EAS Sound Processor Acoustic-Only Post-Implant Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing loss patients with residual low-frequency hearing and severe high-frequency loss cannot benefit from traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants during the post-implant waiting period after surgical implantation of electro-acoustic stimulation systems, and it is difficult for clinicians to assess their residual hearing during this time.
Innovation Solution
An electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) sound processor is configured to operate in an acoustic-only mode immediately after implantation, providing acoustic stimulation while preventing electrical stimulation, allowing patients to benefit from residual hearing enhancement and facilitating assessment of hearing changes during the healing period, and switching to an EAS mode after healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the EAS system is activated immediately after implantation, then the patient can benefit from both acoustic and electrical stimulation, but the patient's residual hearing cannot be properly assessed during the healing period
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides operation into distinct modes: acoustic-only mode for the post-implant assessment period, and full EAS mode for normal operation. This segmentation allows the assessment function to be isolated and performed without interference from electrical stimulation, while still providing hearing benefit during the healing period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational states based on the implantation timeline. The sound processor transitions from acoustic-only operation during the post-implant period to full EAS operation after healing, allowing optimal performance for each phase of recovery and use.
2Measurement precision
If the patient waits for the post-implant healing period before using the EAS system, then residual hearing can be assessed, but the patient loses the benefit of hearing enhancement during the waiting period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acoustic fitting and assessment during the post-implant period before full EAS activation. This preliminary action establishes baseline measurements and allows the patient to benefit from acoustic amplification of residual hearing while healing, without waiting for the complete system activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides acoustic amplification during the post-implant assessment period, enables residual hearing measurement, and later transitions to full EAS operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to choose between assessment and hearing benefit.
3Productivity
If electrical stimulation is applied during the post-implant period, then the patient receives high frequency stimulation, but it may interfere with the assessment of residual low frequency hearing
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the electrical stimulation component during the post-implant period, operating in acoustic-only mode. This removal of electrical stimulation eliminates interference with residual hearing assessment while maintaining the ability to provide acoustic amplification for low frequency residual hearing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exemplary system includes 1) an electro-acoustic stimulation ("EAS") sound processor located external to a patient, 2) a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and implanted within the patient, 3) an electrode array communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant and located within a cochlea of the patient, and 4) a receiver communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and configured to be in communication with an ear of the patient. The EAS sound processor operates in accordance with an acoustic-only mode during a post-implant time period and detects audio content presented to the patient, directs the receiver to apply acoustic stimulation, and prevents the cochlear implant from applying electrical stimulation representative of audio content presented to the patient during the post-implant time period. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.