Implanted Hearing Prosthesis Evaluation via Ear Canal Sound Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing prostheses, particularly for conductive hearing loss, rely on mechanical pathways that can be impaired, and there is a need for effective evaluation methods for implanted prostheses to ensure proper function and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an earplug with a sound capture apparatus and analyzer that captures vibrations from an implanted prosthesis and compares them to a sound model to assess functionality and positioning, allowing for real-time evaluation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an implanted prosthesis is used to treat conductive hearing loss, then hearing ability is improved, but accurate evaluation and monitoring of prosthesis function becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A sound capture apparatus is introduced as an intermediary device to capture sound generated by the implanted prosthesis through the ear canal. This mediator enables external measurement of prosthesis function without requiring direct access to the implanted device, thus resolving the difficulty of evaluating buried medical implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures sound from the prosthesis, compares it to expected sound patterns, and provides feedback information about prosthesis performance. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implanted device's function over time.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical pathways are used to transmit sound in conductive hearing loss, then sound transmission is achieved, but the pathways can be impaired or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on intact mechanical sound transmission pathways with an implanted prosthesis that directly stimulates the inner ear or auditory nerve. This substitution bypasses the compromised mechanical pathways (ossicles, ear canal) that are problematic in conductive hearing loss.
3Productivity
If traditional hearing aids are used for conductive hearing loss, then sound amplification is achieved, but they cannot be surgically integrated and lack stable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing prosthesis system is divided into separate components: an implanted portion that provides stable surgical integration and sound generation, and an external sound capture apparatus that can be removed or adjusted. This segmentation allows both surgical stability and external accessibility for evaluation and adjustment.
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 enables accurate evaluation and potential adjustment of implanted hearing prostheses, ensuring optimal performance and functionality by comparing captured sounds to a model, thereby improving hearing outcomes for individuals with conductive hearing loss.
Implementation Method 1
capture sound caused by the vibrating diaphragm traveling through a middle ear of a recipient
Data Source
AI summary
Evaluating an implanted hearing prosthesis, including operating the implanted hearing prosthesis, capturing sound generated by a transducer of the prosthesis during said operation, and comparing the captured sound to a sound model.