Cochlear Implant Electrode Selection via Current Spread Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids and prostheses face challenges in optimizing electrode performance in cochlear implants, leading to inefficient sound perception for individuals with conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, as they rely on air conduction or electrical stimulation without effective methods to evaluate and adjust electrode interactions for improved auditory nerve stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that evaluates interactions between current spreads or neural spreads of multiple electrodes implanted in a recipient, allowing for the disabling or deactivation of specific electrodes based on these evaluations, using a fitting system to configure the hearing prosthesis for enhanced sound processing and perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are implanted in a recipient to provide comprehensive auditory stimulation, then the hearing prosthesis can cover a broader range of auditory perception, but the complexity of evaluating and managing electrode interactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically evaluates current spreads and neural spreads from multiple electrodes by delivering test signals and measuring responses. Based on this feedback, the system determines which electrodes to disable, creating a closed-loop optimization process that manages electrode complexity while maintaining comprehensive auditory coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing prosthesis performs self-evaluation of electrode performance by automatically delivering test signals, measuring neural responses, and determining optimal electrode configurations without requiring manual clinician adjustment for each electrode interaction
2Adaptability or versatility
If all electrodes are enabled to maximize auditory stimulation, then comprehensive sound perception is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enabling all electrodes, the system selectively disables specific electrodes based on evaluated current spreads and neural spreads. This partial action approach maintains sufficient auditory stimulation while reducing energy consumption by keeping only the necessary electrodes active
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrodes are selectively disabled to reduce energy consumption, then battery life is extended, but the risk of suboptimal auditory perception increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from neural spread measurements to verify that disabled electrodes are indeed unnecessary for optimal auditory perception. This feedback loop ensures that energy savings are achieved without compromising hearing quality, as the remaining enabled electrodes are confirmed to provide sufficient stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
Before permanently disabling electrodes, the system performs preliminary evaluations by delivering test signals and measuring neural responses to determine which electrodes can be safely disabled. This preliminary action ensures that only non-essential electrodes are disabled, maintaining auditory perception quality
4Manufacturing precision
If manual evaluation and adjustment of electrode settings is performed by a clinician, then customized fitting is achieved, but the process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing prosthesis performs self-evaluation of electrode performance by automatically delivering test signals, measuring neural responses, and determining optimal electrode configurations without requiring manual clinician adjustment for each electrode interaction, significantly reducing fitting time while maintaining customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical evaluation processes with automated electronic measurement and signal processing. Electrical test signals are delivered through electrodes, and neural responses are measured and processed by a processor to automatically determine electrode settings, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment
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 enables a more precise configuration of cochlear implants by identifying and disabling underperforming electrodes, resulting in improved sound perception and reduced energy consumption, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the hearing prosthesis.
Implementation Method 1
certain types of hearing prostheses commonly referred to as cochlear implants convert a received sound into electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation is applied to the cochlea, which results in the perception of the received sound.
Implementation Method 2
evaluating least one of interactions of respective current spreads with one another or interactions of respective neural spreads with one another for a plurality of electrodes implanted in a recipient
Data Source
AI summary
A method, including the action of executing a first evaluation including evaluating first interactions of respective current spreads with one another for a plurality of first electrodes implanted in a recipient resulting from energizement thereof with at least one second implanted electrode disabled, wherein the second electrode, if enabled and energized at about the same level as at least one of the first electrodes, would result in current spread to at least one of the plurality of first electrodes, and one of disabling at least one third electrode of the plurality of first electrodes based on the evaluation or maintaining an enablement of the nondisabled electrodes based on the evaluation.