Cochlear Implant Multipolar Stimulation Channel Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing aids relying on air conduction are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss, as they do not effectively bypass damaged hair cells, while existing hearing prostheses like cochlear implants provide electrical stimulation but lack personalized channel interaction management.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a multipolar electrical stimulating device with implanted electrodes, applying simultaneous multipolar stimulation through multiple channels to identify interacting channels, create a fitting channel, and set threshold or comfort levels based on empirical data to evoke a stimulation-induced percept, allowing for personalized electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hearing aids relying on air conduction are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but they are inadequate for individuals with conductive hearing loss as they do not effectively bypass damaged hair cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical air conduction system of conventional hearing aids with an electrical stimulation system. Cochlear implants use electrical signals to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged mechanical pathways and hair cells. This substitution of mechanical energy with electrical energy resolves the contradiction by providing effective treatment for conductive hearing loss while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical stimulation interface as an intermediary between the external sound processing unit and the auditory nerve. This intermediary converts acoustic signals into electrical impulses that can directly activate the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged middle ear structures. This mediator approach enables effective hearing restoration for conductive hearing loss despite the complexity of the implantable device.
2Reliability
If existing cochlear implants provide electrical stimulation, then they bypass damaged hair cells effectively, but they lack personalized channel interaction management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel interaction management that adapts to individual recipient characteristics. The system allows for personalized configuration of stimulation channels, where the electrical parameters, electrode selections, and stimulation patterns can be customized based on the recipient's specific hearing loss profile, anatomy, and neural response. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by providing both effective hair cell bypass and personalized treatment optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cochlear stimulation into multiple independent channels, each targeting specific frequency regions or electrode contacts. This segmentation allows for personalized management of channel interactions, where each channel can be independently optimized for the recipient's needs. The modular channel structure enables flexible customization of stimulation parameters, resolving the contradiction between effective bypass and personalized adaptation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multipolar electrical stimulation is applied through multiple channels simultaneously, then personalized electrical stimulation is achieved, but the device complexity and fitting process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multipolar electrical stimulation system where a single cochlear implant device can deliver multiple stimulation patterns through shared electrodes. The system provides monopolar, bipolar, and multipolar stimulation modes, allowing one device to fulfill multiple therapeutic functions. This multi-functionality enables personalized electrical stimulation while managing device complexity by avoiding the need for separate devices for each stimulation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in electrical stimulation to achieve personalized therapy. By varying stimulation parameters such as voltage, current, pulse width, frequency, and electrode combinations, the system can optimize treatment for each recipient without requiring complex hardware modifications. This parameter-based personalization resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability through software/control rather than hardware complexity.
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 enables personalized electrical stimulation that effectively bypasses damaged hair cells, improving sound perception for individuals with conductive hearing loss by managing channel interactions and setting optimal stimulation levels, enhancing the hearing experience.
Implementation Method 1
certain types of hearing prostheses commonly referred to as cochlear implants convert a received sound into electrical stimulation. The electrical stimulation is applied to the cochlea, which results in the perception of the received sound.
Implementation Method 2
the electrical stimulating device being a multipolar electrical stimulating device, wherein the fitting includes simultaneously applying multipolar stimulation to the recipient via the electrodes based on at least two different multipolar stimulation channels of the electrical stimulating device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, comprising, fitting an electrical stimulating device to the recipient, the electrical stimulating device including electrodes implanted in the recipient, the electrical stimulating device being a multipolar electrical stimulating device, wherein the fitting includes simultaneously applying multipolar stimulation to the recipient via the electrodes based on at least two different stimulation channels of the electrical stimulating device.