Bilateral Cochlear Implant Fitting Subsystem Using Single Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fitting bilateral cochlear implant patients with a single set of fitting hardware are time-consuming and cumbersome due to the need to switch connections between sound processors, which complicates the process for audiologists and patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a single sound processor to selectively fit both cochlear implants by automatically segregating fitting data and transferring it to the corresponding sound processor, eliminating the need to switch hardware during the fitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single set of fitting hardware is used to fit bilateral cochlear implants, then cost and hardware requirements are reduced, but the fitting process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome due to connection switching
Solution Approach 1:
The single fitting hardware system is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially connecting to different sound processors. The hardware maintains universal compatibility with multiple cochlear implant systems, allowing one set of equipment to fit both left and right ear implants without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches connections between different sound processors during the fitting process. The fitting hardware can change its operational state by connecting to different devices as needed, making the system adaptable and flexible rather than static and fixed to a single connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If connection switching is required during bilateral fitting, then accurate fitting of each implant is possible, but the process becomes complex and difficult for audiologists and patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the fitting data and configuration settings. By using software-based management and data transfer between sound processors, the physical connection switching is minimized or virtualized, making the process easier to manage while maintaining fitting accuracy through precise digital data transmission.
3Productivity
If multiple sets of fitting hardware are used for bilateral cochlear implants, then the fitting process is simpler and faster, but cost and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting hardware is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple different sound processors and cochlear implant systems. This multi-functional design allows a single set of equipment to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated hardware sets, maintaining high productivity while reducing hardware quantity.
4Ease of operation
If a single sound processor is used to fit both cochlear implants, then hardware switching is eliminated, but fitting data management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary software layer or data management interface that handles the complexity of fitting data segregation and transfer. This intermediary component manages the segregation of fitting data for different cochlear implants and automates the transfer process, reducing the operational burden on audiologists while maintaining organized data management.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exemplary method of fitting a bilateral cochlear implant patient using a single sound processor includes a fitting subsystem using a first sound processor associated with a first cochlear implant to selectively fit the first cochlear implant and a second cochlear implant to a cochlear implant patient, automatically segregating fitting data generated during the fitting of the first cochlear implant from fitting data generated during the fitting of the second cochlear implant, and transmitting the fitting data generated during the fitting of the second cochlear implant to a second sound processor associated with the second cochlear implant after the fitting of the second cochlear implant to the cochlear implant patient is completed. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.