Cochlear Implant Fitting Device Two-Dimensional Frequency Intensity Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cochlear implant fitting methods are time-consuming and require manual adjustments of electrode stimulation levels based on subjective testing, lacking a direct visual representation of frequency and intensity relationships, which can lead to uncertainty and inefficiency in achieving smooth threshold and comfort levels across the electrode array.
Innovation Solution
A fitting device and system that display stimulation intensity and frequency ranges in a two-dimensional matrix, allowing real-time adjustments and automatic adaptation of parameter values, providing a graphical user interface for easy programming of cochlear implants with a volume unit meter and timeline indicator for objective monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual electrode-by-electrode fitting procedures are used, then precise control of stimulation levels is achieved, but the fitting process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional electrode adjustment process into a two-dimensional graphical interface where frequency and intensity are displayed simultaneously. This allows the fitter to visualize and adjust multiple electrode parameters at once, reducing the time required while maintaining precision through the visual representation of threshold and comfort levels across the frequency spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the electrode frequency spectrum with corresponding intensity levels. Instead of manually adjusting each electrode individually, the system generates a graphical map that copies the essential information (frequency-intensity relationships) in a visual format, allowing for faster comprehension and adjustment while preserving the precision of individual electrode control.
2Measurement precision
If manual correlation of frequency ranges to electrodes is performed, then accurate frequency mapping is achieved, but the process requires extensive manual effort and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a visual representation that copies the frequency-electrode relationships, making the abstract numeric data tangible and easy to interpret. The graphical interface displays frequency ranges alongside their corresponding electrodes, allowing the fitter to quickly understand the mapping without manual correlation work while maintaining accuracy through the visual display of threshold and comfort levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of correlating frequency ranges with electrodes with an automated visual system. The computer generates and displays the frequency-intensity mapping automatically, substituting manual effort and expertise with an automated graphical representation that maintains accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If subjective psychophysical testing is used for each electrode, then individualized fitting is achieved, but the process lacks objective monitoring and visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the psychophysical testing results, displaying threshold and comfort levels graphically for each electrode. This visual representation preserves the individualized fitting information while adding objective monitoring and visual feedback that was previously unavailable, allowing the fitter to see the complete picture of electrode performance across the frequency spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual feedback by displaying the stimulation intensity levels and frequency ranges in a graphical interface. This feedback mechanism allows the fitter to immediately see the results of adjustments and the overall state of the fitting, maintaining individualized customization while providing objective visual information that reduces uncertainty and improves the fitting process.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, a system for fitting a cochlea implant that has a plurality of stimulation electrodes is disclosed. The system comprises a fitting device and a cochlear implant communicatively connected to the fitting device. The cochlear implant comprises an electrode lead with a plurality of stimulation electrodes forming an electrode array, a stimulation unit to generate stimulation pulses to be emitted via individual stimulation electrodes in controlled manner with an adjustable stimulation intensity and a sound processing unit for generating a stimulation intensity control signal for each electrode depending on frequency ranges assigned to each individual electrode and a respective signal strength of an input signal in a respective frequency range. The fitting device comprises a graphical display and a user interface providing input means. The fitting device being configured to communicate data to and/or from the cochlear implant, wherein the data represent, for each stimulation electrode of the cochlear implant, parameter values defining a frequency range and parameter values defining at least two stimulation intensity levels, including a threshold level (T-level) for each individual stimulation electrode of the cochlear implant and to display on the display, for each electrode, a graphic representation of the parameter values that define a stimulation intensity range and a frequency range in a two dimensional matrix wherein one dimension is assigned to frequency whereas the other dimension is assigned to stimulation intensity, wherein the stimulation intensity ranges and the frequency ranges of all electrodes are displayed simultaneously.