Tabu Algorithm for Cochlear Implant Fitting Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing prostheses, such as cochlear implants, face challenges in customizing stimulation settings to individual recipients, leading to suboptimal hearing perception and sound quality, particularly in cases of residual hearing where both acoustic and electric stimulation are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a tabu algorithm to develop fitting data for sense prostheses, including cochlear implants, by comparing different stimulus groups and determining optimal electro-acoustic boundaries and overlaps based on subjective feedback, reducing the number of necessary comparisons through a paired comparison approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full paired comparison of all possible stimulus groups is conducted to optimize prosthesis fitting, then the precision of fitting data is improved, but the time required for the fitting process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by conducting a reduced set of paired comparisons rather than evaluating all possible stimulus group combinations. The system selectively compares only those stimulus groups that are most relevant to the recipient's specific hearing characteristics, obtaining sufficient fitting data without the need for exhaustive testing of every possible parameter combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by using initial fitting assessments and recipient feedback to identify which stimulus groups warrant comparison. Before conducting full paired comparisons, the system pre-selects promising stimulus group combinations based on preliminary data, thereby reducing the overall number of comparisons needed while maintaining fitting precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulus groups are compared to determine optimal electro-acoustic boundaries, then the adaptability of the prosthesis to individual recipients is improved, but the complexity of the fitting procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fitting procedure into distinct phases: initial assessment, selective paired comparison of stimulus groups, and final optimization. This segmented approach allows the system to maintain high adaptability through multiple stimulus group comparisons while reducing overall procedure complexity by organizing the process into manageable, sequential steps with clear decision points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by making the fitting procedure adaptive and flexible rather than rigid. The system dynamically selects which stimulus groups to compare based on preliminary results and recipient feedback, allowing the complexity of the procedure to adjust to the specific needs of each recipient. This dynamic approach maintains high adaptability while preventing unnecessary complexity from arising.
3Reliability
If comprehensive data collection from multiple comparisons is performed, then the reliability of fitting results is improved, but the number of required comparisons and computational resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using recipient responses to each paired comparison to guide subsequent comparison selections. The system continuously incorporates feedback from previous comparisons to refine the selection of stimulus groups for future comparisons, ensuring that each new comparison contributes maximally to fitting result reliability while minimizing redundant comparisons and improving overall fitting efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including obtaining data relating to a parameter having a first variable and a parameter having a second variable different from the first variable, and developing fitting data for a sense prosthesis for an individual based on the obtained data utilizing a tabu algorithm. In an exemplary embodiment, the sense prosthesis includes a cochlear implant and the obtained data is data relating to electric hearing and data relating to acoustic hearing.