Hearing Prosthesis Settings Optimization via RF Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing prostheses often apply a single combination of device settings that may not optimize power efficiency and data integrity for individual recipients, due to recipient-specific factors such as skin flap thickness and electronic tolerances, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method to test and select different combinations of device settings that balance power efficiency and data integrity by iteratively applying settings from higher to lower power efficiency, using external and implanted components to communicate and adjust settings based on feedback on data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single combination of device settings is applied to all recipients, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but power efficiency and data integrity are not optimized for individual recipients
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts device settings based on recipient-specific factors such as skin flap thickness and electronic tolerances. The external component tests different combinations of settings and the implantable component responds with feedback on data integrity, allowing the system to adapt to individual recipient characteristics rather than using fixed universal settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable component provides feedback on data integrity to the external component during settings testing. This feedback mechanism allows the system to iteratively refine settings based on actual performance, ensuring both data integrity and power efficiency are optimized for each recipient.
2Use of energy by moving object
If recipient-specific settings are tested and applied, then power efficiency and data integrity are optimized, but device complexity and programming time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external component performs preliminary testing of different settings combinations before final implantation or programming. By pre-testing and identifying optimal settings based on recipient-specific factors, the system reduces the complexity of in-situ adjustments and ensures power efficiency is optimized before the device begins normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system systematically varies device parameters and settings to identify optimal configurations for each recipient. By changing parameters in a controlled manner during testing and selecting the combination that achieves both power efficiency and data integrity, the system optimizes performance without requiring complex ongoing adjustments.
3Reliability
If recipient-specific settings are tested and applied, then power efficiency and data integrity are optimized, but programming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Settings testing and optimization are performed as preliminary actions during the implantation or initial programming phase. By completing the iterative testing process before the device enters normal operation, the system establishes optimized settings upfront, avoiding time-consuming adjustments later and minimizing the loss of programming time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-testing and self-configuration through the interaction between the external component and implantable component. The automated feedback loop allows the device to identify optimal settings without requiring extensive manual intervention or complex programming procedures, reducing the time investment required.
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 approach allows the hearing prosthesis to identify the most power-efficient settings that maintain good data integrity, optimizing both power efficiency and performance for individual recipients.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical signals can be transmitted, for instance, over a radio frequency (RF) link established between respective coils of the implantable and external components
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a device includes generating a first signal in accordance with a first set of one or more operational settings, and determining whether the signal has an acceptable data integrity. If the device determines that the signal has an acceptable data integrity, the method includes maintaining a configuration of the device with the first set of one or more operational settings. If the device determines that the signal does not have an acceptable data integrity, then the method includes automatically configuring the device with a second set of one or more operational settings. The configuration of the device ith the first set of one or more operational settings is associated with greater power efficiency than the configuration of the device with the second set of one or more operational settings.