Bilateral Cochlear Implant Fitting via FFR Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bilateral hearing assistance systems lack an objective measure to assess binaural processing, which is crucial for optimizing speech perception and source localization in patients with bilateral cochlear implants or bimodal systems, where matching electrode stimulation between ears is essential for maximum benefit.
Innovation Solution
A bilateral hearing assistance system that records and analyzes the Frequency Following Response (FFR) to abrupt interaural phase changes in amplitude modulated signals, providing an objective measure to adjust and match binaural signals for improved temporal and tonotopic matching of stimulation electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bilateral cochlear implant systems are used to improve speech perception and source localization, then binaural processing benefit is improved, but there is no objective measure available to assess and optimize the binaural processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective clinical assessment methods with an objective physiological measurement system. By using frequency following response (FFR) measurements, the system objectively quantifies binaural processing without relying on patient self-reporting or subjective evaluation, thus resolving the lack of measurement precision while maintaining reliability of binaural processing benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces FFR measurements as an intermediary objective indicator that mediates between the physical stimulation parameters and the functional binaural processing outcome. This intermediary measurement allows clinicians to objectively assess and optimize electrode pairing and stimulation parameters to maximize binaural benefit.
2Reliability
If electrode pairing is optimized to match cochlear locations in both ears, then speech perception and source localization are improved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming without objective feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements objective feedback through FFR measurements that provide real-time information about the quality of binaural processing for different electrode pairings. This feedback enables rapid optimization of electrode matching by objectively identifying which electrode pairs produce the best frequency following responses, significantly reducing the time required to achieve optimal speech perception and source localization compared to trial-and-error methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrode pairs are tested to find optimal binaural matching, then speech perception improves, but the fitting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual fitting procedures with an automated objective measurement system. The FFR-based system automatically tests and compares multiple electrode pairs, using physiological responses to objectively determine optimal binaural matching. This substitution reduces fitting system complexity by automating the evaluation process and providing clear objective criteria for selecting optimal electrode pairings.
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 approach allows for a time-efficient and clinically suitable method to define optimal binaural processing parameters, enhancing speech perception and source localization by objectively measuring and adjusting the timing and frequency alignment of binaural signals in bilateral cochlear implant systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a Frequency Following Response (FFR) of a user to abrupt interaural phase changes (IPC, => FFR-IPCs) imposed on amplitude modulated signals
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The application relates to a bilateral hearing assistance system comprising first and second hearing assistance devices, each of the first and second hearing assistance devices being adapted for being located at or in an ear of the user or to be partially or fully implanted in the head at an ear of the user, comprising a processing unit, which in a NORMAL mode of operation is adapted to process an input audio signal based on configurable processing parameters and to provide a processed electric stimulation signal, and comprising an output unit operationally connected to said processing unit in said NORMAL mode of operation and adapted to present an electric stimulation signal input to said user in a form allowing it to be perceived by the user as an auditory signal, the bilateral hearing assistance system further comprising one or more stimulation units for - in a TEST mode of operation of the hearing assistance system - delivering first and second electric TEST stimulation signals to said output units of said first and second hearing assistance devices, respectively. The application further relates to a method of fitting a bilateral hearing assistance system to a particular user. The object of the present application is to provide a measure allowing an improved fitting of bilaterally implanted Cochlear Implant users. The problem is solved in that the bilateral hearing assistance system further comprises an evaluation unit configured to analyze the recorded physiological response of the user and to provide an objective measure of the user's perception of said TEST stimulation signals. This has the advantage of providing an improved speech intelligibility and preservation of spatial cues. The invention may e.g. be used for the fitting of hearing assistance devices comprising cochlear implants.