Hearing Prosthesis Configuration via Multi-Channel Stimulation Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fitting of hearing prostheses, such as cochlear implants, can be complex and time-consuming, even for trained professionals, due to the need for sophisticated configuration settings and multiple stimulation signal levels, which can be challenging to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring hearing prostheses that involves generating initial stimulation signals across multiple channels, adjusting levels based on comfort feedback, and dividing channels into subsets to optimize signal delivery, allowing for automatic adjustment of stimulation levels, pulse widths, and phase gaps to ensure comfortable sound perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated fitting programs with multiple stimulation signal levels and configuration settings are used, then the effectiveness and precision of hearing prosthesis fitting is improved, but the complexity of the fitting process and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fitting process into distinct phases: initial presentation phase where multiple stimulation levels are presented across multiple channels simultaneously, and configuration phase where configuration values are determined based on recipient feedback. This segmentation allows complex multi-parameter optimization to be broken down into manageable stages, improving fitting precision without overwhelming the audiologist with simultaneous adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by presenting multiple stimulation signal levels to the recipient before final configuration is determined. The audiologist uses recipient feedback during this preliminary presentation to identify comfortable levels, which then inform the final configuration values. This preliminary exploration of the parameter space simplifies the subsequent configuration process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple stimulation signal levels are adjusted individually for each channel, then the optimization of sound perception is improved, but the time required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment of multiple stimulation signal levels by presenting them simultaneously across multiple channels rather than adjusting each channel individually. The audiologist presents a set of configuration values corresponding to multiple stimulation levels across multiple channels at once, and the recipient provides feedback on the combined effect, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining optimization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the recipient indicates whether presented stimulation levels are uncomfortably loud or not. This feedback is used by the audiologist to determine final configuration values. The feedback loop allows rapid elimination of inappropriate configurations and convergence on optimal settings without requiring exhaustive individual adjustment of each parameter.
3Reliability
If configuration values are determined through iterative adjustment based on recipient feedback, then the comfort and effectiveness of the fitting is improved, but the number of steps and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by presenting a subset of possible configuration values to the recipient rather than exhaustively testing all combinations. The audiologist selects representative configuration values covering the range of stimulation levels and presents them for feedback. This partial exploration is sufficient to determine effective configuration ranges without requiring complete enumeration of all possibilities, thus maintaining reliability while improving speed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for fitting a hearing prosthesis to a hearing prosthesis recipient. Some embodiments include generating a first set of two or more stimulation signals via a corresponding set of two or more channels of a hearing prosthesis, reducing the corresponding stimulation levels of the stimulation signals of the first set of two or more stimulation signals in response to receiving an indication that a sound sensation corresponding to the first set of two or more stimulation signals is uncomfortably loud, and generating a second set of one or more stimulation signals at the reduced stimulation levels via a first subset of one or more channels.