Hearing Prosthesis Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing prostheses, such as cochlear implants, often struggle to optimize stimulation parameters for individual recipients, leading to suboptimal hearing performance and increased cognitive load.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining reactions to a series of sounds from recipients, using both objective and subjective evaluations, to tailor the hearing prosthesis settings and adjust operating parameters to enhance cognitive load and improve hearing rehabilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hearing aids use air conduction to transmit acoustic signals, then the device structure is simple, but hearing performance is insufficient for sensorineural hearing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical air conduction system with an electrical stimulation system. A cochlear implant converts acoustic signals into electrical impulses that directly stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged hair cells. This substitution of mechanical transmission with electrical signaling resolves the contradiction by providing effective hearing restoration for sensorineural loss while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from mechanical acoustic waves to electrical impulses. By transforming the nature of the signal carrier and the stimulation mechanism, the system achieves reliable hearing performance for severe sensorineural impairment, overcoming the limitations of conventional air conduction hearing aids.
2Reliability
If cochlear implants convert sound to electrical stimulation, then hearing performance improves for sensorineural loss, but cognitive load increases due to suboptimal parameter optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the recipient's neural responses and adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control optimizes the electrical stimulation to match the recipient's specific auditory nerve characteristics, reducing the cognitive effort required to process auditory information while maintaining high hearing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary optimization of stimulation parameters through extensive fitting procedures and mapping processes before actual use. By pre-configuring the optimal electrical parameters based on individual recipient characteristics, the system minimizes the cognitive load during normal operation while ensuring effective hearing restoration.
3Device complexity
If hearing prosthesis parameters are standardized for all recipients, then device complexity is reduced, but individual hearing optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing stimulation parameters for each individual recipient based on their specific auditory nerve characteristics, hearing loss profile, and neural responsiveness. Different electrode contacts, pulse widths, and amplitudes are optimized for specific frequency regions and neural populations, ensuring maximum hearing performance tailored to each recipient's unique anatomy and physiology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities that allow stimulation settings to be modified over time based on recipient adaptation, neural plasticity, and changing hearing needs. The system transitions from static factory defaults to dynamically optimized parameters through fitting procedures and ongoing adjustments, achieving superior individualized performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, including obtaining respective first reactions of a recipient to a series of sounds subjected to the recipient of a hearing prosthesis, the first reactions being directly related to the recipient's ability to hear the series of sounds, obtaining respective second reactions of the recipient to the series of sounds, the second reactions being different in kind than the first reactions, and fitting the hearing prosthesis based at least in part on both the first reactions and the second reactions.