Relay Interface for Implantable Hearing Aid Remote Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable hearing aids require time-consuming fitting processes and lack efficient remote adjustment capabilities, relying on audiologists for updates and power backup, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for the connection of fully implantable medical devices to consumer electronics devices for backup power and data communication, enabling remote adjustment of fitting parameters and power through a relay interface with power control circuitry and wireless transmitters, and a consumer electronics device with a processor and communications port for network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If implantable hearing aids rely on audiologists for power backup and fitting updates, then device reliability is maintained, but user convenience and efficiency deteriorate due to frequent visits and lack of remote access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external relay interface as an intermediary device that enables communication between the implantable hearing aid and a remote host device (such as a personal computer). This intermediary allows fitting parameters to be adjusted remotely without requiring direct physical presence of an audiologist, thereby reducing travel time and improving convenience while maintaining proper device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the hearing aid device to receive fitting updates and power remotely through the relay interface and host device connection. This self-service capability allows the device to be adjusted and maintained without requiring frequent audiologist visits, reducing time loss while ensuring proper functionality through automated or remote configuration
2Reliability
If implantable hearing aids use transcutaneous communication for data transfer, then device simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability and power transfer efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The relay interface acts as an intermediary that receives data from the implantable hearing aid via transcutaneous communication and transfers it to a host device for reliable storage and processing. This intermediary layer compensates for the limitations of transcutaneous communication by providing a stable, high-reliability data pathway without requiring complex modifications to the implantable device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct functional components: the implantable hearing aid, the external relay interface, and the host device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the implant maintains simplicity while the relay interface handles the complex communication protocols and data management, thereby achieving reliable communication without increasing implant complexity
3Duration of action of moving object
If implantable hearing aids rely on internal power supply only, then device independence is maintained, but operational duration and backup capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The relay interface serves as an intermediary power transfer medium that enables wireless or wired power transmission from an external host device to the implantable hearing aid. This intermediary power supply system extends operational duration by providing backup power without requiring complex internal battery systems in the implant, as the power is supplied externally through the relay interface
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
Facilitates efficient remote fitting and adjustment of implantable hearing instruments by providing backup power and enabling data communication, reducing the need for frequent audiologist visits and streamlining the fitting process through network-based processing of fitting parameters.
Implementation Method 1
power control circuitry operable to convert power from the first terminal and transcutaneously transmit the converted power to the implanted medical device
Implementation Method 2
The relay interface includes a wireless transmitter operative to transmit power and data to the implanted medical device
Data Source
AI summary
An interface relay system for use with a fully implantable medical devices that permits transcutaneous coupling of the implanted medical device to a consumer electronics device. In one embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device provides a back-up source of power for operating the implanted medical device. In another embodiment, coupling the implanted medical device to the external electronics device allows for providing unidirectional and/or bidirectional data transfer between the devices. In one arrangement, the consumer electronics device may be connectable to a communications/data network to allow for network communication between the implantable medical device and a remote processing platform/server.