Tinnitus Therapy Stimulation Using ECochG Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tinnitus treatments, such as masking, do not effectively reduce or eliminate the perception of phantom sounds and often require subjective testing that is time-consuming and uncomfortable for the recipient.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing electrocochleography (ECochG) measurements to determine optimal stimulation parameters for acoustic or electrical stimulation based on evoked potentials in the ear, providing personalized tinnitus therapy without prolonged subjective testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional masking methods are used to treat tinnitus, then the treatment can be provided, but the perception of phantom sounds is not effectively reduced or eliminated and subjective testing is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidsubjective testing requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ECochG measurements to obtain objective feedback about the recipient's auditory system response to acoustic stimuli. This feedback is used to automatically adjust stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for prolonged subjective testing while improving treatment efficacy through personalized parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the subjective testing mechanism (psychological/perceptual assessment) with an objective physiological measurement system (ECochG). This substitution uses electrical potential measurements from the cochlea to determine optimal stimulation parameters, replacing the need for recipient feedback and subjective evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If subjective testing is used to determine stimulation parameters, then treatment can be customized, but the process is time-consuming and uncomfortable for the recipient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized treatmentVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming subjective testing with rapid ECochG measurements that objectively assess the recipient's auditory response. This substitution maintains personalized treatment customization while dramatically reducing the time and discomfort associated with traditional subjective testing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the auditory system itself to provide the necessary information for customization through ECochG measurements. The physiological response of the cochlea directly indicates optimal stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for external subjective assessment and reducing testing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If ECochG measurements are used to determine stimulation parameters, then objective assessment and personalized therapy are achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective assessmentVSAvoidmeasurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates ECochG measurement capabilities into existing cochlear implant systems, allowing the same device to perform both hearing restoration and tinnitus therapy functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by reusing existing hardware and processing capabilities for multiple therapeutic purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

ECochG enables objective assessment of tinnitus characteristics and optimal stimulation locations, improving treatment efficacy by minimizing discomfort and reducing the perception of phantom sounds through personalized acoustic or electrical stimuli.

Implementation Method 1

measuring potentials from a recipient that are evoked in response to an acoustic signal provided to an ear of the recipient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocochleography:

Implementation Method 2

providing stimulation, that is generated based on the potentials, to the ear of the recipient to treat tinnitus in the recipient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260027365A1Techniques For Providing Stimulus For Tinnitus Therapy

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

A system includes an acoustic stimulator configured to provide an acoustic signal to an car of a recipient. The system also includes a measurement sensor configured to measure electrical potentials from the car of the recipient that are generated in response to the acoustic signal. The system further includes a tinnitus treatment stimulator configured to generate a stimulus to the car of the recipient based on the electrical potentials measured by the measurement sensor to provide tinnitus therapy to the recipient.