Hearing Aid Speech Processor Cochlear Mechanics Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-acoustic stimulation systems for hearing aids face challenges in adjusting to dual-mode stimulation due to differences in perceptual sensitivity without electrical stimulation, leading to sub-optimal performance, especially when electrical stimulation affects the mechanical properties of the cochlea, reducing residual hearing in certain frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid system with a speech processor that modifies acoustic stimulation signals based on the effects of an implantable electrode array on the cochlea's mechanical properties, providing both electrical and acoustic stimulation tailored to specific frequency ranges to counteract these effects, using band pass filters and audiometric measurements to determine optimal stimulation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an implantable electrode array is inserted into the cochlea to provide electrical stimulation in non-residual frequency ranges, then hearing function is improved in those frequency ranges, but the mechanical properties of the cochlea are altered, reducing residual hearing in certain frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the acoustic stimulation parameters (gain, frequency) based on the electrode array's position and its effect on cochlear mechanics. The speech processor modifies the acoustic signal characteristics to compensate for the mechanical changes caused by the electrode array, thereby maintaining optimal hearing performance across both residual and non-residual frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the effects of the electrode array on cochlear mechanics are monitored and used to adjust the acoustic stimulation parameters. This feedback loop ensures that the acoustic and electrical stimulations work synergistically rather than interferingly, optimizing overall hearing function.
2Reliability
If acoustic stimulation is provided in residual frequency ranges using traditional amplification, then hearing is improved in those ranges, but the perceptual sensitivity differs when electrical stimulation is present, leading to sub-optimal dual-mode performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the balance between acoustic and electrical stimulation based on real-time conditions. The speech processor modifies the acoustic signal parameters adaptively, ensuring optimal perceptual sensitivity in residual frequency ranges while the electrode array handles non-residual frequencies, thereby achieving superior dual-mode performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different stimulation modes to different frequency ranges with optimized parameters. Acoustic stimulation with specific gain and frequency characteristics is applied to residual frequency ranges, while electrical stimulation is applied to non-residual ranges, ensuring each mode operates at optimal parameters for its designated frequency range.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If partial insertion or short electrodes are used to avoid effects on cochlear mechanics in the residual frequency range, then residual hearing is preserved, but electrical stimulation in the residual frequency range becomes impossible when residual hearing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle multiple scenarios: it can provide both acoustic and electrical stimulation simultaneously, switch between modes, and adapt to changes in residual hearing status. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain electrical stimulation capability in residual frequency ranges even when residual hearing is lost, by adjusting the balance between acoustic and electrical modes.
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 enhances audiogram-based loudness perception and speech intelligibility in residual frequency ranges by adjusting acoustic stimulation to compensate for changes in cochlear mechanics caused by the electrode array, resulting in improved dual-mode stimulation performance.
Implementation Method 1
Cochlear implant systems bypass the major part of the ear by presenting electrical stimulation directly to the auditory nerve fibers by way of one or more channels formed by an array of electrodes implanted in the cochlea
Implementation Method 2
The natural sense of hearing in human beings involves the use of hair cells in the cochlea that convert or transduce acoustic signals into auditory nerve impulses
Implementation Method 3
The speech processor is configured to generate a modified acoustic stimulation signal by modifying the acoustic stimulation signal at least for a part of a residual frequency range of a patient in dependence on effect of an implantable electrode array on mechanical properties of cochlea of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a hearing aid system is disclosed. The system includes a speech processor communicatively coupled to a microphone. The speech processor is configured to process a microphone signal received at the speech processor for producing an electrical stimulation signal and an acoustic stimulation signal. The speech processor is also configured to generate a modified acoustic stimulation signal by modifying the acoustic stimulation signal at least for a part of a residual frequency range of a patient in dependence on effect of an implantable electrode array on mechanical properties of cochlea of the patient. The system also includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit comprising a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the speech processor, the cochlear implant comprising the implantable electrode array configured to be located within a cochlea of the patient and to provide the electrical stimulation based on the electrical stimulation signal to a cochlea within a non-residual frequency range of the patient. The second unit communicatively coupled to the speech processor and adapted to provide the modified acoustic stimulation based on the modified acoustic stimulation signal to the cochlea within the at least in the part of the residual frequency range.