Outer Hair Cell Electromotility Measurement Without Ear Canal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring outer hair cell (OHC) electromotility suffer from acoustic interference and require invasive antenna insertion into the ear canal, which is uncomfortable and risks ear drum integrity, while also lacking precise localization of electromagnetic signals.
Innovation Solution
A method using external electrodes placed near the ear to capture electromagnetic signals from OHC, transmitting these signals to a signal processor for spatial averaging and voting algorithms to obtain reliable measurements without invasive antenna insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an antenna is inserted deep into the ear canal to capture electromagnetic signals from OHC, then the measurement sensitivity is improved, but the invasiveness increases and ear drum integrity is at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the head itself as an intermediary structure to conduct electromagnetic signals from the OHC to external electrodes. By placing electrodes on the pinna or surrounding areas, the head's conductive properties allow signal transmission without requiring invasive insertion into the ear canal, thus maintaining ear drum integrity while enabling measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical antenna insertion system with an electrical field-based measurement system. Instead of physically inserting an antenna deep into the ear canal, the system uses external electrodes that detect electromagnetic fields through the head's natural conductivity, substituting mechanical intrusion with field-based detection.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical microphone is placed in the ear canal to capture acoustic output of OHC, then the measurement capability is improved, but acoustic interferences from surroundings are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the acoustic measurement system (mechanical microphone) with an electromagnetic measurement system (electrodes detecting electromagnetic fields). This replacement eliminates acoustic interferences from the surroundings while maintaining the ability to detect OHC response, as electromagnetic detection is not susceptible to acoustic environmental noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the head and pinna as natural intermediaries to conduct electromagnetic signals from the OHC to external electrodes. This approach captures the electromagnetic output of OHC without requiring placement of sensors inside the ear canal, thereby avoiding acoustic interferences from the measurement environment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are placed on the pinna and surrounding areas, then the localization precision of electromagnetic signals is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple discrete electrode placement points on the pinna and surrounding areas. Each electrode captures electromagnetic signals from specific regions, and the combined data from multiple segmented measurement points enables precise localization of the electromagnetic signal source (OHC) through spatial analysis.
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
Provides accurate and non-invasive measurement of OHC electromotility by eliminating acoustic interference and ensuring precise localization, enhancing the reliability and comfort of the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
OHC electromotility is a rapid, force generating, length change of the OHC in response to electrical stimulation or a vocal stimulus. Vocal stimuli or electrical pulses either elongate or shorten the cell and sinusoidal electrical stimulation results in mechanical oscillations at acoustic frequencies. The acoustic stimulation that causes length changes in the outer hair cell also results in the generation of an electric field and the output emission of electromagnetic signals.
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic field produced by the OHC electromotility is measured by a procedure that replaces the antenna with external electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved method for measuring the electromotile movement of outer hair cells (OHC) which are used in assessing the condition of the OHC and the state of the acoustic path of OHC. The obtained measurement results may be further processed either by comparing them to a standard signal obtained from the electromotile movement of OHC of averaging of a large number of measurements from “normative” people or by comparing them to a model. The measuring method: Stimulated OHC emit acoustic and electromagnetic signals as a result of a stimulus. The method of the invention comprises capturing the emitted electromagnetic signals from the OHC by electrodes placed in close vicinity of an ear of a treated person. The captured signals are transmitted, in the form of a wave file, via electrical connections to a signal processor. The signal processor applies spatial averaging and/or voting algorithm(s) and produces measurement results.