Independent Volume Control for Electro-Acoustic Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-acoustic stimulation systems for hearing loss do not allow patients to independently adjust the volume of acoustic and electrical stimulation, as the balance between the two types of stimulation is fixed during the fitting process and cannot be adjusted throughout the day, leading to inconsistent perceptual sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A system with a sound processor and volume control facility that allows users to selectively and independently control the volume of electrical and acoustic stimulation, enabling adjustments to either or both types of stimulation based on user input, using separate or combined volume control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the balance between acoustic and electrical stimulation is fixed during the fitting process, then the system is simple to operate, but the patient cannot independently adjust the volume of each stimulation type throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The volume control is segmented into independent controls for acoustic stimulation and electrical stimulation. The system includes separate volume control mechanisms that allow the patient to adjust the volume of acoustic stimulation via the hearing aid and electrical stimulation via the cochlear implant independently, rather than using a fixed balanced mix.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static volume balance set during fitting to a dynamic adjustable balance. The patient can change the volume levels of acoustic and electrical stimulation in real-time throughout the day according to their changing perceptual sensitivity, making the system adaptive rather than fixed.
2Reliability
If the volume of electrical stimulation is increased to compensate for fading effect, then the electrical stimulation effectiveness is improved, but the acoustic stimulation volume is also increased which may cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The volume control is segmented into independent controls for acoustic stimulation and electrical stimulation. The system includes separate volume control mechanisms that allow the patient to adjust the volume of acoustic stimulation via the hearing aid and electrical stimulation via the cochlear implant independently, rather than using a fixed balanced mix.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality control by allowing different volume adjustment characteristics for acoustic and electrical stimulation. The patient can increase electrical stimulation volume to compensate for fading while keeping acoustic stimulation volume constant or adjusted separately, creating localized optimization for each stimulation type without affecting the other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate volume control mechanisms are provided for acoustic and electrical stimulation, then the patient can independently adjust each stimulation type, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing aid device is designed with multi-functionality to serve both acoustic stimulation and electrical stimulation volume control. The hearing aid includes a microphone and signal processor that can work in conjunction with the cochlear implant to provide coordinated control of both stimulation types through a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the volume control functions into an integrated EAS device that combines the hearing aid and cochlear implant controls. By merging the control mechanisms into a unified system with coordinated volume adjustment capabilities, the patent reduces the complexity that would result from having completely separate control systems while maintaining independent adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a sound processor included in an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) device and that directs a cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation to a patient and a receiver to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient. The system further includes a volume control facility and a selection facility that selectively associates the volume control facility with the electrical stimulation in response to a first user input, selectively associates the volume control facility with the acoustic stimulation in response to a second user input, and selectively associates the volume control facility with both the electrical stimulation and the acoustic stimulation in response to a third user input.