Implantable Hearing Prosthesis Signal Cancellation in MRI Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with conductive hearing loss, who are not candidates for cochlear implants, often do not benefit sufficiently from hearing aids due to chronic inflammation or malformed ear structures, and are also at risk of adverse effects from magnetic fields during procedures like MRI.
Innovation Solution
An implantable hearing prosthesis is designed to mitigate or cancel signals induced by external magnetic fields, allowing it to function differently and reduce or eliminate unwanted hearing perceptions, using a feedback or feedforward mechanism to counteract induced voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hearing aid is used to transmit acoustic signals to the cochlea, then sound perception is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to adverse effects from external magnetic fields during MRI procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of converting harm into benefit by using the external magnetic field's induced voltage to drive the electromagnetic actuator in a controlled manner. The harmful induced voltage from MRI is transformed into a useful driving force that can be harnessed to provide hearing stimulation during the procedure, turning a harmful effect into a beneficial one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hearing aid by switching from acoustic transmission to electromagnetic actuation when exposed to magnetic fields. The system detects the presence of a magnetic field and transitions to using electromagnetic forces generated by the induced voltage to drive the actuator, thereby adapting to the changing environmental conditions and maintaining functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electromagnetic actuator is used in the hearing prosthesis, then the device can function without acoustic pathways, but the actuator becomes susceptible to induced signals from external magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the electrical signals generated by the electromagnetic actuator and using this information to adjust the drive signals accordingly. The system detects induced voltages from external magnetic fields and modifies its output to compensate for these disturbances, ensuring stable and reliable operation despite the presence of external magnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing stage that acts as a mediator between the external magnetic field and the actuator. This intermediary system includes signal conditioning circuits that filter, amplify, and process the induced voltages, transforming them into controlled drive signals that reliably activate the actuator without direct interference from external magnetic fields.
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 prosthesis effectively reduces or eliminates undesired hearing perceptions caused by magnetic fields, enhancing its functionality and compatibility with MRI procedures.
Implementation Method 1
This hearing prosthesis, commonly referred to as a middle ear implant, converts received sound into a mechanical force that is applied to the ossicular chain or directly to the cochlea via an actuator implanted in or adjacent to the middle ear cavity
Implementation Method 2
an implantable hearing prosthesis is designed to mitigate or cancel signals induced by external magnetic fields
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, including an implantable portion of a hearing prosthesis, wherein the apparatus is configured to at least partially cancel a signal in the implantable portion, the signal resulting from an external magnetic field generated external to a recipient of the hearing prosthesis. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal is a signal generated by the external magnetic field interacting with an electrical lead extending between a stimulation output device of the prosthesis and a stimulator and/or receiver of the implantable portion.