Hybrid Cochlear Implant Combining Electrical and Mechanical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss often do not benefit from conventional cochlear implants that rely on mechanical motion of the cochlea fluid, and those with conductive hearing loss may retain residual hearing that is not effectively addressed by existing hearing aids.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electrically- and mechanically-stimulating cochlear implant system that uses a combination of electrical and mechanical stimulation, where coils within the stimulating assembly interact electromagnetically to cause mechanical motion, supplementing electrical stimulation and providing targeted acoustic stimulation to the cochlea, with mechanical stimulation focused on lower frequencies to preserve residual hearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cochlear implants use only electrical stimulation, then nerve cell stimulation is achieved, but mechanical motion of cochlea fluid is insufficient for sensorineural hearing loss patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical stimulation (via electrode array) and mechanical stimulation (via piezoelectric elements) into a single hybrid cochlear implant system. The electrical stimulator delivers electrical signals to the auditory nerve, while the mechanical stimulator generates physical vibrations of the cochlea fluid, creating a dual-mode stimulation approach that addresses limitations of single-mode systems
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid implant system provides multiple stimulation functions within one device: electrical stimulation for direct nerve activation, mechanical stimulation for fluid motion, and the capability to switch between or combine these modes based on patient needs, making the system adaptable to different types of hearing loss and individual patient responses
2Reliability
If conventional hearing aids use air conduction, then acoustic signals are transmitted to the cochlea, but individuals with conductive hearing loss do not derive sufficient benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the air conduction pathway (which is impaired in conductive hearing loss) with direct mechanical vibration delivery to the cochlea. The piezoelectric elements generate mechanical vibrations that directly move the cochlea fluid, bypassing the damaged ossicular chain or ear canal and stimulating the inner ear structures directly
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric elements act as an intermediary mechanism that converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, which then directly stimulate the cochlea fluid. This intermediary approach bypasses the impaired conductive pathways and delivers sound energy directly to the sensory organs, effectively circumventing the conductive hearing loss barrier
3Reliability
If hearing prostheses provide broad frequency stimulation, then complete hearing coverage is achieved, but gaps and overlaps in frequency ranges remain
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid implant system divides the frequency stimulation task between two distinct mechanisms: electrical stimulation targets specific frequency bands through selective electrode activation, while mechanical vibration provides broader frequency coverage. This segmentation allows each stimulation mode to operate in optimized frequency ranges, reducing gaps and overlaps
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including frequency, amplitude, and duration for both electrical and mechanical components. By independently controlling these parameters for each stimulation mode, the system can precisely target specific frequency ranges and adjust the mix of electrical versus mechanical stimulation to eliminate frequency coverage gaps and reduce overlaps
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 hybrid system enhances sound perception by reducing gaps and overlaps in frequency ranges, effectively stimulating both low and high frequencies, and is suitable for individuals with residual hearing, improving sound perception and retention.
Implementation Method 1
technologies described herein use wires and coils within a stimulating assembly to electromagnetically interact and cause mechanical motion of the assembly
Implementation Method 2
These pads provide electrical stimulation to the cochlea nerves and therefore provide hearing
Data Source
AI summary
Wires and coils within an electrode assembly electromagnetically interact and cause mechanical motion of the assembly. This mechanical motion can be used to supplement or replace the electrical stimulation provided by a standard cochlear implant and provides targeted acoustic stimulation to the cochlea.