Dual-Electrode Cochlear Implant Stimulation for Concurrent Tinnitus Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for tinnitus, such as behavioral therapy and drug treatments, are inadequate for a majority of sufferers, and existing cochlear implants do not effectively address tinnitus while providing audio signal representation.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant system that applies electrical stimulation to a first electrode set for audio signal representation and a second electrode set for tinnitus treatment concurrently, using current steering and phantom electrical stimulation to provide comprehensive tinnitus relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cochlear implant applies electrical stimulation to represent audio signals, then hearing function is restored, but tinnitus treatment capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple electrode sets (first electrode set for audio signals, second electrode set for tinnitus treatment). This segmentation allows independent control of different functional zones within the cochlea, enabling simultaneous audio representation and tinnitus treatment without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The cochlear implant system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same device structure. By configuring different electrode sets with different functions (audio signal representation and tinnitus treatment), the implant becomes a multi-functional device that addresses both hearing loss and tinnitus in a single system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the cochlear implant alternates between audio signal stimulation and tinnitus treatment, then both functions can be provided, but continuous simultaneous stimulation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous simultaneous stimulation by applying audio signal current and tinnitus treatment current at the same time through different electrode sets. This eliminates the need to alternate between functions, providing uninterrupted dual-mode therapy and maximizing treatment efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the same electrode set is used for both audio signal representation and tinnitus treatment, then device complexity is reduced, but stimulation interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple electrode sets (first electrode set for audio signals, second electrode set for tinnitus treatment). This segmentation allows independent control of different functional zones within the cochlea, enabling simultaneous audio representation and tinnitus treatment without interference.
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
The system effectively treats tinnitus while enabling hearing for audio signals, providing simultaneous electrical and acoustic stimulation without alternating between treatments, thus offering improved tinnitus management.
Implementation Method 1
a cochlear implant to apply a stimulation current to a first electrode set of a plurality of electrodes to represent an audio signal to a recipient
Data Source
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AI summary
An exemplary system includes a cochlear implant configured to be implanted within a recipient, the cochlear implant coupled to a lead having a plurality of electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant. The controller is configured to direct the cochlear implant to apply stimulation current to a first electrode set of the plurality of electrodes to represent the audio signal to the recipient. The controller is further configured to direct the cochlear implant to apply treatment current to a second electrode set of the plurality of electrodes to treat tinnitus within the recipient, the second electrode set including electrodes different from the first electrode set.