determines its own status and initiates autonomous programming, then clinical intervention is minimized, but the processing load and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous programming is not continuous but occurs periodically at specific stages: initially after implantation when the device is first activated, and then at scheduled intervals thereafter. The processor monitors status continuously but only initiates full programming sequences at these periodic intervals, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous programming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor dynamically adjusts its operational parameters including sampling rates, processing depth, and programming intensity based on the current device status and power availability. When power is limited or status is stable, the processor reduces its activity level and energy consumption, only increasing processing load when necessary to maintain or improve performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided which includes determining a status of a sound processor of an auditory prosthesis, and selectively initiating autonomous programming of the sound processor based, at least in part, on the determined status of the sound processor.