Cochlear Implant Sound Processor M Level Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant patients often have under-fitted 'most comfortable level' (M level) settings due to initial lack of exposure to loud sounds, requiring frequent clinic visits for adjustments as their tolerance fluctuates over time.
Innovation Solution
A sound processor in the cochlear implant system gradually adjusts the M level from an initial to a target value over time, using an adaptation time course, allowing for dynamic changes without needing multiple fitting sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If M level is set to a higher value to match patient's actual tolerance, then sound representation quality is improved, but patient experiences discomfort during initial fitting due to lack of sound exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by initially setting the M level to a conservative, comfortable value during fitting, then automatically increases it over time as the patient adapts to sound. This preliminary conservative setting avoids initial discomfort while the system prepares for future optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The M level is transformed from a static setting to a dynamic parameter that automatically adjusts over time. The system continuously monitors patient usage and gradually increases the M level based on adaptation algorithms, allowing the parameter to evolve with the patient's changing tolerance.
2Measurement precision
If M level is adjusted frequently to match fluctuating patient tolerance, then sound representation is optimized, but number of clinic visits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cochlear implant system performs self-service by automatically adjusting the M level without requiring clinician intervention. The device monitors patient sound exposure and tolerance over time, then autonomously optimizes the M level parameter, eliminating the need for repeated clinic visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous optimization of the M level between fitting sessions through automatic adjustment mechanisms. Instead of discrete adjustments at clinic visits, the system continuously adapts the parameter based on real-time patient usage data, maintaining optimal settings without interruption.
3Stability of the object's composition
If M level is held constant between fitting sessions, then system stability is maintained, but patient tolerance fluctuations are not accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The M level parameter transitions from a static, constant value to a dynamic variable that adapts to patient tolerance changes. The system incorporates time-dependent adjustment mechanisms that allow the parameter to evolve while maintaining controlled stability through gradual changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring patient sound exposure and tolerance over time, then using this information to automatically adjust the M level. The feedback loop ensures the parameter remains stable within acceptable ranges while adapting to long-term tolerance changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A cochlear implant system may include a cochlear implant configured to be implanted within a user and a sound processor configured to detect an amount of sound exposure to the user; gradually adjust a most comfortable level (“M level”) from an initial value towards a target value in accordance with an adaption time course and in accordance with the detected amount of sound exposure to the user by increasing the M level when the detected amount of sound exposure is above a first threshold and decreasing the M level when the detected amount of sound exposure is below a second threshold; and direct the cochlear implant to apply stimulation having the gradually adjusted M level to the user.