Unified GUI for Bimodal Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fitting of bimodal hearing stimulation systems, which combine neural and acoustic stimulation, is counterintuitive, difficult, and inefficient for audiologists due to differing workflows and graphical user interface representations for electric and acoustic stimulation devices, leading to suboptimal patient fittings.
Innovation Solution
A bimodal hearing stimulation system with a unified graphical user interface that displays acoustic and electric stimulation levels in a comparable manner, allowing for easy adjustment and fitting of both stimulation modes without requiring knowledge of the technical characteristics of the devices, using a fitting/programming unit to control both the cochlear implant and hearing aid for synchronized or independent probe stimulation and behavioral feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate fitting procedures and graphical user interfaces are used for acoustic and electric stimulation devices, then each device can be fitted with specialized workflows, but the overall fitting process becomes counterintuitive, difficult-to-use and inefficient for audiologists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate fitting procedures for acoustic and electric stimulation devices into a single integrated fitting workflow. The graphical user interface merges audiogram representations from both device types into one unified display, allowing audiologists to adjust stimulation parameters for both acoustic (hearing aid) and electric (cochlear implant) channels simultaneously without switching between different software interfaces or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting device is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both acoustic stimulation fitting (traditionally for hearing aids) and electric stimulation fitting (traditionally for cochlear implants) within the same system. The graphical user interface universally displays audiometric data and stimulation parameters for both device types using a common audiogram representation, making the fitting device versatile across different stimulation modalities.
2Loss of information
If different graphical user interface representations are used for acoustic and electric stimulation, then device-specific parameters can be displayed, but the fitting process becomes difficult-to-use and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using a unified audiogram representation format for both acoustic and electric stimulation parameters. Instead of displaying different parameter types (such as sound pressure levels for acoustic and current levels for electric) in separate formats, the system converts and displays all stimulation parameters in a common visual format that represents hearing thresholds and most comfortable levels across both stimulation modalities, reducing cognitive load and fitting time.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of stimulation parameters is required for both acoustic and electric stimulation, then individual optimization is achieved, but the fitting process becomes inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting device incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow audiologists to adjust stimulation parameters for both acoustic and electric channels while immediately observing the effects on the unified audiogram display. The system provides real-time feedback on how parameter changes affect hearing thresholds and most comfortable levels, enabling efficient iterative optimization of both stimulation modalities within a single fitting session rather than requiring separate lengthy procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first device for neural stimulation of a patient's ipsilateral ear and a second hearing stimulation device, wherein the stimulation mode of the second stimulation device is different from that of the first stimulation device. The system further includes a fitting device for adjusting the first stimulation device and the second stimulation device. The fitting device includes a graphical user interface configured to present an acoustic level audiogram representation of aided acoustic and electric behavioral values for the first and second stimulation devices.