Cochlear Implant Electrode Compensation via Virtual Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cochlear implant systems face reduced sound quality and distorted pitch due to disabled electrodes, which cannot be effectively compensated for by conventional methods, rendering them useless for patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

Innovation Solution

The method involves selecting at least two non-adjacent electrodes surrounding a disabled electrode and simultaneously applying stimulation current to generate a pitch associated with the disabled electrode, using an implantable cochlear stimulator to apply current to these electrodes, thereby compensating for the loss of stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hearing aids are used for sensorineural hearing loss, then sound amplification is provided, but no benefit is derived because hair cells are destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing aid effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to sensorineural hearing loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic pathway (hair cells transducing sound waves) with an electrical stimulation system. Instead of amplifying sound mechanically, the cochlear implant uses electrodes to deliver electrical signals directly to the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged hair cells entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system between the acoustic signal and the auditory nerve. The electrode array acts as an intermediary that converts acoustic information into electrical stimulation patterns, which then activate the auditory nerve fibers without requiring functional hair cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrodes are inserted into the cochlear duct for cochlear implant, then sensorineural hearing loss is addressed, but disabled electrodes result in decreased sound quality and distorted pitch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecochlear implant functionalityVSAvoidsound quality and pitch accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrode array into multiple independently controllable electrodes along the cochlear duct. Each electrode can be independently activated to stimulate different regions of the auditory nerve, corresponding to different pitch ranges. This segmentation allows the system to compensate for disabled electrodes by redistributing stimulation across remaining functional electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes stimulation parameters (current amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on which electrodes are functional. When electrodes are disabled, the system adjusts the electrical parameters of remaining electrodes to compensate for the loss, maintaining sound quality and pitch accuracy through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If disabled electrodes are present in the array, then pitch distortion occurs, but the system becomes useless for patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient usabilityVSAvoidpitch accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic electrode mapping system that adapts to which electrodes are functional. The system can reconfigure stimulation patterns in real-time based on electrode status, allowing patients to maintain usable hearing even when some electrodes are disabled, thereby preserving patient usability and pitch accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent effectively discards the assumption that all electrodes must be functional for the implant to work. Instead, the system recovers functionality by utilizing only the operational electrodes and redistributing their stimulation to compensate for disabled ones, maintaining overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 improves sound quality and enables patients to experience pitches that would otherwise be unattainable, enhancing the overall listening experience by effectively generating 'virtual electrodes' that mimic the functionality of the disabled physical electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

simultaneously applying stimulation current to the at least two non-adjacent electrodes. The stimulation current is configured to generate a pitch associated with the disabled electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8768476B2Methods and systems of compensating for a disabled electrode

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

An exemplary method includes 1) identifying, by a cochlear implant system, an electrode included within an array of electrodes as being a disabled electrode, 2) selecting, by the cochlear implant system, at least two non-adjacent electrodes surrounding the disabled electrode, and 3) simultaneously applying, by the cochlear implant system, stimulation current to the at least two non-adjacent electrodes to compensate for a loss of stimulation resulting from the disabled electrode. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.