Cochlear Implant Fitting via Channel Subset Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fitting cochlear implants are time-consuming and challenging, especially for children and individuals with limited attention span, as they require individual assessment of all channels, which is not feasible in all cases.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies subsets of signal channels with minimal average deviation between measured and estimated parameter values, allowing for targeted measurement and estimation of fitting parameters using psychoacoustic and objective measures, and utilizing a fit map database to guide clinicians in selecting appropriate channels for measurement and estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all channels are individually assessed using psychoacoustic or objective measures, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cochlear implant channels into different groups or categories based on their characteristics and correlation patterns. By segmenting the channels, the system can apply different fitting strategies to different groups, measuring parameters thoroughly for some channels while using estimation for others, thus reducing overall fitting time while maintaining adequate precision for each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively measuring fitting parameters for only a subset of channels that are most critical or representative, while using estimation techniques for the remaining channels. This approach achieves adequate overall fitting accuracy without the excessive time cost of measuring all channels individually
2Reliability
If fitting parameters are measured for all channels, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of channel correlations and identifies which channels have high inter-channel correlation before the actual fitting process. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine which channels can rely on estimated parameters from correlated channels, thereby maintaining reliability while increasing productivity during the actual fitting procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses correlation analysis as an intermediary mechanism to transfer fitting information from measured channels to unmeasured channels. By establishing correlation relationships between channels, the system can reliably estimate parameters for certain channels based on measurements from other channels, thus maintaining reliability while improving productivity
3Loss of time
If the number of measured channels is reduced, then loss of time is decreased, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from directly measuring all parameters for all channels to using a hybrid approach where some parameters are measured and others are estimated through interpolation and correlation analysis. This parameter change in strategy allows reducing the number of direct measurements while maintaining adequate precision through mathematical estimation techniques
Data Source
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AI summary
Fitting a multi-channel cochlear implant system to an implanted patient is described. A fit map database is accessed that contains parameter data from fit maps of previously measured cochlear implant patients. For subsets of signal channels in each fit map, an average deviation is established between estimated parameter values and measured parameter values across signal channels not in a given subset based on measured parameter values of signal channels in the given subset. For a given number of signal channels, a subset of the same number of signal channels is identified that has a minimum average deviation. Then fit parameters for signal channels in the identified subset are measured and fit parameters for the remaining signal channels not in the identified subset are estimated.