Cochlear Implant Channel Interaction Mitigation via eABR Scoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cochlear implant systems lack automatic methods to detect and mitigate channel interaction between electrode contacts, which affects speech perception and quality of life for patients.
Innovation Solution
Calculating channel-specific monoaural interaction component (MIC) scores based on electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (eABR) measurements to identify and deactivate electrode contacts with high interaction, adjusting fitting map values accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode contacts are used to stimulate the cochlea, then the coverage of frequency bands is improved, but channel interaction between adjacent electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes electrode contacts that generate excessive channel interaction from the active electrode array. By identifying problematic electrodes through eABR-based metrics and selectively deactivating them, the system eliminates the harmful channel interaction while preserving the beneficial frequency coverage provided by the remaining electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electrode array by dynamically adjusting which electrodes are active based on measured channel interaction levels. This involves modifying the stimulation configuration to optimize the balance between frequency coverage and channel interaction minimization.
2Reliability
If channel interaction is reduced by deactivating electrode contacts, then speech perception is improved, but the number of active stimulation channels decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where eABR measurements are used to assess channel interaction levels, and this information feeds back into the decision-making process for electrode activation. The system continuously monitors and adjusts electrode configuration based on measured physiological responses, optimizing speech perception while maintaining adequate channel coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number and configuration of active channels based on individual patient needs and measured channel interaction characteristics. Rather than using a fixed number of channels, the system adapts the channel configuration to optimize speech perception for each patient.
3Measurement precision
If eABR measurements are performed for each electrode contact to assess channel interaction, then objective optimization is achieved, but the measurement time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary eABR measurements during the initial fitting process to establish baseline channel interaction characteristics for each electrode. This preliminary assessment allows for pre-identification of problematic electrodes, enabling faster subsequent adjustments without requiring repeated comprehensive measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrode array into groups or zones based on measured channel interaction characteristics. Rather than evaluating each electrode individually in all situations, the system can make adjustments based on segment-level measurements, reducing the overall measurement burden while maintaining optimization effectiveness.
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
Improves speech perception by reducing channel interaction, providing an objective method for optimizing cochlear implant settings and enhancing user outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a cochlear implant with an implanted stimulation electrode can electrically stimulate auditory nerve tissue with small currents delivered by multiple electrode contacts distributed along the electrode
Implementation Method 2
eABR (electrically auditory brainstem response) is an auditory evoked potential elicited after an electrical stimulation from the cochlear electrode array
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches are described for adjusting a cochlear implant system that has an electrode array with multiple electrode contacts, which is implanted in a patient. For selected individual electrode contacts, a corresponding channel-specific monoaural interaction component (MIC) score is calculated that represents a channel interaction factor based on a ratio of: i. an electrically evoked auditory brain-stem response (cABR) measurement of an electrical stimulation signal applied to the individual electrode contact, and ii. a sum of individual eABR measurements from simultaneous electrical stimulation of selected electrode contacts nearest to the individual electrode contact. Each electrode contact having a channel-specific MIC score below a MIC score threshold value is then deactivated, whereby electrical stimulation signals are not delivered to deactivated electrode contacts.