EEG Auditory Nerve Integrity Testing for Cochlear Synaptopathy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical methods fail to reliably quantify auditory nerve fiber (ANF) and auditory nerve synapse (ANS) integrity, particularly in living humans, and cannot differentiate between outer hair cell (OHC) and inner hair cell (IHC) damage, leading to inadequate diagnosis and treatment of cochlear synaptopathy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using EEG-based analysis of brain activity data from auditory stimulation with a non-sinusoidal periodic modulator, specifically a rectangular waveform, to determine the integrity of ANFs and ANSs, reducing noise interference and enhancing sensitivity to ANF and ANS integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If post-mortem temporal bone histology is used to assess ANF and ANS integrity, then measurement precision is improved, but the method becomes invasive and cannot be applied to living humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical tissue analysis (post-mortem histology) with non-invasive electrical signal recording (EEG). The system uses electroencephalography to detect brainstem auditory evoked potentials that reflect ANF and ANS function without requiring physical disruption of the temporal bone or cochlea, thus achieving measurement precision while eliminating invasiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces EEG signals as an intermediary mediator between the auditory nerve and the measurement system. Instead of directly observing the cochlear structures, the system records electrical potentials generated by ANF/ANS activity in the brainstem, which serve as a non-invasive proxy for assessing inner ear integrity
2Ease of operation
If conventional clinical tests (audiogram, OAE, EEG, ABR) are used to assess hearing loss, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision for ANF and ANS integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from subjective hearing sensitivity (dB thresholds) to objective electrical signal characteristics (EEG potential amplitude and latency). By analyzing the magnitude and timing of brainstem evoked potentials in microvolts and milliseconds, the system achieves precise quantification of ANF and ANS function while maintaining the non-invasive, clinically accessible format of conventional testing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing EEG-based tests (ASSR, ABR) are used to assess auditory status, then non-invasiveness is improved, but measurement precision for differentiating OHC and IHC damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the auditory pathway assessment into distinct functional components by analyzing different characteristics of the EEG response. The system separates OHC function (reflected in emission patterns) from IHC and ANF function (reflected in evoked potential magnitude and latency), enabling precise differentiation of damage locations while maintaining non-invasive measurement
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
Provides a precise, non-invasive, and sensitive assessment of ANF and ANS integrity, enabling accurate diagnosis of cochlear synaptopathy and quantifying hearing loss, allowing for personalized hearing aid calibration and improved treatment strategies.
Implementation Method 1
receiving brain activity data, preferably EEG or MEG signals, of the subject exposed to an auditory stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is in the field of hearing tests. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for determining the integrity of Auditory Nerve Fibers (ANFs) and/or afferent Auditory Nerve Synapses (ANSs) and/or inner-hair cells (IHC) in a subject.