Implanted Hearing Aid Adapting to Endocochlear Potential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing assistance devices cannot accurately adapt to the individual and time-varying cochlear function of users, as they rely on assumptions about average cochlear function or diagnostic indicators that do not account for the current physiological status of the cochlea, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A hearing assistance system that includes a sensing unit to measure the endocochlear potential at various points along the cochlear partition, transmitting this data for processing to adjust signal processing parameters such as gain, compression, and noise reduction in real-time, allowing for continuous monitoring and adaptive functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hearing assistance devices use assumed average cochlear function or diagnostic indicators for signal manipulation, then device operation is simplified, but the accuracy of adapting to individual and time-varying cochlear function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cochlea itself serves as the measurement instrument by generating the endocochlear potential that directly reflects its functional state. This eliminates the need for external diagnostic equipment and complex assessment procedures, allowing the device to automatically adapt to the user's current cochlear condition through continuous monitoring of this natural biological signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/acoustic diagnostic methods with electrical measurement of the endocochlear potential. This substitution enables direct, real-time monitoring of cochlear function without requiring complex mechanical testing apparatus or invasive procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hearing assistance devices assume stable cochlear function over time, then device operation is simplified, but the ability to adapt to time-varying cochlear status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs periodic measurements of the endocochlear potential at scheduled intervals rather than continuously monitoring. This periodic sampling approach enables the system to track changes in cochlear function over time while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the measurement system dormant between sampling events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts signal processing parameters such as gain, compression, and noise reduction based on measured changes in endocochlear potential. When the potential indicates deteriorating cochlear function, the device automatically modifies its processing parameters to compensate, enabling real-time adaptation without requiring full system reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If hearing assistance devices use indirect diagnostic indicators, then measurement is easier, but the correlation with actual cochlear physiological status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the endocochlear potential signal directly from the cochlear environment using implanted or insertable electrodes positioned within the ear canal or on the eardrum. This extraction method obtains a direct measurement of cochlear function rather than relying on indirect behavioral or psychoacoustic indicators, significantly improving measurement accuracy while keeping the measurement process non-invasive or minimally invasive.
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 system enables more precise and dynamic signal processing tailored to the user's current cochlear condition, improving hearing assistance by adapting to changes in cochlear function and providing advisory messages when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
The mammalian cochlea possesses structures and electrochemical processes, which comprise a 'biologic battery' providing an electrical potential, the endocochlear potential (EP)
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a hearing assistance system (a method and its use) for processing an input signal representative of sound according to a user's needs, the hearing assistance system comprising an implanted part adapted for being at least partially implanted in a user's head and comprising a sensing unit capable of measuring an endocochlear potential at one or more positions along the length of the cochlear partition. The hearing assistance system further comprises a decoder configured to receive said endocochlear potentials or signals derived therefrom and to transform the received signals into signals appropriately conditioned for use as control inputs to the signal processing unit, and wherein the signal processing unit is configured to process the electric input signal in dependence of said control inputs from said decoder. Thereby the processing of the audio signal of a hearing assistance device can be automatically adapted over time.