Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Recording Early Auditory Potentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-implantable hearing devices rely on external microphones, which would be improved by a fully implantable microphone solution that can record and process sound without external components, leveraging natural electrical potentials in the cochlea.
Innovation Solution
An auditory prosthetic device with an electrode array inserted into the cochlea that records and processes early auditory potentials, such as cochlear microphonic, to generate stimulation signals, eliminating the need for external microphones by using the cochlea's natural electrical responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external microphone is used to record sound, then sound recording capability is achieved, but device complexity and lack of comfort are worsened due to external components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microphone function with the cochlear implant electrode array by utilizing the electrode array to record both electrical potentials from the cochlea and acoustic sound waves. This integration eliminates the need for separate external microphones and components, achieving a fully implantable solution that improves comfort while maintaining sound recording capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is designed to perform multiple functions: it stimulates the auditory nerve, records electrical potentials from the cochlea, and records acoustic sound waves. By making the electrode array universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated external microphones, reducing device complexity and improving user comfort
2Device complexity
If pressure and vibration sensors are placed under the skin or in the middle/inner ear, then fully implantable microphone capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the cochlea's own electrical potentials as a natural reference and signal source for the microphone function. By having the electrode array record both the sound waves and the cochlear electrical potentials simultaneously, the system uses the body's own biological signals to enable the microphone function, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure and vibration sensors with an electrical recording system. Instead of using mechanical sensors that convert sound pressure to electrical signals, the system uses electrodes to directly record electrical potentials generated by the cochlea in response to sound, substituting a mechanical sensing system with an electrical one that is more reliable and easier to integrate
3Ease of operation
If early auditory potentials are used as a microphone, then fully implantable solution with improved comfort is achieved, but signal processing complexity is worsened due to stimulus artifact removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by recording the stimulus signal that is applied to the cochlea and using this recorded stimulus as a template to identify and remove artifacts from the recorded electrical potentials. The system feeds back the known stimulus information into the signal processing algorithm to automatically subtract artifacts, reducing the need for complex external processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by recording the stimulus signal before or during the actual sound recording process. This pre-recorded stimulus template is then used to identify and remove artifacts from the electrical potential recordings. By preparing the artifact template in advance, the system simplifies the real-time signal processing requirements
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
Enables a fully implantable hearing solution that effectively captures and processes sound, providing improved comfort and performance by utilizing the cochlea's natural electrical potentials for both recording and stimulation, potentially enhancing sound perception in individuals with hearing impairments.
Implementation Method 1
The early auditory potential includes cochlear microphonic
Implementation Method 2
the receiver-stimulator is configured to receive an early auditory potential recorded by the electrode array, process the early auditory potential to generate a stimulation signal, and transmit the stimulation signal to the electrode array
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices and methods that use the electrical potentials that arise naturally in the cochlea through the activity of sensory cells and auditory neurons and resemble the output from a microphone. An example auditory prosthetic device includes an electrode array that is configured for insertion into at least a portion of a subject's cochlea and a receiver-stimulator operably coupled to the electrode array. The electrode array is configured for electrical recording and stimulation.